Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2019
Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest There is none worthy of worship except Allah Peace be upon you all
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger. After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path – The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. Today, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jalsa Salana [annual convention] of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Holland is going to commence. After many years, Allah the Exalted has also enabled me to participate in your Jalsa.
Ameer Sahib has been inviting me to the Jalsa for the last few years but due to other Jama’at engagements and despite the desire to attend, it has not been possible. In any case, it is by the grace of Allah the Almighty that I have been enabled to attend this Jalsa today.
Over the previous few years, the Community in Holland has increased. There has been a definite increase of one third. Many people have migrated from Pakistan and also some new people have also joined the Community. Nonetheless, like the other Jama’ats of the world,
The Holland Jama’at is also making progress according to their numbers and means. The publication of literature etc. has now also improved here. The Jama’at has also acquired some new centres and a mosque. Although, I have not seen the mosque yet, but I have heard other people praise the beauty of the Almere mosque.
Thus, you have been able to construct very beautiful mosque. God willing, its inauguration will take place next week, that is the formal inauguration. Otherwise, prayers are already being offered there. However, you should always remember that this increase in your numbers
Or the construction of mission houses or centres or a mosque will only be beneficial if you fulfil the purpose of their construction. Thus, every Ahmadi who lives here needs to analyse his condition and to search for those objectives
Which we ought to fulfil after having come into the bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as). As I said, over the last few years, many Ahmadis have migrated here and this also contributed to an increase the Jama’at numbers. But why have they migrated here?
They have done so because Ahmadis do not have freedom of religion, particularly in Pakistan. They are persecuted on the basis of religion. Their rights are usurped for they have accepted the Imam of the Age in accordance with the prophecy and instruction of the Holy Prophet (saw).
We are prohibited from calling the name of Allah the Almighty and from worshiping Him because we have come into the Bai’at of the most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (saw). Let alone constructing mosques, we are even prohibited from holding gatherings
Such as Jalsas and Ijtemas for the sake of the moral and spiritual training of our own people. Moreover, according to their law, we are prohibited from praying even in our homes. We are prohibited from sacrificing animals on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
Their law does not allow us to do so. Charges are brought against those who do so. This is also enforced because it hurts the sentiments of the so-called scholars and their followers. Thus, due to these circumstances, many Ahmadis emigrate from Pakistan and go to other countries where there is freedom of religion.
Those among you who have immigrated to this country have freedom of religion as well as opportunities to improve your financial and economic conditions. Hence, every Ahmadi, who is living free from the restrictions that were imposed on them in Pakistan should particularly be grateful to Allah the Almighty even greater than before
And they should also strive their level best to fulfil the right of having pledged initiation to the Promised Messiah (as). They should endeavour to improve their spiritual, intellectual and moral states. They should not simply rejoice at the mere fact that they are now free and that there
Is no such restriction upon them, which prevents them from acting in accordance with their faith. If our deeds are not in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Almighty, if we do not endeavour to develop an even purer transformation within us than before
And if we are not expressing the love of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger (saw) more than before then to what benefit is this freedom? What is the benefit of participating in these Jalsas [conventions]? What is the benefit of constructing these mosques? We will only reap the true benefit of this freedom
When we fulfil the right of our Bai’at [pledge of initiation]. The Promised Messiah (as) announced to organise these Jalsas upon the commandment from Allah the Almighty and he did so in order to develop a pure transformation within us; so that we may become those who give precedence to faith over the world;
So that we may acquire the true understanding and comprehension of our faith; so that we may develop the love of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (saw) within our hearts and so that we may improve our spiritual, moral and intellectual states and make every possible effort for this.
Mentioning the objectives of Jalsa and imparting advice to those who pledge initiation to him, the Promised Messiah (as) stated on one occasion: “It should be clear to all those sincere individuals, “who pledge initiation to this humble one “that the objective of doing Bai’at is for the love of the world to dwindle
“and for the love of the Benevolent Master and the Chosen Prophet (saw) to encompass the heart “and for such a state of detachment from the world to be developed, “as a result of which the journey of the hereafter is not considered loathsome.” Thus, this instruction is evidently clear that after pledging initiation
To the Promised Messiah (as), we should not limit ourselves to a mere verbal proclamation. Rather, we should join those who demonstrate sincerity, however one is only able to increase in sincerity and devotion when the love of Allah the Almighty and His Chosen Messenger (saw) takes precedence over everything.
