Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
I am receiving many letters and faxes from all over the world these days, congratulating on the successful completion of Jalsa Salana UK and also expressing the benefits derived from watching the Jalsa live on MTA. However, we can only truly avail the benefit and blessings
When we make an outright effort to make all those things we saw and heard a means of bettering our lives. There was nothing political or worldly about what was said [at the Jalsa]. Some of the special guests from among the non- Ahmadi or non-Muslim guests that attend our Jalsa
Are given the opportunity to speak for 2-3 minutes. Almost all of them, after having experienced the spiritual atmosphere, speak about those teachings which are in fact a part of the teachings of the Jamaat and which lead one to higher levels of morality. Nonetheless, we can only benefit from the Jalsa
When we mould ourselves according to our teachings. We must try to inculcate within us everything we have heard. Otherwise, whatever we have presented before our guests and whatever we have listened to which is often praised by our guests will simply be superficial. It will not be a true reflection of our inner self.
A true Momin [believer] is one who’s outer and inner state are the same. Nowadays, the world is paying great attention towards us and through MTA, become a part of our Jalsa. The Ahmadis as well as the world in general listen to it
And some pay very special focus to the UK’s Jalsa Salana. We spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on MTA and try to convey its message. Simply, so that every member of the Jamaat can fulfil the objective of one’s life and each person can hear this message at once.
Therefore, our happiness and congratulating one another on the successful completion of Jalsa should not simply be limited to this. In fact, all those who attended the Jalsa and all those who listened to it through MTA, should continue to remind themselves of what they heard and saw
And try to instil it in their lives. We should be thankful to God Almighty that even in this era of materialism, through a worldly invention He has made provisions for our intellectual, moral and religious development and betterment. When we observe how television, internet, newspapers and other means of publications are helping us,
It only further increases a Momin’s [believer] faith because 1400 years ago God Almighty had given the glad tidings that such inventions would be used in aid and support for the propagation of Islam. Each day we are witnessing the fulfilment of this prophecy in new and better ways.
I will mention the press report later on and that how God Almighty spreads the message. Thus, we should continue to prostrate before God Almighty in gratitude because according to the word of God, this gratitude will bless us with even more rewards and success.
God Almighty states: If you are grateful, I will surely bestow more favours on you. The subject of gratitude not only teaches us how to be grateful to God Almighty but also about gratitude towards fellow humans. The Holy Prophet (saw) said that one who is not grateful to his fellow men
Is also not grateful to God Almighty. There were many volunteers and God Almighty enabled them to try and make excellent arrangements for the Jalsa. There is transport, accommodation, food arrangements, Jalsa Gah [Main Marquee] and various other programmes. There is also the hygiene department, giving water to people in hot weather,
Sound department which ensures that the sound is conveyed to all and then the arrangements for this sound and video to be conveyed to the rest of world through MTA. In short, if all these departments were to be named then there would be a countless list of departments
In which men, women, elderly, youth, girls and boys offered their services and tried to make all the arrangements for the Jalsa to the best of their abilities. All the volunteers from the different departments belong to various professions; there are directors of companies, doctors, engineers, scientists, businessmen,
Self-employed, labourers but they all work as one. In the kitchen, irrespective of one’s status they stand in the intense heat with 100 – 200 pots placed on the fire and are happily moving the spoons in them whilst preparing the food. Young and old are all trying to ensure
That they are able to prepare the best curry for the guests. No one cares whether or not it is hot. In fact, children as young as 14/15 happily do the duty of cooking food and working in the Roti Plant. Then there is a group of volunteers who provide water.
There is also another group of male and female volunteers who selflessly work to clean the washrooms for the guests and some are picking up the litter. Some are involved in traffic control and some men and women are transporting the elderly and disabled on buggies.
Young boys and girls very passionately serve the guests with water in the intense heat. Some men and women have the duty of serving food to the guests. Then, there is the department for security which is a very extensive and important department. In short, as I mentioned before
There are many departments in which the volunteers, irrespective of whether they are trained in it or not, are working with great passion and to the best of their abilities. Then, there is the windup and after the Jalsa there was a lot of rain. There is great difficulty being experienced during the windup.
