On 6thApril 2019, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V(aba), addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfat-e-Nau Ijtema organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at UK. The event took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London and was attended by more than 1100 women and girls. The official transcript of the address delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) on this occasion is presented below.
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) said:
“With the Grace of Allah Ta’alah, once again you are holding the Waqfat-e-Nau National Ijtema. I hope that you will have all benefitted from the various programmes and events that have taken place.
Just like other Ahmadi girls in the UK, you have grown up in this Western society; however, you are distinct from them in one significant respect, which is that your parents, prior to your birth, dedicated your future lives for the sake of your faith. Your parents prayed that Allah the Almighty enables you to serve Islam and to play a distinguished role in spreading its teachings far and wide. In light of this, always remember that you must constantly strive to learn and act upon the teachings of Islam.
For any Ahmadi, in fact, for any Muslim, the most basic obligation is to fulfil the rights of the worship of Allah. Thus, the very first thing I wish to remind you is that you must ensure that you are regular in offering Namaz five times a day. Further, you must offer Namaz sincerely and in a state of complete submission to Allah the Almighty and not in a hurried way just so you can claim to have fulfilled your obligation.
To truly fulfil the rights of worship, you must always keep at the forefront of your mind that you are bowing before Allah the Almighty, Who is All-Powerful and All-Hearing and you are presenting your heartfelt hopes and desires to Him. Certainly, the foremost aspiration of any member of Waqf-e-Nau, indeed of any true Muslim and of any person who has pledged their life to the service of Islam, should be to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty. Consequently, it is of absolute importance that you always try to raise the standards of your worship.
The second principal point I wish to draw to your attention to is that you must bear in mind that the perfect teaching Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us, in the blessed shape of the Holy Qur’an, is a universal, everlasting and timeless teaching. Every single instruction of the Holy Qur’an is according to human nature and it cannot be suggested that, because the Holy Qur’an was revealed over 1400 years ago, it is out of date or for a bygone era; rather, every word of the Holy Qur’an remains as applicable today as it did in the time of the Holy Prophet(sa). Nor is it right to say that because the Qur’an was revealed amongst the Arabs, it is only for the Arab people.
Where the Holy Qur’an’s teachings are for the Arab people, they are also for the people of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and all parts of the world. Hence, in all respects, just as the Holy Qur’an was relevant and worthy of practice 1400 years ago, it remains the same today. Therefore, all Waqfat-e-Nau must entirely eliminate from their minds the belief that Islam is an old-fashioned religion or somehow backward. Instead of being a religion of the past, it is a religion of today and tomorrow and will remain until the end of time, Insha’Allah.
Accordingly, no matter what allegations or criticisms are levelled against Islam, you must never feel any embarrassment or complex over your faith. There is no allegation and no criticism that cannot be refuted. The reality is that Allah the Almighty has provided the answer to every charge or accusation made against Islam, whether by non-Muslims or non-religious people, in the Holy Qur’an itself.
Furthermore, we are extremely fortunate that in this era, the Promised Messiah(as) has enlightened us to the true meaning and interpretation of the Holy Qur’an and equipped us with the intellectual weapons to respond to those who oppose Islam or query it. Thus to understand the deeper meanings of the Holy Qur’an, it is essential you read the books of the Promised Messiah(as), as well as the other books published by the Jama’at. Certainly, in this era, it is only by reading the books of the Promised Messiah(as) and his Khulafa that we can truly comprehend our faith and respond to those who level false allegations against Islam.
Many of you are now in your teenage years, whilst some of you are now adults and have been blessed with your own children. As you have reached an age of understanding and maturity, you must make it a habit to set aside time every day to read the books or writings of the Promised Messiah(as), as they will furnish you with the necessary means to defend your religion. On many occasions, I have spoken of how Islam’s teachings are extremely comprehensive and far-reaching.