Thus, the Promised Messiah (as) has also included this among the conditions of Bai’at that the initiate shall make the Word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw) the guiding principle in every aspect of one’s life. Every word of Allah the Almighty and of His Messenger (saw)
Can only be made the guiding principle in one’s life when a person develops true love for them. Hence, these Jalsas are organised so that we are repeatedly reminded of what the objective of our Bai’at is.
It is not an ordinary matter for the love of the world to be completely removed [from the heart] and to be superseded by the love of Allah and His Messenger (saw). One needs to greatly strive to achieve this. Moreover, once we have taken the pledge of initiation
Then we should most certainly strive in for this. We must sacrifice our worldly affairs for the sake of our worship. We must sacrifice our worldly engagements in order to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty. We must safeguard ourselves from whatever hinders us from acquiring the nearness of Allah the Almighty.
If our employments and our business prevent us from fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty, then we must protect ourselves from these ills in order to remain in the Jama’at of the Promised Messiah (as). We must remove these hindrances. Similarly, if our egos, our so-called worldly respect and honour and our selfish thoughts
And deeds are preventing us from fulfilling the rights of the creation of God then this is also disobedience to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. Allah the Almighty has also commanded to fulfil the rights of His creation and by disobeying this,
We are not fulfilling the objective of being in the Jama’at of the Promised Messiah (as). The next aspect which the Promised Messiah (as) has drawn our attention towards is the love for the Holy Prophet (saw). The Promised Messiah (as) has clearly stated that the love for the Holy Prophet (saw)
Should supersede and dominate over every other relationship of love. The reason for this is that now, we are able to reach God Almighty only through the Holy Prophet (saw). We are able to reach God the Almighty only by acting in accordance with His commandments and by following his Sunnah.
Now, the Holy Prophet (saw) is the only means for the acceptance of prayers and for a prosperous end. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “Ponder over this that Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an (Arabic – Holy Quran 3:32)
“That is, ‘Say O people! If you love Allah the Exalted, follow me then He will also love you.’” That is, Allah the Almighty will also love you when you follow the Holy Prophet (saw), when you follow his traditions and act in accordance with his commandments. The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“In order to become a beloved of God, the only path is to follow the Holy Prophet (saw). “There is no other path that will enable you to reach God. “A person’s objective should merely be the search for the One and Only God.”
This should be our very objective; to search for the One and Only God and not to search for something else and not to associate someone else with Allah. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “You should refrain from Shirk [associating partners with God]
“and from [harmful] innovations and you should not follow harmful traditions and desires.” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Look, I say it once again that apart from true path “of the Holy Prophet (saw), a person is unable to be successful through any other means.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “We only have one Prophet (saw) “and only one Holy Qur’an, which was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw), “by following which, we are able to reach God.” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “You should remember that apart from the Holy Qur’an
“and following the commandments of the Holy Prophet (saw) and his practises “such as the formal prayer and fasting etc., “there is no other key for unlocking the doors of the bounties and blessings of God. “This is the only path and there is no other way.”
Hence, in order to acquire these blessings, it is necessary to love the Holy Prophet (saw) and owing to this love, act in accordance with his commandments. If we do not do so then the Promised Messiah (as) has clearly stated that it is of no benefit
To pledge initiation to him and that there is no benefit in gathering for these Jalsas. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “I am a devotee of this Beloved (saw) of Allah the Almighty. “Thus, if you wish to uphold your pledge of initiation to me, “it is essential that you also love my Beloved (saw).”
Following this, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “You should develop a state of detachment from the world within yourself. “That is, you should develop a state that detaches you from the amusements “and pleasures of the world. “Every deed of yours should be in accordance with the commandments
“of Allah the Almighty and His Chosen Prophet (saw).” Certainly, earning worldly wealth and engaging in worldly affairs and businesses are permissible, in fact God the Almighty has commanded us to do so. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, also engaged in these worldly endeavors and owned businesses and took part in trade.
