Home / Friday Sermons / September 11th, 2009

The Glorious Quran

Summary of Friday Sermon Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba)

Huzur gave a discourse on belief in the glorious Qur’an in his Friday Sermon today. He recited verse 22 of Surah Al Hashr, the translation of which reads: ‘If We had sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, thou wouldst certainly have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allah. And these are similitudes that We set forth for mankind that they may reflect.’ (59:22). Huzur said some people are so hard-hearted that the Qur’an does not effect them whereas the aforementioned verse states that such is the authority of the Word of God that it would have rendered a mountain to smithereens had it been revealed on it.  Indeed, the hard-heartedness comes about when people forget the reason for their creation, they forget their Creator and they forget their end.

In Surah Al Baqarah, Allah states, ‘Then your hearts became hardened after that, till they were like stones or harder still; for of stones indeed there are some out of which gush forth streams, and of them there are some out of which flows water when they cleave asunder. And indeed, of them there are some that humble themselves for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.’ (2:75). Huzur said the Word of God and His various Powers have an effect even on minerals but the human heart can harden to the extent that even after seeing God’s Power in action, it does not wish to bring about a change. Huzur said the verse refers to Jews but this is not merely an incident being related rather it also contains a prophecy that your hearts will also harden in the same way. This is indeed grave food for thought for the Muslim world in relation to what is going on within it. In spite of the appreciative comments the West may express to Muslims, their mutual decision is always in their own interest rather than that of the Muslims. A third class status is extended to them. The Muslims are even in need of the West to govern their own countries and they are also faced with natural disasters. The primary addressees of the Surah Al Hashr verse are Muslims. 

Surah Al An’am states, ‘…But their hearts were hardened and Satan made all that they did seem fair to them.’ (6:44). Huzur said the verse illustrates that these people worsen in their evil ways. Just as, in Pakistan there is disturbance all over, rallies are taking place and the leaders do not care. Newspaper articles opine that the country is heading towards disaster. Huzur said the reason for this is, as he has often cited and shall cite again, that let alone accept the Imam of the age, they have legislated persecution against his followers. They need to put a stop to this, they need to put a stop to the abusive terminology about the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in the official documents, or else, God’s decree will come to pass. They flatter themselves by donning jewellery with God’s name and the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) name but if the Ahmadis inscribe the Kalima (the declaration of faith) on their mosques, they have it demolished and thrown in sewer. Do they not think about ‘defamation of the Prophet’ then? Indeed, when they do not comprehend all this is when God’s decree comes into action.

Huzur said a broadcaster called Mubasher Luqman has been most courageously presenting programmes [in Pakistan]. Who knows how long he will stay fearless. In one of his programmes a religious scholar replied to one of his questions by remarking that just as Coca Cola has a trademark which no one else may use, similarly only they were real Muslims and if Ahmadis claimed to be Muslims they would have to undergo punishment. Huzur said this is the nature of the religious scholars of Pakistan and such are their fatwa (religious decree). Huzur said Hadith relates that a time will come when people will make extremely ignorant people their leaders who will give fatwa without any knowledge. They will be misguided and they will misguide people.

Huzur said as to who is Muslim entails a long debate and Huzur will not be drawn into its academic aspect right now. However, if there are any perfectly obedient Muslims, they are the Ahmadis. Huzur said the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) defined a true Muslim in stark contrast to the Pakistani religious scholars who liken Islam to the patent/copyright of Coca Cola.  Hadith relates that one who declares that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and who rejects what is worshiped save Allah, his life and property becomes worthy of respect. Huzur expounded that once a person says ‘there is none worthy of worship but Allah’ he or she is free from human jurisdiction. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also said ‘a person who Prays like us and faces our Qibla, eats what we slaughter, is a Muslim. God and His Prophet has taken the responsibility of such a person, do not disrespect him’.

Huzur said his request to these people was that Islam is not ‘patented’ in a manner that is against the teaching of God and His Prophet.  He said we have been declared Muslims by virtue of this definition of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and we do not need a Maulwi or indeed a parliament to certify that.

