Friday sermon delivered on 31st March 2023 by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), from Masjid Mubarak in Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
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Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest There is none worthy of worship except Allah Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. and I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) 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 displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. Nowadays we are passing through the month of Ramadan. This is such a month in which a spiritual atmosphere is fostered, and this is the atmosphere which should be created amongst the community of believers. Alongside the fasting during this month,
Greater attention is also given to worship, as it ought to be. Greater attention is given to reciting and listening to the Holy Qur’an, and if one desires to attain the true blessings of fasting, then alongside the worship, greater care should be given towards reading and listening to the Holy Qur’an.
Ramadan has a special connection with the Holy Qur’an, or rather, the Holy Qur’an has a special connection with Ramadan. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an: “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind “with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.” That Qur’an which was sent for the guidance of all of mankind, possesses clear proofs which bring about guidance and divine signs. According to some authentic narrations
The first revelation descended upon the Holy Prophet (sa) on 14th Ramadan. Likewise, every year the angel Gabriel (as) would complete an entire recitation of the Qur’an to the Holy Prophet (sa) in the month of Ramadan, and in the final year, he completed it twice.
So as it were, the Holy Qur’an holds a special importance in relation to Ramadan. Therefore, we must also give special attention during this month to reading and listening to the Holy Qur’an, and to reading its commentary. Programmes in this regard are being aired on MTA, as well as lectures,
So one ought to pay attention to these. Only when we recite the Holy Qur’an along with its translation, then read and listen to its commentary can we truly understand the commandments mentioned therein, incorporate them in our lives, shape our lives in accordance with the Qur’anic teachings, and become the recipients of Allah’s grace.
Hence, if we wish to attain the true blessings of Ramadan, we must pay special attention towards the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. One should also listen to the addresses that are being delivered in the mosques. In this era, the Promised Messiah (as) has expounded in a very clear manner
Upon the importance of the Holy Qur’an, its excellences and its clear proofs. For some time I have been delivering sermons in this regard from the writings of the Promise Messiah (as). Therefore, one must listen to them regularly, read them and ponder over them, in order to develop the true understanding thereof.
Today, I shall also present some excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (as). Whilst explaining that the Holy Qur’an is an eternal and everlasting law, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “God Almighty’s wisdom and commandments are of two types: “some are eternal and everlasting, whilst others are revealed due to a temporary requirement;
“albeit they still possess a permanence in their own right “(even if they are there due to a temporary need, they are still eternal). “However, they are still temporary, “for example, the commandments are different with regards to prayer and fasting “depending on if one is on a journey, or remaining in a place
“(i.e., when travelling one is permitted to combine the prayers and shorten them, “(whereas in normal circumstances they should be performed in full. “(Likewise, it is obligatory to fast in normal circumstances “(when not on a journey for all healthy individuals.)
“For example, another commandment is for women to wear their head covering when going outside. “This is a commandment for women in specific circumstances, “and there is no such need to wear the head covering when they are at home.” The commandment about the veil is for when they are outside the house.
Furthermore, there is also the matter of whom one should be veiled from. The Promised Messiah (as) then states whilst comparing the commandments of the Torah and Gospels, “These are temporary and were in accordance with the requirements of the time, “whereas the law and book which the Holy Prophet (sa) brought,
“that book is everlasting and that law is eternal. “For this reason, whatever has been mentioned therein is perfect and complete. “The Holy Qur’an is the eternal law. “If the Holy Qur’an wasn’t revealed, even then the Torah and Gospels would be abrogated, “for they were not eternal and everlasting.”
Hence, the importance of the Holy Qur’an is such that its guidance is in line with all circumstances, it is a perfect teaching and it is for all times. Critics raise many allegations, take the example of the veil, that it is not required in this era,
And at times our own young women are affected by this. However, these people are themselves accepting this fact, many articles have been written in this regard, women’s organisations are now starting to raise their voice in this regard, and it is even being mentioned in the news occasionally,
That the free mixing of men and women is at times the cause of great detriment. Now people have started to rethink about having segregation. Then, whilst mentioning the purpose of his advent and in regards to the Holy Qur’an being an eternal law, the Promised Messiah (as) states,
“Listen carefully as to the ultimate purpose (objective) of my advent, “which is to revive and reaffirm Islam. “This should not be construed to mean that I bring a new law or shariah “or new commandments or a new book will be revealed – not at all.