Indeed, the Holy Qur’an is filled from cover to cover with knowledge and direction pertaining to all aspects of your lives and the wider society. The Qur’an guides mankind all the way from the domestic family unit through to international relations. In the same way, Islam has taught us about the rights of the individual, including the rights of children and it has taught us about the rights of the collective, including the rights of government and public.
As I have said, the Promised Messiah(as) has expounded upon these teachings, so that the members of his Jama’at are able to understand their faith and defend it from any criticism or false charge. Hence, you should disregard any hesitation or fear and stand up with certainty and conviction in the truth of your faith and respond to those who seek to defame its pure teachings. Irrespective of whether you are working full-time for the Jama’at or not, as a member of Waqf-e-Nau, it is your duty to propagate the true and peaceful teachings of Islam through your words and conduct.
It has always been my experience that when worldly and materialistic people, who consider themselves to be extremely advanced and educated, are presented with the true beautiful teachings of Islam, they cannot help but be impressed. Particularly, considering the raging conflict and division in the world, when we present Islam’s peaceful and compassionate teachings, it has an extraordinary effect. Many people are left astonished and overwhelmed by the magnificence of Islam’s benevolent teachings.
Thus, as sincere Ahmadi Muslim girls and ladies, and as members of the Waqfaat-e-Nau scheme, you should never hold any form of inferiority complex about your religion. Never entertain the thought that your religion is somehow backward or out of touch with the modern world. Conversely, the more you take pride in your religion and the more you live your lives according to the teachings of Islam, the more others will respect you and this is how your honour and dignity will be established in the world. Surely, there is no Islamic teaching that should cause any complex or apprehension to emerge in your minds.
Never worry for a second that others might taunt you or consider you to be a laughing stock because of your religious beliefs.
If they mock, let them!
Some people criticise or deride pardah and hijab, whilst others disparage our way of offering Namaz. Unfortunately, some young Ahmadis, particularly teenagers, develop an inferiority complex or feel humiliated and rejected by such ridicule. However, if you are ever mocked for acting upon your religion, you should never take it as a personal humiliation; rather, you should consider it to be a badge of honour and feel pride in the knowledge that you have stayed strong in your faith in the face of adversity. Showing patience and keeping your head held high in such circumstances is the true means of establishing your honour and self-respect in the world. We are the fortunate ones, as we have not forgotten our values.
Today, most people, especially in the Western world, have lost their true religious identity. Even those who claim themselves to be followers of religion are living lives that bear no correlation to their faith. Whilst many young members of Western society still identify as Christians, in reality, the vast majority are not following the teachings of Christianity and have no affinity or link with the Church. In fact, a consequence of the lack of interest in religion amongst today’s youth has been that as the older generation, who were more religiously inclined, have passed on, many churches have been left uninhabited to the point that they are being sold on the open market to the highest bidder. They fail to realise that selling a sacred place of worship is not a trivial or insignificant matter.
Furthermore, in the name of so-called freedom, today’s society considers itself to be extremely advanced and progressive and believe they have reached the height of civilisation. Yet, in reality, as society has moved away from religion, moral standards have declined in parallel. In terms of morality and virtue, instead of advancing, modern societies are suffering from deep decay. By separating from God Almighty, humanity is rapidly moving away from basic standards of common decency.
For example, in modern society, it is very normal for children to disrespect their parents and not listen to them. Even a basic level of respect that a child should have for his parents and for his elders is eradicating. This too is classed as ‘freedom’ and ‘independence’. Increasingly, data shows that if parents are firm with their children, it leads to the involvement of the local authorities or even the police being called. As a result, the family unit is breaking down.
Is it a measure of success if more children are being taken into social care or if the authorities are being required to act?
Is this progress? Is this development?
Is this the great achievement of our time?
Now, belatedly, society is starting to understand the harmful consequences of absolute freedom. For example, after observing families being destroyed and the complete lack of respect amongst children for their elders, a few people in Western society are starting to voice their concerns about this issue.
Always remember that the peace of society is directly connected to the peace within families, within that society. Peace in the home is based on good morals and mutual respect, between a husband and his wife and between the parents and their children. Thus, always keep in mind that, as members of Waqf-e-Nau, it is essential that you manifest the highest morals at all times.
