Today's Friday sermon was delivered by Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah be his Helper) from Baitul Futuh mosque, London. After Tashahhud and Surah Fātiḥah Huzoor proceded as follows
Last Friday I spoke on the importance of observing Salat and I have been receiving letters from the members of Jama'at and office bearers in which they mentioned that it was a timely reminder. They were being lazy in this regard and will try to improve their observance of Salat. May Allah help them to fulfill their promise and enable them to populate the houses of Allah.
In the beginning people are very passionate about following an instruction but as the time passes, their passion fades away.The system of Jama'at should recognize this and must constantly remind members of Jama'at . Steadfastness is the key.
Individuals exhibiting laziness is not necessarily harmful but when organization show laziness, it leads to lack of reformation and is matter of great concern. Auxiliaries and the community should pay great heed to this task - the task declared as purpose of our Creation. Such programs should be arranged that we experience progress with each day .Our progress in worship will lead us to true victories. This is quite an important principle. Jama'at should take this very seriously.
Lajna Imai'llah should play a role - they should supervise over children offering prayers. They should remind male members of their house to offer their prayers at the mosque. If women play their role, then we can experience a great reformation.
Those who make excuses that worship is a matter between themselves and God, they should remember that when we become part of a system then we have to abide by the rules.So the task of Jama'at is to remind everyone of their responsibilities. Some women also complain that when they remind their husbands, they get angry. They say we are tired so don't wake us up for Fajr. ۔ It is obligatory upon wives to remind their husbands If it was only sufficient to pray if one desires, or one is not able to wake up for Fajr .The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed us to wake each other up.
Sometimes questions are asked which are related to Salat and Fiqah, so today I'll answer some of those questions. People from different background and schools of thoughts join Ahmadiyyat and they do things differently. The Promised Messiah ( peace be on him) has taught his Jama'at better and virtuous ways.
With respect to raising hands, Rafah Yadain, It was not the practice of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). The Promised Messiah ( peace be on him) did not do it either
Reciting Surah Fatihah behind the Imam is an virtuous practice and is better than not reciting
Reading Bimillah out loud before reciting the Surah in Salat and saying Ameen out loud after Surah Fatihah was not adopted by the Promised Messiah (may peace be on him). There is nothing wrong with doing so.
Regarding folding hands during prayers, Promised Messiah (peace be on him) recommended one should fold his hands above the navel area.
Regarding raising your index finger, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said that Arabs used it when they would abuse or curse someone but Islam changed their mentality by instructing its followers to use the same finger for proclaiming the unity of God.
Promised Messiah (peace be on him) would pray in a manner consistent with the practice of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). It is important not to dwell on minor details but a greater focus should be paid on Allah Almighty
With respect to offering Quranic prayers in Ruku Sujud, it should not be done. It is a time for great humility and word of God has exalted status. It was not the practice of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)
It was asked whether a Rakat should be counted if one joins in Ruku. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said that my personal inclination is that there is no prayer without Fatihah. But if one gets late despite trying and joins Ruku, his Rakat would be counted as this is stated in ahadith.
If the Imam is leading Asr prayer and a person comes who hasn't yet performed Zuhr prayer, then he should first perform Zuhr prayer – meaning it is preferable to keep the order of prayers. If the follower doesn't know which prayer is being lead, then his prayer would be that of the Imam. He should perform his own missed prayer afterwards. Meaning if he accidentally reads Asr prayer with the Imam first without Zuhr first, then he should do Zuhr prayer afterwards.
Because the Promised Messiah (peace be on him)) used to offer Sunnat prayers at home, some people misunderstood this to mean it was not mandatory. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih I (may Allah be pleased with him)) clarified this matter stating that The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) offered all his Sunnat prayers at home. Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him) and other members confirmed this as well.
Then there is a question about saying Salat behind an Imam who takes this position as a profession? Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said that for me offering Salat behind any person who leads prayers as a profession is not correct. They lead the congregation keeping in mind the money they will gain out of it. If they won't be paid for it, then they would surely give up this task. If livelihood is earned with a pure intention it in itself is worship.
Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said that offering Salat behind any person who issues edicts of disbelief pertaining to the Messiah of the time is not allowed and is haram. These people who accuse other Muslims of apostasy are indeed the ones who shall be destroyed. Therefore, they do not deserve that any person from my Jama'at offer Salat behind them. Can a living person offer Salat that is being led by a dead person? Remember that as Allah has informed me it is Haram for you to offer prayer behind any such person. Make sure that your Imam is from amongst you. Hadith Bukhari states Imamokum minkum .
Then there was a question about saying Salat behind people who are not hostile to the Jama'at but have not accepted the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said that these people have not accepted the beliefs of this sect and have not considered any of the signs from Allah and have not pondered over the state of Muslims, have not followed the path of Taqwa. Allah says in the Holy Quran: 'Allah accepts only from the righteous' [5:28] Therefore, do not offer Salat behind a person who's Salat itself is not up to the standard to be accepted.
There is a request for prayers for the Ahmadis in Algeria. It is a new Jama'at and most members are new converts. But they are very strong in their faith. The situation is being very difficult for them .Cases are filed without any reason. Some are being sent to prison. Our people there are considered a group similar to Daish (Nauzubillah). The truth is that if in today's time, in any country if there is any group that is peaceful and abiding to the laws of their respective governments then it is the members of Jama'at Ahmadiyya. But because they had to associate some accusation to us they are coming up with their allegations. May Allah ease the situation for Ahmadis there and give them patience and may Allah reflect back these ill doings on the enemies of Ahmadiyyat. May Allah keep every Ahmadi safe from these atrocities. Ameen.