Due to the rain, some items such as bedding have become wet and therefore incurred loss. It will be difficult to dry the mattresses on such a large scale but nonetheless the Khuddam are trying. The Khuddam came to make all the arrangements prior to the Jalsa and are now working to windup.
The windup is also a huge task because the council only gives a certain number of days in which everything must be cleared. If it is not cleared within those days then it can cause hindrance in obtaining permission for next year’s Jalsa. Thus, every duty is of great importance.
This year a team of Khuddam from Canada offered their services to help at the Jalsa. They were allocated to the windup team and by the grace of God Almighty they have worked very hard. Apart from UK, the rest of the countries do not have to make such vast arrangements
Therefore it was a totally new experience for the team from Canada but they worked with great passion and hard work. Along with the teams from Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya, we should also be thankful to this team from Canada that helped us. Therefore, we are thankful to all of them;
Whether men or women, they are indeed worthy of gratitude. May God Almighty reward all of them. On behalf of the workers, I shall also thank all those guests who cooperated. With a few exceptions, there have been no complaints. The odd complaint does come, however. In relation to the subject of gratitude,
I shall read out the comments of the guests that came from different countries. These included politicians, ministers and various other dignitaries. When one listens to their comments, one is further immersed in gratitude to God Almighty. It is only natural that there will be some flaws in such a huge event.
However, God Almighty covers our faults and the guests only observe the good points and the weaknesses are hidden away. Mr Wilson Muruli from Uganda who is the Minister of Gender attended the Jalsa. He says, ‘I am amazed after witnessing the arrangements ‘for hospitality, security and discipline
‘that how people are rendering such sacrifice voluntarily.’ He further says, ‘I had never imagined that I was going to be part of a Jalsa ‘where I would not see humans working but angels instead. ‘I never saw people asleep at night nor during the day; ‘they were always ready to serve.
‘They never tire and nor complain. ‘Even if you ask something twenty times, they would always offer it with a smile.’ He also said that he visited The Review of Religions and the photo exhibitions. He also visited the Humanity First stall and said, ‘The scale at which the Ahmadiyya Community is working on,
‘it seems as if they will conquer the world in a few years.’ InshaAllah. He further said, ‘There is a strategic effort being made to establish world peace. ‘Guidance and advice is presented to the world ‘and if people start acting on this advice ‘then this world shall become an abode of peace’.
He then said, ‘If I were to summarise the Jalsa Salana ‘then the biggest thing is that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a great model ‘for the rest of humanity in peace, love and brotherhood.’ A guest from French Guiana, Jacques Bertholle attended the Jalsa.
He is a judge of a court in Guiana and was representing the Bishop of Guiana. He says, ‘When I left French Guiana to attend the Jalsa Salana ‘I was suffering pain in my leg. However, it miraculously went away as soon as I came to the Jalsa
‘and there was not even single trace of the pain.’ It is the grace of God Almighty that the non-Ahmadis also benefit from the blessings of the Jalsa which Ahmadis receive. He says, ‘As far as the arrangements for the Jalsa are concerned, ‘I have been an inspector for a long time
‘and therefore critically observe everything. ‘However, the manner in which the volunteers ‘of the Ahmadiyya community worked is indeed praiseworthy. ‘Each person was carrying out their duty in the best possible way. ‘Especially the security arrangements ‘because to organise the security at such a large event is no easy task.
‘Similarly to prepare food for so many people ‘and to serve them on time is no ordinary feat.’ Murhi Busari, who is a very famous chairman of a Nigerian TV – MITV says, ‘By attending the Jalsa I felt as if’ – He is Alhaaj and has performed Hajj –
‘I felt as if I was standing in the plain of Arafat ‘and there is love, affection and happiness everywhere. ‘I have never witnessed such a sight before anywhere in the world. ‘The Khuddam were excellently performing their duties ‘and were full with the passion of dedication.
‘I have never seen such level of obedience to the Imam ‘as witnessed in the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya community and his followers.’ Noel Kilomba Ngozi Mala came from Congo Kinshasa and is the judge of the constitutional court. He says, ‘Being a judge, God Almighty has given me the insight
‘whereby I can tell where the truth is being hidden and where it is being expressed. ‘After attending the Jalsa, ‘I have witnessed the practical demonstration of the teaching of Islam ‘which I was introduced to by the Ahmadiyya Community. ‘If there were any doubts in my heart, they have now gone away.