“If one thinks so, then I consider them to be highly misled and devoid of faith. “Let it be clear that prophethood and the shariah have reached their total “and absolute perfection in the person of the Holy Prophet (sa). “There can be no new divine law.
“The Holy Qur’an is the last and perfect book; “it does not admit of any change, not even of a dot or a mark. “Nevertheless, it is also true that the blessings and bounties of the Holy Prophet (sa) “and the rewards of the Holy Qur’an’s teaching and guidance are unending.
“They are to be seen in every age, ever fresh in their pristine purity. “It is for the demonstration of these rewards and blessings that God Almighty has appointed me.” That is to say, that not everyone can understand the Holy Qur’an. Some matters require explanations,
And to provide this Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah (as) in these latter days, as he has stated. The Promised Messiah (as) then states: “The Holy Qur’an is a miracle the like of which never was and never will be.
“(Nor has anything similar come before it, nor will anything like it be found.) “The door to its blessing is always open, “and it is bright and manifest in every age as it was in the time of the Holy Prophet (sa).
“It should also be borne in mind that the speech of everyone corresponds to his high resolve. “The higher the resolve and determination and the purpose of the speaker, “the same will be the case with his speech. “Divine revelation also follows the same rule.
“(Just as Allah the Almighty converses with a regular person in proportion to their knowledge, “(in the same way, the revelation of God (the Holy Qur’an) has its own standard.) “The higher the resolve of the person to whom Divine revelation is vouchsafed, “the higher will be the character of the revelation.
“(Here it should also be remembered that there are different levels of revelation, “(the messages of Allah the Almighty have different levels.)” The Promised Messiah (as) then states, “As the circle of the resolve, capacity and determination “of the Holy Prophet (sa) was very wide,
“the revelation that came to him had the same high rank. “No one else will ever attain the same degree of resolve and courage.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “The breadth of the Qur’an’s teachings is very expansive; “it will remain an unchanged law until the Day of Judgement,
“and it is for every nation and every time. “Thus, Allah the Almighty states: (Arabic, Holy Qur’an 15:22) “(‘And there is not a thing but with Us are the treasures thereof “(‘and We send it not down except in a known measure.’) “Meaning that we send down from our treasures in a known measure.”
The Promised Messiah (as) states, “The need for the New Testament was only so much “that the summary of the New Testament can be given in one page. “But the need for the Holy Qur’an was for the reformation of all time. “(To reform every age.)
“The purpose of the Qur’an was to transform beasts into humans, “then to transform human civility into moral humans, “so that, one reached higher stages “whilst adhering to the prohibitions and commandments outlined by the Shariah. “Then, eventually to make them into godly humans.
“Though these words are concise, they possess thousands of fields of knowledge. “Because ill practices were to be found amongst the Jews, Naturalists, “fire-worshippers, and other nations, “this is why the Holy Prophet (sa), “in accordance with the knowledge of God addressed everyone and said: “(Arabic, Holy Qur’an 7:159)
‘Say, “O mankind! Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.”’ “That is why it was necessary that the Holy Qur’an would be comprised of all those teachings “that were revealed previously at various times and would possess all the truths within it
“that were conveyed to the inhabitants of the land at different times through different prophets.” Meaning, it would also contain the previous teachings which were revealed according to the time of need. This is all within the Holy Qur’an. The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“The Holy Qur’an was for the entire mankind, not any specific nation, country, or time. “And with regards to the Gospels, only one specific nation was kept in consideration, “this is why Prophet Jesus (as) said again and again that ‘I have come in search of the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’
“Thus the announcement of the Holy Prophet (sa) in accordance with command of God, “that ‘I am a Messenger of Allah to the entire world’, “this also proves that the Holy Qur’an is the means for the guidance of the whole world.” It contains the guidance which was revealed to the earlier people
In accordance to their conditions, and there are also commandments for those who came after. This is a timeless Law, besides this there is no other law, which was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa). Then, whilst explaining that the Holy Qur’an contains all the teachings,
And that it is a treasure in itself, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “The Holy Qur’an is a wise and everlasting law and is a treasure of all the teachings. “And in this manner, “the first miracle of the Holy Qur’an is the superb stature of its teachings.
