Friday Sermon delivered at Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta`awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
‘Verily you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 33:22)
His Holiness(aba) said that someone asked Hazrat A’ishah(ra) about the moral character and perfect example of the Holy Prophet(sa). Hazrat A’ishah(ra) responded by asking, ‘Have you not read the Holy Qur’an? God Himself has testified to the moral character of the Holy Prophet(sa) when He says: “And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.” (The Holy Qur’an, 68:5)’
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) set the highest standard when it came to fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of humanity. That is why God said that it is not enough to only adhere to what the Holy Prophet(sa) said, rather the Holy Prophet(sa) was a perfect example which we must emulate as well.
His Holiness(aba) said that in the world, there are those who may realise some sort of success in a certain field or at a certain time, and they are given rewards and accolades to recognise their achievements. However, these recognitions are by governments or committees, which are appointed for the task, yet, never has an entire nation come together and unanimously agreed about recognising someone’s greatness, as was the case with the Holy Prophet(sa). In fact, this happened even before his prophethood, when his people gave him the titles of ‘The Truthful’ and ‘The Trustworthy’. Though the Holy Prophet(sa) did not need any reward, he had reached a standard in the eyes of the entire nation which was unmatched.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) himself instructed that he had been commissioned to bring lofty morals to their completion, and so his example should be followed. And as God Himself has testified that the Holy Prophet(sa) is the perfect example for us, we must follow that example and adhere to everything that the Holy Prophet(sa) said and did; all of which was based upon the Holy Qur’an.
His Holiness(aba) said that today he would present examples of various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that the first is the Holy Prophet’s (sa) example when it comes to fulfilling the rights owed to God and the rights of worshipping God. We find that the Holy Prophet’s (sa) entire life was spent in love for God. He lived this way whilst carrying great responsibility such as establishing a new law and teaching the people. As the Promised Messiah(as) states, the Holy Prophet(sa) took people who were wild ones and turned them into humans, then he turned them into educated people and then he turned them into people of God. This was an immense undertaking, yet all the while, the Holy Prophet(sa) never slackened when it came to his worship. There were also battles and attacks from enemies, yet the Holy Prophet(sa) never gave up fulfilling the rights of worship.
His Holiness(aba) said that hence, under any and every circumstance, the Holy Prophet(sa) fulfilled the rights of worship. This is an example for us that no matter what may be happening, we must always fulfil the rights of worship. Some people say that whilst facing difficulties they prayed, but nothing happened. The issue is they pray for their problems yet do not fulfil the rights owed to God. However, one must always remain mindful of fulfilling the rights owed to God, as a result of which their prayers will also be answered.
His Holiness(aba) said that the standards of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) prayer were that after half the night had passed, the Holy Prophet(sa) would wake up and stand in prayer. Hazrat A’ishah(ra) states that once, while the Holy Prophet(sa) stood in prayer, she asked him that he was already God’s elect, then why did he put himself under such difficulties of spending half the night in prayer. The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, ‘O A’ishah, should I not be a grateful servant?’ God had bestowed the immense favour of making the Holy Prophet(sa) the final law-bearing prophet and had revealed the Holy Qur’an to him, and in response the Holy Prophet(sa) was extremely grateful and expressed it through his prayers.
His Holiness(aba) said that God has bestowed immense favours upon us, and this naturally dictates that we should be grateful to Him and worship Him. Some people, including the youth, ask how to worship God, and why God requires our worship. The answer is that God does not need our worship. However, the spiritual and worldly bounties which God has bestowed necessitate being grateful to Him.
