Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
With the grace of Allah the Almighty, Jalsa Salana Germany begins today. In most countries of the world where the community is established, these Jalsas form an integral part of the programmes of the Community. There was a time when Ahmadis living in India
Had great difficulties in attending Jalsa Salana Qadian due to travel and other costs and for some, it was out of the question. Thus the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) appealed to the members of the Community to save throughout the year to enable them to travel for the Jalsa Salana.
However the situation today is that with the grace of Almighty Allah, in countries which are developed, or those with large Jama’ats, members of the Jama’at can travel by car and other modes of transport to attend Jalsa Salana. And the vehicles add up to such a large number
That the administration needs to make special and strenuous arrangements just for car parking. Many of your forefathers would have endured great personal hardship and adversity to travel to the Jalsa. Despite the deep longing to attend the Jalsa every year, many were not able to do so.
Has this ever led you to reflect on how much ease, comfort, affluence and facilities to travel you have now, and has this in turn inclined you to be grateful to Allah the Almighty and enhanced your faith? Have we aspired to the level of faith and connection with Allah the Almighty
That our elders achieved? Despite the yearning to do so and having believed and accepted him, some of the elders and saints during the time of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) were unable to travel due to financial constraints to see the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Today, on the other hand, in those countries in which the servant and Khalifa of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) participates in the Jalsa members travel from other countries at great expense to attend. There are many such people before me. In fact, many travel from abroad to attend the Jalsa
To learn about the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who don’t yet believe in him. While it is a source of happiness that Allah the Almighty has transformed our circumstances and is spreading the message of Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) rapidly in the world,
There it is also necessary for the progeny of our past elders and saints to assess their own conditions. What is the level of our connection with God the Almighty, the level of our faith and the level of adherence to divine commands?
If, as opposed to the high standards of piety of our past elders, our families are besought with spiritual decline, then this a matter of utmost concern. Our affluence is worthless if we merely accumulate worldly wealth yet our spiritual bank is empty.
Ultimately, a person drowns in materialism and worldly pursuits and forgets God completely. He falls in the estimation of God and ends up in the lap of Satan. For such people, the value of attending Jalsa is reduced to only a tradition or custom.
Thus all of us should strive to make our participation at the Jalsa a source of detecting our flaws and weaknesses and bringing about an inner revolution in our condition. We should become grateful to God the Almighty. Our affluence and prosperity should be a means of inheriting the blessings of God.
We should constantly endeavour and pray that neither we, nor our progeny ever incur the displeasure of God the Almighty. We should be those who fulfil the wishes of our pious elders and recipients of their prayers. We see that by the grace of the Almighty Allah
The community is extending and spreading all over the world. God is opening the hearts of people to join the community of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who hail from the north, south, east and west of the world. They enter the community to invigorate their faith
And strengthen their bond with God the Almighty. May they fulfil the purpose of the Jalsa and may Allah the Almighty continue to open their hearts. Give heed to the purposes outlined by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for the establishment of the Jalsa Salana,
Which are to enhance one’s relationship with God the Almighty; to lead one’s life in accordance with Divine commands. giving attention to fulfilling the rights of brothers and to strive to spread God’s message in the world. All of this demands that we transform ourselves in accordance with Gods commands,
And demands that sacrifices be made. In short, this Jalsa in not a worldly festival nor is it an event where one attains worldly objectives. Those who come here should engage in regular Zikr-e-Ilahi (remembrance of God) as this is necessary to enhance their relationship with God and receive His blessings.
Secondly, always remember that you should strive to adopt virtues throughout the Jalsa and then maintain them on a permanent basis in your life, as commanded by God. With reference to Zikr-e-Ilahi, bear in mind that despite the fact that people may be individually remembering God in their own ways,
It still has a communal effect where it benefits individuals and it also becomes a source of attracting the blessings of God for the entire Jama’at. Thus, whilst listening to Jalsa proceedings or walking outside, engage in remembrance of Allah. Another benefit is that in gatherings in which God is being remembered,
It draws the attention of others. Seeing others remembering God stimulates a person to make similar effort during the Jalsa days. We should avoid useless conversations and meetings during these days, and instead we all should endeavour to make these days purposeful. With the grace of Allah, the good habits we develop at the Jalsa
Live on for a short while after the Jalsa and when one focuses, they can remain for a long period after. Hence it is among the blessings of Jalsa that an individual’s prayers benefit him personally and also become a source of helping further the progress of the community.
