Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
We bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful;
Master of Day of Judgement. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us along the right path, the path of those whom Thou has bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray
The Jalsa Salana Qadian occurs during these days and will begin from tomorrow If Allah wills it. Similarly, from today the Jalsa Salana Australia will commence. The Jalsa Salana West Coast United States is also due to start but perhaps due to the time difference will begin a little while later.
There may also be Jalsa Salanas currently taking place in other countries of the world or their commencement may be forthcoming elsewhere. May Allah the Almighty bless all these Jalsas in every respect and may He protect and safeguard them from the mischief of the mischievous. The Jalsa Salana of Qadian holds special importance because
It takes place in the town of the Promised Messiah (as). It was in Qadian that the Promised Messiah (as), through the Will of God, initiated the institution of Jalsa Salana. We have been apprised through the speeches and sermons of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) of the circumstances of the Jalsa Salanas
Held during the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (as) in what was the era of the inception of the [Ahmadiyya Muslim] Community. While Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has given a depiction and description of the Jalsa Salanas attended by the Promised Messiah (as), there he has also mentioned certain prophecies and how
During those days Allah Almighty fulfilled them. There are some prophecies that related to future times whilst other prophecies were fulfilled once but destined at a later time to be fulfilled again. At this time I shall cite Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) with reference to that era.
Referring to one of the earliest Jalsas, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) refers to the year 1936 and says: “Approximately 40 years ago where Madrassah Ahmadiyya now stands “(in which students acquire education) there was a broken wall “or rampart that surrounded all of the population of Qadian.
“The rampart made of raw bricks was in the era of our forefathers. It was built to protect “and safeguard Qadian. It was quite wide – wide enough for an ox-cart to walk on. “Afterwards the British Government broke the rampart down and auctioned it
“off and the Promised Messiah (as) purchased a part of the land “with the intention of building a guest house. “The area he acquired was a lengthy plot or section.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says: “I cannot recall if it was 1893, ’94 or ’95 but it was somewhere
“around this time period during these very days in the month of December “when some people who were not yet called Ahmadis” The name Ahmadi was first given in 1901. Before this there was no separate identifying name and people were not called Ahmadis.
But despite this the aims and objectives were exactly the same as was the claim and they had gathered in Qadian for this objective. [Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) continues] “I cannot say “if the entire proceedings were held in that exact same place [being described earlier
“with relation to the rampant] or whether part of it took place in the mosque “or whether part of it took place in the mosque after “because I was only around eight years old at the time. “As a result I could not remember everything that took place
“and nor did I fully appreciate the importance of this gathering as a young child. “I remember that I used to play and run between those who had assembled. “It was a strange and novel thing for me to see people “including the Promised Messiah (as) gathered together sitting on this rampart
“upon which there was a mat or a rug. “All of them had come together for this gathering the name of which was ‘Jalsa Salana’. “It is possible my memory fails me and that there were in fact two
“rather than one rugs upon which all were sitting on but as far as I remember there was only one. “There were approximately 150-200 people but combining children, “the Promised Messiah (as) has even published the total number as 250. “I am trying to recall whether it was a one mat or two underneath
“however all the room they had was equal to this part of the Jalsa Gah” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) is referring to the stage at the Jalsa at the time. Nowadays the stage we use at the Jalsa would be even bigger than the area they had.
“Reasons were unknown to me, but the position of the rug was changed on three occasions. “It was removed from one place, then again from a second point and then again a third time. “First it was laid out in a particular area but after a short while it was lifted
“and laid out again. After a short duration it was removed once again and then laid out elsewhere “and then a third time it was removed and laid out further away. “Since I was a child at the timeI do not know the reason for this, whether the people gathered there
“were prevented from placing the rug in those particular positions “or whether there were other reasons. “But I do remember in any case that the rug was moved thrice.” Those who are currently in Qadian to the attend Jalsa Salana can perhaps not envisage the circumstances of the early period.
Today with the Grace of Allah we can make use of a vast and large Jalsa Gah with a solid structure surrounding it on all four sides, in which efforts are made to provide the maximum facilities and comfort. After 1936, the time when Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) was delivering this sermon,
The arrangements for the Jalsa developed and expanded right up to the partition [of the sub-continent]. Indeed there was a time in Qadian during the partition where the Ahmadis had to confine themselves to only Darul Masih and a few surrounding houses. Apart from a few hundred Ahmadis, all the rest were forced to migrate.
The handful who stayed behind were in a very weak state. Today however, with the Grace of Allah Almighty, Qadian is expanding and developing. Many of those who visit Qadian for the first time including the youth and those from abroad would only have ever witnessed the developed and advanced Qadian.
