Huzoor^(aba) delivered today’s Friday Sermon at the commencement of the Jalsa Salana Germany and gave a discourse on the perils of indulging in nonsensical and idle talk (Laghw). Citing verses 1-12 of Surah Al Muminun (23:1-12) Huzoor^(aba) stated the various steps towards seeking the pleasure of Allah and elaborated the second step as explained by the verse; that of shunning vain, idle talk. Huzoor^(aba) said the syndrome of vain talk and futile practices has become so widespread that people do not even take notice of them until the situation really worsens and one is in deep waters.

Huzoor^(aba) said the word ‘Laghw’ connotes all forbidden (haram), unpleasant, abominable things, in particular those relating to ‘talk’. It also includes that which is permissible (halal) but which is not needed.

Explaining, Huzoor^(aba) said card games, fruit machines, collective idle chatter, criticising others is all laghw, as is playing the lottery, smoking, communal mockery and derision of others. Huzoor^(aba) said the Holy Quran teaches us to pass by anything that is laghw, disregarding it with dignity. Citing several Ahadith Huzoor^(aba) related the hazards of lying, dishonesty as well as maligning others, usurping others property. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings on him) commended forsaking something that is not needed and that with which one has no connection.

Huzoor^(aba) explained that the Internet could be a current day lughv phenomenon and some people waste tremendous amount of time on it. Huzoor^(aba) also commented on the anti-Ahmadiyya websites and advised not to waste one’s time on them and not to be incited by their absurd content. He said if one felt that a particular objection on the sites needed to be addressed, one should contact our own official website who would then take care of the matter.

Huzoor^(aba) described keeping bad company whether directly or indirectly as laghw and said that a true believer should spend one’s life extremely cautiously. Reading from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzoor^(aba) related that the tongue is the passageway to one’s body and one whose tongue (speech) is pure stands the increased chance of closeness to Allah. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) termed tobacco as a ‘smoke’ that is detrimental to one’s health, he warned against the perils of alcohol, calling it the principal malevolence. Huzoor^(aba) explained that in the Western countries where the consumption of alcohol is commonplace, we must exercise great caution and prudence. Huzoor^(aba) repeatedly warned against the peril of the laghw practice of smoking cigarettes leading to more addictive and dangerous intoxicants.

Referring to the Jalsa Salana Germany Huzoor^(aba) expounded that the objective of the Jalsa is the development of spirituality and establishment of virtues. For this, Huzoor^(aba) said we should pray fervently and earnestly and each person should self-analyse oneself and try and remove any idle and vain habit.

Huzoor^(aba) concluded on the prayer that may all those attending the Jalsa be the recipients of the prayers of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).