Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger. After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path – The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. Ameen A majority of the Ahamdis here are either those who are born Ahmadis or whose families accepted Ahmadiyyat when they were very young, and they were brought up in an Ahmadi environment.
Many of them are of Pakistani origin, they have been granted permission to live in this country and become its citizens because, after coming here they reported that they were or are not allowed to freely practice or express their faith and the Islamic teachings. There may also be some, who directly faced court proceedings.
Therefore, a majority of the people here have been granted permission to stay or the government here has shown compassion, because you say you are Ahmadis. Thus, declaring yourselves as Ahmadis places certain responsibilities upon you. Those Ahmadis, are also not exempt from these responsibilities, who have come to this country
Due to their academic or other expertise, and have then found opportunities to further enhance their academic abilities or expertise, and they also associate themselves with Ahmadiyyat. Similarly, there are new Ahmadis, when they do Bai’at [pledge of initiation] and enter the community because they have belief in the truthfulness
Of the Promised Messiah’s (as) claim, they have the responsibility to fulfil the dues of Bai’at . God will not free them of their responsibilities, if they say that they only acted in such a way because that is what they saw the born Ahmadis or long-term Ahmadis do.
In this day and age it is important to understand the Promised Messiah’s (as) commentaries, explanations and writings regarding the Holy Quran and practical example of the Holy Prophet (saw). It is important to analyse and study them and these are available to everyone, so no one has any excuse not to.
However, I would say to the long-term Ahmadis that if anyone ever stumbles because of your actions, then you will also be culpable for that wrong act or sin. Therefore, the long-term Ahmadis whom God Almighty has blessed, because their forefathers accepted Ahmadiyyat, or they accepted Ahmadiyyat at a young age,
And due to God Almighty’s grace and benevolence they have come here, and found better conditions, they should not forget that, they are indebted to the Jamaat. In order to show their gratitude for this favour they should try to bring about an extraordinary pure change in their conditions.
They should also tell their children about God Almighty’s favour upon them, as they are a part of this community. They should also inform them of their responsibilities, that they should always try to fulfil the pledge of initiation, that their forefathers made, when they entered the community.
They should be thankful to God for improving their financial situations after coming here, by instilling this teaching in their children as well. They should tell their children to be thankful for the opportunities they have received to enhance their academic abilities by always forming a strong connection with the administrative system of the community.
That they are to always keep a bond of loyalty and obedience with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Similarly, while attributing oneself to Ahmadiyyat each and every Ahmadi is obligated to maintain a strong relationship with the Nizam-e-Jamat. As well as, to always keep a bond of loyalty and obedience with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.
This is the pledge which one makes during the Bai’at ceremony. By the grace of Allah, the newcomers, are particularly those who have come to understand and accept the claim of the Promised Messiah (as) with full certainty and they continually ponder over their pledge of allegiance and the conditions [pertaining to it].
Many people continue writing letters to me. However, a large number of those who were born Ahmadi, or those whose parents, in their youth, had accepted Ahmadiyyat or those whose parents, after having come to this country, became more preoccupied with their worldly affairs; neither do they generally consider the conditions of Bai’at
Nor do they [truly] understand the pledge of Bai’at and nor do they remember the blessings of Allah the Exalted as a result of Ahmadiyyat. Despite the fact that now the Bai’at ceremony ca be seen, as well as heard everywhere on MTA,
They do not endeavour to pay attention to the Bai’at and the reality of Bai’at, and nor to implementing it accordingly. Similarly, there are some who do not seek to create their bond with Khilafat in the manner that would do justice.
This does not relate only to those who have taken asylum in these countries but to all Ahmadis. I have only cited the example of those who have been granted asylum because the majority of those sitting before me at this moment, are those of have been given asylum.
And today their conditions have improved because they attribute themselves with the Jama‘at, otherwise such people are found everywhere, within different groups of people. Therefore, when every person makes an assessment of himself, he will find where he stands.
