Huzur said that there is not a single human in the world who is bereft of any type of flaws and shortcomings. It is the attribute of Allah of "Sattar" that covers our weaknesses. If man's faults, deficiencies and sins were laid bare, he would find it impossible to save face before anyone at all. He has said we should also engage in Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Him for our sins) and He will then forgive us of our sins and will conceal our failings and He will listen to our prayers.
The meaning of "Ghafr" [the root word in Arabic for Istighfar] is to cover and to conceal and more or less the same meaning applies to "Sattr".
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that the attribute of God of overlooking's others faults operates by God, despite observing man's faults and sins, concealing his faults until man transgresses beyond limits of moderation. Yet man, without even witnessing another committing a wrongdoing, begins raising a hue and cry about the other person. So reflect on how great is God's attributes of mercy and generousity. If Allah were to hold man to account for everything he does, He would destroy all mankind. However his mercy and favour is all-encompassing and supersedes his punishment.
There are many among us who, instead of concealing the faults of others, go around trying to expose the flaws in others. Yet when anyone speaks ill against them, or they find out from some source that someone has said something about them, they become extremely enraged and furious to the degree that they are prepared to fight or kill that other person. However when they themselves speak ill of others, they will brush it off by simply saying that they had only said it lightly and it did not mean anything.
We should always keep in mind the following statement of the Holy Prophet (sa) that: You should desire for others what you desire for yourself. And so when one see weaknesses in someone, instead of publicising his flaws, they should focus on engaging in Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah for one's sins). To attract the blessings of Allah one should avoid constantly engaging in fault-finding in others and instead scrutinise their own condition. Only then can they attain the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Always remember that if someone's transgressions are causing harm to the Nizaam-e-Jamaat (System of the Community) or are seriously corrupting a section of people, then the matter should be reported to the appointed individuals such as the Ameer (National President) or Sadr (local President). Or you can write to me so that reformation can be initiated. Allah the Almighty does not wish for the system of the Community that He has established, to be ruined.
Huzur said he would also like to draw the attention of those who have been entrusted with Jama'at work, especially those departments tasked with reformation. They must carry out the work of reformation treading extremely carefully and also with immense compassion and sympathy. No one should feel that their shortcomings have been exposed and revealed to others by any office bearer. Allah the Almighty will say that He had given such people the opportunity to serve the Jamaat so that they can reflect the attributes of Allah as much as possible. However such people in reality would be acting in the opposite manner to Allah's attribute of "Sattar" (covering the faults of others) and thereby will become the means of creating anxiety and disorder.
The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that a Muslim is a brother of a fellow Muslim and cannot commit any cruelty or injustice against him and nor does one abandon and disown the other. Regrettably, nowadays we find that the most cruelty and injustice perpetrated against the Muslims is by the Muslims themselves and they are spilling the blood of one another. None of them pays heed to this instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa).
The Holy Prophet (sa) further stated that one who remains occupied in serving his brothers, Allah the Almighty will continue to fulfil his needs and one who alleviates the troubles of a fellow Muslim, Allah the Almighty will lesson one affliction from the afflictions of the Day of Judgment. And, one who covers the sins of a Muslim, Allah the Almighty will cover his sins on the Day of Judgment.
Thus, in order to attain the mercy and benevolence of the Merciful and Benevolent God, it is necessary to cover up and conceal the faults/sins of others. The Holy Prophet (sa) also stated that whoever covers the sins of a Muslim, Allah will cover him his sin on the Day of Judgment. In other words, Allah the Almighty certainly rewards a person who covers the sins of others.
Thus, if we seek to derive the blessings of Allah the Almighty's attribute of Al-Sattar [One Who conceals the shortcomings and faults of others], then it is imperative that we also adopt this attribute and cover the faults and shortcomings of others. No one should entertain the idea that others are full of shortcomings and he is free from them. It is purely due to the grace of Allah the Almighty that He has concealed our sins.
One should reflect deeply about his own state and also not expose other people's weaknesses. Once should always asses himself and should always remember that just as Allah the Almighty has covered his shortcomings, in the same way he is to cover the shortcomings of others.
The Promised Messiah (as) states that perfection of one's faith is achieved by adopting the attributes of God. Allah the Almighty is Sattar, and therefore man should also partake of this attribute of Sattar and should cover the faults and sins of his brothers.
Once during a gathering in the presence of the Promised Messiah (as), the faults of a particular person were being recounted. The Promised Messiah (as) heard this and addressing the person who was saying this said: 'you have passionately mentioned and described his weaknesses, however it would have been better had you instead mentioned his qualities.
