Note: The Alislam Team assumes full responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies in this translation of the Friday Sermon.
Delivered: April 6, 1923
Topics: Purpose of Friday Sermons, 50,000 Rupees Collection, Waqf-i-Nau Three-Month Service, Sacrifice of the Poor, Caring for Mujahideen Families, Call to Rajputs, Promised Messiah's Mission Statement
After recitation of the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazoor (may Allah be pleased with him) stated:
In recent days, representatives from various branches of our Community have come to seek counsel. After consulting with them, I have made decisions on several important matters. Some of these concerns relate directly to the crisis of apostasy that has emerged in the United Provinces, and today I wish to draw my Community's attention to these issues.
For some time now, I have been bringing these matters to the attention of my Community in nearly every sermon. The reason for this is that the fundamental purpose ('illat-i ghaa'i) of Friday prayers is precisely to focus Muslims' attention on matters that concern their religion and faith, and more broadly, issues that affect the Muslim community as a whole. While preaching and admonition can be given individually and privately, those matters which pertain to collective welfare cannot be resolved without collective effort. This is why Friday prayers have been established.
Our Shari'ah—every command of which carries profound wisdom, and every directive of which has purpose—has established the Friday prayer with this need in mind. In this blessed gathering, all Muslims assemble, and the Imam keeps them informed of the urgent matters of the day. In Islamic law, the sermon (khutbah) is so essential that Allah Almighty has carved out two units from the normal four units of the Dhuhr prayer specifically for the sermon. The purpose behind this is:
Unfortunately, in recent centuries, Muslims have fallen into a troubling practice: the preacher stands and recites centuries-old sermons without relevance to the present day. This is why Muslims have lost that spirit of progress which once distinguished them.
One of the great contributions of the Promised Messiah(as) was that he explained the true purpose of the Friday sermon and established it as the means through which the Community could come to life and advance in this world. This is why I repeatedly draw my Community's attention to their responsibilities and speak about these pressing matters in my sermons.
The decisions that the Advisory Council (Majlis-i Mashwarat) has approved, or those matters on which I have decided after taking counsel from representatives, deserve the special attention of the Community for implementation. From the circumstances of our time, it is evident that today nothing can be accomplished without financial resources. In earlier times, the situation was different.
The Prophet Muhammad(saw) conducted many campaigns. Except for a few, particularly important expeditions, he did not call for collections. Rather, he simply said, "Come, let us go." Upon this, some Companions would bring a mount, another would bring a spear, another a sword, yet another would come with armor. In this way, the army was formed to meet the enemy. Only for a few particularly important expeditions that required special preparations did the Prophet (saw) announce a collection. When he did, his Community demonstrated that they were prepared not only to sacrifice their lives for Allah's cause but also their wealth. Through this, they showed that they cared nothing for their possessions.
Some people are willing to sacrifice their lives in Allah's cause but reluctant to spend their wealth. Others can spend money but cannot sacrifice their lives. The Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) made both kinds of sacrifice, and at the highest level. However, in this age, such complete sacrifice is difficult. The reason is that our work has become vastly more extensive.
The furthest expedition conducted by the Prophet (saw) was the Campaign of Tabuk, which was approximately one hundred fifty miles distant—roughly the distance from here to Ambala. However, we must establish our presence far beyond such distances. We must reach America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and distant shores. These are distances of six to twelve thousand miles. Therefore, due to the vast distances and the differences in civilization with which we must contend, the question of financial resources is a matter of paramount importance.
For the purpose of addressing this crisis of apostasy, I have imposed upon my Community a collection of 50,000 rupees, which will be spent judiciously in appropriate places to counter this threat.
During recent study sessions (dars), I presented a proposal: those persons of means in Qadian who can contribute a minimum of one hundred rupees per person should participate in this collection. We should not take from anyone who gives less than this amount. Rather, we should preserve a portion of the Community's resources for future needs. I presented this proposal specifically in Qadian, with the intention that when the representatives came for the Advisory Council session, I would consult with them about whether this collection should be general or restricted to those of substantial means.
The majority opinion in the Advisory Council (Majlis-i Shura) was that the amount should be specified, and whoever wishes to participate may do so, with a minimum of one hundred rupees. If the full amount can be collected through this method, well and good. If not, the collection will be made general so that both rich and poor can participate. I have approved this opinion of the Council.
Today, I address those who sit before me and those into whose hands this sermon will come—those who are present before my heart and the eyes of my spirit. Whoever Allah Almighty grants the ability and opportunity to participate in this work should immediately contribute a minimum of one hundred rupees, or whatever more they can afford and give, to the Treasury of the Community (Khazinah Bayt-ul-Mal).
