It is our belief that the Khalifatul Masih is a chosen man of God and spiritually elevated, having an extraordinary connection with Allah. In the Holy Quran, Allah says:
Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious. (24:56)
One reason that Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) himself has emphasized is the importance of forming a personal attachment with the divine system of Khilafat that has been established for our guidance. Although writing letters is not obligatory, it is an opportunity to develop a connection with the one who is very near to Allah. Once this everlasting bond is made, a heightened sense of respect and love is naturally created within the hearts of believers whose relationship with Huzoor is similar to the relationship between a child and a parent. The Khalifa is a spiritual father for Ahmadi Muslims, and writing to him becomes one way of expressing one’s attachment to one’s father.
The Holy Prophet(sa) has stated, “He who dies having defected from obedience (to the Amir) and discards his association with the main body of the (Muslim) community, dies the death of ignorance”.[i] These are very strong words that indicate the importance of remaining connected to the Amir or leader, who is the Khalifa of the time for the Muslim community.
Another reason as to why we are encouraged to write to Huzoor is to increase the acceptance of our prayers. Since Huzoor is someone who is loved by Allah and is close to Him, our belief is that Allah listens and accepts his prayers. The Promised Messiah(as) has stated:
At times it is as if the prayer is not being accepted; there is one thing that can be done on such occasions. One should ask some very pious person to pray and then he himself should pray to God that He may hear the prayer of that pious person. It has been observed quite often that the prayer has been accepted in this way. I have experienced it myself and it has been happening in the case of many people before me, as well.[ii]
Since the Khalifatul Masih is the head of our community and our spiritual father, we write to him to seek his guidance and prayers. Being able to write to Huzoor directly and have him guide us through difficult matters, even private ones, is actually quite a great privilege! The letters that members write are very dear to Huzoor and he prays for each and every person with whole hearted and earnest dedication.
Once, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II(ra), expressed this relationship between the Khalifa and his people in very painful, compassionate, and powerful words. These words are worthy of being written in stone. He said:
“You have someone who has true sympathy for you; who truly loves you; who considers your pain and sufferings to be his own; and who is always praying to Allah for you”.[iii]
References:
[i]. Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4, p. 96. Also: Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Imarah [The Book on Government], Chapter: The obligation of staying with the Jama’ah (main body) of the Muslims when Fitn appears
[ii]. Malfuzat, vol. 9, p. 234
[iii]. Blessings of Khilafat, p. 6