All of you, whether you are children, teenagers or adults, must fulfil the rights of your parents, your siblings and other family members. Those who are married must treat their children and spouse with love, fulfil their rights and ensure that their home is a mirror reflection of Islam’s teachings. As I said before, always remember, that fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty and acting upon His teachings, which are immersed within the incomparable treasure that is the Holy Qur’an, must always take precedence in our lives.
Hence, you must read the Holy Qur’an, the commentaries of the Promised Messiah(as) and of his Khulafa and take pride in the fact that you are the worshippers of a Living God and follow a noble Prophet(sa) whose teachings will remain forevermore, Insha’Allah. Take pride in the fact that your religious belief is your means of success and salvation, both in this world and in the next life. Certainly, if you live your lives according to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, you will come to observe paradise within your own homes and daily lives.
I also wish to remind the parents of Waqf-e-Nau children that they must continually reflect upon the fact that they have pledged their children for the sake of Islam, and so if they do not set a pious example for their children, they will have failed to discharge their duties. They will be blameworthy for the failure of their children to grow into true assets for our Jama’at. To dedicate your child is to make a lifelong commitment to increase your own standards of righteousness, so that you are role models for your children. Similarly, many Waqfat-e-Nau are now married and have their own children, and so they must solemnly ponder over the pledge first made by their parents, which they have now made for their own progeny, and constantly strive to raise their children in the best possible fashion and set a personal example of piety for them to follow and learn from.
If you live your lives in this way, it will ensure the continued progress and prosperity of our Jama’at, Insha’Allah. The high status of women in Islam is such that it is only through their noble efforts that the coming generations will remain attached to their faith. Only if mothers play their crucial roles can the great values of our religion remain firmly instilled in our future generations. Otherwise, we could suffer the same fate as other religious communities, who have lost their traditions and values over time.
As I said, Christians are selling churches, whilst some Jewish communities are doing the same with their synagogues. Consequently, if we do not remain devoted to our faith and do not set positive examples for the future generations then our mosques will become empty and hollow shells just as the churches and places of worship of other religions have become. However, Insha’Allah this will never happen because it is the promise of Allah Ta’alah that Islam will remain a living religion until the Day of Judgement.
This is why He sent the Promised Messiah(as) to revive the true teachings of Islam and after his demise, the institution of Khilafat was re-established by Allah the Almighty. Hence, it will not be that our mosques are sold off or that the progress of our Jama’at will cease. Yet, the lives of those Ahmadis who are neglectful of their duties and who do not remain attached to their faith will be squandered and their future generations will be lost to the materialistic world.
Thus, as Ahmadi women and girls, as mothers and daughters, and as Waqf-e-Zindigi you must understand your duties. Even if you are not working full-time in a Jama’at department, you are all Waqf-e-Zindigi and so you must strive to increase your religious knowledge so that you can act upon your faith and instil Islamic values within your children.
Be righteous. Observe the highest morals. Always speak the truth.
Uphold Islamic principles and strive to be better Muslims every single day of your lives.
Only then can we ensure that our children and the generations who follow are in safe hands and will grow to be a source of pride for our Jama’at.
Always remember that, for both believing men and believing women, it is necessary to keep Taqwa (righteousness) at the forefront of your mind, which means to strive towards attaining every form of goodness and virtue.
Thus, endeavour to be the most truthful, the most hard-working and most faithful servants of Islam.
Consider it your lifelong duty to spread the true message of Islam.
May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to live righteous lives and to draw ever closer to your Creator.
According to His command, may you nurture the generation that lies in your laps in a way that ensures that the Jama’at’s spiritual, moral and intellectual standards continue to rise and that no Ahmadi child moves away from the teachings of Islam and wastes their life.
May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to act upon the true teachings of Islam and to be shining stars of Ahmadiyyat and to be a continued source of pride for our Jama’at – Ameen.”