Hudhur delivered his Friday sermon in Germany at the occasion of the country’s Jalsa Salana. Hudhur said we hold Jalsa Salana, as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) explained, to create a special bond with God in recognition of the objective of our creation. Hudhur said we should spend these three days of the year purely for the sake of God in the educational, instructive and spiritual environment of Jalsa. We should self-reflect and ponder whether we have overcome our weaknesses in accordance to the teachings of God and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) or are at least making an all-out effort for the same. We should listen to the Jalsa proceedings for our spiritual development. At times, minor things can become a source of spiritual awakening. Unfortunately though, there are a few who do not avail of this atmosphere and attend Jalsa for worldly reasons. They do claim to have taken the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) but they are in fact those who run away from his teachings. The Jalsa days should be spent in prayer and Istaghfar. Although such people are very few in number, the prayers of the majority can be a source of their reformation. Satan is ever trying to move people away from good causes, may God keep us away from Satan. All Jalsa duty holders should spend their time engaged in prayer, Durud (invoking salutations and blessings on the Prophet) and Istaghfar.
Hudhur said this year the German Jalsa is being held at a new venue. The Jama’at had left a very good impression in the surrounding areas of the former venue, both among the authorities and the public. Effort should be made that the impression on the authorities and the public around the new venue is even better, so that it can be a source of taking the message of Ahmadiyyat to others. It is a new experience for the local hotels to cater for such a huge number of Asian customers. Due to the general misconceptions about Islam, the hotels were somewhat uncertain about accommodating us. Hudhur has been informed that the police have assured the hoteliers regarding our Jama’at. Hudhur said good examples should be demonstrated not just around the Jalsa Gah, but also in places of accommodation and during travels to and from Jalsa. If anyone is aggressive an Ahmadi should never react in kind. Neither the Jalsa administration should, nor indeed will it show any concessions to those who attend Jalsa for worldly purposes or are offensive due to personal grievances. However, whoever they have grievances with should be patient, these days are for God, therefore, one should leave one’s affairs with God.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that nations are being prepared to bring about pious changes and be included in this Community. This should be a cause for concern for the long-term Ahmadis. New Ahmadis are present at the Jalsa and they excel in sincerity and loyalty. The long-term Ahmadis should be concerned about the state of their beliefs lest the new nations become true Muslims and are the recipients of Divine blessings and the long-term Ahmadi families get drowned in worldliness and are deprived of the blessings associated with the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Next Hudhur gave several accounts of the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which highlighted the noble attributes of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Hudhur said these accounts should be listened to carefully.
Hadhrat Zia ul Haq sahib: He wrote that he travelled through India to reach Qadian, along with two friends, arriving there mid-morning. They met the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) after Zuhr and took their Bai’at after Maghrib. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked his name during Bai’at, Zia ul Haq sahib pronounced his name Haq gutturally, emphasising the sound of ‘q’ as is traditional in Urdu-speaking parts of India. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), however, pronounced the name without the guttural sound and Zia sahib writes that was the first time he realised this was the enunciation in the Punjab. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said the new-comers should be given some books to read upon which Zia sahib mentioned that he had already read a few books by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which pleased him a lot. He instructed that arrangements should be made for the guests from Orissa to be offered rice during their meals. Zia sahib writes they stayed in Qadian for seven days and it used to be their wish to somehow join in massaging the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) feet, but there would be such a crowd of Khuddam around that they could hardly get to touch his feet.
He writes that after breakfast the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) would go for a walk which they would join. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) walked very briskly and some people had trouble keeping up with him. During the walk Zia sahib inquired about the Salat arrangement in his neighbourhood mosque, to which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked if the neighbours would allow it. Zia sahib answered who could stop them. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said if they were allowed to say Salat, they should offer it separately. He writes he had no idea in the early days about the opposition that was to come, about being branded Kafir (disbeliever) etc. Hudhur said indeed people did not realise in the early days how intense the animosity would be following their Bai’at. Now there is our own mosque in the area. Hudhur added this year German Jama’at has been enabled to build four mosques and convert two buildings into mosques.