But glancing back through the window of history reveals the blessings and bounties showered down by Allah Almighty. Today the people of Rabwah would also be restless and agitated in these days [of the Jalsa]. They should remember however that prevailing circumstances do not stay the same forever.
If Allah wills , the conditions will most certainly change and bustling activity will return. But the residents of Rabwah should give special attention to prayers. Those living in Pakistan should also give particular heed towards prayers. Allah Almighty says: ‘Slacken not, nor grieve; and you shall certainly have the upper hand,
If you are believers.’ (Holy Qur’an 3:140) The condition placed here is if you are ‘believers’. Thus strong faith and emphasis on prayers attract the blessings of Allah Almighty and transform current conditions. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) explains further: “So all these people who gathered together and who were being moved
“from one position to the other had come together for the following purpose: “Islam had been subdued into an extremely weak and critical state in the world “And so others were striving to their utmost to extinguish that light
“(of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw)) which is the only light remaining in the world and, “without which the world is plunged into darkness. “The children of darkness were trying to completely eliminate that only light. “There are approximately 1.3 billion people in the world”
This is at the time of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra). “and here there were 200-250 mature people. “The majority of these extremely few people wore very simple clothes “Many could not even be classified as middle class based on Indian living standards. “Yet they had united for the purpose of stopping the opponents
“from lowering the flag of the Holy Prophet (saw) and instead they would grab hold “of this flag firmly and raise it aloft. “They resolved to give up their lives but not to allow the banner “of the Holy Prophet (saw) to ever diminish or wane.
“In the face of the vast ocean of 1.3 billion people these 200-250 people “had come forth to offer their sacrifices. “This was in 1895 or 1896 and this small body of people had the same spirit “and resolve etched on their countenances as did the Companions
“of the Holy Prophet (saw) during [the Battle of] Badr. “The Companions at Badr has said to the Holy Prophet (saw): ‘O Messenger of Allah! We may be weak and frail and the enemy powerful ‘yet they will not be able to reach you
‘unless it is by trampling over our dead bodies!’ It was clear from their expressions “that they were nor normal humans, but rather were the living dead, “who had joined together for a final struggle to establish the religion “and the honour of the Holy Prophet (saw).
“Observing them people would laugh and mock at them in astonishment that what could this group possibly achieve?” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says: “I am trying to recall whether there was one rug or two. “In any case the room there was equal to the area of this Jalsa Gah.
“I am unsure of the reason but the position of the rug was changed three times (as was mentioned earlier).” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says: “It is said that when Hazrat Joseph (ra) was taken “to the marketplace in Egypt to be sold, an old lady brought two cotton wool balls with her
“in the hope that she could buy Hazrat Joseph (ra) with those cotton balls. “Worldly people listen to this incident and laugh whereas spiritual people hear it and cry. “This is because a spiritual person’s heart will immediately well up “with emotions thinking that they do not care for the world
“where honour and respect are at stake. “However I say that Joseph (ra) was a human and his qualities had not yet shone forth “since he was only a child at the time. “Ultimately his own brothers had sold him for a paltry price.
“It is not something unlikely in this context if the old lady thought “she could buy Hazrat Joseph (ra) with two cotton wool balls, if we take this account to be true. “This is especially supported by the fact that cotton was not available
“in the area from which the caravan had come and they would take cotton from Egypt itself. “It is likely therefore that cotton was very valuable and expensive and the old lady “truly believed that she could purchase Hazrat Joseph (ra) with her cotton. “However the people who had gathered here”
The 200-250 people sat with the Promised Messiah (as) “had certainly gathered for a paltry price. “Indeed this was a clearer and more prominent example of devotion “than the example of Hazrat Joseph (ra) being bargained off. “In reality this is an example of the crazed devotion and love “which removes one from their senses.
“The old lady in that example believed her price was enough however “here another price is at play, and that is of unbelievable ardent devotion “and love which makes one insane “and enables one to perform incredible sacrifices beyond one’s imagination.
“The blood emanating from their hearts (the 200- 250 people) resonated at the throne of their Lord. “Certainly many of their parents were still alive and many were parents or grandparents themselves. “Yet despite this, when after accepting Ahmadiyyat they were ridiculed “and excluded by the world, separated by their closest ones
“and by all others who said ‘get lost you crazy people stay away from us!’ “Then despite being elderly, despite being parents and grandparents, “despite being children they were thrown out of their homes and told to get lost “-and thus they became orphans.
