Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
Today’s Friday Sermon, is the first of the year 2015. Numerous people have been conveying their New Year’s greetings to me through fax and also verbally. May this New Year also be a blessed one for you all, in every respect.
However, alongside this I would also say that the greetings we convey to one another will only be of benefit if we also assess to what extent we have fulfilled the right of being an Ahmadi, in the previous year,
And to what degree we will endeavour to fulfil this right [of being an Ahmadi] in the future. Therefore, we should try to form such resolutions as of this Friday that will enable us to create such means in the New Year, by which we can constantly become more active
And hardworking towards fulfilling our obligations. It is obvious that our responsibilities as an Ahmadi can only be fulfilled by performing virtuous deeds. However what should be the standard of those deeds? Let it be clear that the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, has himself outlined this standard
For all who join Ahmadiyyat and are Ahmadis. Today, through modern technology and new resources and facilities available to us, every Ahmadi is able to do the Bai’at at the hands of the Khalifa at least once a year and pledges to achieve the standards prescribed by the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace,
To their level best. These standards have been described by the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, in clear terms, for Ahmadis, in the Conditions of Bai’at. Although it is called the ten conditions, even looking over them broadly, shows that there are in fact over 30 responsibilities that they entail for an Ahmadi.
Therefore, if we want to truly commemorate our happiness at the start of the New Year, then these responsibilities should be kept in view. It is not sufficient for an Ahmadi to merely be content on having accepted the belief
In the death of Jesus, on whom be peace, or accepting the Messiah whose advent was prophesied. Undoubtedly, this is the first step but the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, expects us to develop an in-depth understanding of the virtuous deeds and then practically apply them.
And also, to avoid sin and save himself from it as one saves himself from a blood-thirsty beast. When this is acted upon, then not only will we be able to bring about a revolutionary change within ourselves, but we will also become a means of bringing a change to the world
And drawing it closer to God Almighty. Nonetheless, I will elaborate on this matter in more detail in today’s Sermon as a reminder. Reminding is vitally important, because the purpose of our Bai’at should always be in our minds. The first pledge [the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, as] has told us to take,
Is to pledge that we should refrain from Shirk [associating any partner with God]. A Momin, who believes in God and has accepted th Imam of the age by virtue of his belief in God, should not even remotely be associated with Shirk .
How can it be possible that a Mushrik [one who associates partners with God] also obeys God’s command? But this is not the case. However, the Shirk that the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, is referring to
Is not the very obvious and manifest forms of Shirk but in fact, the subtle and imperceptible aspects of it, which in turn weaken a believer’s faith. Expounding on this matter, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, writes:
‘Tauhid [Unity of God] does not simply mean that you say la ilaha illAllah with your tongue but then hide hundreds of idols in your heart. Anyone who gives reverence to his own plans, mischief or clever designs as he should revere God,
Or depends upon another person as one should depend on God alone, or reveres his own ego as he should revere God alone, in all such conditions he is an idol-worshipper in the sight of Allah. Idols are not merely those that are made of gold, silver, copper or stones
And trust is placed in them. Rather, everything, every statement, or every deed, which is revered in a manner that befits Almighty Allah alone, is an idol in the sight of Allah.’ Therefore, today we need to self-reflect, that in the previous year did we entirely rely
Upon our own plans and designs or did we only consider them as mere plans and in fact, by prostrating before God Almighty, only sought to seek Allah Almighty’s blessings through them. A fair minded analysis of our condition would determine the reality of our pledge.
