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.
Two days ago, it was the 23rd of March, which is a very important day in the Ahmadiyya Community’s calendar. On this day, God Almighty’s promise to the Holy Prophet (saw) was fulfilled, the Holy Prophet’s prophecy came true and the age of Islamic renaissance began.
God Almighty gave His permission to the Promised Messiah (as), or should we say He gave permission to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian to declare himself the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The objective of his advent on the one hand was to put forward clear arguments for establishing
The unity of Allah Almighty in this world; and on the other, he was to prove Islam’s superiority over all other religions by demonstrating it to be a complete code of life and fill hearts with the love of Allah’s last prophet – Muhammad (saw).
So today, we are the fortunate ones that belong to the community of the Promised Messiah (as). In view of the importance of the day- two days ago, conferences are held to celebrate the Promised Messiah day. Many such conferences were held, which highlighted the objectives of his advent and establishment of his Community.
While doing so, members of the community also express their gratitude to God Almighty for enabling us to recognise the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (as) in accordance to the command of the Holy Prophet (saw) and on enabling us to convey the Holy Prophet’s greetings to him.
We should remember that while accepting the Promised Messiah (as) is a cause of celebration and being grateful, however it also places additional responsibilities on us. We need to recognise these responsibilities and focus on fulfilling them. What are these responsibilities? These are to advance the Promised Messiah’s (as) works for which he was sent,
Only then will we be counted among those who were to create a new earth and new heavens by recognising the Promised Messiah (as). For an understanding of these responsibilities we have to look at the Promised Messiah (as) himself the objectives of his advent and how far have we understood those,
Follow them and how much part do we play in propagating them. The Promised Messiah (as) writes, “The reason why God has commissioned me is to clear the ill-will “that had come between man and God; and to re-establish a relationship of love and sincerity.
“Secondly, I have been commissioned to put an end to religious warfare, “through the expression of truth and by laying down the foundations of peace. “Thirdly, I am to reveal the religious truths that the world has been blinded to. “Fourthly, I have been commissioned to demonstrate the spiritualty buried under carnal darkness.
“Then, there are Divine powers in man that are only visible through focus or prayers, “I am to demonstrate those not only through my words, but through practical demonstration. “Most importantly, I have been commissioned to plant the seed of Allah’s unity that “is free of all impurity of believing He has any partners.
“All of this will not happen owing to my own powers, “rather it will happen through the powers of God, Who is the God of the heavens and the earth.” Thus, in this extract, seven basic and highly important matters have been mentioned which
Are the need of this day and age. The Promised Messiah (as) has summarised them in this extract. When the Promised Messiah (as) states that God Almighty has sent him for this task, it is evident that it means his followers will instil all of these things within them and
Will demonstrate the beautiful teaching of Islam to the world and that Islam is a living religion. Therefore, our first and foremost responsibility is to strengthen and increase in our relationship with God Almighty; we should try and increase in our bond, love and devotion with God Almighty, His Prophet and His religion.
We should tell the world that with the advent of the Promised Messiah (as), religious wars have now come to an end. This is one of his objectives. It is this true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (saw) alone who
Can make the world into one community, who God Almighty has sent in mantle of all the Prophets. According to [the Promised Messiah’s (as)] mission, we are to demonstrate the beautiful teachings of Islam and its truth to the world. For this we would need to demonstrate good role-models and
Models of ever-increasing spiritualty and remove any selfish desires. We need to show to the world that even today God Almighty listens to and answers the prayers of His sincere and devoted servants just as He did before. Even today, He provides the means for granting comfort to the hearts of His devoted servants.
We have to tell the world that God Almighty is One and everything else will eventually come to an end and He alone is Ever-Living. Thus, our life and its continuation lies in us forging a connection with Him. Therefore, when we commemorate the ‘Promised Messiah day’ on 23rd March,
We should also assess ourselves and see whether we, who have accepted the Promised Messiah (as), have developed all those things within us which the Promised Messiah (as) came for to spread in the world, and whether we are striving to bring about that revolutionary change within ourselves?