“And they became orphans because by definition an orphan is one who is dispossessed with no support. “And so as the world completely forsook them, they were orphans. “But in accordance with the promise of Allah Almighty “that the cry of the orphans moves the heavens, when these orphans gathered
“in Qadian and let our their cries in unison then those cries resulted “in all that you see here in this field before you today” He is referring to all the participants of the Jalsa who were before him in the vast area of Qadian).”
Thus Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) was explaining to the thousands before him that they were all present there in the vast area in Qadian. That is, it is the result of the cries of the 200- 250 before who were also in Qadian, that you see this before you.
Today, as I have mentioned, the Jalsa Gah in Qadian is even larger than before. I say to all attending the Jalsa – to the men and to the women – that you are making use of a vast space for the Jalsa where every facility is provided to you.
In the time of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) he spoke in one language whereas today it is not only one language available, rather the Jalsa is translated simultaneously into many languages. Even this Khutba is being translated and listened to in Qadian in 7-8 languages. People there have come from various countries including from Pakistan
Where they are deprived of their rights. So I say to all of them that develop that same faith, that same devotion, that same close relationship with Allah Almighty and that same intense passion and zeal that was shown by those 200 people whose example Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has cited.
Similarly as I have said the Jalsa Salanas of Australia and the West Coast of USA are also taking place. And everywhere if they too gather with the purpose of resolving to spread the true message of the Holy Prophet (saw) to the world and to strengthen their relationship with Allah Almighty, then
Should also become like those 200-250 people who were like seeds together from which fruit-laden blossoming trees sprouted. Their progeny thus witnessed the development and expansion of Qadian and we also witnessed the expansion of the Jamaats in Australia and the United States. With the Grace of Allah [the Jama’at] in Australia
Is also purchasing new properties/land. The beauty of these new places can only be realised when we improve the state of our faith and not by merely considering gathering for the Jalsa alone as enough. If those 200-250 seeds demonstrated their impact and bore fruit then it is our duty today
To strengthen our faith in order to further that mission. Then, as Allah the Almighty has promised, victory and triumph will be ours (If Allah wills it). Then, it was a matter of approximately 1.3 billion but today it is said the world’s population has surpassed 7,03 billion. And today also our numbers and resources
As compared to the global population are insignificant. Yet we must carry out the same efforts that our forefathers performed. Thus every Ahmadi must keep this in view. Our objectives are immense but we must achieve them. All the attendees of the Jalsa in Qadian should remember
To give special focus to prayers during these days. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) mentions that there are thousands of signs and countless testimonies relating to the Promised Messiah (as) which manifest their excellence and beauty. Referring to a prophecy Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that it was revealed to the Promised Messiah (as): [Arabic]
People will come to you from every distant track. Presents will come to you by every distant track. Great arrangements will be made for hospitality. So many people will come to you that the track by which they will come will deepen with excessive travel. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) explains:
“This sign is a tremendous and glorious sign. “The circumstances in which this sign was revealed “is something witnessed by some who are present here. “Although I was very young, I still remember there was heaps “and piles of rubbish and filth where the school now stands. “People avoided going there during the day
“considering it to be a dangerous and unsafe place. “In fact people would not go there at all anyways, but if they did “they would never go alone but rather in a group of a few people. “People believed that their body would be seized by Jinn.
Jinn or no Jinn it was nonetheless a derelict area “and it is evident for people to imagine that Jinn reside in deserted places such as this one.” Then Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says: “I had not experienced this myself but many people inform me that there was a time
“in Qadian where one could not obtain flour for even a few rupees as it was not available. “It was ultimately a village. People lived in agricultural fashion on other farm and land “and people would have to grind flour or wheat for their own respective use.
“What I do remember is that when the Promised Messiah (as) required something “he sent someone to Lahore or Amritsar to obtain it. “It was such a dire state that hardly anyone would ever pass through Qadian. “If there was a wedding then some guests would visit otherwise no one ever came to Qadian.
“I remember those days when I was young “and the Promised Messiah (as) would take me along with him. “I recall it was the monsoon season and water filled up a pot hole “and as I could not jump over – I was lifted up to the other side.
“Sometimes Sheikh Hamid Ali and sometimes the Promised Messiah (as) would have to lift me up. “At that time there were no guests and this house did not exist “and nor was there any development [in Qadian]. But in one sense that was a time of progress “because Hafiz Hamid Ali Sahib had come.
