Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
Peace and Blessing of Allah be on 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. Jalsa Salana UK [annual convention] is starting next Friday, InshAllah. By the grace of Allah the Almighty guests from various countries around the world have started to arrive in order to attend Jalsa Salana.
May Allah the Almighty grant the management of Jalsa Salana the ability to serve the guests of Jalsa in an excellent manner, regardless of the fact that they are coming from various countries of the world or they are from various areas from the UK.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the elderly, youth, children and women offer themselves on a voluntary basis from all parts of Britain in order to serve the guests that arrive for the Jalsa Salana. And as the number of participants of Jalsa Salana is growing,
Jalsa arrangements are also increasing and as is the need for volunteers. And by the grace of Allah the Almighty, children, youth, women and men present themselves cheerfully for this service without any difficulty. Majority of the youth and children think that this is a great blessing and favour
Of Allah the Almighty that He granted them the ability to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). And by the Grace of Allah the Almighty this has become the nature of the members of the Jama’at in every country of the world that every level and age group of
Members of the Jama’at wants to serve the guests of Jalsa Salana. Last weekend, from Friday to Sunday, Jalsa Salana USA was held. I saw an interview on one of the programs which was being televised via internet on YouTube. The person conducting the program, interviewed an officeholder of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya.
He was mentioning how Khuddam and volunteers had been working for the Jalsa preparation. Similarly, there was an interview of a 19 to 20 year old boy as well who is born and raised there. He was asked ‘what do you receive in ‘compensation for all this work that you do?
‘What amount will you receive? ‘How many dollars will you get in remuneration?’ He [the officeholder] replied and the answer of the young boy was also the same, and as I have stated that he was born and raised in America, a country which is very materialistic in its thinking
That ‘in this country we work voluntarily. ‘The labour that we receive is above the mind-set of materialistic people. ‘We work to obtain the pleasure of God the Almighty.’ And this is the nature of Ahmadis living in every country of the world. Whether they are African or Indonesian or someone living in remote islands
Or someone living in a developed western country. While the priorities of the world during vacation from schools and colleges is to play around and travel around, and the priorities of those who work in the world are to relax and spend time with family on vacations when they are off from work,
However during this time, the priorities of an Ahmadi are completely different. If the Jalsa Salana is during these vacations, then during these days, those who are educated and as well those who are uneducated; high ranking officials and also those who are subordinate; skilled workers and ordinary labourers and also students,
Offer themselves on voluntary basis to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). In other developed countries of the world Jalsas are held in huge halls or in places where there are many facilities available but UK Jalsa is held at such a place where all arrangements are to be made temporarily.
And every possible facility which can be made available or can be provided, is granted. Also, there is a condition from the council that from the beginning of starting [Jalsa] work until after the Jalsa is over, the wind up for everything should be done
And the site should be turned in to the agricultural land or farmland as it was before. All this work should be done within twenty-eight days. So in this regard, there is a need for many volunteers in order to do a lot of expansive work in a limited time.
On the one hand, the time period of starting the work and finishing it is very limited in terms the nature of the work. But in terms of the work for volunteers, it is not just twenty-eight days, rather some tasks are such that start even before
That are not being conducted directly in the Jalsa Gah. However, in preparation [for these tasks] volunteers start working 2 to 3 weeks beforehand. Some workers here are such that they sacrifice their time and wealth for a month and half to two months approximately and this is a
Long time for a person to work on voluntary basis. Hence in this regard, the volunteers of UK Jalsa are aware of the sacrifice for work of Jalsa and the importance of Jalsa duty. They are offering this service for many years. However, there are many new volunteers.
Some of them deal directly with the guests during the Jalsa days. Duties of some of the volunteers will start during Jalsa days and for some it has started today and some will start tomorrow. As I said that guests have started to arrive. So, as usual, I will briefly say something as a reminder.
Sometimes, there is no doubt that certain people have immense passion to serve, however, everyone has their own temperament. Some lack patience, some say things due to lack of knowledge or they do certain things that are a source of discomfort for guests. However after being reminded, those voluntary workers become cautious
And try to fulfil their duties whilst paying more attention towards their responsibilities. Otherwise, I do not doubt for even a moment that the workers are not working with a passion to serve. All of the workers are certainly those who work with a passion to serve.