‘The Islam which the Ahmadiyya community presents, is in fact the true Islam. ‘The world is in need of this message of Islam. ‘I feel that the future of the world depends on this message. ‘We need this Islam and not the Islam of the terrorists.’ The Vice-President of Sierra Leone attended the Jalsa.
He says, ‘The Ahmadiyya Community’s Jalsa is magnificent ‘and it is the only way of uniting all nations on one platform. ‘I have received a lot of love after having attended the Jalsa.’ The mayor of Makeni, which is a city in Sierra Leone, also attended the Jalsa.
He says, ‘All three days were steeped in spirituality ‘and have caused a revolutionary change in my life. ‘I have never seen people show love to one another like this before.’ The Deputy Minister of Sports in Sierra Leone also attended the Jalsa.
He says, ‘Attending the Jalsa was a truly unique experience of my life. ‘Young, old and elderly were all welcoming the guests ‘and were striving with one another to serve their guests. ‘I have never seen such honour and love shown to guests anywhere else ‘whether at a religious event or a political one.’
The Deputy Speaker of Benin’s National Assembly, Eric Houndete attended the Jalsa. He says, ‘The biggest thing I came to note ‘was that the members of the Ahmadiyya Community ‘have great love for their Khalifa. ‘This is not to be seen anywhere else.’
He further says, ‘I have experienced some of the best days of my life ‘after having attended the Jalsa. ‘I have observed all the arrangements and found nothing but perfection. ‘The arrangements for transporting more than 35,000 people was impeccable ‘and the traffic was being guided with great expertise.
‘The level of cleanliness was also very good, ‘despite so many people attending and there was no litter left anywhere. ‘All these arrangements were being done by 5000 volunteers. ‘The volunteers comprised of highly educated people, ‘elderly, men, women and young children.’ He says, ‘This is an extraordinary thing which cannot be seen
‘in any other religious or worldly event.’ An Ahmadi who came from Argentine said, ‘I have spent ten years searching for the true religion ‘and after having entered the Jamaat, I have ultimately found the true religion. ‘I have been impressed by the organisation of the Jalsa Salana.
‘The most impressive thing about Jalsa was the presence of the youth. ‘I have never seen the involvement of so many youth ‘at a religious function than at the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s [Jalsa].’ He also says, ‘Being part of the International Bai’at Ceremony ‘was among the most joyous moments of my life.
‘During the Bai’at, my heart and body were trembling. ‘The ten conditions of the Bai’at are in fact ‘a summarisation of the teachings of the Holy Quran, ‘the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Promised Messiah (as). ‘There is nothing more pleasing to me
‘but to know that I am the first Muslim in Argentina ‘who has had the opportunity to accept Ahmadiyyat. ‘I will inshaAllah go back to my country ‘and will try my utmost to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat.’ Yoshio Iwamura from Japan attended the Jalsa Salana.
He says, ‘The hospitality and the loving and affectionate conduct of the volunteers ‘is an unforgettable memory. ‘The Jalsa Salana UK was presenting a true model of the United Nations ‘with people from different races and backgrounds coming together as one family. ‘The spiritual atmosphere has had a special impact upon my heart.’
Another acquaintance from Japan, Giovanni Monte also attended the Jalsa and has a PhD in medical science and came into contact with the Jamaat at the Tokyo Book Fair. He says, ‘I was researching different faiths and cultures for the last ten years.
‘I no longer had any interest in Christianity and was searching for the truth.’ On the first day of the book fair he was given the Promised Messiah’s book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam and the next day visited us again – our missionary writes –
And said that he began reading the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam last night and found it difficult to sleep without completing it. By the next morning he completed the book and was certain that Islam is a true religion and is the pathway that leads to the truth.
He says that he has read the book 50 times through the course of the year. He says that the philosophy presented by the Promised Messiah (as) has an extraordinary appeal. After seeing the Jalsa, he said that he was in search of the truth and has now found it.
