Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
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. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jalsa Salana UK [annual convention]
of Ahmadiyya community was held last weekend. And despite various reservations, amongst which holding Jalsa during the current world affairs was the greatest concern, the three days [of Jalsa] passed by in an excellent manner. Alhamdolillah.
May Allah Almighty protect the Jama’at from all types of worries and evils in the future as well. May Allah the Almighty keep this impact of the spiritual environment of Jalsa everlasting which were expressed by everyone, including our dear ones and guests from outside.
And may we bow down before Allah the Almighty whilst being His grateful servants, and while vowing to give precedence to faith over worldly affairs and also all those things which have had an impact upon us,
may we go onto make them a permanent part of our lives. We should continuously pray that “O Allah, Your grace which You are showering upon us “and the glad tidings which were given to the Promised Messiah (as) that You are fulfilling,
“due to some error, inaptitude or incompetence on our part “do not deprive us from being a part of those.” We should pray that “O Allah, the strength to do righteous deeds is attained from You,
“and the strength to remain steadfast on virtues is also attained from You. “We can overcome our weaknesses only through Your grace. “Ccontinuously bless our insignificant struggles. And count us amongst those servants
“who always keep themselves attached to You and those who are grateful to You.” May Allah the Almighty enable us to become the recipients of His proclamation whilst being His grateful servants that [ARABIC] [Holy Qur’an 14:8]
“If you are grateful, I will, surely, bestow more favours on you.” By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Jalsa preparations start before the Jalsa. And in order to perform these tasks, Khuddam, Atfal and Ansar present themselves
for Waqar-e-Amal [voluntary works] and these activities start two to three weeks before Jalsa, as I have mentioned in previous sermons. This process continues for approximately two weeks [after Jalsa] due to all the tasks and for the complete wind-up of everything.
People do Waqar-e-Amal with immense hard work and sincerity. Then they also perform Jalsa duties. Due to the presence of Khalifa of the time here, the Jalsa of Jama’at Ahmadiyya UK in one respect has become an international Jalsa.
Representatives come here from all around the world but this year, with regards to the management of the Jalsa and the volunteers involved, this Jalsa has also gained an international status. Khuddam came from Canada for Waqar-e-Amal last year as well.
However, they were few in number and they could not be utilised properly or they were not able to serve properly due to limited time. This year, not only was there better planning but according to the reports I have received,
the work was done in a much better manner due to this planning, and also their number was greater than last year. This year, Khuddam from America also came for Waqar-e-Amal.
So in this regard, this duty of Waqar-e-Amal has also attained an international status. Workers come from various countries of the world. Most American Khuddam did work before Jalsa
and more than 150 Khuddam from Canada did the wind up work after Jalsa. The national president of Khuddam-ul- Ahmadiyya UK informed me that these Khuddam who came from abroad, not only did they work with great effort
but they worked with great planning and passion. And they wrapped up the work quickly. May Allah the Almighty reward them all. The Khuddam and Atfal from the UK, who continuously do Waqar-e-Amal and give duties, are also deserving of our gratitude.
They also worked very hard and they always do. Where the Jalsa administration and attendees show gratitude towards the Atfal, Khuddam and workers from UK who give duties,
there they should also be thankful to those Khuddam who came from Canada and America. And most of all, we should be grateful to Allah the Almighty Who granted us volunteers that are born and raised in Europe and these western countries and who work selflessly.
Almost 6000 girls, boys, men, women and children from the UK were appointed to serve the guests of Jalsa. All of this, is the grace of Allah Almighty that He granted us volunteers in such a large number.
These volunteers did duties from cleaning the toilets, cooking and serving food to offering various tasks around the Jalsa Gah, security, parking and providing other facilities and then also winding up, they continuously worked with immense skill and planning.
We will not witness such scenes anywhere in the world. Hence, these volunteers deserve our utmost gratitude. And in the same manner these workers, these volunteers, should also be grateful to Allah the Almighty that
He granted them the opportunity to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). And they should pray that in the future, may Allah grant them the opportunity to serve more than before.
