On Friday August 27th, 2004 Huzoor(aba) delivered the sermon at Hamburg, Germany. After Sura Al-Fatiha Huzoor(aba) recited verse 60 of Sura Al-Nisa (4:160). The meaning of which is:
O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger and those who are in authority among you. And if you differ in anything refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end.
The standard and speed of progress of a people is linked to the level of obedience of those people. When ever the level of obedience declines, so does the speed of progress. In the case of divinely established communities, there is also a reduction in the spiritual growth. That is why Allah has laid great stress on the subject of obedience in the Holy Quran.
Huzoor(aba) stated that the verse recited at the beginning of the sermon exhorts us to obey the office holders of the community in addition to Allah and His Messenger. Some people say that if there is a difference then one should resolve the difference according to the Holy Quran or Ahadith. Huzoor(aba) said that it is not intended that every one should start using one’s own interpretations for this purpose. One would have to refer the matter to the experts. This is why Allah had appointed Mujaddideen (Reformers) at the head of every century who were the authority of their time and place for interpreting the Holy Quran and Ahadith. Similarly, The Promised Messiah(as) has been appointed the Hakam and Adal and he alone has been granted full comprehension of the Holy Quran, Ahadith, and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw) in this age.
We are so fortunate that we are living in this day and age where Allah has solved those problems for us that were the cause of many disputes previously. The Promised Messiah(as) has left such a vast treasure for us and also, Allah has blessed us with the system of Khilafat. We can never thank Allah enough for this Blessing that enables us to obey Allah and His Messenger and thereby attain a better ending. Huzoor(aba) advised us that we should strive to raise the level of our obedience and this requires sacrifices and patience.
Huzoor(aba) state that it is also essential that we should obey the laws of the land where we live so long as those laws do not clash with the practice of one’s religion as is the case in Pakistan. If the law says that we cannot say Namaz then we cannot obey and stop praying.
Huzoor(aba) stated that we should be steadfast in the face of trials, tribulations and maintain our standard of obedience. This will be beneficial at the individual level and make the community stronger as a whole.
Huzoor(aba) stated that Allah has advised us in the Holy Quran that we should Obey Allah and His Messenger, should not quarrel with one another otherwise we will become cowards, and that we should be steadfast for Allah loves those who are steadfast. Huzoor(aba) stated that the Muslims of today are doing exactly the opposite and hence are so weak despite their numbers and vast oil wealth. This is the result of rejecting the Imam of the age.
Huzoor(aba) further illustrated the subject by narrating some Ahadith and passages from the writings of the Promised Messiah(as). Huzoor(aba) stated that satan is always trying to cause rift among the believers. In this respect with reference to the scheme of building 100 mosques in Germany Huzoor(aba) stated that some have complained about the acquisition of large buildings while others have complained about the purchase of pre-built buildings to be included in this number. Huzoor(aba) stated that he is fully aware of the whole situation and instructed those who submitted their complaints to refrain from doing so repeatedly. This is tantamount to disobedience and impatience. Huzoor(aba) stated that our task is to pay due diligence in completing this project with prayers. Secondly, Huzoor(aba) stated that if some projects, even if they are for a good cause, are started without the permission of the Jamaat then the Jamaat or the Khalifa of the time provides no support for such projects. Huzoor(aba) appointed Ameer of Germany as the Guardian of the German branch of Humanity First and instructed him to appoint a Chairman and three Committee Members and to organize and operate it according to the Center’s guidelines.
In the end Huzoor(aba) prayed that may Allah enable us all to rise in the ranks of obedience. Huzoor(aba) also thanked those who worked for the success of the Jalsa Salana Germany and prayed for them.