In Qadian, there are very few wealthy people. Generally, those who have come to Qadian have made tremendous sacrifices, and with modest income, they barely manage the expenses of their families. And yet, the sacrifices made by the people of Qadian and their sincerity are truly enviable. Many have participated in this collection whom, had I myself suggested their names, I would never have imagined they could bear such a burden.
There are those whose monthly salary is only fourteen to fifteen rupees, yet they have still paid this contribution. I do not know for how long they accumulated and saved this money or for what purposes. But their sincerity has compelled them not to lag behind the wealthy. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), the poor came to him and said: "O Messenger of Allah! We recite optional prayers and engage in remembrance and glorification of Allah. The rich do this too. We pray and wage jihad. The rich do this too. But then they give charity, and how can we be equal to them?"
The Prophet (saw) replied: "Shall I not teach you a way by which you may surpass the rich?" They said, "Of course, O Prophet!" He said: "After every prayer, recite 'Subhan'Allah' (Glory be to Allah) thirty-three times, 'Al-hamdu lillah' (All praise is due to Allah) thirty-three times, and 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) thirty-four times. Through this you will gain reward, but you will surpass them."
They were delighted and left. When the rich heard of this, they said, "Why should we lag behind?" and they too began this practice. After some days, the poor came again and said, "O Prophet, the rich are also doing this now!" The Prophet (saw) smiled and said, "This is the grace of Allah, which He gives to whom He will. How can I prevent them? Allah Almighty has given them such hearts that they do not wish to lag behind in any way."
On that occasion, the rich had surpassed the poor. In my view, what was a loss thirteen hundred years ago, the poor have now made up for—they have surpassed the rich! When I launched this collection, the first to come forward were those who in reality did not have the means to give one hundred rupees.
The Promised Messiah (as) wrote in one place: "I have come that I might give their rights to those nations who have been left behind and whose rights have been oppressed. I am Adam, and I have come to take the vengeance of the first Adam—as Satan expelled him from Paradise, I shall expel Satan and his progeny from the eternal Paradise. I am made the Messiah, so that the cross that was inflicted upon the first Messiah, I shall break it, and seal this path forever. I am Joseph, and I have come to take vengeance for the first Joseph, whom his brothers cast out, so that I might deliver prisoners to freedom."
In the same way, I understand that the poor were once defeated, and now Allah Almighty has granted them the opportunity to take their revenge and overcome the wealthy. Despite the praiseworthy example the poor have set, our true addressees are still the wealthy—whether from Qadian or from elsewhere. They should participate to the extent of their means. Do not try to lag behind.
Whoever can give five hundred should not give less than five hundred. Whoever can give a thousand should not give less than a thousand. Only then can this work be accomplished. Many opportunities for worldly comfort come and go, but opportunities to meet Allah are rare. Indeed, meeting with Allah is always possible in one sense, but the stirring and passion in the human heart to do so occurs only at special times. This present moment is one of the greatest such occasions. Do not let it slip away in vain, or you will regret it.
What better thing could there be than that non-Ahmadi Muslims, who harbor great enmity toward us, have now begun to rise with enthusiasm and are prepared to help us in every way? This is because this calamity has befallen Islam itself, and only Ahmadis can stand against it. Non-Ahmadis have begun to realize that it is these people who uphold the faith of Allah Almighty.
How lamentable has been the heedlessness in our Community! I draw my Community's attention to recognize their duty. Every person should arise such that Islam does not find peace until it spreads across all corners of the earth. Rise up, for this opportunity will not come again!
From letters received from foreign Communities, it appears some have misunderstood, thinking I have only demanded one hundred rupees. They should understand that one hundred rupees is the minimum. Everyone should give according to their capacity, beyond this minimum. Whoever can give five hundred but gives only one hundred because I have stipulated a minimum of one hundred—that person closes the doors of mercy for themselves. Whoever can give a thousand but does not—that person also closes the doors of mercy upon themselves and wastes a tremendous opportunity.
Just as I have not fixed an upper limit on giving, neither have I fixed a lower limit at less than one hundred for those of means. Yes, for the present, those of lesser means are not being specifically addressed. I urge the entire Community to complete this collection very soon. Every person of means should contribute according to their capacity.
The second decision reached during the Advisory Council was to launch a vigorous campaign in the Community encouraging people to volunteer themselves for three months of service. I have approved this decision of the Council as well.
So far, three hundred applications from those dedicating themselves have been received. However, the work is immense. Close to one hundred people are constantly needed in the apostasy crisis region. Beyond this, there are many other areas where this disease is likely to erupt. We must also preach in these regions. Therefore, according to the importance of the work, three hundred is a very small number. Thousands of such applications should reach us so that we can allocate them with confidence, and some people can be kept in reserve to be deployed when the need arises.