The guests who came from outside expressed their amazement at how they were impressed by the children, youngsters and old people who were working. I will relate some of the comments expressed by our guests.
The Jalsa programs and those working [during Jalsa] are actually preaching in silence which is many times greater than what we do by distributing literature or by other means. The defense minister of Benin attended the Jalsa, He says,
“I had the opportunity to meet the ambassadors of peace and love by attending this Jalsa. “Every child and youngster, was seen meeting each other in a courteous manner. “If someone did not understand the other’s language, he would welcome him cheerfully
“and he would try to say something in the language of the guest. “Jalsa Salana is a huge example of genuine brotherhood.” He further says that “I will call this Jalsa a place of real tranquility.
“Every child, adult, and elder offers sacrifices in order to care for the comforts of others.” He then adds “For me, your Jalsa has the status of an academy where I found many things to learn.
“I did not see anyone push one another despite such a large gathering. “Everything was operating in accordance to an arrangement and a process. I found it astonishing “that every young and old person present on duty was occupied in fulfilling the needs of guests.
“If something was expressed even indirectly and it was unavailable, “it was purchased immediately and there was an effort to fulfil that need. “The most important thing was the excellent arrangements for security for the Jalsa attendees
“There was an excellent security plan and it seemed like a professional team had arranged it. “I did not see any police officer or any military personnel.” He then said, “I tried to find out the secret behind the arrangements
“and I came to the conclusion that these people believe in Khilafat. “And because of this reason such a community has been prepared “that is ready to offer every sacrifice.” Thus, such are the impressions of the guests.
Then there was a journalist from Benin who was in attendance. He says, “If someone was informed about the remarkable arrangements of this Jalsa, “he will not believe it until he witnesses it himself with his own eyes.
“I got the message of hope after attending your Jalsa. “Disorder is being created everywhere in the world for personal interests. “However, after observing youngsters and children in your Jalsa, “who are ready to serve others without worrying about their own being,
“a new world will be generated through these youngsters and children “in which there will be no selfishness, rather, the greatest objective will be to serve others. “And through this superior teaching, Islam Ahmadiyyat is a polished mirror
“which shows the beautiful face of Islam to the world.” He further states, “I have traveled to various parts of the world as a journalist. “I have seen the arrangements of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, attended huge gatherings in Iran and
“have attended many conferences via UNO. Yet, hav never seen such excellent arrangements elsewhere. “The reason for this are the selfless, loving youth, children and old people who value humanity “who are always ready to serve at this Jalsa and have guidance from their Khalifa at all times.”
He also added, “I am unable to fully express the feelings of my heart through words.” He said “It is an astonishing experience for me that I saw people from all levels of society “serving the guest with joyous and cheerful faces.
“I was unsuccessful in trying distinguish who is poor and who is rich amongst them. “They were seen working hard day and night with the same passion and manner for other’s comfort”
He says, “the arrangements for MTA also impressed me. I was a director of national TV in Benin. “To this day, I have never seen such excellent arrangements of live television programs. “Even in the UNO, translations are not done live in many languages
“as the arrangements of live translations of speeches through MTA were available here. “Every person who attended this Jalsa, after listening to live speeches in his language felt that Jalsa was being held in his country, in his language and nation.
“I have learned from Ahmadiyyat that one should give precedence to faith over everything else. “The truth always prevails. The powerful never assume power forever” He says, “After attending Jalsa I would like to say that the path which connects one to God still
“exists today if someone desires to follow it.” The Attorney General of one of the provinces in Congo Kinshasa was in attendance. He says, “I have worked for 25 years as a Magistrate and I have taken an in depth view of the Jalsa
“I concluded that until there is agreement and unity nothing can be done with wealth alone. “Everything becomes possible when you become like one body. “The Jalsa volunteers became like one body and so they turned the impossible into possible.