Therefore, in order to establish a society free from ills and to promote peace and love, it is necessary to cover the faults of others and instead speak of their qualities.
It is a grievous sin to publicise and spread the faults of others and this is something that every Ahmadi should refrain from. We have entered into the Bai'at [oath of initiation] of the Promised Messiah (as) and have pledged to cause no harm whatsoever to others, neither by our hands and nor our tongues, thus it is imperative to adhere to this. The wound caused by one's speech does not heal for a very long time.
The Promised Messiah (as) states that if one notices a weakness in someone then he should advise him discreetly but if he does not follow the advice then one should pray for him. If neither have effect then consider this as a divine decree and Allah the Almighty Himself will provide the means for his reformation.
If a person has accepted the promised Messiah (as) and into his Bai'at, then this shows that Allah the Almighty has accepted him. Therefore, no one then has the right to search for his personal flaws and then reveal them to others.
The Promised Messiah (as) states that it is not our practise to be haste and quick in abandoning someone. If someone's child is ill-behaved, one makes every effort to bring about his reformation. Similarly, one should not be so haste in abandoning his fellow brother.
The Promised Messiah (as) also states that the teachings of the Holy Quran certainly do not state that one should promote the faults and weaknesses of others and discuss them with others. In fact, it states:
They exhort one another with patience and mercy. The Promised Messiah (as) states that Marhama [Mercy] is that when one sees a blemish in someone, he should advise them and pray for them.
The Promised Messiah (as) states that prayer contains great vigour. The state of that individual is very pitiful who can announce the fault on another one hundred times, yet does not pray for him even once.
What did the Promised Messiah (as) wish for us to become? It was that we should adopt mercy for one another and we should become those who pray for each other and conceal each other's shortcomings.
On one occasion the Promised Messiah (as) stated that members of his Jamaat should act in a manner that when anyone witnesses the fault of another, they should pray for that person. However, if they do not pray for them and instead announce [the fault] it in a manner that it becomes thoroughly exposed, then they will be guilty of sin. Therefore, one should always assist their fellow brother by praying for them." When we assist each other in this manner, and instead of exposing the weakness of others and revealing their faults we begin to pray for them, only then will we become that true community that the Promised Messiah (as) wished for us to become.
The Holy Prophet (sa) has taught us a prayer that can grant us the protection of God Almighty and become recipients of his Divine blessings, therefore we should recite this constantly. The prayer is as follows: "O Allah! I implore from you that you protect me in this life and the hereafter. O my Lord! Grant me security and shield me in my faith, worldly matters, wealth and my household. O Allah! Conceal my shortcomings and bestow peace upon me by removing my fears. O Allah! Protect me Yourself from all dangers, and encompass me in Your security from all directions, whether it is from in front, behind me, from my right, left or even above. I seek the shelter of Your Majesty, lest I fall prey to any hidden difficulty."
After the Friday Sermon, Huzur lead a funeral prayer in absentia for Mr Malik Salim Latif Sahib who was an Advocate and also Sadr Jamaat of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. On the 30th March 2017, he left his house at 9am for court, accompanied by his son. On the way, an enemy of Ahmadiyyat opened fire and he was martyred as a result. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.
The deceased possessed many qualities. He was very sociable and hospitable. Aside from showing hospitality to the guests from the centre, compassion for the poor was an evident trait of his. He was ever ready to help everyone. He was regular in his prayers and had a special connection with Khilafat. He was a brave and courageous individual. Alongside the other members of the Jamaat he faced severe persecution. In 1989 many Ahmadi homes, including the home of the deceased, were ransacked and set on fire by the opponents. Despite all these circumstances he always remained steadfast and confronted the opponents valiantly. In 2010 he had the opportunity to assist in the building of the local mosque.
The deceased is survived by two sons and one daughter. May Allah elevate the status of the deceased and may He enable his children to increase in their virtuous deeds. May He arrange for the swift capture of the opponents.
After reciting tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) said:
There is no human being in this world who is free from every fault in every respect. One of the attributes of Allah the Exalted is Sattār—the One who covers faults. If people’s mistakes, shortcomings, and sins were exposed, no one would be able to show their face to anyone. Allah the Exalted, who is Sattār-ul-‘Uyūb (the Concealer of faults) and Ghaffār-uz-Dhunoob (the Forgiver of sins), has also, out of His grace, taught us this supplication: that while you try to avoid mistakes and shortcomings, you should also seek forgiveness, and I shall forgive your sins, conceal your faults, and accept your prayers. Allah the Exalted generally conceals many matters of everyone. His forgiveness especially envelops those who seek forgiveness. The word ghafar also means to conceal and cover, and this meaning is closely related to satr(concealment).