At the moment for the purpose of this assessment, I will only present one condition of Bai‘at . Do not take a cursory glance at this, carefully consider and then assess your own selves. If the answer to this question is in the affirmative then such people are fortunate,
And are from among those who garner the favours of Allah the Exalted. If there is a weakness then try to reform. With regards to the tenth condition of Bai’at , the Promised Messiah (as) states, “That one shall enter into a bond of brotherhood with this humble one,
“pledging obedience to me in everything good for the sake of God, “and remain faithful to it until the day of one’s death. “And one shall demonstrate such a high devotion in the observance of this bond “as is not to be found in any other worldly relationship “and connections that demand devoted dutifulness.”
Therefore, these are those words which have placed on us, the responsibility to nurture a selfless, intense love, and bond with the Promised Messiah (as). He is taking a pledge from us to, for the sake of Allah, establish a high standard of brotherhood and a loving bond.
[Here] the oath being taken, from us, is to affirm that one will obey every M‘aruf decision. This means, [obedience] with respect to everything for which God has appointed the Promised Messiah (as), and also with regards to everything the Promised Messiah (as) guides us on, in light of the teachings of Islam.
Further, not only to accept [the instruction] and not only to completely obey it but to strive to remain established upon it until our last breath. Moreover, one will also pledge that the standard of this bond and relationship of love, will be
Of such a high status that, the example of which cannot be found in any worldly bond or relation. Nor would one find an example of this bond in a case where one forms a relationship with another on account of his sincerity.
Nor would one find an example of this bond, in a case when a person becomes indebted to another and gives himself over to the other. Thus, we pledge that after the Holy Prophet (saw), the highest form of love can only be shown to his true and ardent servant [the Promsied Messiah (as)].
These are the standards which we must try to establish. How should one’s relationship be with the Promised Messiah (as) after entering his Bai’at? Everyone can self asses themselves in light of what was mentioned. Do we have these standards or do we forget them in the face of worldly relations,
Worldly benefits and worldly interest? Do worldly relations and objectives predominate over our relationship of love and obedience? People only do something when, either they have a personal interest and gain from it or, as is mostly the case, when something is not according to their liking, it is done out of fear.
They are compelled to do it otherwise they will be questioned and it’s possible that they may even be punished. Or, it is done due to one’s passion of love, sincerity and devotion. If one has true knowledge and understanding of faith then one will carry out
His religious duties purely because of his passion of love, sincerity and devotion. Therefore, the Promised Messiah (as) expects us to enhance these passions after doing his Bai’at. Until we develop this passion of obedience, sincerity and devotion,
These words of advice will have no effect and nor will one make an effort to act upon them. Thus, if we want to act upon this advice; we want to listen to his words and if want to fulfil our pledge then we must improve the standards of our obedience, sincerity and devotion.
Can any Ahmadi ever imagine that the Promised Messiah (as) would say something contrary to the Quran and Sunnah [character of the Holy Prophet (saw)]? Certainly not. Therefore, every Ahmadi should understand that ‘Maroof’ obedience means to show complete obedience with full love and devotion.
Complete obedience can only be possible when one is constantly searching for every commandment of the person to whom obedience is being shown. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to find out the expectations the Promised Messiah (as) has from us, and his commandments and try to act upon them.
Otherwise, it will be just a mere claim that we obey every word [of the Promised Messiah (as)]. If we do not have any knowledge of them, then how can we obey them? What is to be obeyed! Thus, being an Ahmadi, one of the conditions is that we should increase our knowledge.
The relationship we have formed for the sake of God Almighty should be strengthened in order to seek His pleasure and we should sincerely mould our lives accordingly. The guidance that the Promised Messiah (as) has imparted to the community, and the
Expectations that he has form its members, can be found in his various books and discourses. I shall present some of them before you. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Our community should not be limited to speech [i.e. just limited to the words], “rather they should fulfil the true purport of the Bai’at .”
What is the true purport? The Promised Messiah (as) states, “…to bring about an internal change. “You cannot please God Almighty simply through words. “If you do not bring about a change in you, then there is no difference between you and others.”