“They transformed wilderness into a place worthy of accommodations where everything was available. “There were clean toilets, places of accommodation, radio and TV stations “that were broadcasting programs in various languages. “Rich, poor, high-ranking politicians, scholars and intellectuals,
“from various countries everyone was working together. “It is not an easy task to provide food, transpor and other needs for around 40,000 guests. “Yet, this was carried out joyously by around 600 volunteers without creating any noise, distubance
“and disorder. The volunteers included people from 3 years of age to 80 years of age.” That is, children and elderly people. “These volunteers were feeling happy by serving others. “I saw love and brotherhood everywhere.”
He says, “I think that Jamat-e-Ahmadiyya is working in a very effective manner. “It can never be unsuccessful.” InshAllah. He says, “I would like to say to everyone that you should observe the Jama’at closely
“and you will understand this for yourself.” He says, “When I arrived at the Jalsa, “I felt like a stranger only for the first half an hour. “After that people came to me and greeted me themselves.
“It felt like we knew each other for years.” This is also a beauty of Jalsa that not only the Jalsa workers impress the guests, rather, the attendees of Jalsa are also influencing them. And silent Tabligh takes place through this.
Hence, where the people who were on duty are grateful to Allah the Almighty that they are able to spread the message of Islam through their actions and they are influencing non-Muslims and they are becoming inheritors of Allah the Almighty’s bounties, in that regard,
the Ahmadis who are attending the Jalsa should also show gratitude to Allah the Almighty that He is carrying out this silent Tabligh through them. The Special Advisor of Religious Affairs for the President of Nigeria attended the Jalsa this year
He says, “I travel almost throughout the year and I attend religious meetings. “However, I have never witnessed such a spiritual scene. “By attending the Jalsa, I could feel that divine light was being descended from the heavens.
“After witnessing the sight of the Bai’at ceremony [oath of allegiance], “it felt that I too was included in this heavenly oath of allegiance.” Ayoma Yusuf Sahib, a friend from Japan, who is a famous scholar
and president of Japan’s agriculture, attended the Jalsa. He says, “The passion of the Ahmadi youngsters and children to serve is admirable. “There are rarely any youngsters like them in any nation in the world today who
“are doing such service on a volunteer basis. This sight can be witnessed only in Jalsa Salana. “In one place youngsters concerned and rushing to serve food. “Elsewhere they are worrying about cars for guest transportation.
“Elsewhere children are serving water. Somewhere elderly people are busy doing different tasks. “Particularly, the children’s passionate involvement shows that the present “and future of Ahmadiyyat is bright.” And InshAllah it is. Then the vice president of Uganda Edward Ssekandi was in attendance.
He says that he was very surprised when he went on the tour of Jalsa Gah and he was informed that all the workers are volunteers. After observing those on security he asked
“Everyone else is a volunteer but surely must be getting paid.” He was very impressed when he was informed that everyone working there was working voluntarily. He said, “I have never seen such a large gathering of Muslims
“where everyone is staying together peacefully. “All I heard about Muslims was that they murder other people and cause suffering. “In Uganda as well there are internal disputes and infighting in the Muslims and
“often the government has to intervene. However I have now come to learn, “who the true Muslims really are and that Islam advocates peace and security.” A female doctor from Russia, Irina Serenko, attended the Jalsa Salana as a guest.
She is a professor in the Institute of Oriental Studies. She said, “This was my first experience in my lif at the Jalsa and it was truly unforgettable. “The brilliant organization and planning of the Jalsa was not the only reason for this
“rather a major factor was also the spiritual atmosphere. “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community demonstrates “the real and fresh face of Islam by greeting all newcomers with love and immense hospitality.” A guest who attended from Iceland said,
“Attending the Jalsa was one of the best experiences of my life. “My faith was refreshed by just observing 40,000 people gathering together. “It deeply touched my heart to see such large numbers people living side by side
“with love and affection. I am extremely thankful for your hospitality. “I will strive to spread the true message of Islam of love and peace.” And so people are truly impressed experiencing our atmosphere. Certain incidents occur, that can have negative impacts.
