Huzoor^(aba) delivered today’s Friday Sermon from Burkina Faso. He based it on the subject of taqwa (righteousness). Huzoor^(aba) recited verse 14 of Surah Al Hujurat (49:14) and said that the Holy Quran is replete with the mention of the word taqwa and in the Nikah (Muslim Marriage) Sermon alone, the word is mentioned five times. Huzoor^(aba) said this highlighted the significance of adopting taqwa within marriage and its resulting good effects on the children born in the marriage.

Addressing the African audience Huzoor^(aba) said that the above-mentioned Quranic verse elucidates that the apparent difference in mankind, the disparities between tribes and clans, is only for identification purposes. None is superior to another and only those are truly honourable who are righteous. He said the benchmark of taqwa is not the outward expression of virtue, rather it is Allah alone Who is aware of the intention behind each act of ours and He alone knows all.

Huzoor^(aba) said the word taqwa literally means to protect the ‘self’ (nafs) from danger; in religious (Shariah) terms it connotes to protect the ‘self’ from that which leads to sin. This also entails to, at times abandon what is generally permissible, like abandoning what is pure and acceptable during the month of Ramadan.

Huzoor^(aba) reiterated that affiliation with any nation, be it a developed country or an under developed one, is immaterial in seeking Allah’s clemency; one is required to make an individual effort to be righteous. For this, Huzoor^(aba) said, one needs to turn to Allah and pray most ardently to be granted the capacity to do good and to shun evil and be granted taqwa through Divine grace. Huzoor^(aba) said for this we need to purify our Salat and observe it with ardour and devotion. Huzoor^(aba) cited a prayer taught by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) for seeking taqwa from Allah for one’s nafs.

Stressing the importance of the Holy Quran, Huzoor^(aba) said those who know its meanings should teach others, arrangements should be made to hold dars (lesson), no matter how brief, of the Holy Quran and each Ahmadi should daily recite the Quran in any case. Citing verse 116 of Surah Al-Imran (3:116) Huzoor^(aba) prayed that may we be enabled to seek Allah’s grace by doing good deeds.

Huzoor^(aba) related that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined to adopt taqwa regardless of where one lived and said that the act that would profusely admit people into Paradise is taqwa and courtesy. Huzoor^(aba) said it was most heartening that the people of Burkina Faso are generally very courteous and that if they incorporate taqwa with their civility then Allah’s Messenger has given them the glad tidings of Paradise. Huzoor^(aba) urged the significance of passing on the trait of taqwa to the next generation. He read excerpts from the august writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) highlighting the importance of adopting righteousness and inculcating compassion for mankind. He enjoined men to purify themselves, nurture the ethics and spirituality of their women and only then consider it appropriate to aspire to and pray for righteous off spring.

In conclusion Huzoor^(aba) prayed that may we be enabled to establish excellent standards of taqwa. Huzoor^(aba) also prayed for the spiritual success of the Burkina Faso Jalsa.