Hudhur delivered his Friday sermon from Germany today at the start of the German Khuddam and Lajna Ijtima. Hudhur said today was also the start of the UK Khuddam Ijtima and there were Jalsa and Ijtima being held in other countries as well. May these gathering be successful with God’s special grace and may each attendee benefit from them and fulfil the objective of these gatherings. May God keep each attendee in His protection and safe from the evil of the envier and the wicked.
With God’s grace each day we witness progress of the Community. Just as our Community expands, its opponents and enviers too are growing in every country. Their growth is proof that with the blessings of God, we are moving onwards in the world. The scheming of the opponents and detractors is a measure of our success. A believer should not be perturbed by it. What should perturb a believer is any lack in sincerity and connection with the Community and with Khilafat, or any deficiency in standards of Taqwa.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that it is precarious even if piety and Taqwa get stagnant in a person because this leads to downward slope. Thus, Hudhur said our men, women, children, elders and youngsters should be concerned about that enemy within which stops from enhancing in Taqwa. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that we should not be concerned by the external opposition but should focus on enhancing in Taqwa and purity. God Himself would deal with the opponents. As it is stated in the Qur’an: ‘Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.’ (16:129) Hudhur explained that if we enhance in piety the enemy cannot harm us in any way. This is what our 125 year history tells us. The enemy has taken the lives of a few of our dear ones; indeed, he has also pillaged our property. In return, those of us who departed this world have found eternal life of God’s pleasure and God has also made up for the financial loss on individual level. Hudhur said many in the congregation before him were witness to this. God has also blessed us on a communal level in return for the sacrifices in an immeasurable way. Thus, our concern should not be about the scheming of the opponents, but about any lack of Taqwa to attain God’s pleasure. Our prayers will attract God’s grace if we have a strong connection with Him, whereas He will contend with the opponent Himself as indeed He has been doing. Hudhur said our opposition is not limited to local level; rather it is carried out via newspapers and TV channels all over the world. But it becomes a source of introduction for us.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) once said in an assembly that people were entering in great numbers in the Community and there were no apparent reasons or explanations for this. He said that we had not appointed any religious preachers who called others to the Community. Rather, God Himself had put this attraction in place. Hudhur said some people are drawn to the Community by reading the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) while others are influenced by the message given to them by the followers and missionaries of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), whereas seeing the spiritual pursuit of some, God Himself leads them to the guided path. As the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, it is such people for whom God puts arrangements in place and they are drawn to the Community with magnetic force. This was true in the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and it is true today. It is a testimony of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that God has out this appeal and attraction in place even today and people are drawn to the Community in spite of the opposition.
Once the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said in a gathering that he had received a revelation in explanation of which he said, God would demonstrate that Pharaoh and people of his nature and Haman and people of his nature and people who were with them, were their armies, were the wrongdoers. He said Pharaoh and his associates believed that the Israelites were going to be destroyed, but God stated that they were wrong. Similarly, people opine about our Community, but the will of God is something else. Hudhur said be it a governmental power or any organisation, it cannot destroy the Community. Many a great Pharaoh and Haman came but could not succeed in this. Many a great envier came and were consumed in the fire of their envy and the wickedness of many a wicked rebounded on them. Hudhur said there are many examples of how God continues to bless the Community and he would present a few.
An Ahmadi from Palestine wrote that in a childhood dream the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had given him the glad tiding that he would be a soldier of the Imam Mahdi and he had been in search ever since. Once he happened to watch a Christian TV channel in which Islam and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) were verbally abused. He quickly turned to Arabic channels in the hope for any response to the Christian channel but there he only saw nonsensical matters being discussed. Sometime later, he happened to come across MTA and he felt the people on it were truthful. Gradually, watching MTA transformed his life and after having conviction of heart, he took his Bai’at.
Ahmad Ibrahim sahib from an Arab country wrote that he came across MTA by chance. In the beginning he was troubled but gradually had conviction of heart about what he saw. He performed Istikhara which was responded with: ‘Verily, those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah…’ (48:11) His family became hostile but he asked Hudhur for prayers for his resolve and guidance for his family.
Muhammad Abdul sahib of Egypt wrote that two year ago he was flicking through the channels when he came across MTA. He was astonished by what he saw and was compelled to ponder over it. He made comparisons with the programmes presented by other maulwis and realised that MTA represented real Islam. He said he is a simple Muslim and his family has become very hostile to him as they are brainwashed by the maulwis. He asked for prayers for his family.