Hadhrat Nizam uddin sahib: He writes that just as he wanted to seek leave from the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) after Jalsa, a person from Multan [a city in the Punjab] asked the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in the vernacular to give him a Wazifa (a prayer). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) smiled and said ‘recite Durud profusely, this alone is the Wazifa.’ Hudhur added, this was also the Wazifa for the Jalsa days. Nizam uddin sahib writes that he saw a Maulwi sahib in Qadian who was serving drinking water to people from a samovar kind of utensil. As he offered water to people, he started dancing and said, ‘ask me who am I and why am I dancing?’ Then, he himself answered, ‘I am dancing because I am the peon of the Messiah (on whom be peace)’.
Hadhrat Mian Ameer ud Din: He writes that he once told the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) about his debts. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told him to recite Durud profusely and say Istaghfar profusely. Hudhur added this was also for those who write in about financial difficulties, this is what the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) always enjoined. Ameen sahib was thus relived of the debt. He writes that he would eagerly wait for the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to arrive for Salat and would stand to his left side. He writes that there was a small room adjacent to Prayer area where the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) would personally offer them rice. He further writes that he was present at the Jalsa during the plague. He says the attendees at the Jalsa were in the region of 300 to 400. After this he witnessed the Community grow at a great rate.
He writes about an incident in Qadian where he could not get any food and went to bed hungry. During the night, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) received a revelation ‘O Prophet, feed the hungry and the distressed.’ [Tadhkirah, p. 884] In the morning, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) inquired about the food arrangements and ordered the doors of the Langar to be opened for all and said ‘let anyone who come eat’.
Hadhrat Hakeem Abdul Samad sahib: He writes that he arrived in Qadian in 1907. After Asr, he stood by the Langar door. When the door opened people tried to go in. Someone pushed and shut the door. After a while Samad sahib went there again and the door was open. Next day after Fajr he came to know that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) arrived and asked if a quarrel had taken place the night before. Hadhrat Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that due to the fault of the persons in-charge a boy had shut the doors of the Langar. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said those who made the mistake should be ashamed and fortunate are those whose pleas were heard in the heavens. He then said God addressed him in words as never before: ‘O Prophet, feed the hungry and the distressed.’ [Tadhkirah, p. 884] Hakeem sahib writes it was no ordinary matter that the Promised Messiah used the words ‘O Prophet’ for himself. A time would come when people who try and lessen his status, but of course his status was that of a Prophet. Hudhur added that he gave an entire sermon dedicated to the topic of the status of Prophethood of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Some people show cowardice in acknowledging this status of his but they should remember that God addressed him as Prophet; however, he was a prophet in complete subordination of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Hakeem sahib further writes that some people who had been pushed the day before were tearful upon hearing the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and said they had not come there to eat; they had come to see the Messiah (on whom be peace).
Hadhrat Chaudhry Abdul Aziz sahib: He writes that he attended the Jalsa of 1907, which was the last Jalsa of the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). He arrived at 9 am and said to Hadhrat Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) that the previous night the guests who had arrived late were not served food and remained hungry and their cries reached the heavens. He instructed that a committee be formed that would facilitate all-night food service.
Hadhrat Allah Ditta sahib: He writes that it was perhaps 1903 or 1904 that during his visit to Qadian on the occasion of Eid some discrimination was made about special and ordinary guests at the Langar. He writes that he had an ill-feeling that the Mahdi was the Hakm and Adl (Judge and Arbiter) why was that here hypocrisy was being practised in this Langar. The next morning, before Fajr, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told Hadhrat Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) that God had informed him the night before that his Langar was not accepted by God even an iota because differentiation was shown there. He proceeded to say that those who had made the blunder should be dismissed from the task and should be expelled from Qadian for six months and pious people should be appointed in their place. He instructed that the morning meal should be dispensed directly underneath his house so that he and ‘Mian Mahmood’ could watch from the top of the house. Allah Ditta sahib said he did Astaghfar at Fajr for having entertained ill-will the night before and that he had seen the miracles of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) with his own eyes. Hudhur added that sometimes feelings of ill-will can distant people. If one is generally engaged in Istaghfar, one is saved from thinking ill of others.