“Then, the second miracle of the Holy Qur’an is its’ grand prophecies. “For example, there are such grand and marvellous prophecies in Surah al-Fatihah, “Surah al-Tahrim, and Surah al-Nur; “the Makkan era of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) life is filled with prophecies. “If a learned person ponders over it while maintaining a fear of God,
“then they will come to know “just how much knowledge of the unseen was given to the Holy Prophet (sa). “Is this an insignificant matter that, “at a time when the whole nation was against the Holy Prophet (sa), “and there was no sympathizer or friend, to proclaim that: “(Arabic, Holy Qur’an 54:46)
“(‘The hosts shall soon be routed and will turn their backs in flight.’) “Meaning that their group will be defeated and that they will turn their backs and flee, “this is the meaning of the verse.” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Is this an insignificant matter? “Had he possessed the necessary provisions,
“then such a declaration could have been made that they will destroy (the enemy). “(If the Holy Prophet (sa) had the provisions, then maybe it could be said that they “((i.e., the Makkans) would be destroyed,) “but in his condition the Holy Prophet (sa) was prophesying his own victory
“and the humiliation and utter defeat of his enemies, “and in the end this is exactly what came to pass.” This prophecy which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, was given to the Holy Prophet (sa) by God Almighty whilst he was in Makkah, and that too in the early years,
When their condition was that they were very weak while in Makkah, and then look at how the prophecy was fulfilled. We see that this prophecy is often attributed in its fulfilment to the Battle of the Confederates, and in relation to other instances as well,
When a powerful army of the disbelievers turned their backs and fled. Then, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “Then how grand and unparalleled are the prophecies related to the community “which was going to be established 1,300 years later “and also regarding the conditions and signs of that age.”
Meaning how extraordinary are the prophecies about the time of the Promised Messiah (as). I have mentioned some before as well in an earlier Friday Sermon, and they are still being fulfilled with such brilliance. The Promised Messiah (as) continues, “Present the prophecies of any other book in the world,
“can they compete with the prophecies regarding the advent of the Promised Messiah?” Then, regarding the excellence of the Holy Qur’an, and the fact that every commandment is full of purpose and wisdom, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “This quality is found within the Holy Qur’an, “that every commandment has a purpose and is beneficial.
“(i.e., it has an objective). “And this is why there is much emphasis in the Holy Qur’an to act with sense, “to comprehend, to reflect, to deeply ponder and to act with piety. “(To deeply ponder means to act with logic, reason, and piety. Piety is also necessary.)
“And this is the distinction between the Holy Qur’an and other books. “No other book had the courage to present its teachings to open and rigorous criticism “in the matter of intellect and reason.” Giving the example of the New Testament, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “The cunning and shrewd supporters of the New Testament,
“after realising that the New Testament is lifeless “when scrutinised through the lens of reason, “cleverly added to their beliefs that the trinity and atonement are such mysteries, “that human reason cannot possibly reach its essence. “(It is a very difficult field of knowledge, you cannot reach it so just accept it as it is.)
“But opposite to this is the teaching of the Holy Qur’an which is: “(Arabic, Holy Qur’an 3:191-192) ‘In the creation of the heavens and the earth “and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed Signs for men of understanding. “Those who remember Allah.”
This is the religion Islam calls you to. There is a clear command in this verse, that a wise person should act with wisdom and intellect and one ought to ponder over this. Then, whilst expounding on the fact that the Holy Qur’an is a book that has remained safeguarded,
And that the natural law bears testament to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “Allah the Almighty states, “(Arabic, Holy Qur’an 56:78-80) ‘This is indeed a noble Qur’an. ‘In a well-preserved book (meaning it has remained protected). ‘Which none shall touch except those who are purified.’”
The Promised Messiah (as) states, “In fact, this entire scripture is preserved in the formidable encasing of nature. “What does it mean that the Holy Qur’an is in a well-preserved book? “It is not limited to mere pages, rather it is in a well-preserved book “which is known as the scripture of nature.
“In other words, the teachings of the Holy Qur’an “are attested to by every iota of the law of nature. “Its teachings and blessings are not such that can be erased like mere tales and stories.” One who understands and implements it will attain the blessings of Allah the Almighty.
However, it should be remembered that its secrets and its depths are only made apparent to those who are pure, and for this, it is necessary to benefit from the company of the pure. In this era, we must look to, and ponder over the knowledge imparted by the Promised Messiah (as)
Which he received from Allah the Almighty in order to benefit from it. Then, it is his commentaries and the literature of the Ahmadiyya Community which is based on those commentaries. Whilst explaining why the Holy Qur’an is also called the “Exhortation”, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “The Holy Qur’an has been called the Exhortation
“because it reminds a person of their inner law.” He further states, “The Qur’an does not present a new teaching, “rather it reminds of the internal law which is found in humans through their various qualities. “There is forbearance, selflessness, bravery, might, anger, and contentment among others.