Through this, others are also drawn to the true purpose of the Jalsa and to remembrance of Allah. Thus all those attending the Jalsa should spend these days according to the guidance and expectations of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Strengthen your bond with Allah the Almighty
And also fill your hearts with the love of God the Almighty’s creation. Be mindful of your fellow brethren’s sentiments and emotions. If you have any disputes with anyone at this Jalsa, seek to resolve them. When we form a relationship with God the Almighty and show sympathy towards mankind
Only then can we really convey the true message of God the Almighty. However in order to attain these objectives one must strive and make efforts; this is the condition. These Jalsas are organised so that one can benefit from the spiritual atmosphere and the remembrance of God
And this can instil enduring habits that lead one to God the Almighty. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) states in one place, “This world is a temporary abode and will ultimately come to an end. “It carries forth with it the tools of its own termination.
“They are in operation but we are unaware of it “which is why we must hasten in recognising God the Almighty. “Allah’s pleasure is experienced by one who recognises Him, “and anyone who does not turn to Him with sincerity and devotion “does not have his prayer answered explicitly
“and some part of him always remain engulfed in darkness. “If you make even the slightest of efforts towards God, “He will make a far greater effort towards you. “However the initial step must be taken by you.” He further states, “Some people complain they carried out all kinds of virtues deeds,
“they offered their prayers, kept their fasts, gave alms and charity “and performed other religious exercises, but say they received nothing in return. “Such people have always been sceptics “and do not believe in God Almighty’s Divine providence “nor have their efforts been solely for God the Almighty.
“It is impossible for one’s efforts to go to waste if they were made for His sake” “and God the Almighty will reward him in this world.” Thus to establish a bond with God the Almighty, we must devotedly worship Him and sincerely adhere to His commandments.
If our deeds are carried out for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty then we will become recipients of His grace. We must step out of the darkness of the world and sincerely try to seek God’s pleasure. A great favour of Allah the Almighty upon us
Is that He continues to send His messengers and dear ones for our reformation. We are fortunate that we have accepted the person appointed by Allah the Almighty for this age. He taught us and drew our attention to the methods of acquiring the love of Allah the Almighty,
Love of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the love of faith. He also directed us towards fulfilling the rights of Allah’s creations in accordance to Allah the Almighty’s revealed guidance. He also drew our attention to refraining from personal and societal ills
And also those ills that are prevalent in a whole nation. He drew our attention to the rectification of our beliefs and doctrines. So having taken his Bai’at, if we still do not give heed to this, then we are not discharging our responsibilities. Prophets come to bring about a revolutionary change in their believers
And a complete transformation in their conditions. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was also shown by God Almighty that he had created a new heaven and earth and then He said, come let us create a human. This creation of a new heaven and earth and the birth of humans
Refers to that revolution that he was going to create amongst his believers. The most perfect demonstration of creating a new heaven and earth was presented by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He created such a new heaven and earth that even opponents of the Oneness of God began to believe in it.
Those who once worshipped idols and denied that God was One, now proclaimed that God is One whilst enduring all kinds of persecutions. They even gave up their hope of living but remained steadfast on the Oneness of God. Those who were once completely oblivious to the concept of God,
God then descended upon their hearts and the worship and remembrance of God became a more important form of nourishment than actual food. They began to fast during the day and spend the nights offering nawafil prayers. Their wives, out of love for God Almighty and to strengthen their relationship with Him,
Abandoned their sleep at night and employed all kinds of methods to avoid falling asleep. Regarding a female companion it has been said that she had a rope suspended from the ceiling, which she either would hold or from it, she would be alerted. The standard of offering sacrifices for one another was such that
They were ready to offer their property for their fellow brothers. In fact they even did so. However, those to whom it was offered had also undergone a revolutionary change. They would instead thank them and say that may their wealth be a source of blessing for them
But all they require was the direction to the market. They would rather earn for themselves than be dependent on others. Their standards of honesty and trustworthiness were such that once a Muslim purchased a horse from the village for 100 dinar and went to the market to sell it.
Another Muslim told him the horse was beautiful and according to him, was worth around 200 or 300 dinar. The owner of the horse replied the value of the horse is 100 dinar; so how can I accept more money? Those who loved wealth and would even deceive others to acquire a large sum,
Instead reached such heights of honesty that they now declined to take more money than its value. These were the standards set by those people and discharge was by the virtue of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Then he granted the women their rights and established their honour
And status in a society where they had no regard. This was remarkable and in fact continues to be so. Drawing a comparison between today’s society to the society of the time Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Today, men raise slogans that they have granted women their rights.
“However the reality is that previously men would harass women “and beat them considering it permissible. “Today man continues to torment and beat women; “this even happens in Europe and also many other countries were women’s freedom is hailed.” Lawyers who are sat before me are aware of such incidents.