“Before anyone in Qadian even knew the Promised Messiah (as), “Allah Almighty had promised him that people would flock “from far-away places and would bring gifts and other things. “Imagining the circumstances of that early period “we can explain the Promise of Allah Almighty in the following words:
‘O he who was unknown to even the people of his neighborhood, ‘unknown to the people of the city and cities beyond ‘and whose complete unfamiliarity to others meant ‘people considered Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as simply a son to his father ‘(just an ordinary son) and (God says to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani)
‘I will grant you honour in the world and will make you so famous ‘that honour will come to you itself. This is something that should be carefully pondered. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that he heard the Promised Messiah (as) say, “if one observes carefully, even a Kafir [disbeliever] is a source of blessing.
“If there was no Abu Jahl then much of the Quran would not have been revealed. “If everyone was like Hazrat Abu Bakrra then La Ilaaha Ill’Allah [there is none worthy of worship except Allah] would have been revealed alone.’ From this it is evident that those who become wholly Allah Almighty’s
See good in everything. Therefore, when the opposition against the Promised Messiah (as) began, he could see that his honour would now increase and will continually go on increasing. The scenes in Qadian which we are witnessing today whereby people have come from 20 – 25 countries of the world and also the new constructions
Are all due to the blessings of Allah Almighty. Regarding a revelation about the hospitality of the guests of the Jalsa Salana [annual convention], Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says: “I remember in the time of the Promised Messiah (as) “(speaking about the last Jalsa Salana) there was a total of 700 people.
“Now, there are thousands sitting in each block. (Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) is saying this at the Jalsa Salana that there are now thousands sitting in each block, however there were only 700 at that time). “That year was the last year of the Promised Messiah’s (as) life
“and there were 700 people attending the Jalsa “and the arrangements were quite badly ruined. “There was a total of 700 guests and the arrangements became ruined “so that some of the guests did not receive any food till 3:00 am. “The Promised Messiah (as) received a revelation:
‘O Prophet feed the hungry and the distressed.’ Thus, the Promised Messiah (as) came to know “that guests had remained standing till 3:00 am in front of the Langar (kitchen) “and did not receive any food. The Promised Messiah (as) told them “to place the cooking pots back on the fire and feed the guests.
“Now look, those were the circumstances that these 700 people had to endure, “but their condition was such that when the Promised Messiah (as) would leave for his walks, “all 700 would be with him. There was a huge crowd. “Those who had come had never witnessed such a sight before.
“Outside [of Qadian], people did not even see 200 people walking along a spiritual saint. “Though they may go to fairgrounds but never have they gone to such spiritual events.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further states, “that is why it was very strange for them.
“These people were being pushed [from everywhere] and when Hazrat Sahib [the Promiesd Messiah (as)] “would take one step forward his shoe would come off due to a collision with someone “as there was such a crowd of people. “An Ahmadi would then stop the Promised Messiah (as)
“and would submit before Huzoor [His Holiness] to place the shoe back on “and would then put the promised Messiah’s shoe back onto his foot. “The Promised Messiah (as) would continue to walk and again someone’s foot would collide with his
“and the shoe would come off. Again, the person would submit before Huzoor and request him to stop “and this continued on. “Such was the condition of those who would accompany [the Promised Messiah (as) in the walks. [Hazrat Musleh Maud (as) continues] “A very devout Ahmadi friend, who was a landowner,
“asked another Ahmadi friend who was also a landowner in Punjabi: ‘Have you been able to shake hands with the Promised Messiah (as)?’ He replied, ‘what opportunity is there to shake his hand, ‘people do not even allow to get close to him.’ In other words,
“there were so many people that he could not even get close, “let alone have the opportunity to shake his hand. “Upon hearing this the landowner, who was an ardent devotee looked at him “and said, ‘when will you ever get the opportunity again?
‘Even if your body gets cut into pieces, you should still get through the people “and shake his hand.’ We witnessed that time with our eyes “and today we are witnessing this time with our eyes where there are thousands of people.”
Thus, there was a time when it became difficult to provide food for 700 people and the Promised Messiah (as) personally oversaw the arrangements. It was also considered very difficult to be able to shake the Promised Messiah’s (as) hand. Today, by the grace of Allah Almighty,
The support and help of Allah Almighty is such that thousands of people from different nations gather in Qadian; their food is cooked according to their dietary requirements; arrangements for their hospitality are made and this is done in the Jalsas all around the world.
At that Jalsa the Promised Messiah (as) also stated, “the Community has now grown and expanded and, it seems that now our work is done.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “I remember the people “who had convened for the Jalsa in the last year of Promised Messiah’s (as) life “(which has been mentioned before).