There is no better way of life than Islam Ahmadiyyat. He didn’t do the Bai’at during the Jalsa but the next day after the Jalsa he came to me and said he wanted to do the Bai’at and so he did it in the mosque. A non-Ahmadi acquaintance from Japan, Masayuki Akutsu
Is a professor at a university in Tokyo attended the Jalsa. He is researching Jamaat Ahmadiyya and has also visited Rabwah because of this. He says that upon his return his host and the driver asked him to forgive them if there had been any deficiency in their hospitality.
He says this had an enormous impact on him and now after having come to the Jalsa, he has experienced the same kind of excellent traditions. This shows that the teaching and practice of the Ahmadiyya community is the same. These examples can be witnessed everywhere. Two members of Spain’s National Assembly also attended,
Mr Jose Maria says, ‘After witnessing the organisation of the Jalsa, ‘I kept wondering how would we cope if we had to make all these arrangements. ‘There is not a single example of this in the world at present.’ He then says, ‘We participated in all three days of the Jalsa programme
‘and repeatedly expressed that our governments could not carry out these tasks ‘as orderly as the volunteers are doing. ‘I have learnt a great deal from the Jalsa.’ Thus, the works of the volunteers is a form of silent preaching. The other member of the Parliament, who was a lady says,
‘The Ahmadiyya Community is working tirelessly to establish peace in the world.’ She says, ‘I belong to a very famous and historic city of Spain, Toledo ‘where once people from different faiths: Muslims, Christians and Jews ‘lived peacefully together. ‘We are very proud of that time and it is the golden era of Spain’s history.’
She also said, ‘A thousand years ago, Abdul Rahman I from the Banu Umayya ‘came to Spain and he said that he considered this country to be his home. ‘Today, we want to tell your Khalifa that it is also our wish ‘that whenever you come to our country, you consider it as your home.’
Amir Sahib of France says that 35 members of the same family attended the Jalsa this year. 28 among them had already accepted Ahmadiyyat but their parents and their daughter and her three children had not accepted Ahmadiyyat. The father is quite elderly and before the Friday prayer said that he was very impressed
By the spiritual atmosphere. He then said that after attending the Jalsa and observing the spiritual atmosphere he has realised why his children have become Ahmadis. Since they have become Ahmadis, by the grace of God Almighty, their conditions have completely changed. They adhere to the Islamic teachings so firmly
That no matter how much one is thankful to God Almighty it is not enough and this is all due to Ahmadiyyat. He said that when he was young, he had a dream in which he saw a strange place where there were lots of other people.
After coming to the Jalsa, he now remembered the dream and on the second day of Jalsa he said he saw the Holy Prophet (sa) five times. And so, him and his wife took part in the International Bai’at Ceremony on Sunday and have now joined the Ahmadiyya community.
He also says that during the Bai’at their whole family was present and were crying uncontrollably like children. Ameer Sahib also writes about the daughter who had been mentioned that she had an old link with the Jamaat, however had not done the Bai’at yet.
She says that after the Fajr prayer on Sunday, her husband and daughter came to her and said they wanted to talk to her about something and then started crying. After enquiring from him, he said that the reason he did not do the Bai’at yet
Was because he wished to do the Bai’at with his wife and children. After attending the Jalsa, he really wanted to do the Bai’at but it was his ardent desire to do the Bai’at along with his wife. Therefore, he extensively prayed after the Fajr prayer.
After the prayer his wife said to him that she wanted to speak to him. He said that he also wanted to speak to her. His wife said that she wanted to do the Bai’at . He told her that he was also going to say the same thing
That he wanted to the Bai’at and had been praying that they could do the Bai’at together and God Almighty had now accepted his prayer. She replied that she too had been praying for this. Therefore, they were in a very emotional state. Comments of the delegation from Greece.
There was a delegation from Greece that came for the first time. Doctor Akram Sheriff says, ‘I have never seen such an organised Jamaat of Muslims ‘than the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. ‘Every person greets each other with so much love and brotherhood, ‘irrespective of whether they know each other or not.’
There was also a delegation of three people from Slovenia. Mr Zmago Pavlicic has been working as a translator for some time and has also been working on the translation of the Jamaat’s literature. He says, ‘Prior to attending the Jalsa, ‘my introduction to the Jamaat was limited to reading about it.
