SUMMARY OF FRIDAY SERMON

by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
June 27^th, 2003

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Today Hazur's^aba Friday Sermon revolved around the virtuous scheme of Waqf e Nau.
Hazur^aba said that in his last sermon he had drawn attention to the misuse and the misconception of Jehad within some Muslims to which
they have reacted in an imprudent and negative manner. Hazur^aba commented on the recklessness with which they are destroying the next
generation by inciting them to violence in the name of Allah. Contrasting their critically unruly attitude towards the `grooming' of
the young with the well thought-out and noble Waqf e Nau scheme that is based on the true teachings of Islam Hazur^aba spoke at length on
the subject.

Hazur^aba said the sense of sacrifice associated with Waqf e Nau begins before the birth of the child devoted to the scheme when his/her
parents make a pledge with Allah in the noble example of Hadhrat Maryum (may Allah be pleased with her) as well as Hadhrat Ibrahim (on
whom be peace) and other prophets of God who made fervent prayers for their children. Similarly the Promised Messiah's (on whom be
peace) forty days of intensive prayers in solitude and seeking communion with Allah was also for righteous offspring. Hazur^aba said this
is the way of prophets and it is the way of the righteous. Hazur^aba said in the current age it is the distinction of the Ahmadiyya
Community that its mothers and fathers are taking part in the noble and practical Jehad under the auspices of Khilafat.

Hazur^aba said although there is a comprehensive programme/syllabus in place for the scheme he felt it was necessary to periodically
admonish the parents. Mostly referring to the guidance of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rahma'ullah) who initiated this scheme, Hazur^aba
explained the gravity of the commitment of Waqf e Nau and said that negligence by parents in the training of these children is criminal
in Allah's sight. Hazur^aba said sincerity is a key factor in committing one's life to Allah's cause and flippancy in this can leave the
blemish of betrayal on one's soul. Hazur^aba elucidated the importance of five daily prayers through the teachings of the Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings be on him), he enjoined to prevent Waqf e Nau children from crafty and cheeky behaviour and touched upon the
significance of teaching children table manners and other etiquette.

Hazur^aba laid great emphasis on speaking the truth and said that this is a virtue that should be as if instilled in the bloodstream of
the child. He explained the importance of inculcating a sense of contentment in the Waqf e Nau children, the trait of cheerfulness and
a pleasant demeanour, patience, fortitude and a keen sense of belonging to the Jama'at.

Hazur^aba stressed the importance of creating a peaceful and loving environment at home for the children and said that the parents have to
make sacrifices in order to ensure that their children are brought up in the right environment. In particular Hazur^aba stressed the
absolute necessity of ensuring that no negative comments are mentioned about the Jama'at in the household, Hazur^aba said that if there is
a genuine complaint one should go through the proper channel and refrain from making injurious comments in the family environment.
Hazur^aba explained that unless the parents present a good model themselves children would never abide by them if their deeds and words
were not in harmony. He emphasised the need to inculcate righteousness in the children and instructed that the rearing and training of
Waqf e Nau children should be done on the model of preparing something great for a grand objective. Hazur^aba explained that once the
parents and the system of the Jama'at have done their very best, the children should be handed over to the benign refuge of Allah the
Exalted, if the intentions are sincere, indeed it is Allah Himself Who takes care of these matters. Hazur^aba said that some Waqf e Nau
children have now reached puberty. They should be made aware that a majority of them would be required to work in the field of Tabligh.
Next Hazur^aba read a few extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) elucidating the philosophy of committing
one's life for the cause of Allah.