The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Everyone should carry their own burden to fulfil their pledges.” Thus, to adopt the right doctrine; to take the Bai’at ; to accept the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (as); to silence others in a discussion or debate, holds no value if there is no change
And improvement in one’s practical conduct. The Promised Messiah (as) stated that in order to bring about a change within yourself you must strive and make an effort for it. Supplicate for it in your Salat , give alms and use all other means to become among those,
“And as for those who strive to meet us” What does “And as for those who strive to meet us” mean? God Almighty states that those who strive in My way results in… “We will, surely, guide them in Our ways.”
The Promised Messiah (as) has further elaborated on this elsewhere, “How can it be possible that one who is extremely careless “and indolent receives God Almighty’s beneficence?” A person who is indolent can never benefit from it. He states that how can it be possible that an indolent person garner God Almighty’s beneficence-
“as compared to one who searches for Him with all his mental abilities, effort and sincerity.” Therefore, when the Promised Messiah (as) says to listen to him and follow him and form a relationship of obedience, it is so that he can show us the ways to find God Almighty.
So that he can tell us how to attain God Almighty and become the recipients of God Almighty’s grace. So that we can become those who offer their Salat on time and in the proper manner. So that we pay focus on alms and charity in order to attract God Almighty’s love.
In other words, our relationship with the Promised Messiah (as) and obedience to him, strengthens our relationship with God Almighty. The Promised Messiah (as) states that be mindful of two things. Firstly, become models of true Muslims. Secondly, spread the qualities and excellences of Islam in the world. Preach and convey this message.
If our knowledge is lacking and the condition of our physical conduct is a cause for concern, then how can we become models of true Muslims? How can we tell the world about the message of Islam and its excellence? The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Our Jamaat should take this matter very seriously:
“whether they have Taqwa [righteousness] or not? This should be our greatest concern.” Thus, this does not require any detailed explanation. Everyone is able to make their own assessment whether they are concerned for the world, or are they more concerned for the betterment of faith?
Also, is this concern only limited to them or does it extend to their children? Do they have the fear of God Almighty? Do they pay focus to winning the pleasure of God Almighty or does it become secondary to worldly relations? The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Avoiding unwarrantable fury and
“anger in daily matters is also a branch of Taqwa [righteousness].” Those who become angry over trivial matters should reflect upon their condition because they are also moving away from Taqwa [righteousness]. I have presented before you some of the advice given to us by the Promised Messiah (as).
If we focus on it, it will strengthen our relationship and love for the Promised Messiah (as). The Promised Messiah (as) had heartfelt concern for our lives in this world and the hereafter. He had more concerns for us than a father may have and was more anxious for us than a mother.
He repeatedly advised us, so that he could us take us away from wrongful deeds and put us on the path of God Almighty’s pleasure. After this expression of concern and love there should be no reason for an Ahmadi to not attain the high standards of bond and obedience [with the Promised Messiah (as)]
So that their lives in this world and the hereafter can be reformed. It is God Almighty’s favour on us that after the Promised Messiah (as), He has established the institution of Khilafat among us. The institution of Khilafat is furthering the works that were commissioned to the Promised Messiah (as) by God Almighty.
Therefore, by having a relationship of sincerity and obedience with Khilafat we can continue on our journey in order to attain our objectives which the Promised Messiah (as) stated, is to become models of true Muslims and spread the message of Islam in the world.
Every Ahmadi also takes the Bai’at on the hand of the Khalifa of the time, and it is important to fulfil this pledge. Therefore, any instruction, advice and programmes issued by Khilafat should be implemented in order to fulfil this pledge.
Every Ahmadi pledges at the time of Bai’at to abide by the conditions of the Bai’at and will obey the Khalifa of the time in everything good. As I mentioned earlier that the tasks of the Khalifa of the time are to further the tasks
And guidance of the Promised Messiah (as); to spread the message of Islam to the corners of the earth. When every Ahmadi tries to mould himself with this viewpoint only then will true standards of obedience be established.