“In essence, the Qur’an reminds us of the nature that is hidden within, as it is mentioned, “(ARABIC) meaning that the scripture was a book hidden within nature “and reminded everyone of that which they could not see.” We should read the Holy Qur’an from this point of view as well.
The Holy Qur’an guides the natural human qualities aright. The Holy Qur’an draws out and elaborates the true nature which people are moving further away from especially today. It is because they are moving away from this, that in today’s day and age, we see a tendency towards creating laws that are immoral and unnatural.
People are trying to pervert (human nature). Allah the Almighty states that by pondering and acting upon the Qur’an it enables one to achieve the highest level of human nature. Hence, it is important to ponder over it and we should read and understand the Holy Qur’an from this lens.
This way, we can also remain safeguarded against the poison that is being fed into the minds of young and old under the pretence of freedom. Many parents ask how they should respond to the things that their children learn from school; if we closely read (the Holy Qur’an), its commentary,
Literature of the Community which are according the teachings of the Qur’an, then the parents will be able to respond to their children. Then, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “This book has been called the Exhortation so that it may be read “and remind us of the inner and spiritual capacities
“and that light of heart which the heavens have placed within humans. “By sending the Qur’an, Allah the Almighty Himself showed a spiritual miracle. “If you read it continuously, it will continuously serve as a reminder for you, “so that one may understand the knowledge, verities, “and spiritual miracles about which they were unaware.
“Yet it is a pity that they have abandoned the ultimate purpose of the Qur’an which is: “(ARABIC) (a guidance for the righteous) “and instead have regarded it to be a mere collection of stories. “Like the disbelievers of Arabia, they carelessly and selfishly regard it as
“(Arabic – fables of the ancients) and put it aside.” The Promised Messiah (as) continues, “That was the time of the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa) “and the revelation of the Qur’an, when it came to remind the world of the verities it had lost.
“Now, that time has arrived that was foretold by the Holy Prophet (sa) “in which people would read the Qur’an but it would not go below their throats.” This is exactly what we witness; there are countless reciters of the Qur’an, yet they do not act upon it.
The Promised Messiah (as) continues, “You are able to witness for yourselves “the beautiful and melodious manner in which the Qur’an is recited, “yet it goes not lower than their throats (they do not act in accordance to it). “This is why the Holy Qur’an, which is also called the Exhortation,
“came at that earlier time in order to remind people of the truths hidden “and concealed within them and the qualities which they had been given. “In accordance with Allah the Almighty’s firm promise that, “(ARABIC) (“Most surely We will be its guardian”),
“a teacher was sent by the heavens in this era as well who is the promised fulfilment of “(ARABIC) (“And among others from among them who have not yet joined them.”) “He is none other than he who speaks before you.” He was referring to himself.
If only Muslims adopted reason and accept that one who has been sent by God Almighty; they would analyse their inner states, observe the need of the time, and look to the general state of Muslims. They should not defame Islam by laying emphasis on apparent edicts.
They should understand the reality of the Holy Qur’an. As Ahmadis, we should constantly analyse ourselves as to the degree to which we understand the verities of the teachings in the Holy Qur’an and the steps we have taken in striving to implement them or the steps we are currently taking.
Then, whilst explaining that the Holy Qur’an seeks to help one recognise true knowledge, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “Just as Allah the Almighty wishes for people to fear Him, “He also desires for the light of knowledge to be established within them “(there is no fear of people establishing the aptitude for knowledge)
“and for people to traverse the stations of understanding “(why is one created? “(That they may establish understanding and their scope of thinking expands). “Where having true knowledge establishes true fear (of God), “this knowledge also establishes the worship of God.” When a believer thinks in this way, ponders upon the Holy Qur’an
And tests worldly knowledge against the Holy Qur’an, then they develop knowledge and also the fear of God Almighty. The Promised Messiah (as) continues, “However, there are some unfortunate ones “who become so absorbed in knowledge that they become distant from the divine decree “and develop doubts in the very existence of Allah the Almighty.