His Holiness(aba) said that there are narrations which record that whenever the Holy Prophet(sa) heard the Word of God his eyes would fill with tears, especially upon hearing those verses in which he was reminded about his responsibilities. Once, the Holy Prophet(sa) asked one of his companions, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas`ud(ra), to recite the Holy Qur’an for him. Hazrat Abdullah(ra) responded by saying that the Holy Qur’an had been revealed to the Holy Prophet(sa) himself, so why did he want him to recite it? The Holy Prophet(sa) replied saying that he enjoyed hearing others recite the Holy Qur’an. Hence, Hazrat Abdullah(ra) began reciting a portion of the Holy Qur’an, which included the verse:
‘And how will it fare with them when We shall bring a witness from every people, and shall bring thee as a witness against these!’ (The Holy Qur’an, 4:43)
Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet(sa) asked Hazrat Abdullah(ra) to stop. Hazrat Abdullah(ra) saw tears streaming from the Holy Prophet’s (sa) eyes, as hearing this verse made him concerned for his own people, lest they do something that would require him to bear witness against them. Therefore, we should be worried about acting in a way that would cause the Holy Prophet’s (sa) testimony to go against us. Instead, we should focus on acting in a manner that emulates the example of the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) was so particular about being regular in offering prayers that he would do so even whilst severely ill. In his final illness, though there is permission in such circumstances to offer prayers even whilst laying down, the Holy Prophet(sa) went to the mosque to offer prayers with the help of two companions who were supporting him. Hazrat A’ishah(ra) records that with the two companions supporting him, the state of the Holy Prophet(sa) was such that his feet were dragging on the ground. Yet, even in this state, the Holy Prophet(sa) ensured not only to offer prayers but to go to the mosque. This was the manner in which he loved God.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) also had a profound way of not only teaching people, but also establishing the greatness of God at the same time. At that time in Arabia, it was customary for people to clap when they wished to draw attention to something. The Holy Prophet(sa) taught that instead, it would be better to glorify God. For example, once the Holy Prophet(sa) was occupied with something and instructed Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) to lead the prayer. The Holy Prophet(sa) then made his way to the mosque to join the prayer, and when he arrived, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) had started the prayer. Upon realising that the Holy Prophet(sa) had arrived in the mosque, people began clapping to indicate to Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) that the Holy Prophet(sa) was present. Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) stepped back, giving way for the Holy Prophet(sa) to take over leading the prayer. After the prayer, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) should have continued leading the prayer as he had instructed him to. Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) replied saying that how could he lead the prayer whilst the Holy Prophet(sa) was present. Then, the Holy Prophet(sa) addressed the people and said that it was not appropriate to clap whilst praying to God. He said that if attention needed to be drawn towards something during prayer, then instead of clapping, the name of God should be extolled by saying ‘Holy is Allah’.
His Holiness(aba) said that whilst being devoted to prayer, the Holy Prophet(sa) also did not desire for people to take unnecessary measures. For example, once the Holy Prophet(sa) saw a rope hanging in the mosque. Upon asking about it, he was told that this rope belonged to Hazrat Zainab(ra); when she grew tired whilst standing in prayer, she would use that rope to help her stay standing. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that there is no need for this. One should only offer prayers for as long as they are physically able to.
His Holiness(aba) clarified that this does not mean that on the other hand one should offer prayers swiftly under the guise of creating ease. Some people will offer prayers in a matter of minutes simply to free themselves. However, the true manner of offering prayers is to do so with care. Once, someone came late to the mosque after the congregational prayer had concluded, and so he offered his own prayer and then joined the Holy Prophet’s (sa) gathering. The Holy Prophet(sa) told him to go back and offer the prayer again, and this happened three or four times. Finally, the man asked the Holy Prophet(sa) what he should do differently. The Holy Prophet(sa) replied that he should offer the prayer with great care rather than offering the prayer quickly.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) had a strong aversion to the association of partners with God. Even in his final illness, the Holy Prophet(sa) would express sorrow over those of previous religions who had turned the graves of their prophets into shrines. By this, the Holy Prophet(sa) clearly taught that nothing of the sort should be done in his case, as such things lead to the association of partners with God. We are fortunate to have accepted the Promised Messiah(as) who taught us to abandon all such practices in light of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) teachings, as it is unfortunately seen today that many Muslims still create shrines for their elders.