Huzur said a few days ago many people sent him copies of a newspaper item. Ahmadis send such items to Huzur keenly to keep him informed and also to seek his advice. This item was with reference to [a Pakistan politician] Altaf Hussein sahib who recently gave an outspoken statement in which he openly condemned the persecution against Ahmadis. As is their wont, in order to sensationalise the matter, a newspaper wrote that a meeting had taken place between Mirza Masroor Ahmad and Altaf Hussein on how to restore MQM [his political party] in Punjab. Huzur said as far his statement is concerned, every patriotic person wants the disorder to stop in the country. Huzur said he was pleased that Altaf Hussein sahib has spoken with such courage that it proves he wishes to see peace in the country. God alone knows [people’s] intentions and we are not to doubt his intention. He wishes to see an end to the sectarian violence, may God reward him and may he never fall victim to political compromise. Huzur said incidentally yesterday it was heard that those belonging to the ‘Finality of Prophethood’ movement have been satisfied with Altaf Hussein sahib. Such is the power of the Maulwi, Huzur said that the Prime Minister of the country stated that he wished to achieve a range of targets but he feared the Maulwi. Huzur said as far as a meeting between him and Altaf Hussein sahib, had there been such a meeting Altaf Hussein sahib would have probably mentioned it. Huzur said he wished to make a point that anyone who tried to demolish the barrier of hatred will be helped by God. We love the country[Pakistan], we helped in its creation and we will make any sacrifice that is required in saving it. As far as the persecution of Ahmadis, we leave that matter with God. It is to our Beloved God alone that we relate all our private and confidential matters and are firm in the belief that all human schemes are naught in comparison to the [grand] scheme that God has in favour of Ahmadis. Indeed, Divine decree will come to pass in Pakistan and other Islamic countries and it will be clear as the day who is a true Muslim. Pakistani Ahmadis, whether they live in the country or are abroad, should specifically pray that may God give sense to these people who are trifling with the very survival of the country. Those in the Arab countries should also pray in these blessed days of Ramadan that may God’s inevitable decree come to pass.

Huzur said now he would come back to the subject of the verse he cited at the start of the Sermon. He explained that the digression into the definition of a Muslim was also an essential matter.  The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that the verse (59:22) signifies that such is the influence of the Qur’an that even a mountain would have been reduced to pieces with fear of God. If it could have had such an effect on mineral, why could it not on humans? The other significance of the verse is that no person can attain love of God unless he/she smashes his/her mountainous arrogance. Moreover, having rid of all arrogance, humility should be adopted. In addition, all previous connections and associations of such a person should sever, just as a mountain crumbles, replaced with connections and ties only and only for the sake of God.

Huzur said he would once again say to the so-called religious leaders that they should stop giving laughable definitions of the Qur’an and of Islam. If they wish to declare their love for God and His Prophet, they have to make a connection with the Imam of the age.  They would only have insight and perception of the Holy Qur’an if they bowed down their arrogant heads in contention with the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for in order to comprehend the Holy Qur’an God’s chosen and eminent people are essential. As Surah Al Waqi’ah states, ‘That this is indeed a noble Qur’an, In a well-preserved Book, Which none shall touch except those who are purified.’ (56:78-80). Huzur said while the outsiders are told about the honour of the Qur’an in these verses, it also gives the message to those who believe that only those will avail of it who will purify themselves and then put its teachings in practice. In order to attain complete insight into the Qur’an they would then seek the ‘Purified’ person who has been bestowed by God. In this age, in accordance to Divine promise and in fulfilment of the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), this perception and insight was granted to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that in order to understand the Holy Qur’an a teacher is required who has been purified by God’s hands. He said that after a passage of time, even the resolved matters, in accordance with the difficulties of the time, are in need of a solution. Huzur said the reason there are so many sects in Islam is because people comprehended the Qur’an according to their personal understanding and thus implemented its teachings. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that it is not essential that all of the knowledge of the Qur’an becomes apparent at one time. Its knowledge becomes apparent as and when the needs of a given era arise.