The Promised Messiah (as) mentioned the purpose and objective of his advent in other places. I shall present some of those extracts. On one occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) stated, “This humble one has been sent for the sole purpose of conveying to God’s creatures that,
“of all the faiths present in the world, the true faith which is “ in accord with the Divine will is the one which has been brought by the Holy Qur’an, “and that the door that opens into the house of salvation is,
‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’.’’ The Promised Messiah (as) in another place states, “Listen to this with your hearts! What is the purpose of my advent? “The true purpose and objective of my advent is for the reformation and support of Islam.
“One should not think that I have come in order to teach a new Shariah [religious law], “or to introduce new commandments or that a new book will be revealed. “Certainly not, according to me one who entertains such a thought is faithless and misguided.
“The Shariah [religious law] has been perfected and completed with the Holy Prophet (saw) “and no new Shariah [religious law] can come. The Holy Quran is the seal of all books. “There is no room for even an iota of a change.
“However, it is true that the blessings and beneficence and “the fruits of the Holy Quran’s teachings and guidance have not ended. “They will remain afresh and ever-present in every age and “as a proof of these blessings and beneficence God Almighty has sent me.
“The current state of Islam is weak and fragile and this is certainly not hidden from anyone. “It is widely acknowledged that Muslims have succumbed to “all kinds of degeneration and deterioration and are going into decline in every respect. “They have their tongues but the hearts do not accompany [what they say]
“and Islam has been left orphaned. “In such circumstances, God Almighty has sent me for its support and guardianship. “He has sent me in accordance to His promise as He states, [Arabic, Holy Quran (15:10)] ‘Verily, it is We Who have sent down this Exhortation, ‘and most surely We are its Guardian.’(15:10).”
In other words, God Almighty has taken it upon Himself to propagate and safeguard the teaching of Islam and the Promised Messiah (as) has been sent for this purpose. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “If [Islam] was not given support, “help and protection at this time then when else would it be needed?
“The situation in the fourteenth century is akin to the situation at the time of the Battle of Badr “regarding which God Almighty states, [Arabic, Holy Quran (3:124)] ‘And Allah had already helped you at Badr when you were weak.’ (3:124).
“This verse carries a prophecy that when in the fourteenth century Islam will be in a fragile “and weak state, in accordance with His promise of safeguarding, God Almighty will help Islam. “Thus, why are you surprised that He has helped Islam?
“I am not concerned as to people calling me a Dajjal (Anti Christ) and a liar and “false accusations are levelled against me. In fact, it was bound to happen that “I should also be afforded the same kind of treatment as given to the Prophets before me,
“and that I also be subjected to this ancient practise.” Regarding the objectives of the Promised Messiah’s advent the Promised Messiah (as) states, “There are two objectives for my advent. “For the Muslims; to establish Muslims on true Taqwa [righteousness] and purity, “so that they become such true Muslims as
“God Almighty has willed in the connotation of the word Muslim. “And, [secondly] for the Christians; to ‘break the cross’ and “to diminish the artificial god [created by the Christians] so that “the world may completely forget him and only the One True God may be worshipped.
“After observing these two objectives, why do these people oppose me? “They should remember that those actions which are hypocritical and “tainted with foulness of this world shall perish in their own toxins. “Can a liar ever succeed? ‘Certainly Allah guides not one who is a transgressor, and a liar.’ (40:29).”
“A liar’s falsehood alone is sufficient enough to destroy him. “However, what is done to establish the majesty and proof of God Almighty and for “the blessings of His Prophet and God Himself has sent such a person then the angels safeguard him. “Who is it that can destroy them?
“Let it be known that if my mission was merely a worldly business then it will be obliterated “and not a single trace of it will remain. “However, if it is from God Almighty, and most certainly it is, “regardless of opposition it will grow and spread and the angels will safeguard it (God-willing).
“Even if a single person is not with me and no one helps me, “even then I am certain that God Almighty will cause my mission to succeed. “I am not concerned of the opposition and consider it necessary for the progress of my mission.
“It has never been that a Prophet or Khalifa of God Almighty came to this world and “the world accepted him quietly. The world is strange; no matter how honest a person, “others will relentlessly continue to level allegations against him.”