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) exhibited great humility before God. Once, people told the Holy Prophet(sa) that he would surely draw the favours of God and His forgiveness because God Himself had attested to the high character of the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) responded that such was not the case rather he would only be granted forgiveness by the grace of God. On another occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that one cannot enter paradise by force through their actions. Someone asked the Holy Prophet(sa) if the same applied to him as well. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that he himself would not enter paradise by way of his own actions rather he would only enter paradise by the grace of God.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) advised to adopt virtue in our actions. One should not desire death; if a person is virtuous then he will continue increasing in virtue throughout his life and if one is a sinner, then they will have the opportunity to repent from their sins throughout their life. This is a very important guidance which we must always remember. People desire death due to facing some sort of difficulty, however, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that life provides the opportunity of either increasing in virtue or repenting from sins.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) would advise others about their standards of prayers. Once, the Holy Prophet(sa) went to his daughter Fatima’s(ra) home and her husband Hazrat Ali(ra). He asked whether they offered the pre-dawn voluntary prayer. Hazrat Ali(ra) responded by saying that had God willed, they would wake up, otherwise they would remain asleep. The Holy Prophet(sa) advised that they should offer the pre-dawn voluntary prayer, and then made his way home. As he walked home, the Holy Prophet(sa) repeated, ‘but of all things man is most contentious.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 18:55). In other words, people often do not admit their mistakes and seek to deflect blame. Hence, the Holy Prophet(sa) explained in this way that it would have been better to accept their own shortcomings in waking up for prayer rather than blaming God.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) also taught that another form of worship is using the faculties provided by God in the appropriate manner. These days, there are various attractions in the world and various evil programmes that can be viewed. To use our eyes to view such things is a sin, and true virtue is to avoid such things. In our eyes, ears and other faculties God has bestowed upon us great favours, and we must use these faculties. However, at the same time, listening to rumours and falsities about others is a sin. Hence, we must use the faculties given to us by God, but we must use them in their true and proper manner and a manner which denotes virtues.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat A’ishah(ra) relates that whenever the Holy Prophet(sa) was presented with two paths or options, he would always choose the easier path on the condition that the easier path did not lead to evil and sin. This is because God does not desire hardship rather He desires ease. However, if the easier path would lead to sin and evil, then the Holy Prophet(sa) would avoid it and adopt the longer path. Some people adopt difficulties of their own volition only to be praised. However, this was not the way of the Holy Prophet(sa). Such people only do so to beguile others and there is no reward from God in doing this. Acting in this way does not bring people closer to God rather it incurs His displeasure, because one’s intentions in doing so are not pure.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) was excellent and just in the treatment of his wives. If people were to understand this, many domestic issues today would be solved. There were even instances where his wives spoke to him in a harsh manner, however, the Holy Prophet(sa) would smile and deflect the matter. Once, the Holy Prophet(sa) told Hazrat A’ishah(ra) that he could tell whenever she was upset with him. She asked how so? The Holy Prophet(sa) said that when she was happy with him and she needed to swear an oath she would say ‘I swear by the Lord of Muhammad(sa)’. However, when she was upset with him she would say, ‘I swear by the Lord of Abraham.’ Hazrat A’ishah(ra) laughed and confirmed that he was right.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) always honoured his first wife Hazrat Khadijah(ra) even after her demise. For example, if ever one of her friends were present, the Holy Prophet(sa) would stand and greet them. If ever something that Hazrat Khadijah(ra) had made came before him, his eyes would fill with tears. Once, during the Battle of Badr when one of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) sons-in-law was captured, his wife Hazrat Zainab(ra), the Holy Prophet’s (sa) daughter, sent all that she had for his freedom, which happened to be a necklace which used to belong to Hazrat Khadijah(ra). Upon seeing the necklace, the Holy Prophet’s (sa) eyes welled with tears. The Holy Prophet(sa) said to the companions that he would not give them an instruction in the matter, however, he requested that if they would deem it appropriate, let a daughter not be deprived of her mother’s only heirloom. The companions said nothing would make them happier and they sent the necklace back to her.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) was so impacted by the manner in which Hazrat Khadijah(ra) treated him and he would often recount her treatment. Once, the Holy Prophet(sa) was mentioning to Hazrat A’ishah(ra) some good qualities of Hazrat Khadijah(ra). In response, as is sometimes natural to become jealous, Hazrat A’ishah(ra) replied by asking why the Holy Prophet(sa) continued to speak about Hazrat Khadijah(ra) when he now had other, younger wives. The Holy Prophet(sa) began crying and said to Hazrat A’ishah(ra) that she did not know the excellent manner in which Hazrat Khadijah(ra) treated him.
