Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hands) delivered the Friday sermon of 23rd July 2004 in Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden, England. In this sermon he gave valuable advice for serving guests of the Jalsa Salana with full dedication and also explained golden principles of hospitality. Huzoor's Friday Sermon was televised live via MTA and was translated simultaneously in several languages.
Huzoor recited verse number 10 of Surah Al-Hashr (59:10) the translation reads: And for those who had established their home in this City and had accepted the Faith before them. They love those who come to them for refuge, and find not in their breasts any desire for that which is given them (the Refugees), but give preference to the Refugees above themselves, even though poverty be their own lot. Whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul - it is these who will be successful.
Huzoor said that by the blessings of Allah wherever Jama'at is established on sound footings, according to the wishes of The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) Jalsas are held. And insha'Allah from next Friday UK's Jalsa Salana will be started. And because of the presence of the Khalifa of the time in UK, it has achieved the status of a central Jalsa. Although there was representation of 31 countries in Jalsa Salana Canada. And in some countries the attendance of the conventions is more than the Jalsa Salana in London. Jalsa in Ghana had an attendance of forty thousand. In Nigeria about thirty one thousand people gathered for two or three hours. So Ahmadis gather in various countries to collect the blessings of the Jalsas. But the Jalsa of UK is the only Jalsa where Khalifa of the time is present for the last 20, 21 years. Jama'at UK is also arranging it in an excellent manner. The arrangments of the Jalsa Salana have improved a lot under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (r.a). The basic thing in these arrangements is hospitality. This department is very important. Every volunteer should keep this in mind that he has to uphold high moral values and deal with the guests in kind manners. And this is possible only when love is instilled in hearts. Hospitality is a special trait of prophets and their followers.
Huzoor related the faith inspiring incidents of hospitality of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) from the Ahadith. Relating the importance of hospitality from the Holy Quran and Ahadith, Huzoor said that true believer is one who performs the duty of hospitality of ones guest. Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that one who believes in Allah and the day of judgement should either say a good thing or keep quiet, honour the neighbours and respect the guests.
Huzoor said that it is our duty that we adopt the high morals of hospitality and become the recipients of love of Allah by serving the guests of The Promised Messiah. Huzoor related the faith inspiring and fascinating incidents of hospitality by The Promised Messiah and said that always be humble and honour and respect every guest. There should be no difference in hospitality whether someone is poor or rich, because Allah extremely dislikes it. Therefore there should be no difference in hospitality among the guests.
Huzoor prayed that may Allah enable us to serve the guests of The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) with full attention and awareness. There is no inconvenience for anyone. Service should be done with full capabilities. Continue serving with patience, ambitions and prayers. May Allah enable us to do so. Ameen.