After 127 years, we see that even today the support and help of God Almighty is with the Promised Messiah (as). By the grace of God Almighty this community is progressing. Therefore, it is our duty to bring about a pure change within ourselves so that
We can become the helpers in achieving those objectives of the Promised Messiah (as) which he came for, and partake from those blessings which is the objective of his advent and can be attained only through accepting him. Otherwise, as the Promised Messiah (as) mentioned that he is not in need of any of us.
God Almighty Himself can help him through His angels and grant success to his mission, which He is already doing. Speaking of the purpose of his advent, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “God Almighty has sent me so that I should reveal the hidden treasures and
“to cleanse the mud of denigration that has been slung on those shining jewels. “God Almighty’s sense of honour at this moment in time has risen and “has willed to cleanse and purify the Holy Quran from the taint of every opponent’s allegation.
“In short, how foolish will it be that we use force while the opponents seek to attack us with “ the pen, and in fact are doing it already! “I openly tell you that in such an instance if a person uses force in the name of Islam
“in order to defend it then he will be bringing Islam into disrepute. “Islam never intended to use force without any reason or need. “As I mentioned that now the wars do not have any religious basis “and are instead fought for worldly reasons. “Thus, how unjust will it be if instead of the pen,
“the sword was shown to those who level allegations? “With the passage of time, the characteristics of war have changed. “Therefore, it essential to first employ our hearts and mind and purify ourselves. “…it essential to first employ our hearts and mind and purify ourselves. “Seek help and victory from God Almighty through righteousness.
“This is an unchangeable and firm law of God Almighty and if Muslims want to succeed and “triumph by means of verbosity then it is not possible. “God does not want empty boasts and verbosity, rather He wants true Taqwa [righteousness] “and likes to true purity as He states,
‘Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.’ (16:129).” We have to demonstrate the beautiful teachings of Islam by developing righteousness in ourselves. We also have to tell the other Muslims that the spread of Islam is dependent upon righteousness.
Instead of increasing in injustice and cruelty, they should develop and increase in righteousness. The attacks carried out in the name of Islam do not support Islam but bring it in disrepute and killing innocent people incurs the displeasure of God Almighty.
A few days ago, the killing of innocent people in Belgium, the terrorist attacks, killing dozens of innocents and injuring hundreds can never win the pleasure of God Almighty. And, in this age when the Promised Messiah (as) has made it explicitly clear that fighting and
Wars in the name of Islam are forbidden, therefore such actions incur the displeasure of God. In this day and age, no one can say that they have not heard this message. Everyone knows that this is a very clear message of the Promised Messiah (as) that
Warfare in the name of religion is now forbidden. May God Almighty guide those Muslims who carry out such cruelties in the name of religion, be they governments or groups, and enable them to pay heed to the words of the Imam of the age and desist from committing atrocities and
Use the real weapon of this age which has been granted to the Promised Messiah (as). The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Be absolutely clear that the need for today is not the sword, but the pen. “Our opponents raise objections against Islam and attempt to attack this true religion “through various sciences and arguments.
“This has prompted me to take the weapon of the pen and demonstrate the inherent power “and spiritual boldness of Islam in this era of scientific and intellectual progress. “I was not worthy of this war; it was indeed the grace of God and His unlimited blessing that
“He destined that the true worth of this religion is demonstrated “at the hand of a humble person like me. “At one point I counted all the objections and criticisms raised against Islam “and their tally was nearly 3,000.” The Promised Messiah (as) says, “I believe, this number would have increased by now”.
The Promised Messiah says, “No one should presume that the basis of Islam is so weak that “3,000 genuine objections can be raised against it. Not at all. “These objections are based on misunderstandings and lack of awareness. “I say to you truthfully that as I was counting these objections,
“I pondered over these objections as well. “At the root of all these objections are fundamental truths of Islam, “which are not understood by those raising objections. “Indeed, in there is the wisdom of God in that the ignorant raise objections and “the treasure of knowledge and wisdom is not revealed to them.”
To explain that Allah sent the Promised Messiah (as) to unveil the light of Islam, he said, “The fundamentals of Christianity are such that even Christians do not understand these; “they carry on believing in their religion because they have to.