His Holiness(aba) said that the first eight years of the Holy Prophet(sa) were spent in the care of his grandfather after the demise of his parents and then he was later in the care of his uncle. However, his uncle’s wife was not particularly kind to him, and if ever something to eat came to the home, she would not give it to her nephew but would only grant it to her own children. However, whenever his uncle, Abu Talib came home, he would not find his young nephew crying or complaining, yet as his cousins enjoyed whatever treat had come to the home, the young Muhammad(sa) would quietly and patiently be sitting in the corner. This was his character even at that young age. Today, even upon growing older, people recall grievances from their childhood and seek to retaliate. However, even as he grew older and circumstances changed, the Holy Prophet(sa) never acted in such a manner, rather he treated his cousins in an excellent manner and even took them under his care.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet’s (sa) standard of patience was extraordinary. Once, while walking past a cemetery, the Holy Prophet(sa) found a mother grieving over her child’s grave. The Holy Prophet(sa) enjoined her to be patient. The woman did not recognise the Holy Prophet(sa) and replied saying that if the Holy Prophet’s (sa) child had died like hers had, then he would know what true patience is. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that in fact, seven of his children had passed away. This was all that the Holy Prophet(sa) would express about his past difficulties; he never complained, nor did he let these difficulties come in the way of the services he rendered to humanity.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet’s (sa) forbearance was also of the highest standard. Once, a Jewish man came to the Holy Prophet(sa) and began arguing with him, in the course of which he would disrespectfully call the Holy Prophet(sa) by his first name, while typically non-Muslims would still call the Holy Prophet(sa) by his filial appellation, Abu al-Qasim, out of respect. The companions could not bear to see this disrespect, and one companion even spoke up saying that he should not call the Holy Prophet(sa) by his first name. The Jewish man said that he would continue calling him by the name that his parents gave him. The Holy Prophet(sa) smiled and said that it was true, this was certainly the name his parents gave him, and so the Jewish man should be left alone and nothing should be said to him about the manner in which he was addressing the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that in every matter, the Holy Prophet(sa) exhibited excellent morals. Sometimes when shaking hands, people would hold on to his hand for longer than is polite, yet the Holy Prophet(sa) would stand patiently without reproaching them. Similarly, people would often ask the Holy Prophet(sa) for things, and the Holy Prophet(sa) would grant those things to them. Some people would repeatedly ask the Holy Prophet(sa) and without any complaint the Holy Prophet(sa) would continue granting them things, even money. At the same time, if the Holy Prophet(sa) saw that the person asking was sincere, he would advise after giving them whatever they asked for, that it would be better for them to place their trust in God.
His Holiness(aba) said that these are just some of the many excellent qualities which the Holy Prophet(sa) exemplified. These are all matters which serve as an excellent example for us. His Holiness(aba) said that he would highlight other aspects and qualities in the future as well.
His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah enable us all to become true Muslims by implementing the example of the Holy Prophet(sa) and may we be those who spread the Holy Prophet’s (sa) message throughout the world and bring the world under his banner.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayers of the following members:
Laiq Ahmad Tahir who was a missionary in the UK. He is survived by a daughter and three sons. He served as the vice Imam of the Fazl Mosque in London. He later went back to Pakistan and served there as a missionary in various capacities. He also served as a professor in Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah. He also served as a missionary in the United States of America. Then, he was posted as a missionary in Glasgow. When Jamia Ahmadiyya UK opened, he was appointed as the Principal. He was a devoted servant of the faith and was firmly obedient to Khilafat. He rendered services to the faith in an excellent manner. He was devoted to prayer. He possessed many great qualities. He had profound love for Khilafat and would advise others to always remain completely obedient to Khilafat. His daughter says that the manner in which he prayed was extremely fervent and it seemed as though he would pray in a manner that he would not stop until he received a response from God. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.
Sekha Jalu from Mali. He was an active and devoted Ahmadi. He was at the forefront of offering financial sacrifices. He frequented the mosque. He had profound love for Khilafat. He is survived by his wife and three sons. Two of his sons also accepted Ahmadiyyat through his preaching efforts. He was very active in preaching. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
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