We are truly grateful to God that He covered our errors, so that the guests did not notice them. There were some incidents this year which should not have occurred such as altercations and quarrels. This not only defames the Community.
Rather it also turns away the non-Ahmadis from Islam Ahmadiyyat by giving them a wrong message and they place the community amongst the other communities about whom they have a negative impression.
During the days of the Jalsa, every Ahmadi should take special care of this, and generally as well. One of the guests from the delegation that came from Greece said, “The Jalsa arrangements were excellent and the volunteers were highly organised in their work.
“When I met people from different countries, I tried to make a list of the people participating “from different countries and I was amazed to notice that the number count went up to 30.” He also said, “I witnessed the Bai’at ceremony in the marquee
“this was a very spiritual experience for me, and saw that people were very emotional and moved “ and I thought that it was a beautiful thing to witness.” I will present the sentiments of a lady from a large delegation from Macedonia who attended,
She says, “I was amazed by the arrangements of the Jalsa Salana. “Every guest was provided with every necessity. “I was moved most of all by the young children who were engaged in serving the guests.”
A female Member of Parliament from Guatemala, Khaio Saliz, said, “The hospitality shown to the guests was enviable. “By giving children duties they are practically preparing the future generations “to fulfil their responsibilities-this is something worthy of being emulated.”
Hence, whilst the Jalsa is a means of most Ahmadis improving their beliefs and practices and improving oneself on an individual level, there Ahmadis also have an impact on non-Ahmadis. Thus, it is not only limited to Tarbiyyat, rather the scope of the Jalsa Salana has widened
to such a degree the new avenues of Tabligh continue to open for the spreading of Ahmadiyyat, the True Islam. A major purpose of the Jalsa Salana is Tabiyyat of the members of the Community.
Yet, new ways are emerging for Tabligh as people from outside the Ahmadiyya Community visit Guests express that they were previously unaware of the beautiful teachings of Islam and the media and certain Muslims group depict a wrong picture of the religion.
Many guests say that it is this wrong picture that is ingrained in their minds and just upon hearing the name ‘Muslims’, images of terrorism, extremism and cruelty emerge However the guests then say that they have now witnessed the practical illustration
of the teachings of Islam and they will explain within their spheres of influence that if you want to observe the beautiful teachings of Islam, then you can find it in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
In this light I will present some more comments. A member of parliament from Guatemala, Aliyana says, “My first ever experience of attending the Jalsa Salana has been beautiful. “I came to know of the real teachings of Islam. I was deeply impressed by the community’s system.
“The hospitality offered with joy, the atmosphere of love and affection is truly enviable. “What was truly worth of respect was the extraordinary mutual love “between various nationalities and the incredible brotherhood.
“Attending this Jalsa is amongst my best memories I am touched in my heart with happiness and joy. “I return to my country, Guatemala with these unforgettable memories with “the wish that I will once again have the good fortune to attend this blessed Jalsa Salana.”
Zakaria Saadi is a non-Ahmadi Muslim PhD student and he said, “I believe the Jalsa Salana is a beautiful event. “I also feel that this is the most suitable event to illustrate the beautiful teachings of Islam.
“The Jalsa also highlighted the Ahmadiyya Community is occupied serving humanity worldwide. “They help the poor in Africa, provide medical care, drinking water and also other facilities.” A non-Muslim, whose name appears to read as Tony Whiting, said,
“Observing your community makes me realise acutely that the people of Britain “can learn a great deal from it. For example, they can learn what a community is and “how efforts can be made towards peace through complete unity.
“They can also learn how the youth can be activated to help establish peace and “to make them valuable pillars of the society to help foster success and prosperity. “After experiencing your Community I am not in th least surprised that many people are joining you.