I acknowledge that the conditions are stringent. Making such a sacrifice in these times is a difficult matter. But remember what you will receive in return and what reward awaits for this hardship. It is far greater than the difficulty itself.
At most, you will sacrifice three months of companionship with your family and some of your wealth, bear some expenses, and sacrifice some of your time. But consider: if you forgo the companionship of your family, in return you will gain the companionship of Allah Almighty. If you sacrifice three months, Allah Almighty will grant you eternal life. And just as the nature of Allah Almighty is perfect and eternal, so too will He grant eternity to those people.
When you spend your wealth, in return Allah Almighty will give you rewards that are gifts unlimited and never taken back. If you abandon your business for three months, you will be granted far nobler business in return. When I consider the reward, I feel it is an injustice to even call this a sacrifice. In exchange for family companionship, you will gain noble companionship; in exchange for wealth, you will gain noble wealth; in exchange for business, you will gain noble business.
I make an earnest request to my friends who have not yet submitted their names: submit them immediately and do not fall into the trap of thinking there is still much time—you will submit later. There is time, yes, but if applications do not reach us now, confusion will arise in the work and we will not be able to arrange it properly. Therefore, let such friends submit their names very soon so that they can be allocated to the class and area for which they are suited. Otherwise, complications will arise in the organization.
There is also a way for those who, due to some compulsion, have not yet gone or cannot go to participate in this reward. That way is to care for the families and dependents of those who have gone, and to remove their hardships.
Neighbors should protect the homes of these Mujahideen fi Sabilillah (fighters in the way of Allah). Because their homes are insecure, they should pay special attention and prioritize the needs of these families over their own needs. Take care to ensure they have proper supplies. There will be sick people in these homes. Therefore, it is the duty of other brothers to care for them and give even more attention to them than to their own families.
I urge the people of Qadian and friends from elsewhere who are participating in this struggle to earnestly participate in this reward. Our friends should prove through complete enthusiasm and perseverance that they are the pure Community chosen by Allah Almighty. Rise with the love of Allah and His faith. Then no calamity can harm you, and your feet will not waver. Rather, every difficulty will become the cause of your progress.
Those who have gone to Malakand to preach—others should visit their homes and visit them daily. Ask if there is any hardship, and remove it to the extent possible. Many people are prepared to sacrifice their lives, but they cannot bring themselves to visit someone's home daily to ask about their needs and remove their hardships. This too is a great sacrifice. When the opportunity of their service comes, they can participate in that way. In another place, the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was going to an expedition and said: "In Medina, there is a group of people who neither wage war with you, nor cross any valley, nor bear any hardship, yet they are partners with you in every matter."
The Companions asked: "O Prophet, who are they and how can they share in the reward?" He replied: "They are those whom some compulsion has prevented from joining. In their hearts is the desire, but they are prevented. If they could, they would set out immediately. For example, they are blind or lame, so they are prevented from going, but their hearts are sorrowful thinking how they could share in this reward."
So those in whose hearts there is genuinely this longing will definitely find an opportunity to participate in this reward. The sign of true longing is not merely speaking it. One cannot know hearts merely from words. The sign of longing is that a person does whatever service they can do, and then Allah Almighty includes them in the reward of what remains. These may seem like small matters, but many people cannot even do these. If someone says they desire to participate in jihad but does not do such work or serve the families of the mujahideen, then they are deceiving themselves and their heart's longing is not genuine. If their desire is sincere, they will certainly find some opportunity and will earnestly participate in the reward.
May Allah Almighty grant my Community the understanding of their duties and the ability to fulfill them. May they understand and execute this service. And may they fully bear the burden that has been placed upon them, so that they stand honored before Allah and so that Allah makes them like that faithful servant who does not run away in times of hardship but looks toward his Master and says, "Just give me the sign and I will sacrifice everything." May Allah Almighty make us like that. Amen.
I must also inform you that there is a special need for Rajputs. They will be familiar with the customs, traditions, and character of their own peoples, and the people of Malakand listen specifically to Rajputs. Therefore, I specifically address the Rajputs: those who have always told stories of their superiority and excellence, now prove it through action and demonstrate that this is indeed an active and hardworking people.
Other communities are forging ahead, but one would not think their nations are being destroyed and they are not stepping forth. Our Community has a considerable number of Rajputs. There are many Rajputs in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. I draw their attention to abandon their heedlessness. Display vigor and sacrifice in honor of your elders so that your claim to greatness is proven by your actions.
This is the moment when the truth or falsehood of those traditions and stories they have told about their excellence can be seen. They should display the courage that their tales of greatness speak of, so that they do not lag behind other communities. May Allah Almighty grant them success. Amen.
The sermon references the following authentic Hadith traditions:
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