Then, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, took a pledge from us, that we should never lie, or be dishonest. No sensible person would say that falsehood is something good or that he wishes to lie. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, states that normally,
Unless a person is moved by some selfish motive, he would not want to lie. Thus, a person is only inclined towards falsehood when there is some selfish motive or a personal incentive involved. But the highest standard of morals for truthfulness is, that it should be spoken
Even if one’s life, wealth or honour is in danger, they should continue to remain averse to falsehood and never leave the truth. Whether a person is a liar or truthful can only be distinguished when they face a trial and their personal interests are at stake and when despite this
He overcomes it without any blemish on his character, and gives precedence to truth by sacrificing his own interests. Nowadays many people travel here and to other European countries to seek asylum and on the behest of their lawyers they resort to lies and false stories, despite the fact
That I have repeatedly admonished them otherwise. They file their cases based on lies and even then many of these people’s cases are rejected. I have setup a central team of lawyers here, and also in other countries of the world, to help those seeking asylum, offering them guidance regarding lawyers and important advice,
Which would be beneficial to their case. On numerous occasions the President of the committee has informed me that a certain person’s case was rejected because they told uncountable lies. They sought to gain worldly benefits relying on falsehood, without thinking that God Almighty has described falsehood in conjunction with Shirk
Also, there are some people who speak falsehood to obtain benefits. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, states that falsehood is also an idol, and one who begins to depend on this, abandons his reliance on God. Therefore, we need to assess our conditions with such intricacy.
Then, the Promised Messiah (as) took pledge from us to keep away from adultery and fornication. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, states that stay away from adultery. That is to say, avoid all occasions that conjure even the thought in your mind.
Avoid all ways that carry a risk of becoming embroiled in this sin. These days such lewd films are shown on TV and the internet, or can be accessed on it, which results in fornication of the eye, fornication of the mind and also a source of getting embroiled in bad practices.
They are also a factor in the break-up of homes. Many women and girls write in about their husbands, that they spend the entire day on the internet, watching lewd films and some husbands also write in about their wives. Eventually, the matter reaches Khula (separation sought by the women) or Divorce,
Or as a result of these films they begin to behave even worse than animals. The Ahmadi society is generally free from this, apart from the odd case. However, if an all-out effort is not made to safeguard oneself from these
Obscenities present in our society, then there can be no guarantee of purity and chastity. Therefore, with deep concern we need to assess our conditions in this regard also. Then, another pledge that is taken from us is to refrain from trespasses of the eye.
This is why Allah in the Holy Quran commands Ghass e Bassr – restraining of the glances, so that the opportunity does not even arise for us to indulge in lewd glances. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated that
The (hell) fire is forbidden on that eye which, instead of looking at, casts itself down, when confronted with something that Allah Almighty has forbidden. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, states that ‘God Almighty has instructed, that we should not look at women outside the prohibited degree
And also those aspects of their body that are considered their beauty. It is a certainty that unrestrained glances will lead us to falter and stumble.’ He further states, ‘As God Almighty desires that our eyes and our hearts and all our limbs and organs should continue to be in a state of purity,
He has furnished us with this excellent teaching.’ He also states, ‘Islam has enjoined men and women equally in the observation of these conditions. As women are prescribed to wear the veil, so too are men commanded to keep their eyes down.’
Again, we need to reflect on our conditions and also to what extent are we practising this. Then, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, took pledge from us that we will keep away from all forms of wickedness and immorality. To disobey the commands of God is an immorality.
On one occasion the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that to utter profane language and verbally abuse others, is an immorality. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, stated that it is established from the Quran that the wicked should be punished before the disbelievers.
He further stated that when the Muslims transgressed in wickedness and immorality, and dishonoured the commandments of Allah Almighty and reviled His signs and were lost in the affairs of the world and its glamour and attractions, Allah Almighty caused their ruin at the hands of Hulagu, Genghis Khan and others.
Today, the world and the Muslims are in a similar state. Then, another pledge taken from the one who does the Bai’at , is that they shall keep away from cruelty and injustice, indeed cruelty is a grievous sin. To usurp the rightful belonging of others is also a huge injustice.
The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was once asked that what is the greatest cruelty? He replied that the greatest cruelty is that a brother should unlawfully occupy one hand’s length of land from his brother.
On the Day of Judgment, even a pebble from the land he has usurped will be placed as a chain around his neck and also all that which lies beneath the pebble will be placed as a chain
Around his neck i.e. the whole depth of the land beneath the pebble will be formed into a chain and placed around his neck. And no one knows the depth of the earth except Allah. Thus, this is something quite terrifying. Those people should ponder over this, who owing to their egotistical or personal interests,
Usurp the rights of others during legal proceedings. Then, he took a covenant from us that we will not be dishonest. What was the standard of refraining from dishonest behaviour, set by the Holy Prophet (pbuh)? He said, ‘Do not be dishonest with anyone, even if he has been dishonest with you.’