It is the commandment of Allah the Almighty to give reminders and to advice. Every year I direct attention towards this in the Friday Sermon before Jalsa. In the Holy Qur’an also, Allah the Almighty in regards to guests has related the hospitality of Hazrat Ibrahim (as).
He has informed us about the importance of hospitality. On various occasions, the Holy Prophet (saw) has also mentioned the importance of hospitality and this attribute. In this era, the Promised Messiah (as) has directed our attention towards this particularly. Rather, he has established the hospitality of those guests who travel
For the sake of faith as one of the objectives of his advent. Therefore, the Promised Messiah (as) writes in one place that “The third branch of this dispensation is of those who arrive here and “they travel in search of the truth and also those who come for various other reasons.”
He also states, “This branch is still developing” that is, it is growing. Then, he also said that “These people are coming in thousands in this era.” At the time when there was no facility of any type available in the small town of Qadian, the Promised Messiah (as) would order provisions
From Batala or Amritsar for the hospitality of the guests. In such circumstances, a person can perhaps get worried since there are no means of communication and one has to travel on foot, generally on a horse cart. And so, it is very difficult to entertain guests in a remote area.
For this reason Allah the Almighty informed the Promised Messiah (as) beforehand in order to strengthen his heart. There is an Arabic revelation. The translation is that “people will turn towards you in large numbers. “So it is incumbent upon you that you do not treat them in an
“unpleasant manner and it is incumbent upon you that “you do not get weary after witnessing their large numbers.” Today, in all corners of the world these conventions show these scenes that people come in great numbers and are blessed with spiritual and physical nourishment.
In Britain, due to the presence of Khalifa, guests comes from all corners of the world just to gain knowledge of faith and quench their spiritual thirst. Today the servants of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, according to the directive of Allah, are serving the guests unselfishly, selflessly, without tiring, without showing indignation.
This is our duty that we serve the guests and have the arrangements of the convention carried out in a befitting manner. Non-Ahmadis and non-Muslims also attend the Jalsa and they are always impressed by the work of volunteers. They are astonished how little children are performing their responsibilities,
How they are discharging the duties assigned to them. They are performing their duty with great responsibility. Last year a guest from Uganda was visiting who is also a minister. He said that, “I was astonished after witnessing the hospitality and [other] arrangements that how people were offering such sacrifice on voluntary basis.”
He said, “It was unimaginable for me to think that I was going to “attend a Jalsa where angels will be seen working instead of human beings.” He says that “Even if you ask for something twenty times, they would present it happily.” Many [guests] would point out that the children who were serving
Food would do their duty with very cheerful faces. If they were serving water in the Jalsa Marquee, then their faces were full of delight. They asked of needs, of water, time and again. This treatment by the volunteers was not limited to only special guests but was extended to every guest.
This is the quality of the spirit of service that is and should be the hallmark of every worker of the Ahmadiyya Community. Therefore, every worker should always keep this special attribute alive, regardless of whatever department he/she may be working in. When our Jalsa guests arrive, they deal with various departments.
They deal with the reception department upon arrival. Usually, the reception department welcomes guests in a very good manner. When guests arrives from their journey, they are tired as well. Regardless of all the facilities provided, there is fatigue and irritation due to traveling even in this day and age.
For this reason, the reception department should always keep this in mind. The department of receiving guest at the airports already does its work and arrangements are usually good. However, guests who arrive from neighboring countries, who travel in a car or a bus, they arrive after traveling
Several hours and they are fatigued as well. If they are staying in the Ahmadiyya Community lodgings then the management there should remember this saying of the Holy prophet Muhammad (saw) that ‘Meet your brother smiling and it is a charity’.
He said at another instance, ‘Do not take as insignificant even a small good deed. ‘It is a good deed to face a brother pleasantly’. Note how beautiful the teaching of Islam is. First of all, there is a commandment about honouring guests. There is a reward for it.
