Huzoor^(aba) continued with the subject of thankfulness in his Friday Sermon today. In light of verse 148 of Surah Al-Nisa (4:148) Huzoor^(aba) elaborated the concept of gratitude citing several ahadith. Huzoor^(aba) said that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined to reciprocate a favour with a favour and said that if it is not within one’s means to do so, then one should at least mention the favour conferred on them. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) laid stress on the significance of including glorification of Allah when acknowledging one’s well being.

Huzoor^(aba) related the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings be on him) constant sense of deep gratitude to Hazrat Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her) even long after she had passed away and how he would be exceptionally courteous to her relations as a mark of this gratitude, just as he would often declare his deep appreciation of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (may Allah be pleased with him) sense of loyalty and devotion. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) would also articulate his sense of gratitude to the inhabitants of Medina for providing him with a refuge. Huzoor^(aba) related other incidents of the most excellent sense of gratitude practiced by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him).

Huzoor^(aba) recounted many episodes from the life of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) illustrating his grateful and appreciative nature, as regards his benevolent manner with his blessed wife and his companions, in particular Hazrat Hakeem Maulana Noor u Din (may Allah be pleased with him). Huzoor^(aba) read extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) where he pays a most eloquent and amazing tribute to Hazrat Hakeem Maulana Noor u Din (may Allah be pleased with him). Huzoor^(aba) related other incidents regarding the sense of sacrifice and devotion that prevailed among the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and the appreciative acknowledgement rendered by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for their modest yet extremely sincere monetary contributions.

Referring to his declaration in last Friday Sermon of a scheme to assist those young women of marriageable age who cannot afford a dowry, Huzoor^(aba) acknowledged a most generous response from the Jama’at worldwide. Huzoor^(aba) said funds in excess of £109,000 have already been collected in the space of one week. Huzoor^(aba) mentioned the promises received from all over the world and read out the names of some of the individual contributors. Huzoor^(aba) named the scheme as ‘Maryum Shadi (Marriage) Fund’.