“There are some who believe in divine decree and abandon knowledge altogether.” They are either to one extreme whereby in the name of worldly knowledge and new enlightenment they forget about God Almighty, or in the name of coming towards Allah the Almighty,
They become weary of obtaining knowledge and abandon it, deeming it to be wrong. The Promised Messiah (as) continues, “However, the Holy Qur’an has imparted both teachings and in a complete manner. “The reason that the Holy Qur’an wishes to impart true knowledge “and draw man’s attention towards it
“is because it develops the fear of God “and as it gradually helps to increase the understanding of God Almighty, “it also develops the majesty of God and love for Him. “It also gives the teaching of adhering to the divine decree
“because it develops within a person the quality of placing complete trust in Allah the Almighty “and one becomes aware of the reality behind being content with the will (of God), “thereby attaining true contentment which is the ultimate purpose of salvation.” Furthermore, the Promised Messiah (as) states,
“Allah the Almighty has granted this Ummah the source “and fountainhead of true knowledge within the Holy Qur’an. “Whoever attains the verities and knowledge contained within the Holy Qur’an – “attainable only through true righteousness and fear of Allah – “becomes like the prophets of the Israelites thereby. “Indeed, it is absolutely true that
“one who does not use the weapon they have been provided is at fault, “and no blame lies on the weapon itself. “This has become the state of the world right now; “despite having a matchless blessing such as the Holy Qur’an – “one that liberates from all misguidances and saves from all darkness –
“the Muslims abandoned it and were utterly heedless towards its pure teachings. “As a result, they have become far removed from Islam.” As the Promised Messiah (as) has stated, Muslims have deviated from the grand teachings of the Holy Qur’an and have thus reduced themselves to Muslims by name alone.
People post short video clips on social media from time to time. These short interviews give insight into the fact that people are unaware of the basic teachings and history of Islam. As per their claim, Muslim clerics raise an uproar
And seek to cause harm to the Ahmadiyya Community in honour of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Qur’an and the companions. Someone wrote to me from Bangladesh and informed me that when they were attacked by a crowd, a boy among them was perhaps throwing stones. One Ahmadi questioned his actions
And inquired if he was acting upon what was written in the Qur’an or the teachings of Islam. Where had he found such teachings? He told him that Ahmadis adhere to the Kalimah. Upon this, the boy immediately dropped the stone. These people act according to how the Muslim clerics incite them.
May Allah the Almighty protect us from the evil of these wicked people and enable us to understand, learn and act upon the Holy Qur’an, both during this Ramadan and after it has passed. May Allah the Almighty protect us from the depravity that exists in the world.
You must give special attention to prayers during Ramadan, as I have stated earlier. May Allah the Almighty protect every Ahmadi in all places from harm. As for those who are incapable of reformation, may Allah the Almighty make an example out of them so that others are able to follow His commandments.
You should also pray for the world as a whole that Allah the Almighty averts the catastrophe of war. At present, I would like to speak about a few deceased members, the first of which is a missionary of the Community who fulfilled his devotion with exceptional faithfulness.
He was an exceedingly humble man who had the opportunity to serve for a long time, living up to the true standard of rendering service. His name is Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib, and he served as a missionary in Western Africa. He passed away a few days ago.
(Verily, to Allah do we belong, and to Him we shall return). His family entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat when his grandfather, Hazrat Mian Abdul Karim Sahib (ra) pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as) in 1903 when he came to Jhelum for the court case of Karam Din.
All the children born to the parents of Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib would fall ill and pass away. When he (Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib) was born, he also fell ill. There was no hope in sight, and so his grandfather, Mian Abdul Karim Sahib,
Who was a companion (of the Promised Messiah), decided to dedicate the child’s life in God’s way. His reasoning was that if God required the child, He would save him. Nonetheless, in the same instance, a doctor came to their village who lived in another far-off village.
He administered treatment and through a miracle, Allah the Almighty cured him. His father-in-law, Muhammad Khan Darwish Sahib, also saw a dream about him that he was on a towering and brilliant minaret. Upon this, the Darwish told him that he would illuminate the minaret of Ahmadiyyat and render great services.
Thus, Allah the Almighty enabled him to do so. After graduating from Jamia, he stayed in Pakistan for a short period. Then, in 1983, he went to Africa and served for an extended period of time in The Gambia, Senegal and so on. He also had the opportunity
Of serving as Amir Jama’at (president) in The Gambia and Senegal. In 2005, due to an illness, he came here to the UK. While residing here, he continued to manage the Jama’at administration in Senegal until another missionary was posted there and able to continue the administration.