Maulwi Burhan uddin Jhelumi: When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote Braheen e Ahmadiyya, Burhan sahib felt this person was auspicious and felt he needed to go and see him. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was visiting Hoshiarpur at the time. Burhan sahib followed him there and after some effort traced down his place of residence. Upon reaching the house he knocked on the door. A Khadim answered and inquired who was calling. Burhan sahib replied, ‘Burhan uddin from Jhelum has come to meet Hadhrat Mirza sahib’. The Khadim went away saying said he would seek permission. At this time Burhan sahib received a revelation in Persian that he had reached where he had wanted to go and that he was not to move away from here. Meanwhile, the Khadim returned and said Hadhrat sahib was occupied, could he come another time. Burhan sahib replied to him that his house was far way and he would sit and wait and would meet when Hadhrat sahib was free. When the Khadim took this message to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), he received a revelation in Arabic which said that when guests come one should be hospitable to them. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked the Khadim to quickly open the door and he met with Burhan sahib in a very warm manner and he told him about his Arabic revelation whereas Burhan sahib told him about his revelation in Persian.
Hadhrat Mistri Allah Ditta sahib: He writes that some guests arrived in the morning during summer days. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) called the cook and asked him if any food was available. He replied that only the left-over bread from the previous night was available. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said it did not matter, and asked him to serve it. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) ate the bread as did the others. As the guests were about to depart, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, ‘it is Sunnah to eat left-overs’. Hudhur said sometimes some people are displeased when left-overs are served. He said that here bread that is served is the machine-made Pitta bread variety which is not fresh anyway and the problem can be about left-over salan (curry). However, Hudhur added, this did not mean the management should start serving left-over salan!
Hadhrat Muhammad Ali Azher sahib: He writes that the Jalsa of 1906 was held in Masjid Aqsa which had been extended by then. Due to lack of space, some people stood on the roof top of a neighbouring house that belonged to a Hindu for Salat. He was very abusive about the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) as well as the Community. Soon after Salat was over, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) counselled to stay calm and advised not to go on his roof top again. As a further precaution a wall was built on the ridge and barb-wire fence was erected so that no one would step on his roof again. Later, his house was destroyed and had to be sold. The Jama’at purchased it and now it is part of the mosque.
Hadhrat Chiragh Muhammad sahib: He writes that once the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) gave a long address at Masjid Aqsa after Zuhr. A fierce local opponent sat listening and nodded his head along the way, saying ‘SubhanAllah’ and said he would now stop his opposition. When Chiragh sahib met him after a few days, he asked him his viewpoint. The man replied, he did not know why everything seemed correct to him at the time but did not anymore.
Hadhrat Maulwi Muhammad Ibrahim sahib Baqapuri: He writes that when he arrived in Qadian he thought how he could put the people there to the test. He had found a scholar there most knowledgeable and courteous and had found the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to be matchless. He wished to see the moral condition of the ordinary folk of Qadian. He went to the Langar and saw a small pan with some daal (lentils) in it and another small pan with [meat] broth. He asked for some food and was given bread and some daal. He said he wanted to eat meat. So, the person gave him meat. On this, Baqapuri sahib said, ‘no, no, daal is OK, give me daal’. He was thus served. He writes that his motive was to see the courtesy of the worker. He sat and ate his food and spoke with others in the Langar and was satisfied with all aspects of the Langar. Everything there reminded him of God and this had a deep effect on him. In the morning, he heard the sound of recitation of the Holy Qur’an from every room and at Fajr, he saw children offering Salat. Hudhur added the days of Jalsa should also have similar spectacles. Each and every act of the Jalsa workers should demonstrate that they have taken the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and have forged a connection with God and this should also be a part of our daily lives.
Hadhrat Munshi Mahboob Alam sahib: He writes once he visited Qadian. As he used to write daily letters to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) he expressed great love for him and would promptly give him the privilege of an audience. On this occasion he went to see the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in Masjid Mubarak. He told him to sit and wait and went to fetch food for him. He went through to his residence and reappeared after a short while with a platter of vermicelli and said that he had especially asked his family to cook the dish for him. Munshi sahib was both embarrassed and delighted. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked him to sleep over at the mosque. Munshi sahib says he could not sleep a wink all night. He did not want to cause an oversight and recited Durud throughout the night. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) came and awoke him at 4 am for Salat. Munshi sahib was already awake, so he promptly got up.