The Promised Messiah (as) would repeatedly say, ‘The purpose with which Allah Almighty sent me to the world has been fulfilled. ‘Now, the Community has increased so much and people have entered the faith ‘in such large numbers that I feel that the objective for which I was sent
For in this world has been achieved.’ Such was the time “that the number of people attending the Jalsa Salana back then “was considered to be an extraordinary number of people. “And today (Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says) in Lahore alone almost the same number of people gather for one Friday prayer.”
In fact, thousands of people now gather in the mosques. As I have mentioned once before that here in London there are thousands that are sat here. This is the help and succour of Allah Almighty and a great sign of His support. Those communities who receive His help they continue to grow
And begin to appear like thorns in the eyes of its enemies and the enemy increases in its enmity and also in its malice. However, Allah Almighty’s decree is always fulfilled, and despite the enemies’ malice, Allah Almighty continues to expand His community and grant them success in the world.
There is no doubt that this becomes a means of great joy for us but at the same time it also reminds us of our responsibilities. It draws our attention towards the objectives for which we did the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as).
Today, it is not only in the subcontinent – India and Pakistan, in fact the community is spreading and progressing in over 200 countries of the world, while those who harbour malice are increasing in their malice. Initially, the opposition was only limited to India and Pakistan.
We have also heard about the opposition in Indonesia but two days ago in Kirgizstan a local Kirgiz Ahmadi was martyred – To Allah we belong, and to him we shall return. I will, if Allah wills, offer his funereal prayer today. Similarly, a short while ago today
In Bangladesh while the Friday prayer was being offered in one of the cities, an explosion occurred in one of our mosques. It seems to have been suicide bombing, however, some of the Ahamdis have been injured but a detailed report will come. May Allah Almighty protect those who have been injured
And that the injuries sustained are not life-threatening and grant them a swift and speedy recovery. After witnessing the progress of the community, the malice and opposition is increasing and spreading all over the world and this will continue to increase. However, whatever Allah Almighty has ordained in His decree
Will surely prevail and triumph, God willing. The community is progressing, and God willing, will continue doing so. There is a revelation of the Promised Messiah (as) which has multiple meanings. We cannot infer anyone one particular meaning and nor do we know when and how it will be fulfilled.
The revelation is, Langar Uthaaou (‘Raise the anchor’), Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that if we take the word Langar to mean anchor of the boats i.e. when the anchor is dropped from the boats into the water in order to keep the ship steady
Then it would mean to go out and spread the message of God Almighty everywhere. If by Langar it means the actual Langar Khana [kitchen] then [the revelation] would mean that people are entering in such large numbers that the arrangements
For the food can no longer be made, therefore, close the Langar and tell people to now make their own arrangements for their accommodation and food. We cannot specify any one meaning from the two, and nor can we specify the time of when this will happen.
However, as long as it is within our capacity and power, we until then are instructed to [go by the revelation] ‘Enlarge your house’ and accommodate the guests. Therefore, in Qadian at least, and others that can do so should continue to make permanent and temporary arrangements for accommodation.
In accordance to the Promised Messiah’s (as) revelation, ‘Enlarge your house’ a lot of expansion is happening in Qadian. New guest houses and other sites have been built and, as much as it is possible, every kind of facility is made available to guests.
Of course, these facilities are not like one has in the house, therefore guests should be mindful of the fact that they should be thankful to Allah Almighty and while remaining within those facilities afforded to them they should try to fulfil the true purpose of attending the Jalsa.
They should not merely focus on the hospitality and accommodation facilities. Regarding another revelation and desire of the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “the Promised Messiah (as) expressed his desire “that all those members of the Community who can afford to come
“to the Jalsa should come together in order to listen and recite “the remembrance of God Almighty which is done during these days. (Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says) “the facilities for travelling are not as accessible as there are in Europe, in fact certain countries outside of India
“have far less facilities such as Afghanistan, Iran or some of the islands outside of India. “Such wealthy people have not joined our Community – (even now there are not extremely rich people “joining but nonetheless affluent people are joining the community) – “who, due to the aeroplanes making travel much more easier,
“can come from distant lands and arrive in Qadian during the days of Jalsa. “However, if such people join our community “then people belonging to distant lands where all kinds of facilities for travel “are available will have no difficulty to come here and at the most “it would be a simple question of whether or not to spend the money. However, such people are very few or literally none.”
Today, by the grace of Allah Almighty, we see that people can reach to Qadian from many countries of the world. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “Currently, a large part of our community lives in India “and out of them there is a large percentage who are men “that can travel to Qadian for the Jalsa Salana. (Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says) there are many people in the world “who become indolent at the time of their success “(this is something that needs to be carefully pondered over)
“and think that the community has grown sufficiently enough. “I would like to tell such people that anyone who has the means to go to Qadian “for the Jalsa Salana but shows slackness “this would certainly have an impact on his neighbours and children.