Then practising such hospitality that when one smiles while conversing with the guest, it is equivalent to the act of giving charity. By equating it with charity it is made worthy of reward, worthy of double reward, one reward for hospitality and the other reward for charity on showing a pleasant demeanour.
To interact with love, to interact with good manners, counts as a virtue, and how much Allah will reward for a virtue, only Allah knows better. Then the Holy Prophet (saw) said that showing the way is also a charitable act.
The department which is appointed to do this work should bear in mind that first of all they should greet the travellers who have arrived from their journey with politeness. Then they should take them to their place of accommodation with the help of assistants.
Particularly when the guests are women and children and men are not with them. Then it is the duty of the reception department or whatever department is responsible for it that the guests should be taken to their place of residence. This is a very important duty. Sometimes there is a need to carry luggage.
Help should be provided. Similarly, it is not only the duty of the reception department to smile and be polite while conversing [with guests], rather, it is important for every department worker. These days, it is important to keep an AIMS card due to current state of affairs.
Some people who are arriving from outside bring along introductory letters and information and then their Jalsa cards are made here. Sometimes, such cases also come to light where people do not have verified letters. So in such a circumstance, there is no doubt that it is very
Important for the person on duty to satisfy himself. Cards should not be issued until the person on duty is satisfied and the process of verification has not fully completed. However, during this process it is also very important to present oneself with politeness towards the guest. And proper arrangement
Should be made for the guest to sit while waiting. Sometimes there are little children who get restless due to the long wait. All the guests should keep in mind that when they arrive at the Jalsa, they should arrive with verification from the Jama’at or they should bring their AIMS cards.
If they do not have that for some reason, then the relevant department should provide them convenience during this process as I have stated so they can sit comfortably. Then in relation to hospitality and food, regarding this it is important to provide hospitality two to three times to those guest staying
In accommodations arranged by the Jama’at. However, during the three days of Jalsa every attendee who comes to listen to the Jalsa proceedings usually eats lunch under the management of the Jama’at. In this regard the officers and assistants for food arrangements should bear in mind
That they have to interact with the guests with politeness and present themselves with good manners. This is the right of the guest and the duty of the host. Some people put the workers in difficulty with regard to food. They ask for this and that and make odd demands. However, workers should tolerate this.
Food is such a matter that an inappropriate act of the one serving food or even a very subtle meaningless comment or anything that is said can hurt the feelings of the guest. The Companions (ra) of the Holy Prophet (saw) would demonstrate such models that will always be written in golden words.
When the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed a Companion (ra) to take a guest with him and serve food to him. The Companion (ra) brought this guest to his house as per the Holy Prophet’s (saw) order. However, his wife said “There is very little food in the house
“which is only left for the children. Both husband and wife consulted each other and decided to somehow put the children to sleep, and turn the lamp off before serving the food. Then, in the dark, both husband and wife decided to pretend as if they were eating,
So that their guest could eat the meal to his satisfaction and would not get perturbed by the fact that his hosts were going hungry. So following their plan, these hosts served food to their guests in the darkness, the guest never got to learn that his hosts went hungry and he
Ate the meal to his heart’s delight. The next morning, when that Ansari companion, presented himself for the audience with the Holy Prophet (saw), the Holy Prophet (saw) said to him that at your plan and deeds last night, even Allah the Exalted smiled! So that family made such an enormous sacrifice only because
They were serving the guest of the Holy Prophet (saw). This was a special effort. Generally, the companions were extremely hospitable to their guests, but they made this extraordinary effort for their guest because he was the guest of the Holy Prophet (saw).
So each one of our volunteers, makes sacrifices for this zeal and should do, that s/he is serving the guests of the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (saw). It is a major sacrifice to go hungry, to give one’s food to one’s guest and to make one’s children go to sleep hungry;
We do not have to make such sacrifices these days. With the grace of God, in accordance with the promise of God to the Promised Messiah (as), we have the Langar (communal kitchen) in all those places, where our community is well-established.