Hence, this is the level we must attain. A person cannot take possession of someone’s entrusted belonging simply on the pretext that he was dishonest to him at some time in the past. To obtain one’s rights, one may resort to the Qaza or the Courts.
If the other party is a non-Ahmadi then one can go to court, or go to court if the Jamaat says so. However, even the thought of committing a dishonest act rattles the foundation of faith of a Momin (believer). Then there is a covenant to safeguard oneself from all forms of disorder and mischief.
There is no question of altercations, disputes and disorder within the Community. What are the teachings of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, regarding conduct towards non-Ahmadis who inflict pain and suffering upon us? The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says:
‘Do not engage in fighting or discord with those who leave and separate from you only because you have joined a divinely established movement; instead pray for them in secret.’ He further says: ‘I am appointed to admonish you repeatedly to avoid all occasions of discord and disturbance. Have patience even if you hear abuse.
Respond to evil with goodness. If you encounter discord, slip away from that situation and respond with gentleness. I am absolutely displeased when I learn that someone has quarrelled or fought, despite being a member of my Jamaat. Almighty Allah does not like that the Jamaat that is destined to become a model for mankind
Should adopt such ways, which are not the ways of righteousness.’ Hence, neither with kindred nor with others [should one act in this manner]. If those of us who in dealing with their wives, their brothers, or with various people in their surroundings;
Were to consider this advice of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, then the few complaints regarding this matter that come to light will not emerge, or at the very least, they will be reduced exceptionally. Then the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, took a covenant from us that we will
Safeguard ourselves from rebellious ways, whether against a junior official of the Jamaat, or the incumbent Government. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, has advised us to safeguard from behaviour that has traces and characteristics of rebellion. Other than Government’s interference in religious matters, it is un-Islamic to act in a manner
Which is breaking the law or incites others to rebel against the Government. Then he instructed us to take a covenant to safeguard ourselves from being carried away by carnal passions. Nowadays, through tv and internet, as I have stated earlier, there are many ways for such passions to take over a person.
Fights, altercations and disorder also happen because a person is overwhelmed by these egotistical passions. Hence, it is the duty of an Ahmadi to strive hard in order to safeguard oneself from the most insignificant thing that can foster passions of the self in a person, to overwhelm him.
Then the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, said: ‘You should also pledge that after accepting Ahmadiyyat, you will follow the commandment of Allah regarding five daily prayers, which should be observed in accordance with all its conditions. Salat is obligatory even on a ten year old child.
Hence, the parents need to supervise their children in this regard and they can only do so by becoming role models in offering prayers themselves. I receive several complaints from children who say that their parents do not offer prayers, or wives complain that their husbands do not offer prayers.
What kind of role models would the children be witnessing? The essence of the commandment to offer five daily prayers for men is that they should do so in congregation in the mosque unless they are unable to do so due to sickness or some other exceptional reason.
If this commandment is fulfilled, our mosques will become filled with worshipers. If the officeholders alone observe this practice, a huge difference can be made. Every now and then I mention this, however we lack in this regard and much effort needs to be made.
The Jamaat Administration and Auxiliary Organisations must pay a lot of attention to this issue. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says, ‘A person who wishes to miss the prayers, has not accomplished much more than animals. There is no difference between that person and animals.
Hence, every Ahmadi needs to make an exceptional effort towards this. Then the Promised Messiah took a pledge from us to offer Tahajjud prayers. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that ‘You should be very regular in Tahajjud,
As this has been the practice of the righteous ones in the past. This is in fact perhaps a saying of the Promised Messiah, who further says: ‘You should be very regular in Tahajjud, as this has been the practice of the righteous ones in the past and a means of attaining nearness to God.
‘This is a habit that safeguards against sin, dispels vices and protects one from physical illness. Thus Tahajjud is not only spiritual remedy but a physical one also. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says, ‘Our Jamaat should make it incumbent upon itself to offer tahajjud prayers.