“I have observed that in the course of the year those who come at least once “to Qadian for the Jalsa Salana “and also bring their family members along with them, “Ahmadiyyat remains firm in their children. “Even if these children have no knowledge of the teachings of Ahmadiyyat, “however they say to their parents,
‘Father! When will you take us on an excursion to Qadian?’ “Thus, right from their childhood, Ahmadiyyat begins to take root in their hearts “and eventually when they become older they are capable “of showing a tremendous example of their Ahmadiyyat. “Also, the gathering at the Jalsa Salana has an impact on their minds.
“Children are always impressed by extraordinary things and crowds “and so by coming to the Jalsa, not only do they get to witness “a religious event but also observe something new and the Jalsa Salana becomes a fascinating and memorable experience.” Those who can afford to go to Qadian should go
But they must also attend the Jalsas of their own countries as well. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “Those fathers who come to the Jalsa, “they also inspire their children to also come here. “At times, the child’s persistence becomes a means for them to attend the Jalsa Salana.
“Thereafter, as I mentioned earlier, that they are then able to take the next step. “Therefore, failing to attend Qadian in these days “due to any excuse or reason which can be easily resolved is not only disobedience of an instruction but is also a great injustice on one’s children.”
The instruction of the Promised Messiah (as) that one should attend the Jalsa, one would not only be disobeying it but it will also be an injustice to one’s children. The Ahmadis in India should make special effort and try to go to Qadian.
Hazrat Musleh Maudra says, “The fact is, as I have mentioned before, “that the wealthy people have not yet entered the Community. “The cost to use the transport which can take someone from one place to another “in a short space of time is so expensive that it is very difficult
“for those Ahmadis residing outside of the country to reach Qadian during these days. “However, if a time were to come where, by the grace of Allah Almighty, wealthy Ahmadis “would join the community, or the cost of the transport was reduced and all kinds of facilities
“were available to all, then people from every part of the world will come here on this occasion.” 60 years from today it seemed very difficult because people could not attend from foreign lands. However, today we see that in this regard there are so many blessings of Allah Almighty.
In any case, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “If a time were to come when our community “would have wealthy people in USA and they are able to spend money on travel, “then aside from going to Hajj, it would also be essential that they go to Qadian
At least once or twice in their lifetime to attend the Jalsa Salana.” The allegation is often raised, that God forbid, Ahmadis do not go to Hajj and instead visit Qadian. However, [it is said] that ‘aside from Hajj’ i.e. those who can go to Hajj should go
But in addition to this they should also try to go to Qadian. This is because one can gain lots of blessed knowledge and people are amazed by the blessings of the Markaz (centre). Despite the fact that Khilafat is no longer situated there,
However it still has a spiritual eminence which can be felt by going there. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “I firmly believe that one day will come “when people will travel here from far-off lands. “The Promised Messiah (as) had a dream in which he saw that he was floating
“in the air and said, ‘Jesus walked on water, however I am floating in the air “and Allah Almighty has bestowed more grace on me than him’ (the Promised Messiah (as) saw this dream). “Therefore, according to this dream, I believe that just like there was a time
“where once carts would wear down the roads “and then later motored vehicles would cause potholes in the road “and now the railway train pulls the carriages full of people into Qadian, “similarly a time will come when during the days of the Jalsa
“the news will continually arrive in intervals that from such and such country “this many aeroplanes have just arrived. “Though such talk appears strange to the eyes of the world, however it is not strange in the sight of Allah Almighty.”
By the grace of God Almighty, we are now witnessing these scenes in abundance. As I mentioned earlier, people from 20 – 25 different countries of the world have travelled to Qadian for the Jalsa by air. Some of the people have travelled from countries which we never imagined would ever go [to Qadian]
And they are the nationals of those countries. It is also not improbable that one day there will be chartered flights by which people will go to the Jalsa. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “Allah Almighty has decreed “that after Makkah and Madinah, He will make Qadian the centre for His religion.
