Today Huzoor^(aba) delivered his Friday Sermon on the 9th 'Condition of Bai'at' as established by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). It reads:

'That he shall keep himself occupied in the service of God's creatures, for His sake only; and shall endeavour to benefit mankind to the best of his God-given abilities and powers.'

Huzoor^(aba) cited verse 37 of Surah Al Nisa (4:37) that charts out all those deserving of particular kindness in society and said that by following this teaching the beautiful Islamic way of life can be established and that acts of kindness are not carried out for reward and are most meritorious when they are made purely for the love of Allah.

Citing another Quranic verse (76:9) Huzoor^(aba) said this illustrates the characteristics of those who give generously and out of what they like for themselves. Huzoor^(aba) cautioned against the unpleasant trait of giving unacceptable wares to the needy and said that it was paramount to be mindful of the self-respect of those who are disadvantaged and to only give what one would like for oneself.

Quoting the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzoor^(aba) said one should have a sympathetic and caring approach towards all mankind, regardless of religion etc and that he considered it most unfavourable when some only displayed sympathy and kindness to their own people. Huzoor^(aba) said with the passage of time elapsing since the era of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) it is all the more important to adhere to his teachings in that his Community maintains the excellence achieved by those who were around during his time.

With reference to several ahadith Huzoor^(aba) elucidated the tremendous significance the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) laid upon kindness, compassion and sympathy shown towards all of God's creation. In particular his teaching to alleviate the pain and suffering of a Muslim brother, to extend a helping hand to them in time of need and to cover their faults carry huge reward from Allah. These are the rights of mankind and having fulfilled them one gains the grace and blessings of Allah. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that the Rahman (Gracious) God is merciful to one who shows compassion and if man shows compassion to the 'dwellers of the earth' the One in the heavens will have mercy on him.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) enjoined to adopt patience and fortitude in face of antagonism and to avoid the disparaging mode of aggression towards others. He said it is a means of thankfulness for those on whom there are Allah's blessings to show kindness to creation.

Huzoor^(aba) said it was the way of the Ahmadiyya Community, both individually and communally, to be ever involved in social welfare, thus keeping their pledge of allegiance. Huzoor^(aba) appealed to each Ahmadi doctor, lawyer, teacher and any other professional who can use their expertise to work towards helping the disadvantaged. Huzoor^(aba) said if they carried this out mindful of the fact that they have made a pledge (bai'at) to the Imam of the time then Allah's grace and blessings would be immense on them.

Next, commenting on his recent European tour, Huzoor^(aba) praised the German and the French Jama'ats and their organizational proficiency at their respective Jalsas. In particular Huzoor^(aba) praised the sincere zeal of the non-Pakistani Ahmadis of France. Huzoor^(aba) asked to remember the German and the French Jama'ats in our prayers.