The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, states at one place:
“The God presented by Islam, and the God believed in by Muslims, is Rahīm, Karīm, Halīm, Tawwāb, and Ghaffār. Whoever sincerely repents, Allah the Exalted accepts his repentance and forgives his sins.”
He further said: “But in the world, even if it is a real brother or a close relative, once he sees a fault, then even if the person who committed the fault reforms himself, he is still regarded as defective.”
Thus, worldly people continue to look at a person with suspicion even after he has abandoned a sin or fault. He said: “But how Generous Allah the Exalted is—when a person commits thousands of faults and then turns back to Him, He forgives him.”
He said: “There is no human being in this world, except the Prophets (who are colored in the hue of God), who shows such forbearance.” That is, apart from the Prophets—after God—no one exercises such concealment as Allah does. Generally, the condition is as Sa‘di has said:
“God knows and yet conceals; the neighbor does not know and yet becomes furious.”
(Malfūẓāt, Vol. 7, p. 178, 1985 edition, UK)
Explaining this couplet of Sa‘di, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, stated elsewhere:
“Allah the Exalted’s attribute of concealment is such that He sees a person’s sins and errors, yet because of this attribute, He continues to cover them as long as the person does not cross the limits of moderation. But a human being raises an outcry even without fully seeing another’s mistake.”
(Malfūẓāt, Vol. 1, pp. 299–300, 1985 edition, UK)
He said: “Reflect, then, on how magnificent His attribute of grace and mercy is.” He further said about Allah the Exalted: “If He were to seize people in accountability, He would destroy everyone; but His grace and mercy are extremely vast and prevail over His wrath.”
(Malfūẓāt, Vol. 7, p. 179)
If we understand this and do not constantly pry into the affairs of our companions, our brothers, and those with whom we interact—if we do not spy or search for their weaknesses—then a loving, compassionate, and peaceful society can be established. Many among us, instead of concealing faults, try to expose the faults of others. Yet when someone says something about them, or they come to know that someone spoke about them, they become enraged and are ready to fight. But when they themselves speak about others, they say, “It was nothing; we said it casually.” We should always keep before us the saying of the Holy Prophet ﷺ:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, Hadith 13)
Therefore, if we like our own faults to be concealed, we should have the same feeling for others. This is the golden principle essential for peace in society.
Thus, upon seeing a fault, instead of spreading it, one should seek forgiveness. Allah the Exalted is Self-Sufficient, and we should fear that our own countless faults might be exposed. If a person sincerely conceals the faults of others, he becomes a recipient of Allah’s grace. We should always remember the statement of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, that if Allah the Exalted were to seize people in accountability, He would destroy everyone. Hence, this is a matter of great fear, and constant attention toward seeking forgiveness is required.
On one occasion, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said that whoever conceals the fault of his Muslim brother, Allah the Exalted will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment. And whoever exposes the faults of his Muslim brother and publicizes them, Allah the Exalted will expose his faults in such a manner that He will disgrace him even in his own home.
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Book of Hudūd, Hadith 2546)
This is a very stern warning and a cause for fear. To attract Allah’s grace, we should always look at ourselves instead of focusing on the faults of others. Only then can we attract Allah’s mercy and grace.
People sometimes say that if we do not point out faults, how will reform take place? It should always be remembered that if someone’s wrongdoing is harming the system of the Community or corrupting a segment of society, then it should be reported to those appointed for reform—the Amir, the local president, or written to me—so that attention may be given to reform. Allah does not desire the system of His Community to be corrupted, nor that an individual evil should become a collective one. Therefore, Allah exposes such people who persist stubbornly in spreading their sins and crossing limits. When a person himself exposes his wrongdoing and exceeds bounds, then Allah’s attribute of accountability also comes into effect—sometimes in this world, and certainly in the Hereafter.
However, spreading someone’s faults upon seeing them is strictly forbidden, because this causes evils to spread instead of being eliminated. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you pursue people’s weaknesses, you will corrupt them.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Book of Manners, Hadith 4888)
This means publicizing weaknesses, spying to uncover them, and repeatedly mentioning them. Such behavior corrupts individuals and destroys social peace. When weaknesses are publicized, instead of reform, stubbornness develops, and people begin to draw others into their wrongdoing. Modesty disappears, and when modesty disappears, reform also disappears.