From 2008 to 2012, he also had the opportunity to serve as a teacher in Jamia UK. Wherever he was able to serve, he worked excellently. He had the honour of bringing many people into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. 40 members of parliament accepted Ahmadiyyat by his efforts.
In light of this achievement, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) designated him with the title “Fatih-e-Senegal” (the Champion of Senegal) in his Jalsa Salana address. He brought about 15 members of the assembly to Jalsa Salana Germany. Of the various PAAMA awards designated for missionaries, he was a recipient of the Abdul Rahim Nayyar award.
Upon my instruction, he also visited Spain on various occasions. There, he preached Islam to the African residents and did excellent work. He brought many people there into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Under Ansarullah UK, he also held online educational classes on the Holy Qur’an. He continued this until his demise.
He is survived by his three sons, three daughters and wife. One of his sons is a missionary here in the UK. Daud Hanif Sahib, who is serving as the Principal of Jamia Canada, was the Amir Jama’at in The Gambia when he was sent there.
He writes, “I had the opportunity to serve alongside him from 1983 to 1994. “Apart from his work as a missionary, he also taught Islamic studies in school.” He further writes, “The state in Senegal was such that it was very difficult to preach Islam. “It was a difficult time.
“At the end of 1985, he was sent to the town of Farafenni – located at the border of Senegal. “Whilst there, his objective was to bring the plan for establishing Ahmadiyyat to fruition. “It was a very difficult task. “The government of Senegal would not grant a visa to Pakistanis,
“however, Munawwar Khurshid Sahib had a quality “that allowed him to immerse himself in the people and form relationships in a brilliant manner. “He also knew the French language to a degree. “Thus, when he was posted there, “he quickly built relationships with the officials at the border “and began to travel to Senegal thereby.
“There, he began to further study the French language under an elementary school headmaster. “He had acquired permission from the local officials to learn French “with the headmaster, Abdus Salam Bari. “Nevertheless, he was successful and through this achievement, “visited Senegal from time to time.
“Later, he obtained a special pass which allowed him to travel into Senegal “in a vehicle that was from The Gambia. “He would place the literature (of the Jama’at) inside the vehicle and would preach there “and through this he was able to acquire many Bai’ats.
“There were some Ahmadis already residing in the Kaolack region “and there was also a local Mu’allim, Hamid Mbaye Sahib. “He worked together with him and established new Jama’ats there. “In Africa, either the roads were very broken or in some places they did not even have any roads.
“However, he would reach distant places by a motorcycle. “And the paths for the motorcycle were such “that the bushes and shrubs were so close that his legs would be full of blood, “however he did not show any concern about this and would remain engaged in his work.”
Daud Hanif Sahib further writes, “Initially, there were many challenges “and so we carried out the Tabligh work with great caution, “but gradually when contacts were established, “the Jama’at was introduced and we began to convey the message “that the Promised Messiah (as) had come for the revival of Islam
“and this message was also conveyed to the officials as well, “then it became very easy for him to travel to Senegal. “He would regularly visit Senegal “and many Jama’ats were established in various areas of the Kaolack region. “I have already mentioned that there were some places “where even motorcycles, etc., were not available
“and so he travelled long distances on donkey carts and visited various villages. “In fact, some of the missionaries who are currently serving there now say “that when they went to these villages, the people mentioned that a long time ago “Maulana Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib used to visit us
“and did so in very difficult circumstances. “And so, he would travel to these areas and preach there. “He would spend many nights there with the people “and he would eat the local food, such as boiled corn or millet.