The comments and sentiments of the new Ahmadis an how the Jalsa became a means of their Tarbiyyat: Lewis Alfred, who is a new convert from Guatemala says “It is a great honour for me to be part of a community which endeavours to
“present the true teachings of Islam to the world An example of which can be witnessed through “the institution of Jalsa Salana; where there are people of different backgrounds “and race coming together in a spirit of brotherhood
“and practically demonstrating the moto ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.” Then there was a woman from Belgium by the name of Fatimah Diyalvi, who attended the Jalsa with her two children and also took Bai’at with them. She said,
“It was my husband who first introduced me to the community, but I was faced with a dilemma. “Some people would say that Jama ‘at Ahmadiyya is just another sect “some said that they are not Muslims at all.
“However, I made a decision to attend the Jalsa and discover the truth for myself. “Having attended the Jalsa I have come to know that the people of the Ahmadiyya Community are “very amiable, well-mannered and most importantly they are true Muslims.”
Mentioning my sermons she says: “It covered the Ahadith [sayings] of the Holy Prophet (saw) and “about peace and security as well as forbearance. She says:“All praise is due to Allah, “who has guided us to that path which leads to God.”
She then thanked all the workers and volunteers who worked tirelessness to ensure she was at ease and was given a lot of respect. The Professor from Japan, about whom I mentioned earlier stated,
“There are more than 30,000 people here from over 80 different countries. “On the first day of the Jalsa, I saw the flags, they seemed to be modelled on the United Nations.
“However, when I heard the final speech of the Khalifa of the age, my opinion changed completely “This is because, in the United Nations a representative of each country is present and “they only speak about that which benefits them, irrespective of whether they are correct or not,
“but the Khalifa of the age, spoke on justice for the whole world and “this is what sets the Jalsa Salana apart from the United Nations.” By the grace of Allah, as compared to previous years there has been a lot more media coverage.
The report from our central Press and Media department is that the coverage started before the Jalsa; BBC radio 4, The Economist, The Guardian, The Independent, Channel 4, the Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Mail-
which is the most read newspaper online – the Sun – which is the most read newspaper in the UK- Radio LBC, London Live TV, Sky News, Channel 5, Scottish TV, the Belfast Telegraph and the Nottingham post etc all broadcast coverage of the Jalsa Salana.
Aside from these BBC regional stations covered the Jalsa. They believe that through the print media and online readership totals 41 million and those following the radio number approximately 2.48 million, which is almost 2.5 million. TV viewership is roughly 1 million and
through social media 91 million people heard about the Jalsa. All of this totals 135 million, but they have given a conservative estimate in their report. If we consider the fact that not everyone reads every article in the newspaper and
estimate that only 20% of the people read fully, even then our message and the Jalsa coverage and the Ahmadiyya community’s message of love and peace, reached approximately 18 million people. As compared to last year, if we use this same formula
and method, even though last year’s calculation was a lot less than this, if we only count 20%, even then 6 million more people received our message. It is my belief that the message reached more 100 million people.
It was not calculated on this basis last year. Even our Press and Media department are surprised by the level of coverage. This is all due to the grace of God Almighty that He drew our attention towards this.
According to the media team of the UK’s Tabligh department, the newspaper called South West Londoner published 3 articles. It has an online readership of approximately 150,000 people. In Scotland the “Herald” magazine also published articles about the Jalsa and
its readership is stated as between 100,000 – 175,000. Aside from this 2 national newspapers in Belgium published articles about the Jalsa. A journalist and cameraman from Guyana attended the Jalsa. Over there from Thursday up until Sunday,
coverage of the Jalsa was broadcast every evening. In addition to this the national newspaper Guyana Times published articles in this regard. A conservative estimate of the viewership of the television channel is more than 200,000
whereas the readership of the newspaper Guyana Times is more than 300,000. Due to the articles published in newspapers there were both positive and negative responses. People wrote their opinions underneath the articles. Some were that the Ahmadiyya Community
is poles apart from the rest of the sects in Isla and are peaceful people in the true sense, whereas other Muslims despise them. Then an individual wrote that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a peaceful community, but
the rest of the Sunni Muslims commit atrocities against them and declare them to be disbelievers. The same man writes that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat consider the Hindu God Krishna to be a Prophet.