“So what can be said about their religion! The true faith is given by Islam. “God has appointed me to demonstrate the light of Islam and show the truth about religions. “The truth is that there is a God and there is only One God.
“I believe that even if Divine scriptures such as the Quran and Bible, were not found in this world “the Oneness of God would have still proven itself as this belief is reflected in human nature.
“To say God has a son is akin to killing God, as a son is needed to remember someone by. “So if Jesus (as) is the son of God, then is God going to die? “In short, the belief of Christianity not only shows no regard for the greatness of God,
“but also shows no understanding of human intellect. “Their faith does not have the support of the Heavenly light. “There is not one Christian who can demonstrate Divine signs that a true believer can show. “This superiority and pre-eminence is given to Islam only that
“it has been given Divine signs of acceptance in every era. “God has not deprived this age either. “I am sent with the objective to demonstrate the truthfulness of Islam through Divine signs, “which are a part and parcel of Islam. “Blessed is he, who comes to see me with an open and inquisitive mind
“seeking the truth and blessed is he, who accepts the truth when it becomes clear.” Then to reject the erroneous belief of Muslims that Jesus (as) is living in Heaven, the Promised Messiah (as) said, “I am sent to demolish this belief from its root that has infiltrated into Muslims from Christians.
“It has been explained clearly and categorically in the Holy Quran that “Jesus (as) was taken off the cross alive and he survived the event of crucifixion. “Sadly, as many afflictions affected the religion of Islam over the last thousand years, “the incidence of crucifixion was misunderstood.
“Unfortunately, Muslim started to believe that Jesus (as) was taken to the heavens alive and “will descend to the earth nearer the Day of Judgement. “However, God has appointed me as the messenger of the fourteenth century, “so that I rectify all erroneous beliefs that Muslims have adopted,
“explain the truth of Islam to the whole world, “respond to all the external objections raised against Islam and “prove the other religions are false, especially the religion of the cross. “I have been sent to prove that the concepts of Christianity as flawed; “to believe in these concepts is harmful for man
“and stunts his development and progress of spiritual faculties.” At one occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) addressed the question of what is the need for a Messiah at the present time and said, “If we ignore all other needs, “to show similarities with the Mosaic dispensation makes the need for Messiah imperative.”
Forget about all other needs, Muslim Ummah needs the Messiah to prove its similarity with the dispensation of the Prophet Moses (as) because “the Messiah (as) appeared fourteen centuries after Prophet Moses (as). “However, I only consider myself as a subordinate [to the Holy Prophet (saw)]
“but those who claim that the Messiah will return to this world in person, “do they have any evidence to support their claim? “If they cannot present any evidence to support their assertion because they do not have any, “then why do they claim something which is a new addition to the religion?
“It is best to avoid any additions to the religion as this leads to the path of destruction? “This is why Jews suffered the wrath of God as they rejected a prophet of God. “They ended up rejecting the prophet of God, “because they misinterpreted a metaphorical prophecy as literal!”
So a prophecy which was pronounced as a metaphor and as a figure of speech, was taken literally by the Jew. “This led to the whole nation being called accursed.” “Exactly the same situation is happening today.” This means, Muslims are facing the same scenario today as was faced by the Jews in the past.
“I wish to cry at the state of Muslims. “They have the example of the Jews in front of them, “in five daily prayers they pray to be saved from becoming the accursed people and “they know that the accursed people mentioned in the Holy Quran are the Jews.
“Then I am unable to understand why Muslims still follow their path? “When the scenario is similar and a prophet has been appointed then “why do they still want Jesus (as) to descend from the skies against the Divine verdict?
“Jesus (as) clarified about the Prophet Elijah that the second coming of a prophet means a “metaphorical second coming, thus John represented the second coming of the Prophet Elijah. “Despite this clear testimony, “Muslims are not satisfied till they see Jesus (as) descending from the Heavens.
