Huzoor(aba) based his Friday Sermon on the Quranic prayer ‘Rabbi zidni ilma’ (O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge) (20:115) and expounded the significance Islam lays on seeking knowledge. Huzoor(aba) explained that when this Quranic verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) he was around the age of 55/56, this signifies that there is no age limit or time span set for seeking knowledge, indeed the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined that man should seek knowledge from childhood till old age. Allah revealed the perfect Book to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) replete with knowledge of every conceivable kind, knowledge that was revealed 1,400 years ago which the people of the world are gradually finding out through research.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) likened assemblies where knowledge is sought to Gardens of Paradise, however, he cautioned not to seek knowledge in order to feel superior to another or to use it for self-promotion, and said that Allah eases the route to Paradise for one who sets out to seek knowledge.
Huzoor(aba) said it is Allah’s promise to the followers of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that He would grant them knowledge and cognisance, therefore it is the duty of all Ahmadis to work extra hard to acquire knowledge. He advised students to study the Holy Quran in conjunction with their other subjects and said that this would open avenues for them that no worldly teachers can show them.
Huzoor(aba) drew attention to the erudite treasure of the books by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and the wealth of spiritual knowledge and discernment they contain. He said people of all ages should read these books and discover vistas that lead to spiritual as well as academic development. We learn from the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) that the traditional assumption of learning in childhood, action in youth and wisdom in old age should be combined at all times and the eagerness for achieving these should be continuous. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that it is a fine act of charity when a Muslim seeks knowledge and then teaches it to another Muslim and that when people have knowledge of something they should impart it to others and if they do not know about something they should say; ‘Allaho Alam’ that is to say Allah knows all.
Huzoor(aba) counselled students to seek knowledge with dignity and equanimity and to be respectful towards those from whom knowledge is sought. He cautioned against the mistaken practice of participating in demonstrations/strikes etc.
In light of a hadith on the importance of learning various languages Huzoor(aba) spoke at length, explicating the objectives of the children of the Waqf e Nau scheme. Huzoor(aba) urged Waqf e Nau girls to look into acquiring fluency in languages with the objective of translating Jama’at publications. He instructed the Waqf e Nau department to keep records of the various careers the children aspire to follow so that the Jama’at would have a clear indication of the future professions of the Waqf e Nau children. Huzoor(aba) asked the parents to continue guiding the Waqf e Nau children towards careers that would be advantageous to the Jama’at, in particular he urged mothers to increase their own knowledge in order to facilitate better training of their children, he asked them to concentrate on the development of the children with the support and help of the fathers. Huzoor(aba) reiterated the paramount significance of mothers acquiring religious knowledge in order to safeguard the next generations.
Huzoor(aba) concluded with prayer that may Allah enable us to accomplish all we seek to achieve.