They had great businesses which were worth hundreds of thousands and even millions. They traded and possessed properties worth hundreds of thousands and even millions. However, they were immersed in the love of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger (saw)
And they were ever mindful of fulfilling the rights of the worship of Allah the Almighty and acting in accordance with the commandments of the Holy Prophet (saw). They remained cautious of not committing a deed as a result of which their beloved would be displeased with them.
Recently I have been relating accounts from lives of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) in my Friday Sermons. There are countless examples of their standard of worship, their level of obedience and their immense love and passion for the Holy Prophet (saw).
They were always fearful of doing something that might lead to the displeasure of their beloved. Hence, we should always bear in mind that despite all of our worldly engagements, we will not let our love of God Almighty and His Messenger (saw) diminish in any way, God Willing.
In this regard, we must strive, as much as possible, to fulfil the commandments of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger (saw). We have gathered here for three days to improve our condition, to benefit from the spiritual environment of Jalsa, and to improve our practical conditions.
Therefore, we should always be mindful of the purpose for which we have gathered here for three days. The purpose of this is to take advantage of this spiritual environment, strive to improve our practical conditions, and remove our ill habits, and to focus on the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and seeking His forgiveness
Along with performing worship during these days. If this is not our mindset, then it is pointless for us to attend the Jalsa. It is wise to consider these three days as a training camp and to strive to overcome the weaknesses in our practical conditions
That come about when an individual leaves a particular environment. Whilst speaking about the benefits of Jalsa, the Promised Messiah (as) states in one place: “Members should try their best to arrive on this date “for the sake of listening to religious affairs and praying together.”
He stated, “During this Jalsa, one will be able to listen to such truths and insights “which are integral for the progress of faith, conviction and divine insight.” Therefore, the objective of Jalsa is to progress in faith, conviction and divine insight.
On one occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) also stated that the Jalsa is not like other worldly festivals wherein we simply gather like other worldly gatherings and display our numbers. This is not the objective. Hence, everyone attending the Jalsa whether they are men, women, the elderly, or youngsters,
They should focus towards improving their faith, conviction and divine insight so that their love for God and His Messenger (saw) may strengthen further. If we cannot recognize the status of Allah Almighty and His Messenger (saw) if we are not convinced of God’s existence, then how can our divine insight improve?
One can strengthen their faith after progressing in divine wisdom. Therefore, we should not think that we are gathering together merely for the sake of enjoyment and entertainment and nor should we spend our time in idle conversations and then simply return home.
If this is our mindset, then as I mentioned before that attending the Jalsa is pointless. While directing our focus towards performing virtuous acts, which include fulfilling the rights of Allah Almighty and His creation, he states, “One should commit a righteous deed only for the sake of attaining the pleasure
“and acceptance of Allah Almighty and [with the intention that] “God’s commandment is followed irrespective of the fact whether it will be rewarded or not.” Hence, this is the philosophy of genuine love. The love of Allah the Almighty demands us to act according to His commandments.
This includes worshipping God and fulfilling the rights of his creation. One should not simply obey these commandments with the intention to obtain a reward from God Almighty. It is true that Allah the Almighty does not allow an action to pass without rewarding it.
However, true faith demands, as the Promised Messiah (as), stated that one should not commit a good deed to attain something in return rather, [the intention should be that] Our God has commanded us to carry out virtuous deeds. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Faith reaches the state of perfection
“when this concern and worry no longer exists.” One should not worry as to whether they will be rewarded or not. If an individual persists on thinking in this manner, then their faith cannot be reach the highest stage. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Although it is true that God Almighty
“does not allow a righteous act to go in vain as He states: (Arabic – Holy Quran 12:91) ‘Surely, Allah suffers not the reward of those who do good to be lost.’” However, one who performs a virtuous deed should not do with the intention of gaining a reward.