‘However, after having attended the Jalsa and observing the atmosphere of the Jalsa, ‘I am certain now that whatever I had read about the Jamaat is in fact a reality. ‘For instance, the motto, Love for All Hatred for None ‘was something that I had only read or heard
‘but after attending the Jalsa and meeting different people ‘and seeing the atmosphere of the Jalsa, ‘I have been able to see the practical demonstration of this motto. ‘Every member of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya adheres to this motto.’ When we listen to these comments, every Ahmadi should assess himself
And it is their duty to continue this impact that has been created. Among the delegation from Slovenia was a university professor, Ms. Andreja Borec, she says, ‘It is the first time I have attended an Islamic programme’ – she is a female –
‘and it is the first time I have had a positive introduction of Islam. ‘The Jamaat is truly serving humanity.’ She then said, ‘Children were serving food in the dining hall ‘and would repeatedly say to us that if we wanted anything, we should tell them.
‘Similarly, small children were serving water in the main hall. ‘I feel that all of this is very important ‘for the upbringing and development of children.’ A police officer who came from Sweden said, ‘I have seen the practical demonstration of the message you give.
‘I wish that this message reaches all the countries of the world.’ He is a police officer and said, ‘I would hand in my resignation ‘if this message was to reach Sweden ‘because there would be no longer any need of policing
‘and the money that is spent to pay the wages of the police officers ‘could instead be used for fulfilling the needs of the poor and elderly ‘if our society becomes peaceful and shows love to one another.’ Therefore, not only does this make every Ahmadi more grateful
But they should also strive to remove any small weaknesses or faults that they may have. Guests from Switzerland, Mr. Branislav Beli linked to the Press Media attended the last day of Jalsa. He said I have participated in various events around the world.
However I have never experienced such an event. It was an astonishing spectacle. When people were asked back quietly, they would silently cooperate. When they were told to move on they would immediately comply. No one showed anger at all at why they were being stopped.
I did not see any duty worker or Jalsa participant speaking angrily to anyone else. I have visited many countries – but never have I have observed such a peaceful and excellently organised event. A non-Muslim Swiss acquaintance called Michael Scharrenberg attended the Jalsa. He said that he found the scene of international Bai’at,
Where people displayed their dedication to their religion and their Khalifa, very moving. A new Ahmadi acquaintance from Micronesia, who has served as the Mayor of Micronesia said that, after having witnessed this Jalsa, ‘I vow that when I go back to Kosrae (name of the town),
‘I will inform my family and other people about true Islam.’ He said that he would try and put right the wrong impression of Islam. So our Jalsa became a great source of proselytization. A journalist from Jamaica also attended the Jalsa.
She said that her cameraman was a bit reluctant to attend a Muslim convention. However during the Jalsa, he noticed that everybody was very kind and caring towards him; this made him ask, ‘Are these people for real ‘or are they just showing off such love for us?’
To which our missionary replied that, ‘Kinship and brotherhood ‘are the basic teachings of Islam; ‘why don’t you attend the whole Jalsa ‘and decide for yourself if our people are for real or not?’ At the end of the Jalsa the cameramen said that, there is no doubt that all the love, brotherhood and affection
Shown to each other was not for show but it was definitely real. The journalist also interviewed me and said that when she will go back home, she would make a documentary and will write about our community. This way, new routes for preaching have opened up.
She says that she promises that she would try her utmost to spread the teaching of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Jamaica. She is a Christian and you see how she is becoming a source of our preaching. An acquaintance from Panama attended the Jalsa and said that, ‘In this day and age,
‘it is almost impossible to find a convention with such peaceful atmosphere. ‘There are many Muslims in our country ‘and people don’t have good impression of them and hate them. ‘When I was invited to attend a convention of Muslims, ‘I thought that these people will also be like the Muslims of Panama.
‘However, when I arrived here, I was astounded. ‘The atmosphere of peace, love and affection that I saw here ‘was beyond my imagination.’ He says that, from now on if somebody presents a wrong impression of Islam, he will defend Islam vigorously that all Muslims are not the same. From Kazakhstan, Tana Shiwama Sahiba,
Who is a Professor in a state University and is a member of New York Academy, also attended the Jalsa. She was elected Lady of the World in 2000. Expressing her impression, she says that in her life of 75 years she has seen many places;
However only during Jalsa, she witnessed true love and helpfulness to humanity. This was an amazing scene. Many students were given medals for academic excellence. This will help them to appreciate this honour and will enthuse them to build their lives on these principles. She said that she feels spiritually revived after attending this Jalsa.
