SUMMARY OF FRIDAY SERMON

by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
June 13^th, 2003

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In continuation of Friday Sermons on the subject of the Divine attribute of Al-Sami (The All-Hearing) as customary Hazur^aba first elucidated the matter with Quranic references. Reciting verse 138 of Surah Al Baqarah (2:138) Hazur^aba explained through a commentary by Hadhrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) that there is no need to be perturbed over those people who are determined to dispute and oppose. These people would not have concord under any circumstances and it is best to pay no heed to their tactics because Allah is sufficient for those Who trust in Him and seek His protection. He is All- Knowing and has full knowledge of their open and covert hostility so the course for true believers is to repetitively seek Allah's mercy and grace. Hazur^aba recounted that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that such people in fact create discord in the cause of Allah, their affairs are not outside the knowledge of Allah and they would never triumph. Hazur^aba added that no Ahmadi should be upset by the current situation of vulgar vocalizations in Pakistan. It is our experience that Allah seizes people of this ilk. Therefore we should not react in the slightest to what they do, however, it is incumbent upon us to turn to Allah more than before in submission. Hazur^aba enjoined fervent prayers these days.
Expounding verse 182 of Surah al Baqarah (2:182) Hazur^aba explained through the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I (may Allah be pleased with him) that herein the reference is to altering of will and testament and that the liability of the misdeed and transgression lies with whoever changes the will. Hazur^aba said that women are dealt with great injustice in this matter and often do not receive their inheritance. This at times affects the Jama'at's system of wasiyyat when ladies are unable to pay their promises due to not receiving their due inheritance. Commenting on verse 225 of Surah Al Baqarah (2:225) Hazur^aba admonished against making Allah a target of one's oaths and not to consequently use the oaths as a hindrance in doing good deeds.
Hazur^aba related a few ahadith illustrating the remarkable acceptance of prayers that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be on him) was blessed with, how he was once requested to pray for rain during a particularly parched time and his prayer brought continuous rain to the arid land for several days insomuch that he was requested to pray for the downpour to stop, which he did and his prayer, as before, received instance acceptance.
Hazur^aba also narrated incidents from the life of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) depicting his prayers bringing about miraculous healing and other amazing happenings. Hazur^aba said that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote: "The effect of prayer is greater than the effect of water and fire. God has repeatedly said [to me] in revelation that whatever comes to pass shall do so through the means of prayer."