After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^(aba) said that yesterday, 20th February, is known in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as the day commemorating the prophecy of Musleh Mau’ud, the Promised Reformer.

Significance of 20th February

His Holiness^(aba) said that this prophecy made by the Promised Messiah^(as) foretold the birth and characteristics of a son. This prophecy was published on 20th February. A portion of the prophecy was, ‘He will be extremely intelligent and understanding’ and ‘he will be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge.’ Accordingly, Allah the Almighty granted the Promised Messiah^(as) a son who possessed these qualities. His name was Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra), also known as Musleh Mau’ud, the Promised Reformer.

His Holiness^(aba) said that in accordance with the words of the prophecy, God Almighty Himself bestowed knowledge upon Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra). By worldly standards, he did not have an education beyond the primary level, if that. Though he would attend school, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) himself has said that he would be unable to pass his exams. However, Allah the Almighty would go on to take such service from him in the fields of academics, organisation, administration and others that even the most learned by worldly standards seem to be nothing more than children in comparison to him.

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) delivered countless speeches and wrote dissertations on a plethora of topics on both worldly and religious topics. He delivered speeches and wrote about politics, history, society, economics, warfare, science and more. His proficiency in these topics would leave people astounded. Many of his speeches would be delivered before non-Ahmadi audiences.

His Holiness^(aba) said that though it is not possible to properly cover the scope of Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud’s^(ra) works in such a limited time, he would provide some examples as an introduction, particularly of those works of his which are less commonly known.

Advice to Turkey to Regain its Footing

His Holiness^(aba) said that in 1919, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) wrote, The Future of Turkey and the Responsibility of Muslims. At a time when the Turkish government was in peril, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) gave advice saying that beyond making speeches or relying on publishing advertisements or tracts, Turkey must strive to make efforts to regain its footing, keeping in mind that it is an intellectual era where everyone demands reason and logic. His Holiness^(aba) said that the Muslim world must remain mindful of this today more than ever before. He advised that Muslims should repent for their mistakes and learn the true teachings of Islam. If they have not propagated for the sake of the faith and have not presented God’s religion before the world, then Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) said that at least at a time when they must save themselves Turkey should take heed and begin doing so. He said their survival and the true teachings of Islam were intertwined.

Efforts to Unite the Muslim World

His Holiness^(aba) said that on the occasion of the All Parties Conferences, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) prepared a pamphlet in 1925 to be presented at the conference, titled An Observation. In the pamphlet, first, he presented the religious and political aspects of Islam. He said that from a political standpoint, a Muslim must deal with all others, whether they be Christian, Hindu or Sikh, in a manner that makes it evident that the Muslims are united, and they should seek equal benefit for all. By not understanding this, Muslims would fall into a state of peril and would only come to realise when it is too late. He advised all Muslim sects that when it comes to political matters, they must all become united; otherwise, if they ostracise a people, then how can it be expected that they will not turn towards other nations? He then also presented various guidance for the progress of Islam and its propagation as well as academic and secular success. He also spoke about a Muslim bank which, if it could be established without the use of interest, then the Ahmadiyya Community would also be party to it. He gave advice to Muslims regarding becoming independent in establishing their own businesses. He urged the Muslim world to unite, saying that if the Muslims could not unite, it should be clear that the disunity would not be due to Islam but because of the people and their own egos. His Holiness^(aba) said that this is something which the Muslims today must take heed of.

Providing Solutions to Political Situation in India

His Holiness^(aba) said that there was an event held called the Roundtable Conference. The purpose of the conference was for different British and Indian representatives to come together and discuss the political progress of India. When it came to Muslim representatives, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) urged Muslims to abandon all differences and come together and select such people who could properly represent and work towards a prosperous political future for India. While making observations about the political landscape of India, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) also spoke about the importance of the rights of Muslims not being overlooked. He also presented sound solutions for the political issues facing India. These were all presented at the Roundtable Conference, and for the first time, Muslims were able to present their side as a united front which had a positive impact on the British. This book, The Solution to India’s Political Issues, which was written by Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra), was very positively received and lauded both in India and Britain. His Holiness^(aba) presented the reviews and comments of some people who read the book in Britain and were positively impacted, as well as various reviews from within India as well. All of these reviews reflected astonishment at the proficiency with which Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) presented solutions to political matters after presenting very accurate analyses and observations.

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) also wrote about world peace and how to address the current unrest in the world. He delivered a speech on world peace in 1946 in Delhi, which was attended by hundreds of non-Muslims. A newspaper in Delhi reviewed this speech and said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) spoke about this matter, highlighting that it is not political rather, world peace has more to do with morality. The unrest in the world can come to an end if people start paying regard to the sentiments of others and that a global spirit of brotherhood must be established.

Standing Up for the Oppressed

His Holiness^(aba) said that in 1947, while responding to those who took issue with Ahmadis supporting Pakistan, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) delivered a speech in which he highlighted the need to support the oppressed. He said no matter the repercussions, we must support those who are wronged and oppressed. His Holiness^(aba) said that at that time, the Muslims were being oppressed and needed help, and thus Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) said that as Ahmadis, we must support the Muslim cause.

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) also delivered a lecture about the future of Pakistan in 1947 in Lahore. In his address, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) covered a number of different aspects by which Pakistan could realise success. He spoke about the sort of laws that should be established in Pakistan and the ways in which the laws of Pakistan should reflect Islamic teachings. He highlighted the fact that Islamic law does not require those of other faiths to adopt Islam, rather under Islamic law, they are free to exercise and practise their own religion. His Holiness^(aba) highlighted various other instances in which Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) spoke about the ways for Pakistan to realise success in the future.

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud^(ra) also wrote about warfare, one example of which is Russia and the Current War. This was about Russia entering Poland during the Second World War. He wrote about the reasons for Russia’s actions and the possible implications while also giving advice for what should be done moving forward.

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud’s^(ra) religious writings are a wealth of knowledge, such as Tafsir-e-Kabir, the Grand Exegesis, and his commentary on the Holy Qur’an. It currently encompasses 15 volumes and with the possible addition of further notes, it is possible that this may expand to 30 volumes as the notes are 30,000 pages.

His Holiness^(aba) said that in every way, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra) was a fulfilment of the prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah^(as). His Holiness^(aba) said that he had given a few examples of Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud’s^(ra) works, which everyone should read and benefit from. Given today’s climate we can still benefit from his writings.

Summary prepared by The Review of Religions