Thus, true virtue is that which is done without any selfish or ulterior motive. Therefore, keeping this principal in mind, we should treat one another with kindness and seek to fulfil each other’s rights. We must do this because this is the commandment of Allah the Almighty to treat one another with kindness
And it is also the instruction and practise of the Holy Prophet (saw) to fulfil the rights of one another and to demonstrate excellent morals, irrespective of whether one receives any reward in return. Allah the Almighty however indeed grants reward for our acts of virtue,
Thus, if God Almighty treats His creation in such a manner, then how great of a responsibility is it for us to adhere to all His commandments for the sake of gaining His pleasure and also to refrain from all that which He has forbidden us from.
Moreover, after having come to these developed countries where in the name of so-called freedom, all forms of immoralities are widespread, there is a far greater need for us to assess our conditions. At times, wealth and opulence can become a hindrance in performing acts of virtue.
When one’s conditions significantly improve they tend to forget their past. One begins to feel that if such and such worldly endeavour is not fulfilled, they will incur a loss, however God Almighty states that He alone is the one Who grants provisions. This is something that is generally witnessed amongst the worldly people
Who direct all their attention so that they do not incur any loss and fail to fulfil the due rights of Allah the Almighty. Regrettably, there are certain individuals among us who abandon their obligatory prayers for the sake of their worldly objectives.
For instance, if they are engaged in some work and the time of prayer approaches, they will neglect the prayer or combine it with another prayer, and in some cases completely forget about it and fail to offer the prayer but will not abandon their worldly activity they are occupied in.
Thus, they should refrain from this. Or, they will perform the prayer in such a hastily manner as if it is a burdensome obligation they have to become free from. As I have mentioned that this is not true love for God Almighty, rather such actions demonstrate one’s love for the world.
Thus, if one wishes to fulfil the due rights of the Bai’at with the Promised Messiah (as), they ought to fulfil the due rights of God Almighty’s worship. The Promised Messiah (as) has drawn our attention towards understanding the true essence of worship which is to worship God Almighty by immersing oneself in His love.
One should worship Allah the Almighty but not in a manner in which one simply seeks to fulfil an obligation, rather one should offer their worship whilst wholly immersed in the love of God. It is only then that one can free themselves from worldly desires and it is then that
One will understand true essence of giving precedence to one’s faith over all worldly things. When one frees themselves from their worldly desires, God Almighty will then grant them provisions from where one could not even imagine. Just as God Almighty states: (Arabic – Holy Quran 65:3-4)
“And he who fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, “And will provide for him from where he expects not.” Further elaborating upon this, the Promised Messiah (as) states: “Taqwa [righteousness] is the means to attain prosperity.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
“Indeed, it is true that God Almighty does not allow His servants to perish and safeguards them “from having to extend their hand before others for help. “It is my belief that if one becomes truly devoted to God Almighty and adopts true righteousness,
“God Almighty continues to grant His blessings and mercy for seven generations and safeguards them.” Unless owing to one’s own misfortune, commits such actions which deprive him from the blessings of the Allah the Almighty. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “One ought to completely eradicate every kind of means,
“except one, and that is the love of God Almighty. “This alone should be the means, i.e. the love of God Almighty, “through which one seeks to attain everything. “Verily I say that one who devotes himself wholly to God, God Almighty stands with them.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“Transform your conditions so that God Almighty bestows His blessings and mercy. “An individual whose purpose of life is to simply fulfil the desires and aspirations of this world, “what benefit will the longevity of his life grant him.” What benefit is there for one to seek a long life simply
So he can attain the luxuries and attractions of this world. “Such a person who does nothing for the sake of God, simply seeks a long life “so that he can eat exquisite foods, sleep as much as he can, have a family,
“own lavish houses and horses, gardens and land, etc. and merely serves his own stomach. “Such an individual is not a servant of God Almighty and nor worships Him. “In fact, he cannot even be called a servant for his personal objectives are “in fact the object of his worship.”
They are only concerned with accumulating property, wealth, houses, cars – the Promised Messiah (as) earlier gave the example of horses because in those times they would use horses but nowadays its cars whereby people wish to have the best cars. This should not be one’s objective.