In the days of Jalsa, the arrangements of Langar (community Kitchen) come into full swing. All what we have to do is serve the guests with the food cooked in Langar (community Kitchen) and be pleasant to our guests. Only this much effort pleases Allah the Exalted that we served
The people who travelled to attend Jalsa and travelled for the sake of their faith. However, if the hospitality is not done in the right way, then it can also draw the wrath of God Almighty. At one occasion, some guests were treated in a more preferential way and some were ignored.
This was done by the people who were responsible for catering at the time of the Promised Messiah (as). Allah the Exalted informed the Promised Messiah (as) that during the night false pretentions had been practiced, deception was done and guest were not served appropriately. Some deprived people were not given any food.
The Promised Messiah (as) was most upset about this and took the arrangements of catering in his own hand. There is one narration that the Promised Messiah (as) ordered those workers to leave Qadian for six months. So when we volunteer ourselves for the purpose of service, we must serve everyone without any favouritism.
Every one attending Jalsa is the Jalsa guest. It is absolutely mandatory to be nice to everyone and greet everyone pleasingly. It is not acceptable to show special preference to those who are rich or are special guests in one way or the other. All the guests should eat where the food is being served.
All Ahmadis should generally eat in one place designated for food. There are specially designated food places for people who are not from our community or for non-Muslims. Only assigned guests should go there. The administration should be mindful of this. It is in my knowledge that some workers
Take their friends for food to places designated for special guests. Therefore, all Ahmadis, even if they are office holders or anyone else, should eat at the place designated for Ahmadis. Then, we must always pray that this small effort that we make for the guests
Of the Promised Messiah (as), get accepted by God Almighty. Our efforts are totally devoid of false pretence and are purely for the sake of Allah the Exalted. At the time of the Promised Messiah (as), sometimes guest used to come in such a number that it looked very difficult to manage their accommodation.
This is because Qadian was a very small town. Even then, the Promised Messiah (as), in accordance with the Divine commandment that you must not get worried or become weary, used to provide every kind of amenity to his guests, as much as he could do in that simple environment.
There were times, when because of numbers of guests attended Jalsa in the cold weather, the Promised Messiah (as) gave his own and his children’s beddings to his guests. Once guests arrived in such vast numbers that Hazrat Amman Jan, the mother of the righteous, became extremely concerned that
Where would the guests stay and how it all be managed? At this, the Promised Messiah (as) related a story to her. In a jungle, a traveller was passing by and while still in the jungle night fell. It was a dark night. There were no township or village nearby,
Where he could go and rest. In this desperate state the traveller laid under the tree so that he could spend the night there. On the top of the tree there was a nest of the birds. The two birds, which was a male and a female bird,
Decided that this man who is lying under our tree is our guest. Therefore, it is our responsibility to show hospitality towards him. So how did they show hospitality? The first thing they thought was that it was cold night and their guest would be cold,
Therefore the guest should be given something to heat himself up. Then they realised that we do not have anything else, so they broke up their nest and threw it down so that the grass and small amount of wood in it would provide the guest with a material
That he could light up and warm himself with the fire. Therefore, they threw their nest under the tree and the person set fire to it and started to warm himself up. Then these birds decided that our guest has nothing to eat
So we should drop ourselves in this fire. When we are roasted in the fire then our guest will eat us. So they did this and made arrangements for the food for their guest. The purpose of the Promised Messiah (as) to relate this story was that when guest come, instead of getting worried
One should do one’s best to serve them, even if it means making some sacrifice. So in there is a lesson for all of us. In particular those who offer their services for this purpose; they should make every effort to fulfil the duties assigned to themselves in the best possible manner.
There are several kinds of duties in different departments for example, there is a department of car parking. Car parking is a really important department and sometime guests may behave in an inappropriate manner in the car park. Some guests insist that they will not park as instructed by the parking duty-holders
And wish to park of their own accord. In this situation the car parking volunteers should do their absolute best to softly explain the situation to the guest and then inform his superior officer. Last year there were some complaints that some women
Who drove in the car insisted that they were going to take their car further inwards; this led to a conflict with the duty holder. Indeed, it is the responsibility of every duty holder that they should carry out their duty properly. And in today’s circumstances is really important to be extremely cautious,
Particularly in the parking area. However, as I said before, while undertaking these duties one must show good manners. If somebody is making a demand which is justifiable for example, if they are poorly or there is any other reason like that.