“The only difference is that now in spite of harassing and beating of women, “the men have said it is unlawful to do so.” Previously men harassed women, beat them and took away their rights but considered it permissible. Now he still continues to do all of this but asserts that it is unlawful,
Thus the actions remain the same, but the apparent declaration has changed. So we find a revolutionary change brought by the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) in every sphere. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has stated that, “He raised humans from a condition worse than animals to human kind,
“then to educated humans and then to Godly persons.” This indeed was a miracle of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Godly people now began to do everything according to the will of God the Almighty. Indeed this was the new heaven and earth,
Created through the advent of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). In this age, God the Almighty has told his true devotee to similarly form a new heaven and earth. Is the spiritual and the moral condition of the Muslims today
The same as those of the time of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)? Certainly not; in fact the barbaric conditions that were prevalent before his advent have re-emerged. That is why God the Almighty has sent the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi in accordance to His promise.
There was a time when Muslims offered their lives and all kinds of sacrifices for Tauheed (Oneness of God). They spread Islam and a notable change occurred in the world. Today however, Muslims, instead of Tauheed, are bowing down to graves and seeking help from the dead. They associate partners with God.
They still profess ‘There is no God but Allah’ but it does not bring about any change in them, and the reason for this is that they no longer understand its purport. They are Muslim all but in name. There are many among them that despite declaring servitude
To God the Almighty five times a day in their prayers and in their Azan (call to prayer), they still have idolatrous practices. Some of them are very educated; in fact, many are ministers and ambassadors in Pakistan
And yet they visit pirs and saints and the interaction with them is as if they worship them. Many of them do not even offer their prayers. They consider that they fulfil the obligation of being a Muslim by simply calling Ahmadis disbelievers and by following the religious clerics.
Then there are extremist organizations formed in the name of Islam. They only seem to know one word: ‘Jihad’, and that too in a wrongful interpretation. Instead of keeping people firm on belief in one God, they are turning the world away from religion and Islam.
Thus it was necessary for the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to appear in such a time so that he may form a new heaven and earth. Indeed the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) demonstrated this by bringing about a revolutionary change.
There was a famous thief and many other lesser thieves would give him money as a levy. In one place, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes that, “People would often ask him “if he ever witnessed a sign of Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) truthfulness.
“He would reply by saying that he himself was a sign “of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) truthfulness, “because his life has been completely transformed. “He no longer steals or loots, “and instead is now occupied in the worship of God the Almighty.” And so the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace)
Has also formed a new heaven and earth, and he has transformed the lives of hundreds and thousands thus demonstrating how a new heaven and earth are created. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) formed a new heaven and earth and we have witnessed many signs and also heard and read about them.
We have observed and heard about the life of our elders, which further strengthens our faith. However, this vision draws attention of the members of the community to also build a new heaven and earth. Therefore we need to reflect that after becoming a part
Of the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) community and by taking his Bai’at, what efforts are we making to build a new heaven and new earth? Are we trying to attain the standards set by the companions of Promised Messiah (on whom be peace)
Who created a new heaven and earth by adopting the new teachings of Islam? Has a change or transformation instilled in our souls to the extent that people can’t help but say that they have completely changed, they have created a new heaven and earth?
Therefore, if we have to prove how the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) created a new heaven and earth then we should be the biggest proof of this. The establishment of Tauheed (unity of God) should be our top priority. Our endeavours should be toward strengthening our relationship with God the Almighty.
We should strive hard to follow the commandments of Allah the Almighty. Our attention should be focused towards fulfilment of the rights of mankind. We should not believe in the Promised Messiah (as) only based on his doctrines. Rather, practical transformation from within also needs to be witnessed.
And as I have said, people should acknowledge that he is a completely different person. In one place, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) elaborated this beautifully by stating that, “The signs of Promised Messiah (as) are of two kinds. “The first is those Allah the Almighty fulfils completely by himself.
“The second type is in which we contribute “and these signs are fulfilled through us and we should strive hard to fulfil these signs. “There are several types of knowledge that a prophet comprehends, “otherwise what is the need of a prophet?”
The facts which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) mentioned after 1400 years already existed, but Muslims did not have knowledge nor true understanding of them. For example, the truthfulness of all religions. He stated, “A spiritual leader who has millions of followers
“and for a long time, these followers sought guidance from this leader – “such a person must be truthful regardless of the fact that later, his teachings were altered “and that religion did not exist in its original form. “There is for example Buddha, Zoroaster and Krishna –
“they were all true messengers of God in their time.” Before the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), although the respected elders of different nations did not speak against the elders of other nations and their religious leaders, but they were suspicious of them.