Hadhrat Mian Wazir Khan sahib: He writes that once the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) and a few others, including him, were having a meal when a dish of stuffed bitter gourds was served. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) offered one piece each to the others. Wazir sahib writes that he felt the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was offering others but not him. Right at that time, when just two pieces were left, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) offered them both to Wazir sahib and did not take any himself.
Hadhrat Abdul Raheem sahib: He writes that once due to daily appearances in a court case the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) stayed over in Gurdaspur. It was Raheem sahib’s practice not to eat until the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) had eaten. Once day he asked Hafiz Hamid Ali sahib to save some food for him. However, the food was finished. Raheem sahib writes he was cross with Hafiz sahib and went to sleep hungry. Next morning when the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked if the food was ready Hafiz sahib told him that the one who cooked was asleep and also cross. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) called Raheem sahib twice through the window but Raheem sahib did not answer. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used a term of endearment and asked what was the matter how was he going to prepare the food. Hafiz sahib again explained that Raheem sahib was cross because he had asked for some food to be saved for him but as no food left, he had to go without. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, ‘he should be given food first’. When explained that he did not eat first the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, ‘you should bring a Ser (liquid measure of about a litre) of milk for him every day’. Hearing this, Raheem sahib promptly got up and said ‘food will be ready in thirty minutes’. He quickly set to work and served food within the time he had given. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked ‘what magic have you done here?’ Next day when alone, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) again asked him how had he prepared food so quickly to which Raheem sahib replied that he had put meat on a very low heat to cook earlier on. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) called, he quickly added vegetable to the meat and thus the food was ready. This delighted the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Hadhrat Sultan Buksh sahib: He writes that once the Promised Messiah (On whom be peace) was delivering an address in Masjid Mubarak when a man came and made his way to the front, near the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) leaping over others. While he strode over people someone’s turban fell in the process and he wrote a note of complaint. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) called Hadhrat Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) and went indoors. Hadhrat Maulwi sahib returned and said that he wished to say something alarming. He said he did not say it of his own accord but was appointed to say so. He said, ‘today our Imam is praying that may the dry branch be cut off from him’. Hadhrat Maulwi Nuruddin (may Allah be pleased with him) added, ‘you cannot attain Divine nearness by crushing others’ heads, it is granted by God’s grace’. Hudhur added even now some educated people tend to leap over others to come to the front. They need to be careful and sit down wherever there is space and not be a source of discomfort to others. Hudhur said those who come to Jalsa first should sit in the front.
Hadhrat Ghulam Muhammad sahib: He writes that he travelled to Qadian with many others to attend the 1904 Jalsa. When he arrived in Qadian, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was giving a speech which was a commentary on Raku 1 of Surah Al Baqarah as well as a commentary of Surah Dahr; an exposition on Nafse Ammarah, Nafse Lawwamah and Nafse Mutma’innah (self that incites to evil, self that reproves and the soul at rest). Sometimes there is conflict between Nafse Ammarah and Nafse Lawwamah, at times sinfulness overcomes and at other times piety overcomes. When evil is fully overcome, one attains Nafse Mutma’innah and is only inclined to virtue. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) then recited the verse: ‘But the virtuous drink of a cup, tempered with camphor —‘ (76:6) and explained that just as a drink of camphor induced coolness, when Nafse Mutma’innah is attained one is satisfied. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) then recited the verse: ‘And therein will they be given to drink a cup tempered with ginger,’ (76:18) and explained just as ginger is delicious, similarly does one find pleasure in the state of Nafse Mutma’innah.
Hudhur said he was relating these accounts so that we may appreciate how the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) attentively listened to his words and availed of them. Hudhur said people at Jalsa should listen to the speeches and addresses with this viewpoint and indeed remember them and spread them further.