Only then will there be unity in the community and only then will the avenues of preaching open up. However, there can be no progress if everyone who says that they have a bond of brotherhood and love with the Promised Messiah (as) and obeys him, yet they ascertain their own respective paths.
The beauty of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is that the system of Khilafat is established in it. The relationship of every Ahmadi with the Promised Messiah (as) is due to the fact that the Promised Messiah (as) is the true servant of the Holy Prophet (saw),
Therefore, to continue this relationship, it is also important to maintain a bond with Khilafat. The day before yesterday, the foundation stone of the mosque was laid in Almere. On that occasion, I spoke briefly in reference to the mosque, and I talked about
Islamic teachings and the importance of a mosque, and the responsibilities of Ahmadis. Upon hearing this, a local [non-Muslim] female guest said that, “It is very nice what the Khalifah has said. “However, let’s see to what extent the local Ahmadis will adhere to these things “and create an atmosphere of peace and love.”
Therefore people are watching you. So there is a need to review our conditions. People will observe you with reference to Khilafat. Simply taking the oath of allegiance will not suffice for this reason. Actions are required in order to reform ourselves and do propagation.
In order to establish our unity and to follow one leader everywhere and on all levels, obedience to Khilafat is integral. In this day and age, Ahmadis are fortunate to have been blessed with the modern facilities and inventions that God has created.
These facilities have also been provided to the Jamaat for the spread of faith. The writings of the Promised Messiah (as) are available on TV, internet, and websites which we can access any time we like. We can watch in different well-known languages; we can also read it and listen to it.
We can listen to and read the advice and speeches of the Khalifa of the time, which comprises of the Qur’an, Hadith and words of the Promised Messiah (as) and is the foundation of the message which is reaching every house through MTA. MTA has given the Community a new way of staying united.
Therefore every one of you should keep in mind that it is integral to develop a connection with MTA in order to become part of this unity. Pay particular attention, at least, towards listening to the weekly Friday Sermons. Every household should review their situations
Whether each individual member of the household has listened to the Friday Sermon or not. There is no benefit if a wife listens to the Friday Sermon but her husband does not. If a father listens to the Friday Sermon but the mother and children are not listening,
Even then there is no benefit in it. This system which has been created by Allah the Almighty for the sake of unity – for this purpose the voice of the Khalifa of the time, reaches every corner of the world, at the same time.
Every Ahmadi is required to become a part of it. Hence, pay attention towards this. If it is not known what is being said, then how will it be obeyed? If you listen to what is being said, only then you will be able to obey it.
Hence, find out the things that need to be followed. Otherwise it is a mere claim and only an outwardly announcement; the announcement on gatherings or at the time of initiation of Bai’at that, “I (men or women) will abide by whatever important decision you will make”
Or “We will continue to strive to strengthen Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.” May Allah the Almighty enable each household to pay attention towards this matter and may Allah enable us to fully benefit from the facilities granted to us for our training.
Not only for our training but it is playing a vital role in spreading the teachings of Islam. If for some reason one cannot listen to it live, recordings can be listened to. This programme and various other programmes are also available on the Internet, especially Friday Sermons and other special programs.
May Allah the Almighty grant everyone the ability to develop a special relationship with the Promised Messiah (as) as well as with the ongoing system of Khilafat established after him, and everyone is able to exhibit a model of obedience. May this very relationship and obedience, according to sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw),
Lead everyone to the obedience of Allah and His pleasure through the obedience of Prophet Muhammad (saw). May Allah the Almighty enable everybody to attain this. After offering prayers, I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of a Missionary of the Community, Respected Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal Waraich Sahib.
He passed away in an accident on October 2nd at the age of 49 years “Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return” [2:157]. On October 2nd in the morning, he was traveling alone to his native village, Chuck Panyaar, to see his paternal uncle in his car.
Near Bhalwaal while crossing the railway line , he perhaps did not see the approaching train and was struck by it. His car was dragged by the train. He did not have any apparent injuries. Police also reached on the scene.