They are very peaceful and their views are completely different to the rest of the Muslims. That is why they are oppressed in many parts of the world. Then some people wrote to various newspapers and said that they enjoyed reading about
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and they hope that the Ahmadiyya Community will be successful in influencing those who consider Islam to be a violent religion. One individual wrote and asked when will Muslims raise their voices against terrorism?
Then he writes that he read in the newspaper that a large gathering of Muslims is taking place to denounce terrorism. Ahmadis have been condemning terrorism for a lon time, yet people have not paid them any attention
and instead judge Muslims according to the news shown in the media. Someone wrote in from France where there was a lot of coverage, “I wish that such a Jalsa should take place in France so that the
“extremists stop trying to exert their opinion on others.” There are some reactions of the public, which we have felt the need for some time, but it has only taken place now, whereas the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
has been doing this for more than 100 years now. The press and media have not previously given us much coverage because there is nothing of interest for them. Now that they have given us coverage,
people are thinking that this type of event has taken place for the first time. There was a lot of coverage through MTA Africa an various other channels and it was the first time
that proceedings of the Jalsa Salana UK were shown in Africa through MTA Africa. Thousands of people sent in their congratulatory messages from both East and West Africa. Apart from MTA Africa, the following TV channels also showed the proceedings of the Jalsa Salana:
Ghana National Television, Cine Plus TV Ghana. TV Africa, Sierra Leone National TV, MITV National Nigeria and a private channel in Benin called Etel aired my full address. Congo Brazzaville which is a very small country aired the Jalsa programmes on TV and radio.
Initially the broadcasting cooperation of Uganda declined to cover the Jalsa but just before the Jalsa they agreed to show it. Similarly, apart from Uganda, the Jalsa proceedings were also shown in Rwanda.
There were also some people who took Bai’at due to the media coverage and the Jalsa Salana. A Christian friend in Congo Brazzaville was invited to see the UK Jalsa in the mission house.
He watched all three days of the Jalsa and after the Jalsa said that “Before he was afraid of the Muslims but after coming here I have seen that words of love
“and affection that have been spoken and I was particularly moved by the address of the Khalifa. “Now, I no longer need any further proof about the truth of this Jama’at “and after doing Bai’at, I enter this Jama’at”.
A wife of a local president who was Christian and had a lot of preaching done to her but did not want to convert. This time however when she saw the proceedings of the Jalsa and
heard my speech, she said that this address has left me with no choice but to join this community as there is nothing here but the truth and it teaches the ways of how to live one’s life.
These are just a few examples which I have related from among numerous accounts which have been sent to me and many more will continue to come. The sphere of God Almighty’s grace continues to increase and with this we should expand our spher
of gratefulness to the Almighty God, so that we become the recipients of ‘I will surely bestow more favours on you…’ [Holy Qur’an 14:8]. May God Almighty continue to go on increasing His rewards.
Therefore, every Ahamdi who attended the Jalsa, in fact even those Ahmadis who did not attend but watched the Jalsa, should reach the pinnacle of gratefulness for Allah the Almighty. And the only way of doing this is by obeying the commandments of God Almighty.
May Allah enable everyone to do so. Since a lot of time has already been taken, I have not said a lot about the management. There were some weaknesses and I have been received reports from various places,
especially in the scanning department, parking, security. Therefore, there needs to be better planning for this and the management should begin working on this from now. They should deliberate on how to better plan,
eliminate their shortcomings and provide the best facilities and then present me its report. May God Almighty enable them to do so. 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.