34:55 Address by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Proceeding of IAAAE Symposium 2019 held at Baitul Futuh Mosque on 27th April 2019.

Summary of Huzoor’s Address:

In his address to the gathering, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, said that in recent years, IAAAE had become far more active and the breadth of its work had increased a great deal.

“According to my instructions, which I have been giving from time to time, members of the IAAAE from the United Kingdom and other countries have now initiated many new projects and are working on extensive and complex assignments throughout the world. For example, IAAAE is playing an excellent role in the construction of some of our mosques and Jamaat buildings, as well as continuing to develop and expand its humanitarian projects.

“With the grace of Allah, wherever in the world IAAAE is serving, its members are working in an exemplary fashion and with a spirit of true service and dedication. In this regard, I pray that may Allah enable all of you to continually increase the scope of your work and expertise.”

Huzoor^(aa) said that amongst the various projects of the European chapter, one of the largest projects was construction work in Mali and Tanzania. The complex in Mali includes a mosque, various offices, guest house and missionary house. From the photos that were presented to Huzoor^(aa) in the report, Huzoor^(aa) said that it was clear that the new mosques and associated buildings were aesthetically pleasing and well designed, something that was reflected by comments of those who had travelled and visited the mosque.

Similarly, Huzoor^(aa) said, in Tanzania, there was another construction work of a mosque and a multi-storey building of offices and other Jamaat needs there. The complex was built in a developed area and was designed, ensuring that it blended in with the local buildings.

“With the grace of Allah, these building are also providing us with new avenues for tabligh and have increased the awareness of our Jamaat amongst the local people who cannot help but be impressed when they see the new structures and centres. They are seeing how we use our centres to serve humanity and try to improve the lives of those who are suffering, irrespective of caste, creed or colour and to offer a helping hand to the most vulnerable and weakest members of society.”

Huzoor^(aa) went on to say:

“Of course, our efforts to serve humanity predate these recent projects in Mali and Tanzania. However, the new complexes have enabled us to further advance our efforts and have made a very positive impression on the local people and are proving a means of spreading the message of the true Islam.

“Furthermore, the humanitarian projects established by the IAAAE continue to progress and develop. For example, you have now completed the construction of 20 model villages, Alhamdolillah. Furthermore, according to the report I have received during the past year, IAAAE has installed 119 new water pumps, which provide clean running water in extremely remote areas, whilst 200 other water pumps have been rehabilitated. Moreover, a lot of effort has been made in providing electricity through the installation of solar panels in deprived areas.”

Huzoor^(aa) said that there are many other projects by IAAAE, where people, both fulltime workers and volunteers, show their expertise in the works that they do. In all the spheres IAAAE serves, it proves its need in the Jamaat and in the world. Some of the volunteers, Huzoor^(aa) said, do not even claim expenses and work free of charge, bearing their travel expenses and other such costs. Such people are, Huzoor^(aa) expressed, working with the same level of devotion as Waqifeen.

Huzoor^(aa) prayed that Allah may bless them manifold for this dedication and prayed that each member of IAAAE continued to enhance in their dedication and service to the Jamaat and to humanity so that they may reach the best of standards.

Advising members of IAAAE, Huzoor^(aa) said:

“In addition, I wish to remind all of you that it is of the utmost importance that you pay special attention to establishing a true and lasting connection with Allah the Almighty and remain ever-grateful to Him and continually strive to improve the standards of your worship. Your sole focus should not be the material work you are doing, but rather building your personal relationship with Allah the Almighty should always remain your paramount objective. If you sincerely aspire to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty, you will see how He blesses your efforts and you will come to see the most beautiful fruits of your labour.”

Praying for the members of IAAAE, Huzoor^(aa) said:

“May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to grow ever closer to Him and increase your efforts to serve humanity in the best possible way. May you all prove to be great assets for the Jamaat and may the younger generations step forward in great numbers to follow in the footsteps of the older members who have offered years of service. May they learn from the positive examples of their elders and serve with even greater passion, energy and skill than their predecessors so that the work of IAAAE continues to go from strength to strength. May Allah the Almighty continually bless the efforts of IAAAE and may He reward all of you for your sincere efforts.”

Thereafter, Huzoor^(aa) led the congregation in dua, after which the event came to a successful close.