Anyone who cannot do more, should pray at a minimum two rakaat because he will get an opportunity to make some supplications. Supplications made at this time have a very profound effect. Hence, attention is needed from us in this regard as well.
Then the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, has taken a pledge from us to send Durud (Salutations) on the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, says,
‘He who invokes Allah’s blessings upon me, Allah will confer upon him His mercy ten-fold.’ So there is a lot of importance in offering Durud and it is an essential ingredient for acceptance of prayers. Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, says, ‘Prayers made remain suspended between the heaven and the earth.
Until someone invokes blessings upon the Holy Prophet (pbuh), no part of it ascends. One of the promises that we make in Bai’at is to do Istighfar regularly and constantly. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, says, ‘Whoever clings to istighfar, i.e. performs it regularly and often,
Allah the Almighty grants him a way out of all difficulties, and grants him ease under all difficulties and grants him provisions from sources that he could not imagine. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says, ‘Some people have an awareness of sin, others do not.
Therefore, Allah the Almighty has made istighfar incumbent for all times, so that one should continue to seek Allah’s protection from all sins – obvious or hidden, known or unknown.’ Therefore, the importance of this commandment should always be kept in mind. Then he took a covenant from us to always remember Allah’s favours.
The greatest favour of Allah upon us is, that He has granted us the ability to accept the Imam of the Age. If this favour of Allah is kept in mind, then effort will always be shown towards building a pure and devoted relationship with the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace,
And attention will be paid towards practising his teachings. Then there is a covenant to remain ever engrossed in Hamd (praising God). The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Every matter of importance that is not begun with the praise of Allah, remains devoid of blessings and ineffective.’
Also the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘He who is not grateful for small favours, cannot be grateful for the bigger ones. He who cannot be thankful to men, cannot render thanks for the favours of Allah. Thus praise God..’
Then there is a covenant that we will not cause harm to the general creation of Allah. Then there is a covenant that we will not harm Muslims in particular, due to impulse of any egotistical passions. Wherever possible, forgiveness and forbearance should be practised.
However, in certain circumstances, when one is compelled to punish a person who has exceeded all bounds and inflicted suffering upon another person, for their reformation and betterment, not because of any personal grievances or anger, one should not take matters in their own hands, rather the matter should be reported to the authorities.
If any disciplinary action or punishment is to be meted, then it is the duty of the authorities to do so and it is not the responsibility for everybody to get involved in such matters. One should not seek to take vengeance, instead, meekness and humility should be adopted.
Then, another covenant is to remain faithful to God in all circumstances. In happiness and in sorrow, in every state, hold on to the mantle of God. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,
‘Wondrous is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and it is so for him alone. If he experiences something agreeable which gives him joy and happiness, he is grateful to God and that gratitude becomes a source of further goodness and blessings;
And if he experiences adversity, hardship and loss, he shows patience and steadfastness and that grants him goodness and blessings because he earns merit for his steadfastness. Thus it is the duty of a believer to run towards God in all circumstances.
When this is practised, we will be able to fulfil our promise that we are ready to accept any hardships, tribulations and suffering for His sake and will not turn away from Him during trials. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says,
‘Those who are mine will not separate from me, neither on account of misfortune, nor in consequence of the vilification of people, nor through heavenly trials and tribulations.’ Therefore, we have to remain obedient to the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, for the sake of Allah and we should strive in this regard, InshAllah!
The trials and tribulations should not worry us. And this is our covenant. Then there is a covenant of refraining from practising un-Islamic rituals and customs. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said ‘An innovation in religions, which has nothing to do with matters of faith,
Is to be rejected and is unacceptable. Therefore we should always be extremely mindful regarding this matter. Nowadays, there are many inappropriate rituals and customs during weddings. Ahmadis should safeguard themselves from this. One should not get involved in these customs, imitating others. I have explained this matter before in-depth.
From time to time Tarbiyyat Secretaries and Lajna [officials] should remind Jamaat members of these things every so often, so that Jamaat members protect themselves from these unacceptable actions. Then there is a covenant that we shall never follow our evil inclinations and desires. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, says that
‘Whoever is afraid of standing in front of his Lord