“Makkah and Madinah are places which have a personal association with the Holy Prophet (saw). “The Holy Prophet (saw) is the founder of Islam and the master and teacher “of the Promised Messiah (as), therefore they both have superiority over Qadian. “However, after Makkah and Madinah, the place
“which Allah Almighty has established as the centre for the world’s guidance “is that which belongs to the Holy Prophet’s (saw) subordinate i.e. “the Promised Messiah (as) which currently is the only centre “for the propagation of faith. “I have to say with great regret that today Makkah and Madinah,
“apart from being blessed places, were also a centre for Tabligh [preaching] “but its inhabitants have forgotten this duty of theirs. “However, these state of affairs will not remain like this forever, if Alllah wills it. “I am certain that when Allah Almighty establishes Ahmadiyyat in these countries
(the Arab countries) then these holy places, Makkah and Madinah, will return to their original glory and splendour. There is an advice for those attending the Jalsa which is worthy of being pondered over – people sat in Qadian listening and also in other places. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “After thanking God Almighty,
“I would like to advice all those who are gathered here “that everything that brings forth joy is accompanied by pain. “Wherever one finds flowers, there will also be pricks and thorns. “Similarly, alongside success there is malice and rancour “and with prosperity comes decline.
“Thus, there are opposing powers in the path of attaining everything “which is good and of a high standard (as I mentioned earlier). “The fact is that one cannot be worthy of success until one cannot endure hardship and pain. “This is why the communities of the prophets have to endure certain hardships.
“At times, they have to face certain trials “where those feeble and weak of faith renegade. “At other times, they are subjected to very minor trials “but those who are weak of faith stumble in those instances as well. (Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says) “I remember once
(I have mentioned this once before as well) “that once in Qadian “a guest from Peshawar had come. In those days the Promised Messiah (as) “would remain seated in the mosque after the Maghrib prayers “and the guests would come and meet him. “And, as I have mentioned that the followers of the prophets
“have a special relationship of love and devotion, “and they do not see anything else and nor do they pay attention to anything else. “There is a narration by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib “that once during the days of the Jalsa, the Promised Messiah (as) came outside
“and people gathered around him and there was a large crowd. “In the crowd there was a gentlemen who had the opportunity “to shake hands with the Promised Messiah (as). As he moved away (from the crowd) he asked his friend if he had the opportunity to shake hands [with the Promised Messiah (as)]? ”
As mentioned before “it was impossible to do so in such a commotion. He said ‘whatever happens you must go ‘ and shake his hand, even if it means every bone is separated from your body (in the process). These opportunities do not come around every day’.
“Consequently, he also went and had the opportunity to shake hands “The reason for this is that when one sees a prophet, a certain passion and eagerness erupts “inside him and that passion is so extensive, that upon seeing the aides of prophets, it boils over.”
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that when the Promised Messiah (as) would be seated in the mosque after prayers, people would dart forwards to be able to sit close to him; despite the fact that there were fewer people in that time, yet every person desired that he should sit the closest.
Since it was decreed for one such individual that he would be tried, therefore he forgot whose presence he was in; this gentlemen was from Peshawar. He was offering his Sunnah [voluntary] prayers, but prolonged them for such a lengthy time. Initially, people waited for him, however,
When the people waiting, saw that others were starting to edge closer and occupy the seats closest [to the Promised Messiah (as)], they too started to rush forwards, and seated themselves close to the Promised Messiah (as), but in the process, however, someone brushed the elbow of the gentlemen offering his Sunnah.
Subsequently, he was livid and thought to himself ‘what kind of prophet ‘and Promised Messiah is he that people sitting in his gathering, push and barge those who are praying?’ For this reason alone, he became an apostate and left that place.
As it were, the object that should have been the source of increasing him in his faith, in turn became the very cause of his stumble [in his faith], and he became the example of that community about which Allah Almighty states that when the light appears, their spiritual radiance diminishes.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “I advise all those coming to Qadian “- those coming to attend the Jalsa, that if they suffer inconveniences “due to the sheer volume of people or the shortage of workers, “they should not worry nor let it be a cause for their [faith to] stumble.”
This advice should always be remembered, whether the Jalsa takes place here “or any other place for that matter. Nevertheless, those responsible for the accommodation and serving of guests, try their utmost to cater for the guests, however, there may be some shortcomings. As I have mentioned previously, those who are travelling to Qadian now,
Or travelling to any other Jalsa, should bear in mind that if they face any difficulty in terms of administration, they should bear them contentedly, and don’t let it become a means for you to stumble in your faith. May God Almighty enable all the days of this Jalsa in Qadian
And the other Jalsa’s to pass by and end with His Grace and blessings, may every Jalsa be the recipient of the bounties and grace of Allah Almighty, may all the participants become worthy enough to inherit the prayers of the Promised Messiah, and also pray fervently during these days.