“This would be the food he would eat and then he would continue on with his travels. “He was never concerned about the arrangements for the accommodation, “in fact wherever he found any place to stay he would sleep there and eat whatever was available. “In this way he became extremely popular amongst the people
“and carried out Tabligh in an excellent manner. “When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) saw a dream “that the Jama’at was progressing in the French speaking countries, “Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib left from the region he was in “and focused his efforts on Senegal. “He was then sent there
“and he preached to its influential people and also the Members of Parliament “and as a result 14 Members of Parliament had the opportunity to do the Bai’at. “This had a very good impact for the Jama’at “and the Jama’at began to be firmly established there. “In order to strengthen the Nizam-e-Jama’at (administrative structure),
“along with increasing the number of Mu’allimeen, “there was also a need for the education and training of its members, “which was done on a yearly basis “and Maulana Sahib carried this work out with great effort and courage. “In 1997, he was appointed as the National President of the Jama’at in Senegal
“and he served with great effort right till the end.” He has further written that the spirit of obedience to the Khalifah of the time was deeply rooted within him. I have observed this as well that when he came here (UK),
He had been very ill for the last ten years but despite his ill health, whenever he was assigned any work he would immediately try to fulfil it. He had a great passion for Tabligh. Wajihullah Sahib, who is serving as a missionary in Senegal, says,
“When I came here, I heard a lot about Munawwar Sahib “and wherever I would go, the people there would mention him in a very loving manner.” A local Mu’allim, Muhammadu Tafsir Mara Sahib, writes, “I accepted Ahmadiyyat through Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib
“and he taught me very well and did my training with great effort and love. “As a result, I had the opportunity to study in Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana and serve the Jama’at.” He himself is from Senegal and further states, “I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him.
“He had great love for Khilafat “and he would particularly advise me to remain attached with Khilafat. “Another quality I observed was that he never missed the Tahajjud prayer “and he would also advise us to always offer the Tahajjud prayer “and to particularly pray for Khalifatul Masih in the Tahajjud prayers.”
The Muallim Sahib further writes, “He was a very righteous person and strived very hard. “He travelled across the entire country of Senegal. “He would always strive to visit every village “and convey the message of the Messiah of Muhammad (sa).
“I am a witness to the fact that when Munawwar Sahib was engaged in Jama’at work “he did not have any concern whether it was day or night “or whether or not he had anything to eat or drink. “He had a very close relationship with God Almighty
“and many times we would witness incidents which reflected this.” He further says, “On one occasion, there was a Jama’at function “and people had travelled to attend it. “One of the Ahmadis became ill and wanted to go back. “He was given permission to return but when he was about to board the bus,
“Munawwar Sahib stopped him and told him to not sit on that particular bus but another one. “At the time, I thought to myself that this bus “(which he was stopped from boarding) was going to have an accident and if he had sat in it,
“people would have said that he had gone to a Jama’at function and died in an accident. “This is exactly what happened, “the bus which he was stopped from boarding was involved in an accident. “Since he sat on the other bus, therefore he safely returned to his home.
“As a result of this incident as well, people’s faith increased. “People had so much love for him and this can be gauged “from the fact that his funeral prayer in absentia was offered in various areas of Senegal “and many non-Ahmadis also attended the prayers.”
Then, the Sadr of the Fatak Jama’at, Vogan Fai Sahib says, “It is extremely difficult for anyone to work in the same passionate manner “in which Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib used to.” Diallo Sahib, who is another local Muallim, says, “When Munawwar Sahib first came to Senegal,
“I had the opportunity to work with him for a very long time. “He was a very righteous and brave individual. “Whilst on Jama’at tours, he would carry out the Tabligh work with great wisdom and courage. “He was also a very fair person
“and would treat the members of the Jama’at with great love and equality.” Raja Burhan Sahib says, “Towards the latter part of his life, when he was very ill “and was having to undergo dialysis daily, “he met me once at a wedding and said, ‘I have opened a shop.’
“I asked him what he meant by opening a shop and he said, ‘I am at home and so I have placed a table outside and in the summer, ‘I keep some water and the Jama’at literature. ‘Those who walk by, if they require some water,
‘I provide them with water and also give them the literature along with it.’” He did not sit idle during his illness, but even then found a new way of preaching. Those who ask that how should one do Tabligh, if one tries to search different avenues of Tabligh, they are able to find them.
All that is required is passion. “Another quality of Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib “was that he was quickly able to learn new languages. “Different languages are spoken in The Gambia “and he was able to speak those various languages. “In relation to this, he would mention that
‘the Gambian missionaries who studied here (at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK); ‘Abdullah Sahib, Abdur Rahman Sahib and Muhammad Mbaye Sahib ‘belong to three different tribes ‘and are not able to understand each other’s local languages, ‘however I am able to speak all three languages of their tribes.’” His wife, Nusrat Jahan Sahiba says:
“He was very particular about the moral training of children. “He was a very loving person and had unbound love for Khilafat. “He did justice to his Waqf (life devotion). “He would try his best to resolve all disputes and altercations. He was very hospitable.