A student from Guatemala says that to attend the Jalsa was an excellent experience for me; this has helped me to enhance my spiritual life for the future. The 28 member delegation from Croatia attended the Jalsa; the delegation included the members of Parliament.
Mr. Pandek says that it was his first opportunity to attend a Muslim ceremony. He said that if everybody would follow the advice given in my concluding address then this world will become a peaceful place. He was very impressed. A journalist from the National TV of Sierra Leone SLBC also attended the Jalsa.
He said that, you have done a great favour by inviting me to attend the Jalsa. He said that during the Jalsa, he made a strong conviction that he must join the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and on the day of international Bai’at , he took the Bai’at.
Paul Sanger-Davies, who has served as a Group Captain in the British Royal Air Force says that ‘I have to express that I’ve seen hundreds of functions ‘but I have never seen a convention so organised. ‘I really enjoyed that we talked about the topics ‘such as what dangers are we facing today
‘and what are the solutions to survive these dangers. ‘In this regard, many sensible opinions were expressed.’ Two Members of Parliament from Ivory Coast attended the Jalsa. One of them was Kouakou Kouakou Ouattara; he says that attending Jalsa was the most important moments of his life.
He says that he has been an Ahmadi for many years but it’s the first time that he saw such spiritual environment. He says that his faith has been consolidated by attending the Jalsa. The editor of the newsletter of British society of Turin Shroud,
Hugh Farey says that, ‘I am an expert in Turin Shroud ‘and of all the forums where I have given information regarding Turin Shroud, ‘this was the best forum.’ He said that, ‘These three days were exceptional for me from an academic point of view.
‘I have learnt a lot about the shroud from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. ‘This meeting has given me new ideas ‘and has opened the avenues for new research.’ There were other personalities who are experts in the Turin Shroud who also attended the Jalsa;.
One of them was Barry Schwartz, he is known as the authority on Turin Shroud. You all have heard his speech. He says that one of the main reasons he attended the Jalsa was to tell people about the Turin Shroud. He says that he has to admit that he has learnt many times more
From you people here than what he could tell them. I talked about press and media. With the grace of Allah through press media, the Jalsa has been introduced widely. We should be grateful to Allah that how Allah has made this message spread across the world.
The news about Jalsa, the video clips, television, and online videos have reached 3 million people through seven programs. Through 34 radio programmes, the message reached 2.79 million people and through print and online media, through 14 forums, the message of Ahmadiyya was taken to 7.7 million people. Through social media, through 1195 users,
The message of Jalsa reached 5 million people. So through these forums daily, 12.6 million people received the proceedings of Jalsa, news and messages as well as pictures and video clips. Apart from Africa, other countries where media covered the news of Jalsa are England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, USA, Canada, Pakistan, India,
France, Jamaica, Bolivia, Greece and Belize. One of the most important channels is BBC News 24 which gave the news about Jalsa three times. This is first time that this has happened. Initially it was approved that news would be broadcast once but then afterwards permission was granted to broadcast this news again.
International news agency of France, AFP also gave news about the Jalsa. AFP also issued a video report which has been shown on multiple websites on USA, UK and India. This has been shown on Yahoo news, NBC News and MSN News. There were 34 radio interviews through the BBC,
Three national radio stations, 24 radio stations and some local radio stations. These also include an interview on BBC Radio Four which is the most listened to radio station of the United Kingdom. On this a 20 minute interview was broadcast. Along with this, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio Asian Network also broadcast interviews.
BBC Radio station network broadcast an interview for more than one hour duration and through 33 radio stations, 2.7 million people received the message of Islam. Amongst these, there was a programme that started with my interview with the BBC journalist Carolyn Wyatt. She interviewed me and this was broadcast widely.