In these circumstances, the duty holder should explain to guests in a polite and respectful manner that I will need to call my superior officer and arrange for your required facilities. They should also be requested that in the meantime, they should move aside and wait. The guest should also cooperate in this manner
So that the traffic behind them is not affected. This is because as a result of these conflicts and heated discussions, sometimes a long queue of cars can form and this has an impact on other. And when people turn up late, after the proceedings of the Jalsa has started,
Then those already sitting in the Jalsa Gah get disturbed. Any issue which was faced in the previous convention, the management should try to resolve it and review every aspect of it and any other department facing similar issues should also review them. They should then inform the Afsar Jalsa Salana [convention officer]
As to how it can be resolved, so that minimum issues arise this year. Although issues of varying nature often arise, however an effort should be made to minimise them. Arrangements for scanning and checking should be such that despite taking great caution the guests should neither
Have to wait for a long time and nor experience any kind of difficulty. Announcements should be made frequently at the main entrance and also at the entrance of the main Jalsa Gah that entrants should display their cards in front and also maintain their lines so that people can pass through quickly.
There are duty workers assigned for the cleanliness of the washrooms, both in the men and women’s side and they at times are troubled that people leave a mess. If those on duty, every so often make announcements to bring to attention of the guests that cleanliness be maintained,
That cleanliness and tidiness are part of faith so keep your surroundings clean, and clean the bathrooms, then people generally cooperate and last year similar reports were received. However, if someone does not cooperate then the workers should clean up themselves as that is their duty and should be mindful to not exhibit
Any kind of unpleasantness from their side and never leave hold of patience. Similarly, the general cleanliness of the main Jalsa Gah is also the responsibility of those on duty and they should clean up along the way, both in the men and women’s side. Sometimes children drop cups,
Wrappers, boxes, etc. At times, elders are not careful either, however if those on duty clean up along the way then it becomes easy for the wind-up workers as their work is not only to pick up marquees and large items rather it is important to pick up every rubbish or piece of paper.
It is only then that the council gives the clearance. In any case, guests should be reminded politely time and again to throw containers, boxes, etc., in dustbins rather than throwing them around. The tarbiyyat department at the Jalsa Salana should be ready to serve in this regard.
They should remind those attending the Jalsa about the importance of Jalsa Salana. Even though workers present themselves to help, it is their duty to serve selflessly. As mentioned before, by the grace of Allah, workers normally work with great passion, however some are behave inappropriately.
They should always remember the advice of the Holy Prophet (saw) which I mentioned earlier; that one must show the best of etiquettes in every situation. Similarly every worker must be vigilant, the responsibility of security does not lie with those in the Security department alone;
In fact every worker of every department should be watchful of his surroundings. Workers should also remember that when Jalsa finishes it should not be the case that only the wind up team are present there, on the contrary every worker of every department who has a duty should remain at the Jalsa site
Up until the guests are there or until they are relieved by their respective head of department, who officially relieves you and says that now you may take leave. Primarily every worker, as well as the members of the community should pray that may God Almighty grant them the opportunity
To discharge their duties to the best of their ability. To every worker who is currently working at the Jalsa Site, may He keep them safe from everything. Sometimes very heavy duty work is carried out where there is always a danger of injury. May God keep every single one safe from all harm.
May Allah bless this Jalsa and make it a success in every aspect. May Allah keep the Jamaat safe from every opponent and from every malice of the evil natured ones May Allah enable every worker to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as) in the best manner possible, displaying the best etiquettes.
Those workers who have achieved the highest standards, may they have the opportunity to express the lofty standards they have acquired every single time and may they have the opportunity to serve in a better manner than previously. There should never be a shortcoming in this regard.
Every step of ours should move forwards and when we serve in this manner, God Almighty also casts His loving eye over us. May God enable us to do this. All praise is due to Allah. We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection;
We confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path.
And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad (saw) 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.