Huzur said the truth of the matter is that it was the task of the Messiah and the Mahdi to bring an end to conflict and to bring success to Islam through drawing attention to the written word and prayer. When the world is drawn to materialism it fails to understand this and as a result they do not have an insight into the Qur’an. Huzur said while this is food for thought for Muslims in general, it should draw the attention of Ahmadis to their obligations. Each Ahmadi should pray during the blessed month of Ramadan that their heart is purified in a way that God wants true believers’ hearts to be.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that the parents of one who reads the Holy Qur’an and puts it in practice will be given two crowns (coronets) on the Day of Judgement. These crowns will be more resplendent than the sun. If this is the status granted to the parents, imagine the status of one who actually put it in practice.

Citing part of verse 186 of Surah Al Baqarah, ‘…Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you…’ (2:186) Huzur said this is a declaration in principle that there is only ease in the Qur’an, as it is stated in Surah Al Qamar, ‘And indeed We have made the Qur’an easy to understand and to remember. But is there anyone who would receive admonition?’ (54:18). Huzur said we should abide by these counsels and put them in practice and reject the idea that the teachings of the Qur’an are difficult. The Qur’an is the Word of One Who has created us and has given us all our faculties and capacities. He declares that abiding by the teachings of this Book is in accordance to the human nature. How can we then entertain the thought of questioning how to put it in practice?

The Qur’an mentions the incidents of earlier nations for us to take heed and make our actions for the pleasure of God, so that we may be saved.

God states in Surah Al Bayyinah, ‘A Messenger from Allah recites Scriptures purified. Therein are the everlasting teachings.’ (98:3-4). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that the Qur’an contains the knowledge of all other holy Books and has all the truths. It has nothing redundant and it has all the explanations within. The Promised Messiah wrote that Unity of God was being attacked (and Huzur added, just as it is today) but whoever raised their pen against the Qur’an will be compelled to be drawn to it eventually. He said the Qur’an contained proofs and reasoning that could be verified in this age of scientific enlightenment. Huzur said indeed this challenge stands to date which the followers of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) substantiated. The concept present by Dr. Abdus Salam also proved the Unity of God.  The Ahmadi scientists today should also keep these aspects in view, God would definitely help them. Indeed the Qur’an expounds spiritual matters as well as guidance towards knowledge of times to come. It is stated in Surah Al Naml, ‘And to recite the Qur’an.’ So whoever follows guidance, follows it only for the good of his own soul...’ (27:93). However, only those will find the guidance about whom the decree that been made that they will purify themselves.

The Qur’an also claims that it contains everything, from basic morals to the highest of knowledge. Thus it is stated in Surah Yunus, ‘And you are not engaged in anything, and you recite not from Him any portion of the Qur’an, and you do not do anything but We watch you when you are engrossed therein. And nothing is hidden from the view of your Lord - even that which weighs no more than a particle or less thereof, or greater than that in the earth or in the heavens - but it is recorded in a clear Book.’ (10:62). This verse demonstrates the glory of God that He watches over everything and has knowledge of everything. It is a declaration for the believers as well as those who do not believe that this great Book is from the God Who has perfect knowledge of everything. This is the reason why it has been safeguarded from the day it was revealed. There is no way out for those who reject it and for those who believe in it, no excuse remains in that they cannot put it in practice. Huzur said it is not sufficient to say that we read it, that we invite the world through it. What is required is to see what difference reading it is bringing in us and what impact is that having on others around us. Huzur said God is no one’s relative. He has cited it all in the Holy Qur’an and in accordance to His promise He has also sent a ‘teacher’ in this age. Those who accept the teacher and those who reject him will both be accountable. While we leave the matter of those who reject with God, we pray that may God enable us to keep our matter clear with Him. Reading from august writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzur said, the Holy Qur’an alone is a Book worthy of reading. He said various other books are certainly worth discarding and that it is impossible to attain success without the Holy Qur’an.

Next Huzur gave the sad news of the passing away of our missionary in Canada, Tariq Islam sahib. He was 54 years old and suffered from a brief illness of cancer of the spleen and liver. He had served the Jama’at in various capacities and had been in Canada since 1993. He was a very sociable, affectionate and most courteous person. He was most caring towards all his relations, had a great sense of obedience and great love for Khilafat. Huzur said all missionaries have a special connection with Khilafat but some have an extraordinary bond and he had one. He leaves behind a widow and five daughters. May God grant steadfastness to all his relatives. Huzur said he would lead his funeral Prayer in absentia after Jummah.


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