As I mentioned before, in the former Russian state of Kyrgyzstan, which was a former state of Russia an Ahmadi by the name of Yunus Abdul Jalil, was martyred. [The incident took place] On 22nd December at 8:50 in a village situated in the western side of Kyrgyzstan called Kashgar-Kishlak –
Two men opened fire, in which the gentleman mentioned above was martyred. To Him we belong, and to Him we shall return Mr Yunus was standing outside his house with a neighbour, when a car, containing two people, opened fire on Mr Yunus. Twelve shots were fired; out of which seven pierced through the body
Of Mr Yunus, and two remained inside. The attackers did not fire at Mr Yunus’s neighbour, who was standing next to him, instead targeted him alone. Nevertheless, he was rushed to hospital, but passed away there – To Him we belong, and to Him we shall return His father and brother both are non-Ahmadi.
His relatives offered the funeral prayers behind a Cleric that was their acquaintance. At that time the Ahmadi’s could not reach there. The Cleric was honourable [in the sense that], he declared the “Death to have taken place in a most cruel and unjust manner.
“We are all the children of God and to kill a human in this manner “is against the teachings of Islam.” Later when the Ahmadi’s arrived, they offered the funeral prayer in absentia at his house. There was a danger that the clerics would cause a commotion because there was some opposition
And [there was a danger] that they would not allow him to be buried in the graveyard. However, by the grace of Allah the burial took place peacefully. Currently the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the police took a few members of the community to their office,
Where they were given all the relevant information and an introduction to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was also given. Upon hearing all this they were astounded and said that they has heard a completely different account [about the Ahmadis]. They vowed that, God willing, they would do whatever they can
To bring the truth to light, and indeed they did just that; the police shortly after captured the two murderers. Their case was also such that they had connections to the people of Syria, they [the murderers] stated that one of their acquaintances from here,
Who had travelled to Syria, instructed them to murder four Ahmadi’s. The attack that took place prior to this was when an Ahmadi was attacked with knives and bars in a way that his bones were broken and was injured to the extent that he was left for dead. However, Allah Almighty showed His grace.
This [incident] took place two, three months ago or [perhaps] six months ago, but God Almighty granted him health and now he is keeping well. On this occasion, however, they succeeded in martyring [the abovementioned individual]. May God Almighty raise the deceased’s status in paradise.
In any case, the police are trying to pursue more suspects. May Allah enable everyone to achieve what they deserve. The reaction of the local Ahmadis was that they wrote the Kashgar community is saddened by the barbaric murder of Mr Yunus, but we are not afraid of anything.
Even after this martyrdom, we will continue to spread the message of the Promised Messiah (as) as prophesised by the messenger of Allah Almighty, the Holy Prophet (saw). By the grace of Allah Almighty, these are very strong willed people.
Abdul Jalil Yunus Sahib was born in 1978 and performed the Bai ‘at in 2008. He is counted amongst the pioneer Ahmadi’s. He suffered a lot of persecution at the hands of his relatives, yet he remained loyal to his pledge of allegiance. It is stated that after performing the Bai ‘at he underwent extraordinary
Spiritual changes and would always be in search for religious knowledge. For this reason he would always be in constant touch with the [Ahmadi] missionaries and whenever he would learn any new religious teaching, he would be elated. He would regularly offer his five daily prayers in congregation.
At the time of his martyrdom he was serving as the General Secretary of the community and was a very active member of the Community. He leaves behind his wife, three daughters and a son. The eldest daughter is nine years old, the second eldest is six years old and the last daughter
Is three years old, the youngest of them all is the son, who is three months old. Our missionary who lived there writes: ‘Mr Yunus was the only Ahmadi in his whole family and his wife performed the Bai’at after him. He was a very pleasant and devoted Ahmadi.
He had a very loving relationship with the Promised Messiah (as) and Khilafat. He would always be smiling, was very welcoming and good-natured. He had a passion to learn about religion and spread the message. He would always offer his prayers with humility, greatly absorbed – and meekness.
He would often deliberate on how to the community in Kyrgyzstan could progress and would pray fervently for this. He would always show respect to the community’s delegates and missionaries and had a loving relationship with all [members of the community]. When certain missionaries had to leave [the country] due to legal requirements,
He was very distraught about their departure. This was the first martyr on Russian soil (as this was a former Russian state, now Kyrgyzstan). He is the first person to offer his blood for the services of Islam and Ahmadiyyat in Kyrgyzstan and [first] martyr. May Allah Almighty continue to raise his status [in paradise]
And may every droplet of his blood be a source for countless pure natured and blessed souls to enter the community. May Allah Almighty raise his status, may He be the protector and helper of his children, and may He increase them in their faith and conviction.
As I have just stated, I will lead his funeral prayer in absentia. God Willing All praise is due to Allah. We praise 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.