Hasti sahib from Egypt wrote that after his Bai’at he felt as if he was re-born and was living in the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He said after the Bai’at the maulwis opposed him a lot. He has a large house and always had a plan to convert it into a mosque, now he will do so and present it to the Community. When he did Istikhara he was informed that these people ascribe falsehood to the Imam Mahdi. He said he watches MTA and then carries out Tabligh. During the previous government he was held as prisoner of conscience on religious grounds and was tortured. Yet during his imprisonment he carried on Tabligh and convinced one prisoner officer about death of Jesus (on whom be peace). He also explained about the concept of Jihad. He was asked about the Community in Egypt and questioned why he did Tabligh. He replied that he did not do Tabligh off his own accord, but if someone asked him something, he answered because he did not tell lies. Hudhur said speaking the truth is the distinction of Ahmadis and while the whole world revolves around falsehood, an Ahmadi should never abandon speaking the truth. The new comers to Ahmadiyyat establish this standard of upholding the truth. Pure changes come about after taking Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) if everything is based on truth. Hasti sahib said that the police told him that if he continued with his Tabligh they would apprehend him on a [false] charge of bomb blast. He replied he did not care. The maulwis tried to intimidate his wife by saying that her husband had deceived her but she replied she was an Ahmadi before her husband.
Osama sahib from Algeria wrote that he knew nothing about the Community until two years ago. His son told him about MTA but he dismissed it. Due to family problems he started reflecting on religious matters and when he saw MTA, his heart was satisfied. After studying Jama’at books he started Tabligh and was faced by opposition. He was reminded of the life times of earlier prophets of God who had faced opposition. He wrote to Hudhur requesting that his Bai’at is accepted.
Tayyab sahib of Algeria wrote that if a specific Christian channel did not exist he would not have taken his Bai’at. Abuse on the channel and subsequent silence from the Muslims troubled him a great deal. One day he came across MTA where a discussion on the truth of the prophets of God and the Bible was taking place. He was greatly pleased by this and after watching MTA for some time he felt he had found what he had been looking for. He sent a letter requesting that his Bai’at is accepted.
Abdullah sahib of Morocco wrote that he has been watching MTA programmes for a few months and very much liked the insight into Qur’an that was presented on it as well as the constructive Islamic viewpoint. He said he already rejected the erroneous interpretations of the Qur’an which presented matters contrary to logic, like ‘Jinn’ possessed people or that there were paranormal creatures. Hudhur said some weak Ahmadis were still inclined to such things. He said it should remembered that every sensible person reject these matters. Abdullah sahib wrote that he mentioned to his superior at work that Hadhrat Adam (on whom be peace) was not the first man ever to which he responded that this was a very dangerous view and told him not to repeat it to anyone. Abdullah sahib came across MTA by chance and was very pleased. He felt God dispelled darkness for him through the Promised Messiah. He wrote to Hudhur requesting that his Bai’at is accepted.
Yasir sahib of Oman wrote that he had been in search of truth for a long time. Alhamdolillah, he has now found it. The dire straits of Islam made him wish with great intensity that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) would return. When he came across MTA by chance and saw a photo of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) he was greatly attracted to it and felt as if he had seen a photo of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He went on to watch MTA with great absorption and his love for it grew and he was enabled to accept Ahmadiyyat. He wrote to Hudhur that he was very eager to meet Hudhur and requested prayers for the same. Hudhur said this was a cause for concern for born Ahmadis who may assume that their faith is in their blood. They need to raise their standards.
A Kurdish lady who lives in Norway wrote that she happened to come across MTA by chance in 2006 and was very pleased to see it. However, she forgot the channel number but rediscovered it in 2010. She is very impressed by the arguments presented on MTA and the commentary of the Holy Qur’an. When she saw a photo of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) she did not doubt his truthfulness for a moment. In the early days she was a little uncertain about his status of Prophethood but this was removed by study of Jama’at literature. She said she viewed the service the Jama’at is rendering with much admiration and wished to join in this Jihad. Hudhur said this is the beautiful Jihad that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) taught by studying the Qur’an and Hadith. It is the Jihad which he introduced in the current age and which is not just for men but women are participating in this Jihad shoulder to shoulder with men, in fact at times their contribution is greater than that of men.
Hussein Muhammd Saleh sahib of Algeria writes that ten years ago he only knew Islam in a ceremonial way. He tried to read the Qur’an and understand it. One day he happened to come across MTA and was quite pleased and impressed with what he saw. He felt he has been an Ahmadi from that moment on. He has read much Jama’at literature in Arabic and French and listens to Hudhur’s Friday sermons. He said the delay in taking Bai’at was because he considered himself an Ahmadi but was sceptical that he would not be able to fulfil his pledge of Bai’at. Hudhur said such are the concerns of newcomers. The families of Jama’at elders need to inculcate such thoughts.