After this the Muslim organisations are making a fuss that they should all join together; referring to me, they say that I should not represent Muslims but they will come together and represent Muslims. There were articles into Asian and Catholic newspapers, two articles were published on Huffington Post
And this message got to others through social media and Twitter. Apart from this, through the UK press and media the message has been given to 2-3 million people. In many African countries, the national television covered the live sessions of Jalsa including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Congo Kinshasa.
They relayed live sessions live from Hadiqatul Mahdi. An acquaintance from Ghana, Nana Osei Akoto called in to say that, ‘I follow the religion of Christianity, ‘but I feel extremely emotional after seeing the live broadcast of your Jalsa. ‘It has made it difficult for me to stop my tears.
‘Indeed there is no doubt that this Muslim community ‘is in the forefront of presenting Islam. ‘I pray that I can become a preacher of your community ‘and spread the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.’ A lady from Tamale, Ghana, Hamadtu Sahiba said that,
‘I saw the proceeding of the Jalsa of the Ahmadiyya Community on Ghana TV. ‘This really impressed me. ‘I am a Muslim and after seeing the proceedings of the Jalsa, ‘I wish to become an Ahmadi Muslim.’ An acquaintance rang from Uganda and said that,
‘I saw the Jalsa proceedings on the TV and I wish to enter your community.’ Then this caller visited the Mission House and took the Bai’at to enter the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. One caller from Ghana said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community represents the true teachings of Islam.
He said, ‘I used to refuse to listen to anything about Islam ‘because I see that Muslims are committing atrocities in the name of Islam. ‘However, after listening to the Islamic teachings that you present ‘I have changed my mind.’ One Ahmadi lady writes from Ghana that,
‘Today I am watching the proceedings of the Jalsa Salana on the TV from my room. ‘I’m feeling as if I am physically present at the Jalsa. ‘My heart is full of delight and my eyes are wet with tears.’ With the grace of Allah the national TV of Sierra Leone SLBCS
Broadcasted 36 hours of live Jalsa proceedings. Many people call from Sierra Leone on the free telephone line to express their good wishes. One person Jibraeel Sahib says that, ‘I wish to thank all those people ‘who worked hard to make it possible for us to watch this Jalsa live.
‘We feel as if we are in the company of the Khalifa in the UK’ – he is Ahmadi – ‘and benefiting from the blessings of Jalsa sitting in our homes.’ Jalsa proceedings were shown also in the four big cities of Congo Kinshasa. In two of those cities my concluding address was relayed live
And in the other two cities, whole of the proceedings were shown live. When my concluding address was relayed in Kinshasa, the booking was for two hours. The two hours were up, but my address was still continuing, at this the TV crew was requested if they were able to give more time,
So that the whole of the concluding address could be relayed live. They replied that normally our programs are scheduled and we don’t increase the broadcasting time like this. However, as the speech of your Khalifa is still on and this has an impact on us,
We would like to give you more time so that the whole address could be relayed. The feedback for this has been quite positive. One person rang and said that, ‘I am a Muslim, ‘but I have never seen anybody say such positive things like today; ‘I wish to join the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community straightaway.’
In another city of Congo called Bacongo, Jalsa was relayed live through GKTV and the head of the broadcasting organisation said that, ‘I have to admit that my preconceived ideas about Islam ‘have changed all of a sudden. ‘By listening to the addresses of the Khalifatul Masih,
‘it has become clear to me that Islam is a beautiful religion ‘and this teaching attracts the heart.’ He says that they could hear the broadcast of MTA programs from many homes, particularly of my concluding address. One acquaintance said that, ‘I saw your Jalsa on TV.
‘I was particularly pleased to see that there is at least one person in this world ‘who is giving such beautiful teachings.’ In African countries, many radio stations relayed live Jalsa proceedings for three days. In Mali from 15 radio stations Jalsa proceedings were relayed
And nearly 10 million people listened to the Jalsa proceedings live in their own languages. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, four radio stations relayed the complete proceedings of three days of Jalsa Salana. They have a very vast audience. Similarly, radio stations in Sierra Leone also relayed the proceedings of Jalsa.
Therefore, with the grace of Allah the message of Jalsa was relayed to millions of people. With the grace of Allah the press and media team did very good work; the MTA team worked hard and particularly the person in charge of Africa worked really hard. May Allah reward them for their hard work.