“However, I challenge you that all of you and your helpers can pray all you like and “then see if Jesus (as) descends from the skies? “I say with the strongest possible conviction that if you prostrate to pray for this all your life so
“much so that your noses are rubbed off your faces even then no one will descend from the skies. “The one who God promised to send, has already arrived!” I wish that Muslims do understand this point and instead of opposing the messenger of God,
Start to follow him and spread the true teachings of Islam in the world and try to establish peace and justice all over the world. These Muslims need to be of those who serve Islam by demonstrating the true picture of Islam to the non-Muslim and irreligious community that opposes Islam.
Mentioning four types of signs for his truthfulness, the Promised Messiah (as) says, “Firstly, the sign of the knowledge of Arabic. “I have been granted this since Muhammad Hussain Batalvi wrote that, “This humble one does not know even a single case of Arabic,
“whereas, I had never before claimed that I know a case of Arabic. “Those who are well educated in Arabic speech and writing can comprehend “its difficulties as well as keep in mind its qualities.” The Promised Messiah (as) says, “Maulvi Sahib” – he means Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib –
“has been observing from the very beginning how Allah the Exalted has miraculously granted help. “It becomes very difficult when a word of the sophisticated language does not “come to mind on its appropriate occasion. At that time Allah the Exalted reveals those words.
“It is easy to make up a new and artificial language, however, “the sophisticated language is difficult. “Furthermore, I have published these books with a promise of handsome rewards and “have said that you may acquire help from whomsoever you please, “you may even include linguists.
“Allah the Exalted has assured me of the fact that “they will most certainly not be capable as this sign has been granted to me “from among the miracles of the Qur’an owing to my subservience to the Holy Prophet (saw). “Secondly, [is the sign of] acceptance of prayers.
“During the composition of the Arabic books I have experienced in “what great abundance my prayers have been accepted. “I have prayed upon every single word. “Holding the Holy Prophet (saw) as an exception as his status is very high and “everything has been acquired through his mediation and by following him.
“I say that my prayers have been accepted in such great abundance, “in similitude to which the prayers of no one else have been accepted.” With the exception of the Holy Prophet (saw), the prayers of no other prophet have been accepted in such great abundance
As the Promised Messiah (as) has mentioned that his have. “I cannot say whether they are ten thousand, two hundred thousand or any other figure and “some signs of acceptance [of prayer] are such that the whole world knows them. “The third sign is that of prophecies, i.e. the disclosure of the unseen.
“Even astrologers and soothsayers say some things by randomly guessing, “one part or another of which is correct. “Similarly, history tells us that there were also some soothsayers “at the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), who used to foretell the unseen. “For example, Satih was also a soothsayer.
“However, the distinction between the knowledge of the unseen of these randomly guessing “fortune tellers and soothsayers and the disclosure of the unseen of the one appointed “by Allah and the recipient of Divine revelation is this that the disclosure of the unseen
“of the recipient of Divine revelation holds in it Divine power and Godly awe. “The Holy Qur’an has clearly stated that, ‘He reveals not His secrets to any one, except to him whom He chooses, ‘namely a Messenger of His’ [Al-Jinn: 27-28].
“The word ‘Izhaar’ [disclosure] here manifests that it carries magnificence and power. “The fourth sign Is that of the intricacies and knowledge of the Holy Qur’an “as its knowledge is only disclosed to him who has been purified, ‘Which none shall touch except those who are purified’ [Al-Waqi’ah: 80].
“I have many a time said that my opponents as well as “I should write the commentary on a Surah and that it be compared afterwards. “However, no one showed any courage. Muhammad Hussain etc. said that, ‘he – ’ referring to the Promised Messiah (as) – ‘does not know a case of Arabic.’
“However, when the books were presented he evaded it by giving weak and subtle excuses “that this Arabic is of a very low standard. “However, he could not do as much as prepare and present even a single page, “showing that this is what real Arabic is.
