Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah strengthen his hands) delivered the following Sermon on June 25^th, 2004 at Mississauga's International Centre. In light of the fact that this was the last Friday before Jalsa Salana Canada 2004, Huzoor^(aba) instructed everyone traveling from outside the Greater Toronto Area to maintain Taqwa during their travels.

Huzoor^(aba) started the Friday Sermon with the recitation of Surah Fatiha.

After the recitation, Huzoor^(aba) strongly admonished that Ahmadis must not let the fear of Allah escape their hearts during social, business or religious journeys.

Using Hadiths and the sayings of the Promised Messiah (PBUH), Huzoor^(aba) emphasized that all those Ahmadis coming to Toronto to attend Jalsa must travel entirely for the sake of Allah. With regard to this, Huzoor^(aba) urged all of them to rid themselves of all spiritual defects, such as anger, gossip and conflict. Huzoor^(aba) stressed that all Ahmadis must stay away from pointless discussions and worthless activities. Instead, they must turn their hearts completely towards Allah.

Often, due to lengthy discussions stretching into late nights, particularly during Jalsa days, people tend to miss Fajr prayers, and missed prayers, Huzoor^(aba) reminded us, weakens Taqwa.

Huzoor^(aba) asserted that Ahmadis must have complete trust and faith in Allah. Trust in people instead of Allah, results in disillusionment and frustration, which leads to conflict. Thus, to avoid conflict, Ahmadis must develop a strong relationship with Allah. A strong relationship with Allah will give rise to successful and solid relationships with fellow human beings. Consequently society and the world will become like heaven.

Huzoor^(aba) called attention to the fact that without Taqwa, even worldly relationships and materialistic gains will start to crumble. So, Ahmadis must not sacrifice Taqwa for materialistic reasons.

Huzoor^(aba) instructed all Ahmadis to pray before starting a journey. Huzoor^(aba) pointed out that our existence is vulnerable and prone to constant danger. One can fall victim to car accidents. Short circuits in our house wiring can burn down our houses. Essentially, human life is fragile. Huzoor^(aba) said that this is why one must constantly seek the protection of Allah. New cars must not be depended on for safe journeys, rather, we must seek and depend on the blessings of Allah by worshipping Him.

Huzoor^(aba) further advised that when Ahmadis start a journey, they must always appoint one person as their Amir as per instructions by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Always give the Amir your advice but, as long as his decision lies within Sharia, never challenge his authority. Huzoor^(aba) advised that if a family is traveling, the father or elder must be appointed as Amir. Inform children of this rule as this is a good way to train children to understand the obedience system of Jama'at.

Huzoor^(aba) also suggested that after returning from any journey, always perform two Rakaat. However, Huzoor^(aba) lamented that, unfortunately, people, out of exhaustion, tend to combine or skip even Farz Namaz.

Huzoor^(aba) acknowledged that journeys have become relatively convenient due to improved transportation systems. Nonetheless journeys do disrupt routine. Such disruption may hamper regularity in Namaz. However, prayers must not be missed, regardless of disruption or exhaustion or gossiping. A journey can become a piece of punishment if Allahs protection is lost. And this mainly occurs due to missed prayers, Huzoor^(aba) added.

Huzoor^(aba) also emphasized that following the example of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), journeys should not be started during the night. Even if you must travel at night, never sacrifice your minimum sleep.

Huzoor^(aba) went on to say that if driving during Namaz time, park the car and pray. Do not pray while driving, for Namaz is not a burden.

Huzoor^(aba) mentioned the Hadith in which Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said that The travel of my umma is Jihad in the way of Allah. Explaining this Hadith, Huzoor^(aba) said that a journey must be for the sake of Allah. While traveling, one must ponder about the creation and attributes of Allah. Moreover a journey must bring us closer to Allah. During a journey, try to deliver the message of Allah. Even when you are traveling for business reasons, you should convey the message of Allah through your exemplary behavior and character.

Huzoor^(aba) concluded the sermon by stating that Jalsa Salana is a spiritual convention, which must produce spiritual revolution in all Ahmadis.