Nasir sahib wrote that he started looking for truth four years ago and listened to the discussions and arguments of all sides. Three months ago he happened to come across MTA by chance and was drawn by the discourse of Hani sahib. He then realised the opposition against Ahmadiyyat was baseless. He believes if one has found the truth one should not deride others. He wrote that on principle he agreed with the arguments and testimonies of Hani sahib and sought Hudhur’s help and guidance as to what should he do after he has taken Bai’at.
A person from Iraq wrote that he has been watching MTA for three years and was also researching it. He then did Istikhara and saw a dream in which he was asked to go and shake hands with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in a tent atop a hillock, which he did. He was then told to go to another hillock and shake hands with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in another tent. He was surprised and thought how could there be two of Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He went in the second tent and saw the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in the same form although he was of slightly lesser height. He felt conviction of heart and now wished to take his Bai’at. The thing that he likes best is that he finds people of all races are joining the Jama’at without any discrimination.
Khalid sahib wrote that he was told by a non-Ahmadi friend that Ahmadis believed in the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in India and a few other beliefs. He felt satisfaction about this from the outset. When he watched MTA, he was further assured. When he told his friend that he wished to take Bai’at his friend asked him if he had lost his senses. Earlier, he had seen a photo of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and was convinced of his truthfulness. He wrote that he has been shown the truth and it was his wish to take Bai’at on Hudhur’s hand.
Ameer sahib of The Gambia wrote that during a Tabligh programme a friend called Alio Kamara sahib was introduced. Discussion with him followed, lasting two weeks. The sadr sahib told him to seek guidance from God. The same night Kamara sahib saw a dream in which a holy person with a turban beckons him saying, ‘this is where guidance is.’ Kamara sahib said the holy person was Imam Mahdi, he had seen a photo of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). He was given a Bai’at form and asked to read it carefully. He looked at it and said he could not wait any longer and filled the form instantly and entered the Community.
Ameer sahib Ivory Coast writes that a person who used to practice giving amulets saw a dream in which a holy person says I am the Prophet Isa (Jesus). When this person came to our mission house and saw a photo of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) he immediately took his Bai’at recognising the face as the one he saw in his dream and repented from the practice of giving out and using amulets.
Hudhur said there are many similar incidents of pious-natured people being guided by God in spite of all the opposition. Photograph or message of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) creates an attraction in them. Hudhur said the progress of the Community is far greater than the efforts we are making. This is a Divine mission and it will be accomplished, but our attention should be drawn to what the standards of the long-term Ahmadis are.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that Shariah has two main aspects safeguarding which is very important; rights of God and rights of people. Rights of God are to love, obey and worship Him and believe in His Oneness and not associate any partners with Him. The rights of people are not to perpetrate arrogance, perfidy/breach of trust or cruelty of any kind. Not to have any anomaly in one’s morals. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said apparently these are just two phrases but they are very difficult to put in practice. It is with only immense grace of God that one can maintain both these aspects. Some people are very short of temper and when they are infuriated neither their heart nor their tongue remains pure. They make plans against their brother in their heart and are abusive with their tongue. Others are drawn to lustful inclinations and thus break the limits set by God. Hudhur said in these countries watching vulgar films and listening to indecent material and other idle pursuits are followed because of lack of Taqwa. Young people should be particularly careful about these matters. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said in short, until one’s moral condition is completely right one cannot have perfect faith.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote that it was his observation that the moral condition of people was very low. Many people thought ill of others to a large degree. They find faults with other on trivial matters. If the same faults were attributed to them they would be greatly affronted. Effort should be made to have good, positive thoughts about others, this fosters mutual strength. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said many people do not care about their coreligionist brothers and do not share their wealth with them. He said that Hadith enjoins to look after one’s neighbour. He said a neighbour is not merely one who lived nearby but one’s brothers are also neighbours, even if they lived a hundred miles away. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said his advent had two objectives; to establish true Taqwa and purity for the Muslims and for the Christians, breaking of the Cross so that no false god is seen and the world completely forgets it and the One God is worshipped. He said his opponents should remember that if the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) task had any hypocrisy in it, it would be consumed by its own toxins. He remarked could a liar be ever successful? As stated: ‘…Certainly Allah guides not one who is a transgressor, and a liar.’ (40:29) The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said if his mission was a worldly affair it would be obliterated, otherwise it would be protected by angels.
Next Hudhur read out a very devout prayer of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace): ‘I pray that God protects the Jama’at and it is made evident to the world that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was a true Prophet. And people develop faith in the existence of God. Regardless of the sort of earthquakes that occur, people recognise God and have faith in Him.’
Hudhur prayed that in light of the natural disasters taking place may the world recognise God and His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and his true and ardent devotee and may this be a source of establishment of Tawheed. (Oneness of God).