Hadhrat Dr. Muhammad Din sahib: He writes that he took his Bai’at via letter in April of 1905 and later in December of the same year he took his Bai’at physically at the occasion of Jalsa. He was twenty years old and was a medical student at the time. He writes that at the time of Bai’at many others were present and he placed his hand on another person’s hand whose hand was directly on the hand of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). He had five other medical students with him. Later, when they asked to leave, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked them to wait. The booklet Al Wasiyyat had just come off the print and the copies had not quite dried yet. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) gave them the booklet and they returned to Lahore. In early 1906 there was strike in the college in which the Ahmadi medical students also participated. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told them such an action was against the teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyyat. He advised them to apologise to the principal of the college and also wrote a personal letter to the principal. Hudhur added he has recently given a sermon about the correct Islamic teachings in matters such as strikes etc.
Hadhrat Chaudhry Ghulam Rasool Basra sahib: He writes that on the Thursday before the 1907 Jalsa he found out that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) would go for an early morning walk. He was aware that a chain of linked arms was made around the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and decided that he and his friends would do that the next morning. However, there was a huge crowd of people eagerly waiting the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in the morning. Although Chaudhry sahib and his friends thought they were ready to form a link of arms around the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) when he eventually appeared a huge multitude of people came and swept Chaudhry sahib away. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) stood under a tree and shook hands with people. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that he had already been informed by God that people will come to see him in great numbers, he then added in Punjabi, that he was not to be wary and he was not to tire of this.
Hadhrat Maulwi Muhammad Din sahib: He writes that he saw the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) give an address at Jalsa where he mentioned devoting life (Waqfe Zindagi). Once he gave an address while sitting down in Masjid Aqsa where he said that every person that was present was his sign. His speech used to have continuity; he would start in a lower tone which would gradually get higher. He did not stress any phrases and read the Qur’an in a simple manner. He did not gesture with his hands or fingers and delivered his speech with composure.
Hadhrat Sufi Nabi Buksh sahib: He writes that during the Jalsa of 1891 it was announced that everyone should come to the large mosque (which is now called Masjid Aqsa). He writes it was his good fortune to enter the Community of this chosen person of God on the day. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) came and asked Maulwi Abdul Kareem sahib (may Allah be pleased be him) to read out his book ‘Aasmani Faislah’. While others listened, Buksh sahib writes when he saw the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) he watched in amazement the same appearance, the same clothes that he had seen in a dream in his student days.
Hadhrat Zainul Abadeen Shah sahib: He writes that during the time when the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was receiving revelations about his passing away, he delivered a speech in Masjid Aqsa in which he gave a commentary of Surah Al Fatihah and spoke on the meanings of Ebudiyyat (servitude to God). He said that when an Ebd (servant of God) truly imbibes Ebudiyyat, his condition is like that of a piece of iron, which when placed in fire becomes a part of fire. Similarly does an Ebd benefit from Divine attributes. Just as a piece of iron is not part of fire but is an entity in itself, that of metal, but when placed in fire, temporarily the condition of fire permeates it. Similarly an Ebd, is in reality a human in whom Divine attributes are at work. Such an Ebd does not have any will of his own; rather all his movements are aligned with Divine will. Hudhur added each Ahmadi should try and look for such a level of Ebudiyyat for this is what the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) advent took place for.
Hadhrat Maulwi Muhammad Ibrahim sahib Baqapuri relates that during the Jalsa of 1906 the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, ‘my death is now imminent and when I see the condition of my Community, I feel the agony of a mother whose baby is a few days and she is about to die. However, I have perfect belief in God’s promise that He will not let my Community go to waste. My heart is thus assured.’
Hudhur said God fulfilled His promises and the Community of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is growing by the day and continues to grow. However, mere increase in numbers is not sufficient; we should be concerned about our beliefs, our spirituality and should try and continually develop it. In order to save our belief and that of our next generation we should ever try and pass on this belief in our next generation. And for this, we need to set pious examples so that we continue to attain the beneficence from the prayers of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). This will in turn enhance our connection with God. Hudhur said the accounts of the companions that he related were models for us, so that we have an awareness of how they expressed their ardent love for the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and how he treated them and what a spiritual revolution they brought about. May God enable us to enhance in our faith and may we never do something that can be a source of Divine displeasure.