“Thus, these are four signs which I have received especially for my truthfulness.” Hazrat Maulvi Abd-ul-Karim Sahib writes, he wrote this on 17th August 1899, “Some days have passed that a person from Bareilly wrote to the Promised Messiah (as), “asking whether he is in fact that very Promised Messiah, whom the Holy Prophet (saw)
“has foretold in the Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw)]. ‘Take an oath in the name of Allah the Exalted and write a reply to this’.” Maulvi Abd-ul-Karim Sahib who used to give a concise answer to letters says, “I wrote one or two such sentences from the book Taryaq-ul-Quloob ,
“which could have sufficed as an answer to this. “This person was not content with this,” he was not satisfied, “And wrote to me that ‘I wish that Mirza Sahib take an oath and write with his own pen whether he is that
‘very Promised Messiah, who has been mentioned in the Ahadith and the Holy Qur’an.’ “I placed an ink pot, a pen and paper in front of the Promised Messiah (as) “after the evening prayer and said that a person writes such and such.
“The Promised Messiah (as) immediately took the paper in his hand and wrote a few lines that,” The Promised Messiah (as) wrote, ‘I have already manifested this detailed affirmation ‘given below to people, whilst taking oath, in my books.
‘I again write it in this letter, taking oath in the name of God the Exalted in ‘Who’s hands lies my life, that I am that very Promised Messiah whom ‘the Holy Prophet (saw) has foretold in those authentic Ahadith, ‘which are recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and the other Sihah –
‘And sufficient is Allah as a Witness, the writer, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, ‘may Allah forgive him and help him, 17th August 1899’. Maulvi Sahib further writes, “I have two intentions by narrating this incident. “Firstly, that the faith of our Community increases and so that they may acquire
“the same pleasure and happiness that those fortunate ones present here “at that hour experienced, who testified with an honest heart that they acquired new faith. “Secondly, that those who reject and think ill should contemplate and ponder “with a cool heart over this oath that has been taken openly,
“and whether this can be the state of a confident liar and fabricating feigner and “whether he can possess such courage to swear by God the Glorious in such a manner and “in such a gathering? Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest.”
Giving advice to the members of the Community, the Promised Messiah (as) says on one occasion, “I do not wish that some words be memorised like a parrot at the time of Bai’at [initiation]. “There is no benefit in that.
“Acquire knowledge for the purification of the soul as this is what is needed,” -understand what the purification of the soul is and then also apply it on yourselves- “This is not at all our purpose to quarrel and debate about the life and death of Jesus (as).
“This is a minor issue and it is not sufficient to stop here. “This was a mistake, which we have corrected. “However, our task and our purpose is much greater than this and “that is to bring about a change in yourselves and become a completely new person.
“Therefore, it essential for each one of you to understand this secret and “bring about such a change that he may be able to say that I am someone else. “I reiterate that most certainly and definitely until you do not stay in our company
“for a period, no one should consider that he has become someone else. “It is of no benefit.” He says, “If the highest kind of purity of the nature, the condition of the mind and “the condition of feelings is acquired then it is something, otherwise it is nothing at all.”
Furthermore he says, “If you are faithful then be thankful and prostrate out of thankfulness “as you are witnessing the era for which your pious forefathers have passed away “while waiting for it and countless souls have departed in its desire,” Addressing the Muslims the Promised Messiah (as) says, “You have witnessed [that era].
“Now, whether you appreciate it or not and whether you benefit from it or not is in your hands. “I will mention it time after time and I cannot refrain from disclosing that I am the one, “who was sent on time for the reformation of mankind,
“so that faith would be newly established in the hearts. “I have been sent in similitude to the person, “who was sent after Moses who was Kalimullah [the one who speaks to God], “whose soul was raised to heaven after suffering greatly during the time of the kingdom of Herod.
“Thus, when the second Kalimullah [the one who speaks to God], “who is in fact the first and the Chief of all Prophets [i.e.the Holy Prophet (saw)], “came for the destruction of the other Pharaohs, regarding whom it says, ‘Verily, We have sent to you a Messenger, who is a witness over you,
‘even as We sent a Messenger to Pharaoh.’ [Al-Muzzamil: 16], “who in his task was similar to Moses (as), yet much higher in status than him, and was also promised the coming of someone to resemble the Messiah. “That Messiah, who, acquiring the strength, nature and quality of the Messiah, son of Mary,
“descended at a time similar to his, very close to the period that lay between “the time of Moses (as) until the time of the Messiah, son of Mary, “ i.e. he descended from heaven in the fourteenth century and “his descent was spiritual as all people descend from heaven after
“the ascent for the reformation of the creation of Allah. “He descended at a time, which was similar to the time of the Messiah, son of Mary, “from all aspects so that this may be a sign for those who understand. “Thus, everyone should refrain from being hasty in his rejection so that
“he does not become one of those who oppose Allah the Exalted. “The people of the world, who have a dark mind and are stuck in their previous concepts, “they will not accept him. However, that time is near which will manifest to them their mistake.