Therefore, I wish to draw the attention of those entrusted with community responsibilities—especially those involved in reform—that they must work with utmost caution and compassion. No individual should ever feel that an office-bearer exposed his weakness or publicized it. Such a feeling leads to severe reactions. Those responsible for reform, if they expose people’s faults, not only corrupt society but also incur Allah’s displeasure. Allah will say: I gave you the opportunity of community service so that you might adopt My attributes, but instead you opposed My attribute of concealment and caused unrest and disorder.
Allah loves concealment greatly and rewards those who practice it. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He neither wrongs him nor abandons him.”
How unfortunate it is that today Muslims are the ones most cruel to other Muslims. He further said:
“Whoever fulfills the need of his brother, Allah fulfills his needs; whoever relieves a Muslim of a hardship, Allah will relieve him of a hardship on the Day of Judgment; and whoever conceals the fault of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2442)
Thus, to attract the mercy and grace of this Compassionate and Generous God, concealment and covering faults are essential.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ also said:
“No servant conceals the fault of another in this world except that Allah conceals his fault on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6595)
Allah never leaves such a deed unrewarded. If someone conceals the fault of one of Allah’s servants, it is recorded for him, and on the Day of Judgment he will receive its reward. Allah will show him forbearance and mercy.
Indeed, Allah’s kindness is such that He will ask His servant about certain deeds, and when the servant admits them, Allah will say: “I concealed your faults in the world, and today I conceal them and forgive you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2441)
Thus, if we wish to benefit from Allah’s attribute of Sattār, we must ourselves practice concealment. No one should think that he is free of faults while others are faulty. It is only Allah’s grace that our faults are concealed.
The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, said:
“In reality, Allah the Exalted conceals human beings because He is Sattār. Many people appear righteous only because of Allah’s concealment. Otherwise, if Allah did not conceal, it would become evident how much filth lies hidden within a person.”
Therefore, keeping this in view, while one should seek forgiveness and try to wrap oneself in Allah’s mantle of forgiveness, one should also overlook the weaknesses of others and focus on oneself—examining one’s own shortcomings rather than exposing those of others.
The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, further said that the perfection of faith lies in adopting the attributes of Allah—showing forgiveness, mercy, forbearance, generosity, and concealment of faults. He said:
“Some people cannot digest their food until they have publicized someone’s fault.”
He warned against shamelessness, harsh behavior, and mistreatment of creation, and urged love and kindness.
(Malfūẓāt, Vol. 10, pp. 339–340)
On one occasion, when someone mentioned another person’s weaknesses in his gathering, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, said:
“You have described his faults with great enthusiasm; it would have been better if you had also mentioned his virtues.”
(Zikr-e-Habīb, p. 57)
To eliminate societal evils and spread peace and love, it is necessary to conceal faults and highlight virtues. Publicizing faults for amusement or mockery is a grave sin. We have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah that we would not harm anyone by hand or tongue, and we must honor this pledge.
Words wound deeply, and their effects can last a lifetime. True compassion requires concealing the weaknesses of our brothers while sincerely striving for their reform, with wisdom and prayer.
“If you find someone weak, advise him privately. If he does not accept, pray for him. If neither works, consider it a matter of divine decree. Do not become agitated. It is possible that he may reform.”
He emphasized patience, mercy, prayer, and avoiding gossip and public exposure of faults.
He narrated an incident of Shaykh Sa‘di about two students, concluding that jealousy and backbiting both lead to sin, and stated:
“This system cannot continue without mercy, prayer, concealment, and compassion.”
(Malfūẓāt, Vol. 7, pp. 78–79)
Thus, while we pledge to reform ourselves, if we fail to apply Allah’s attributes in our lives, we fall short of our covenant. The Promised Messiah desired that we become people of mercy, prayer, and concealment.
Finally, the Holy Prophet ﷺ taught a prayer seeking safety and concealment in this world and the Hereafter, which we should recite regularly. When we adopt these sentiments for ourselves and for others, Allah accepts our prayers.
May Allah enable us to attain His pleasure.
(What follows in the original text is an announcement and detailed narration of a funeral prayer in absentia for a martyred member of the Community, including biographical details, circumstances of martyrdom, and a concluding supplication for the elevation of his ranks and patience for his family.)
May Allah elevate the ranks of the martyr, enable his children to follow in his footsteps, and swiftly bring the opponents of Ahmadiyyat to account.
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