Therefore, with the grace of Allah, through this Jalsa, the Jama’at has been introduced to a wider community. As I have said before, many people worked hard to make it possible; this includes workers from MTA and from the press section.
The youth who are working the press sections are the young men from the UK. They are fulfilling their role in an effective manner and may Allah increase their abilities and make them shine. Now I would wish to state some administrative matters for the organisers and the guests.
It has been brought to my attention that in the main marquee there was a shortage of chairs, therefore some disabled and sick people were unable to take a seat to listen to the Jalsa. It appeared that some young people were sitting in the chairs.
It was said that young people have been issued the card therefore they cannot be asked to get up. Therefore, please ensure that the number of cards issued matches the number of available chairs or increase the number of chairs. If there is not enough space in the main marquee
Then a separate marquee can be set up for disabled and ill people. This should be a point to consider for the next year. Secondly, one TV screen is not enough; there should be more than one screen for the main marquee. By and large the arrangement for toilets were better this year
However there were occasional complaints of lack of water pressure or tissue paper. In the main bazaar one complaint was made by non-Pakistani Ahmadis against Pakistani Ahmadis. Pakistani Ahmadis did not queue up and did not show discipline and were pushing and pulling. It is important that Pakistanis should improve their behaviour
Because impatience and lack of discipline is not consistent with the spirit of Jalsa. I said it on the first day as well that you should show patience and resolve and try and give others their rights more. With the grace of Allah the system of transport was praised by many people this year.
Some workers complained about the poor behaviour of some guests; even if it was one guest who behaves inappropriately that creates the wrong impression. Thankfully the poor behaviour was not witnessed by our external guests. To obey the directions given by the workers are the responsibility of every guest,
Even if the guest is related to an officer, or has a high rank, belongs to a great family or is even related to me. Instead of listening to the duty holders and creating a nice atmosphere, some people behaved in an inappropriate manner. This is not right.
In response to their poor behaviour some young people, who were on duty, also became emotional and said that if people do not listen to us then we will not do the duty. This is also the wrong way to think. Such situations are part and parcel of Jalsa duty; people have different personalities,
Therefore duty holders should show resolve and courage. If the workers see that something is being done in a wrong way, they should report it to their superior officer, who should deal with it accordingly. Anyway, this Jalsa Salana was an occasion to bring the blessings of God. May every person, who attended this Jalsa
Either physically or through the television, bring about a pious change. The message of true Islam has reached many people through media, may Allah The Exalted give these people wisdom so that they can develop a true comprehension of Islam and are enabled to accept this true message.
After the Jumu’ah prayer, I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of Sayyeda Farida Begum Sahiba. She was the wife of Mirza Rafiq Ahmad Sahib. She was the daughter of Syed Jalil Shah and was the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). She was the paternal granddaughter of Mir Hamid Shah
And great-granddaughter of Mir Hassamud Din. She passed with 3 days ago. She was the maternal granddaughter of Syed Habibullah Shah and great-granddaughter of Dr Abdus Sattar Shah; so she was the daughter of the niece of Hazrat Umme Tahir (ra). Mir Hassamud Din had a special bond with the Promised Messiah (as);
In his youth when the Promised Messiah (as) was sent to Sialkot by his father, he stayed with Mir Hassamud Din sahib. This is why Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) specifically mentioned this special bond. Sayyeda Farida Begum Sahiba was the maternal granddaughter of Syed Habibullah Shah,
Who was a paternal uncle of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (ra). At the time of the Nikah ceremony of Razia Begum Sahiba, her mother, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) said that we have a special bond with this family therefore I have come to lead the Nikah personally despite being unwell.
The Wali of the girl at the time was also Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) himself. May Allah The Exalted elevate the status of the deceased lady. Her daughter-in-law wrote that she was a very religious person and particularly in her last days, she read a lot.
She read all the books of the Promised Messiah (as) three times. She also read Mulfoozat and Tafseer Kabeer. She used to listen to the Friday sermons regularly. May Allah The Exalted treat her with mercy and forgiveness and be the guardian of her children.
One of her paternal grandson is studying in the Jamia Rabwah and a maternal grandson is studying in Jamia Canada. 1:03:09.600,1193:02:47.295 May Allah The Exalted make these children true servants of the Jama’at.