“A warner came unto the world but the world accepted him not, “yet God will accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with mighty onslaughts.” Thus, we are fortunate that we have accepted the Promised Messiah (as). By doing the Bai’at we have made the pledge of bringing about pure changes in ourselves
And applying the teachings of the Qur’an on ourselves, joining those who fall into prostration out of thankfulness, not those who turn their eyes and pass by. This is Allah the Exalted’s blessing and favour upon us that
He has given life to us in this era in which the Promised Messiah (as) appeared, in which the revival of Islam began and the dark time passed which the earlier people were trapped in. That era, which is the era for the revival of Islam in which we have been born.
The era for Islam’s revival, in the wait of which many pure souls have departed from this world. The Promised Messiah (as) has united us with the God, Who is a living God. Who listens and speaks today as He listened and spoke in the past.
Thus, we should be thankful. I would like to mention another thing with regards to this. In the past days, some people were congratulating each other in relation to 23rd March via messages on the phone, WhatsApp etc. as is the custom nowadays.
If they congratulated with this intention that we have accepted the Promised Messiah (as) and the congratulatory messages were out of thankfulness that by believing in him we have joined those rightly guided Muslims who are the helpers of religion and those who spread its beauties in the world,
Then it was most certainly the right of those people to congratulate one another. There is no harm in it, nor is there any harmful innovation in this. I am astonished that among these messages, one person wrote a personal message in the form of a longer letter to one of those congratulating
And strongly admonished him from doing so and said that you will fall into harmful innovations like this, similar to other Muslims. I am astonished at this person, who in my opinion also possesses religious knowledge and is also aware of the system [of the Community].
How can he say that you will fall into harmful innovations? The rest of the Muslims do not have the blessing of Khilafat as Ahmadis do. Ahmadis have this blessing as a result of accepting the Promised Messiah (as). If anything wrong or any harmful innovation begins to emerge [within the Community],
Then if Khilafat is true and it is rightly guided then it will, God willing, stop the problem. Then we must also pay attention to the fact that we must not doubt people’s intentions. There is [the hadith] that deeds are judged by motives. Someone must have had good intentions behind it.
Therefore, that person should only have spoken whilst keeping behind the shield of Khilafat. Do not try to reach beyond the standpoint of Khilafat. Keep this in mind: whoever does so will slip up. Keep a unity and do not try to impose or force your own personal views on Community members.
I will narrate an example for such people. The matter under concern is not something which may be a grave mistake, but [we should look at] what the stance of the Promised Messiah (as) was regarding some of the other harmful innovations that are found amongst the Muslims.
Once the Promised Messiah (as) was asked about ‘ Qadha-e-Umri’ or the prayers that people offer on the final Friday of Ramadan for all the 5 daily prayers that they have missed. Or, they perform their last Friday prayer of Ramadan and assume that they have been spared of all the other prayers.
When the Promised Messiah (as) was asked regarding this practice, he responded by saying that this is undoubtedly futile. However, he also said that once in the time of Hazrat Ali (ra) a person was praying outside of the prescribed times for prayers and
Hazrat Ali (ra) was asked why he does not stop that person? Hazrat Ali (ra) responded, “I fear that I may come to be held to account under the verse, ‘Hast thou seen him who forbids. “A servant of Ours when he prays?” (96:10-11).
The Promised Messiah (as) said, “Yes, it is true that a person does commit an unlawful act “if he intentionally avoids his prayers to leave them for the day of Qadha-e umri . “And if he, out of his remorse does the prayers as a means of correcting his past mistakes,
“then let him do so, why do you stop him? He is after all making a prayer. “Yes, it is certain that there is a lack of resolve in doing so”. The Promised Messiah (as) further said, “Be careful, for you may also be held accountable under this verse.”
