Today being the last Friday prior to the Jalsa Salana UK, in keeping with tradition, Huzoor(aba) delivered an admonitory Friday Sermon as regards maintaining propriety during the Jalsa Salana.
Huzoor(aba) said through the virtue of London being the current seat of Khalifat for some years now, the UK Jama'at has gained considerable experience of hospitality over the years, however, in light of the very diverse nature of humanity coming together at this Jalsa, it was important to be mindful of their varied needs and requirements and it was thus most significant to carry on admonishing.
With reference to several ahadith Huzoor(aba) illustrated the Islamic teaching on hospitality, he spoke of the supreme sense of sacrifice exhibited by the Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) to accommodate their guests. He enjoined both to the host Jama'at and to the guests to be pleasant and tolerant with each other and he enjoined the hosts to be most courteous to the guests. He said each person coming to the Jalsa is a guest of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and should be looked after in the best possible manner. Huzoor(aba) said in sending blessing to one and all through the utterance of Assalamoalaikum during the Jalsa days we could maintain an amiable environment. Huzoor(aba) emphasised the excellence in adopting the principles taught to us by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) in particular during Jalsa days; of maintaining a cheerful disposition, to enjoin good and to forbid evil, to do small acts that are resultant in everyone's welfare and to maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
Huzoor(aba) advised those coming from afar to the Jalsa and staying as guests of the Jama'at to pay heed to the Holy Prophet's (peace and blessings be on him) teaching of the limit of 3-day hospitality. The stay of those residing with relatives would however come under the Islamic guideline regarding kinship.
Huzoor(aba) further elucidated the concept of hospitality through the blessed example and writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Huzoor(aba) recounted the significance the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) would lay on looking after his guests, how he always ensured to cater for their personal needs and the degree of utmost commitment he felt towards the comfort and welfare of his guests.
Huzoor(aba) enjoined to abide by the etiquettes of the mosque inside the marquees erected at the Jalsa, to be regular in salat and to spend one's time in remembrance of Allah. Huzoor(aba) said he expected the entire UK Jama'at to be present at the Jalsa all three days, except in case of a genuine reason. Huzoor(aba) reprimanded the propensity of some people to show up on the last day only for the purpose of socialising. He admonished parents of young children to ensure they do not cause disturbance during salat and instructed them to sit at the back of the marquee to facilitate a quick exit when needed. Huzoor(aba) strongly forbade against the tendency to gather in clusters and indulge in vacuous hilarity and admonished that all stalls be closed during the proceedings of the Jalsa. He enjoined to adhere to the traffic rules and regulations and to ensure there is no noise around the streets of Tilford. He instructed everyone coming from abroad to leave Britain well within his or her visa duration.
Huzoor(aba) admonished ladies to observe purdah and if for any reason they cannot cover their faces, to refrain from wearing make-up. He enjoined them to inculcate the practice of covering the head and not to look for excuses of not observing purdah.
Huzoor(aba) counselled to maintain discipline and to cooperate fully with the duty holders. He instructed the organisers to specially supervise that ladies listen to the Jalsa proceedings. Huzoor(aba) also advised all to be cooperative with those maintaining security around the Jalsa site; in particular he appealed ladies to be cooperative. He also advised everyone to be vigilant as regards security and to keep the organisers notified of any doubtful situation. Huzoor(aba) said the organisers would certainly not be responsible for the safety of any valuables. Huzoor(aba) reminded of the Promised Messiah's (on whom be peace) pronouncement in that 'Do not deem this Jalsa like ordinary human gatherings'. He urged all to concentrate on fervent prayers and said that it was his prayer that everyone returns from this Jalsa having gained abundantly from its beneficence.