They were not satisfied as they did not know what the truth was. However those who believe in the true teachings of their spiritual leaders, their condition is comparatively better. If their teachings are followed, the world can attain peace and a prominent change can be witnessed here.
However, if the teaching sprouts negative results then it is bad. The teaching of all the former prophets taught against Satan. No one would have followed these teachings if they were the teachings of Satan; as the Promised Messiah (as) has stated. This point was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an,
But no one had knowledge of it or no one could elaborate on it like the Promised Messiah (as) did. Despite the fact that Muslims are against the claim of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), they accept the fact that the foundation of all religions is on truthfulness.
A vast number from the educated class amongst the Muslims say to the followers of the other religions, that look how great our religion is, it accepts the fact that your spiritual leaders were from God. Also there is the concept of Jesus’ (as) ascension to the heaven.
This concept no longer exists amongst most educated Muslims. Even in Pakistan, Muslims clerics have started to say that this matter has ended. No one is coming and no one ascended to the heavens. Hence the change of thinking which has occurred in others due to the advent of the Promised Messiah (as)
Is also a creation of a new heaven and earth. This is the proof and these are the signs that were fulfilled by Allah the Almighty Himself. However the other way of creating this new heaven and earth is by our deeds. We will fulfil these signs.
The followers of the Promised Messiah (as) will fulfil them. By creating a new heaven, not only did we bring a change in our beliefs; rather, we also took Bai’at at the hands of the Promised Messiah (as). On the other hand, the creation of a new earth requires our efforts.
A new earth is integral to the creation for a new heaven to prove to be beneficial. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that, “A believer’s heart is similar to earth.” Therefore we have to shape our hearts to prove beneficial not only by belief alone but through our deeds also.
Allah the Almighty has blessed us that we accepted the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Allah the Almighty wills to shape our deeds into righteous deeds through the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and to fix the earth through our hands.
Allah the Almighty showed us the ways through the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has provided us with the material to do so. It is our duty to put it into use. Now we have to see if we are actually doing this work.
Thus, as I stated earlier, if we are fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty and the rights of mankind, If our dealings with Allah the Almighty and His creation are pure and there is distinct grandeur in it, then we are certainly supporting the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace)
To create a new earth and heaven. Therefore, we need to evaluate ourselves. I direct everyone’s attention towards certain things which the Promised Messiah (as) has instructed. It is fundamental to procure a transformation in ourselves by following every commandment of the Qur’an.
The way which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has elaborated upon this has become a source for us to create a new heaven and earth within us. Every one of us can create a new heaven and earth by adopting it and acting upon it. and this can also prove beneficial for others.
The Promised Messiah (as) says in one place, “I observed that the condition of people is such that they plan but neglect prayer. “Instead, dependence on material resources has increased so much so “that worldly planning is considered divine. “The concept of prayer is mocked and considered useless.
“This is a dangerous poison which is spreading in the world right now. “But God the Almighty wills to eradicate it. “Therefore God established this movement so that the world recognises God Almighty “and that they become aware of the truth behind prayers and its effects.”
Therefore every Ahmadi should keep this objective at the forefront and should strengthen their relationship with God the Almighty. Then he said, “This is the time for a spiritual battle. “The battle has started against Satan, “and Satan is attacking the fortress of Islam with all his weaponry and schemes. “Satan wants to defeat Islam
“but God Almighty has established this movement to defeat Satan permanently in this final battle.” Thus every Ahmadi should strive in this battle and there is a need to advance forwards. This cannot be possible until we create a new earth and heaven from our spirituality.
By saying this movement has been established to defeat Satan, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) made every Ahmadi responsible to oppose Satan through spiritual advancement and drew their attention to raise their standard of fulfilling rights of mankind. While doing this, he said, “Always remember there are two commands of God the Almighty.
“The first is to abstain from creating partners with Him, in His attributes and His worship. “The second is to be kind towards other human beings. “Kindness does not mean to practice it towards your brothers and relatives alone “but towards anyone who is a human being and a creature of God the Almighty.
“Do not think about whether he is Hindu or Christian. “I tell you honestly that Allah the Almighty “has taken charge of providing justice to you in His own hands. “He does not will that you do it yourself,” meaning that you should not try to take your own revenge.
“God will be pleased with you “according to your level of adopting gentleness, humility and courtesy. “Leave your enemies to God.” May Allah the Almighty enable us to fulfil all our obligations. May we become those whom the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) expects us to be in our beliefs and deeds.
May our earth become new and our heavens become new. May we become human beings who support the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in creating a new earth and heavens. May Allah the Almighty bless this Jalsa in all respects. May all the attendees gather countless blessings.
Listen to the Jalsa programs with full attention and try to make it a part of your life. Every speech and programme is very good. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.