So, the person who actually had the right to pass an edict, he was so careful in doing so. However, this person is spreading news of great warnings and is passing edicts on a matter of people simply congratulating each other. If he had any reservations he should have written to me.
If somebody must be stopped then it is the responsibility of the Khalifa of the time to stop them or to stop them through the system established in the Community. May Allah enable us all to understand and act according to the purpose for which the Promised Messiah (as) was sent.
After the prayers I will also lead some funeral prayers. One funeral prayer is of Mahmooda Saadi Sahiba who was the wife of late Musleh-ud-Din Saadi Sahib. She passed away at the age of 94 on 22 March 2016 – ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ [2:157].
Her husband, Muslehud-Din Saadi Sahib was the brother of Mukarram Abdur-Raheem Dard Sahib who was an Imam of the Fazl Mosque and did a lot of work here. Saadi Sahib had passed away in 1965. His widow spent 41 years of widowhood with great patience and gratitude.
One of her sons, who has also passed away, had served as assistant private secretary in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 3rd. another son, Jalal Akbar Sahib, who lives here in the UK and served as Naib Secretary Ziafat. The deceased had great affection and devotion for Khilafat.
She was enthusiastic about Tabligh [preaching] and had passion for learning and teaching the Holy Quran. She prayed fervently and had the qualities of patience and gratefulness. Since the past 6 years she had been ill and spent her time with much patience and gratitude. The deceased was a Moosiya .
May Allah elevate her status and may Ahmadiyyat continue in her progeny with earnestness. The second funeral prayer is of Noorud-Deen Charagh Sahib who was the son of late Chiragh Deen Sahib of Qadian. He was 45 years old, when on 15 March 2016 he suffered from a heart attack and passed away –
‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ [2:157]. He was also from Qadian and was living in the UK for over ten years. There was great simplicity in his nature. His sister writes that since childhood he had experienced poverty, therefore when he was granted provision by God,
Miserliness never overcame him and he would always provide financial help to people. A diary has been found belonging to him which contains a mention of 47 people he would regularly provide financial support to. A non-Ahmadi has also highly praised him saying that he was a very honest and angelic person.
He was very regular in his prayers, had a very strong attachment with Khilafat, and was a person who respected the seniors of the Community. The mother and other family members of the deceased are in Qadian. May Allah Almighty raise his status and grant patience and strength to the bereaved and
May Allah especially grant ease to his mother. There is one Funeral prayer in absentia which is of Syeda Mubarka Begum Sahiba, wife of Abdul Bari Sahib Taalluq Daar Bengali. She passed away on 20 March 2016 at the age of 83 ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ [2:157].
She had been ill for some time. She was born in Bihar and was the daughter of Syed Moosa Raza of Bhaagalpur Bihar. Her father accepted Ahmadiyyat in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) at the age of 15. She got married to Abdul Bari Sahib Taalluq Daar
And they went to East Pakistan after the partition of India. Abdul Bari Sahib also accepted Ahmadiyyat in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) in 1946. After the creation of Bangladesh, they moved to Rabwah and her husband, Bari Sahib, served for over 20 years in the homoeopathic dispensary in Fazle Umar hospital
Which was being run under Waqfe Jadid. Her son is also here; Abdul Khaliq Sahib Bengali who is well-known and serves the Community. Abdul Bari Sahib had sent his wife and children to Rabwah to learn Urdu. In Bangladesh, when it was East Pakistan, she was living a very comfortable life and
She had many servants etc. However they came to Rabwah for the sake of their children and for good upbringing. They then stayed in Rabwah so that their children may learn Urdu and to learn more about the Community and to be closer to Khilafat. In this respect she made much sacrifice.
May Allah elevate her status and may her children fulfil the desires of their mother for which she made the sacrifice and came to live in Rabwah. As I have mentioned, I will lead these three funeral prayers after the prayers. All praise is due to Allah.
We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection; we confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him;
And whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path. And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and Messenger. O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you.
Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other and to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful.
You remember Allah; He too will remember you; call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.