Indeed, one should most certainly derive benefit from the provisions God Almighty has granted them but these should not become one’s sole objective otherwise one cannot be considered as a servant of Allah the Almighty and one who worships Him, instead such a person would be deemed to only be seeking worldly objectives
And they in fact become the object of his worship. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “Such a person considers the fulfilment of the inner desires and carnal pleasures “as his sole objective and the focus of his worship. “This alone becomes his prime objective. “However, God Almighty has established His worship
As the sole purpose of man’s creation just as God Almighty states: (Arabic – Holy Quran 51:57) ‘And I have not created the Jinn and men but that they may worship Me’” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “God Almighty has clearly proclaimed that the primary objective
“is to worship God Almighty and the entire universe has been created for this purpose alone. “However, the intentions and desires of people are completely contrary to this.” People have become inclined towards fulfilling worldly endeavours and have adopted completely strange and peculiar desires.
Their desire to seek worldly objectives has far exceeded their desire to attain God Almighty. Thus, all of these factors should make us greatly ponder over this and be concerned as to how we can fulfil the true purpose of our lives.
We must not only be concerned about the life in this world and nor should all our deliberations and efforts be spent in how to attain this world, rather we must utilise all our faculties to their utmost in order to attain the true purpose of our lives.
After having come to these countries [in the West], we must become those who fulfil the due rights of His worship whilst striving to become the recipients of God Almighty’s blessings. Just as the Promised Messiah (as) mentioned that our intentions and desires should not be contrary [to our real objective],
Rather we must recognise our Creator and fulfil the true purpose of our creation and also fulfil the objective for which God Almighty has sent the Promised Messiah (as) in this age. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “I have been sent so that I may strengthen the faith of people
“and establish the existence of God Almighty in their hearts. “The condition of the faith of all nations has become extremely weak. “The concept of life in the hereafter has become nothing more than a mere tale. “Each and every person is demonstrating through their practical conditions
“that they do not have the same conviction and belief in the hereafter “as they have in the life of this world and all its splendour and glory. “What they utter from their tongues is completely contrary to the conditions of their hearts “which are overwhelmed with the love of this world.”
Despite verbally proclaiming the name of God, their hearts are filled with the love of this world and this love is demonstrated through their actions. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “The love for God Almighty no longer remained
“in the hearts of the Jews, hence the Messiah was sent in order to bring them back to faith. “Now, in my era, the same condition is prevalent once again. “Thus, I have also been sent to revive faith and establish righteousness in the hearts once again.”
Today, it is our responsibility that where, on the one hand, whilst fulfilling “the due rights of our Bai’at, we increase in our love for God Almighty; “firmly establish the unity of God in our hearts; “give preference to our love for God Almighty and the Holy Prophet (saw) over all worldly comforts,
“on the other hand, whilst bringing about a pure change within ourselves, “we should seek to bring our societies closer to God Almighty. “Today the people of this world deny the existence of God Almighty and each year “a significant portion of people are joining those who deny His existence and abandoning their faith.
“This is the case in Christianity and across other faiths as well, in fact even amongst Muslims . “Therefore, in light of these conditions wherein people are denying the existence of God Almighty, “we should instil the love of God Almighty within our hearts and enlighten the world “also about the existence of God Almighty.
“It is only then that we will be truly doing justice “to our Bai’at with the Promised Messiah (as). “It is not sufficient to merely instil the love of God Almighty and His Prophet (saw) in our hearts, “in fact our duty is far greater than this.
“We must also strive to our utmost to instil the love of God Almighty and His Prophet (saw) “in our children and our future progenies as well.” Similarly, as I mentioned, we must also inform the world about the existence of God Almighty. After having entered the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as),
It is now also our duty to further his mission. May God Almighty grant us the opportunity to do so. During these days of the Jalsa, may we be enabled to increase the standard of our worship and remain firm on them in the future as well.
May we continue to increase in our love for God Almighty and His Prophet (saw) and may the worldly desires and pleasures never overcome us. However, also remember that none of this is possible without the blessings of God Almighty.
Therefore, continue to especially pray so that you may also become the recipients of His blessings and for this one must greatly focus their attention. May God Almighty grant us the opportunity to do so. All praise is due to Allah We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection;
We confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path.
And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other
And to do good to others as one does to one ‘s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you;
Call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.