“In Africa, when he would leave for a (tabligh) trip, he would say: ‘Do not worry about when I will return. ‘I will return home once I have completed my work.’” She says that he had a passion to propagate the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He had the opportunity to propagate the message in Spain
And despite being unwell, he went many times. In this way he re-established lost contacts (with the Jama’at). His son, Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid, who is a missionary says: “He would always advise me that I ought to help people, “because this is an excellent form of worship and it pleases Allah.”
He says: “In him we always saw a practical model of the Islamic teachings.” Salman Salmi Sahib from Spain writes: “During his visits to Spain, “I had the chance to accompany him on many Tabligh endeavours. “The astonishing thing I saw was that
“he would be able to strike a conversation with any passer-by and get to know them. “In a short space of time he would be able to form a good connection with them. “He would then say that the individual was from such and such village,
“and the villages around that area are such and such and that those people are very sincere. “He knew influential people of different areas, “and as he would be conversing in various African languages, “owing to that they would listen to him. “They would be astonished and also happy.
“After two, three meetings he would form a bond with them “and then give them the message of the Jama’at.” He says: “It was not the case that he would preach to them in the first meeting. “He would first establish a personal connection
“and then on the 2nd or 3rd visit he would preach to them about Ahmadiyyat. “He says that through his personal connections and his morals, “the ground work would be completed and then later people would readily pledge allegiance. “Nonetheless, he rendered a great service in Spain and established a Jama’at there also.
“He had true passion to propagate the teachings of Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam. “It is absolutely true that alongside this he was very humble. “When I asked him to go to Spain, he went without presenting any excuse, “even though he was unwell at the time.”
May Allah the Almighty continue to grant the Jama’at such loyal and devoted missionaries who render services selflessly and fulfil their tasks. May Allah elevate his rank (in paradise). The second funeral is of Iqbal Ahmad Munir Sahib, who was a missionary from Pakistan and son of Chaudhry Munir Ahmad Sahib. He passed away recently.
Ahmadiyyat was introduced into his family through his paternal grandfather, Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Sahib in 1895. The deceased completed his studies from Jamia Ahmadiyya in 1983 after which he served under Islah-o-Irshad Markaziyyah. Then from 2001 to 2008 he served in Sierra Leone and then returned to Pakistan.
He subsequently served in various districts in Pakistan. He was a heart patient, but despite this he worked diligently. By the grace of Allah he was a Musi. He rendered his services with great diligence and effort. He had good relations with people and was a sincere individual.
The deceased is survived by his wife and three sons. Abdul Wakil Sahib, who is a missionary, writes: “He was a very popular person and had a deep bond with Khilafat. “He was a loving person with an awe-inspiring personality. “He was very kind hearted.
“After a brief meeting with him, one would know that he was a very humble person.” Syed Munir Ahmad Sahib, who is Naib Amir of Karachi and has worked with him, says: “He was a very hard worker and a sincere individual.
“Whatever work was assigned to him, he would give it priority and complete it immediately. “He would come to the office and advise us based on his experience.” He further says: “This gave me a lot of support. He had a pure heart. “He had a personal relationship with everyone in his area,
“as a result of which he would be able to get things done very easily. “Owing to this he was instructed to remind others about paying chanda “and this had a great impact on others.” May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate his station in paradise.
The third mention is of Sayyida Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahiba, wife of the late Mian Abdul Azim Sahib, Dervish of Qadian, who passed away recently. She was bed ridden for quite some time. In the early days, when they were living in straitened circumstances, she was the first woman to come from the Odisha state.
The deceased spent time in difficult conditions with her husband with great patience and gratitude. She was regular in prayers and fasting. She was devoted and very sincere. She would regularly recite the Holy Qur’an and also teach it to others. She taught the Holy Qur’an to many children and women.
In the days of straightened circumstances, their income would be low and so she decided to keep chickens to get by, instead of looking towards others for help. She was always ready to serve Allah’s creation. She would help the women of Qadian in making arrangements for the shroud and burial of the deceased
And would help in bathing them. She had a special bond with the Khalifah of the time. She would partake in every financial initiative. The deceased was a Musia and is survived by four sons and one daughter. She was the step-mother of Khurshid Anwar Sahib. She was the paternal aunt
Of Dost Muhammad Shahid Sahib, (former) historian of the Jama’at. May Allah the Almighty bestow his forgiveness and mercy upon her and elevate her status. After the Friday prayers I will lead their funeral prayers in absentia. 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 (sa) 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.