Police called for an ambulance or a car in which he was taken to the hospital but he did not survive at the hospital. Hafiz Sahib, Muhammad Iqbal Sahib’s grandfather, was Chaudhry Fazal Ahmad Sahib. His great-grandfather was a Companion of the Promised Messiah (as) whose name was Chaudhry Allah Bakhsh Sahib.
His great-grandfather took the oath of allegiance in 1901. The Promised Messiah (as) changed his great- grandfather’s name from his previous name, which was Rasul Bakhsh, to Allah Bakhsh. After retirement, his father Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarullah Waraich Sahib devoted his life and served the Community in different offices in Rabwah.
Hafiz Sahib, Missionary Sahib’s early education was from Rabwah. After that, he memorised the Qur’an. He completed his schooling, and then got admission into Jamia. Besides this, he also completed Arabic Fazil and Urdu Fazil. He was appointed in different places in Pakistan.
Presently he was serving as Secretary of Kafalat Yaksad Yatama . He has five children. Three daughters are married and two of his children are young, of ages 17 and 10. His brother respected Tahir Mahdi Imtiaz is also a missionary of the Community and presently he is the Manager of Zia-ul-Islam Press
But due to the restrictions imposed on Al-Fazl, a case was filed against him as well. Therefore, he is in jail since several months. May Allah the Almighty provide the means of his release because the courts are very cowardly.
Initially, the judge granted his bail but then cancelled it due to the fear of mullahs. May Allah the Almighty enable them to administer justice and may Allah the Almighty provide the means of release of the innocent Ahmadis. Mehboob Ahmad Rajeyki, President of the Community in Sadullahpur, states that,
“In 2003 when conditions of Community in Sadullahpur worsened, “Hafiz Iqbal was posted as a missionary there. “He made contacts with the non-Ahmadi opponents. “Due to this, the opponents not only refrained from opposing the Community, “rather, one of the biggest opponents who was the top leader “also apologised for his opposition of the Community.”
So in this respect Hafiz Sahib was very well connected and he used to strengthen his relations with his contacts. It is a different matter that in Pakistan a big segment of people, despite the fact that they like Ahmadiyyat or at least consider propaganda carried out against Ahmadiyyat
As false, but they cannot declare this openly due to fear of Mullahs or fear of society. However, Allah Almighty creates such circumstances in small areas where people openly speak out. Majeed Sahib, one of the workers of the office where Hafiz Sahib was presently working says that,
In all the places where Hafiz Sahib was posted, he had maintained contact with them until his demise. People used to visit him and seek advice from him. He would also help them. Hafiz Sahib also had a good quality of spending the money of the headquarters of the Community in an appropriate manner.
He would do whatever was possible in order to help in the construction of the houses of widows; he would also try to get the constructions done by spending an appropriate amount of money. Then, sometimes during the construction if Hafiz Sahib happened to stop by,
Muhammad Ahmad Rajeyki says that he would start working with the labourers. Khalid Sahib who works at the Russian Desk in London says that Hafiz Sahib was his class fellow. He was very hospitable and sincere. He states that “One particular thing which I experienced was that Hafiz Sahib was very
“passionate towards propagation and he was very dedicated to it. “Perhaps when Hafiz Sahib was posted in Sadiqabad or Sadullahpur, “there was a Russian company there which was working on a particular project. “Despite the fact the Hafiz Sahib was unfamiliar with the Russian language, “he would propagate Islam to them.”
Because Khalid Sahib has learned the Russian language while living there, when Khalid Sahib went to Pakistan, Hafiz Sahib learned some Russian words from him after insisting consistently. Then on his own accord he had transcribed some Russian words in Urdu calligraphy for the purpose of propagation. So this was his passion for propagation.
May Allah the Almighty enable all the missionaries that they try to find out new ways of propagation according to the condition and environment. May Allah the Almighty treat late Hafiz Sahib with forgiveness and mercy and exalt his ranks and give patience and courage to his wife and children.
May He enable them to adopt his virtues. 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. He is alone and has no partner. 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.