With reference to verse 57 of Surah Al Dhariyat (51:57) Huzoor^(aba) delivered his Friday Sermon on the concept and principle of worship of God.

Huzoor^(aba) said the motivation behind choosing this subject was to address an issue raised in a letter he had received which posed the question as to why God has the need/requirement for man to worship Him, would it be (God forbid) that He is in need of those who follow Him to chant His name continually? Huzoor^(aba) said with the grace of Allah, this kind of outlook is almost non-existent in our Community; however, the negative effect of such ideas can sometimes seep through, hence the admonition today.

Huzoor^(aba) said there is indeed no compulsion for all mankind to worship God because He has given humanity free will and choice.

Surely, those who wish to become servants of God shall endeavour to worship Him in the manner that was taught by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him). Generally speaking it is in man’s very nature to turn to the Creator when he is afflicted and is in trouble, however, in every day life some find the five daily prayers burdensome and make their own interpretations of worship of God.

Man’s creation, by its very nature, is for God and for the purpose of His worship. It may appear to be a selfish purpose, as if (God forbid) Allah is dependent on man’s worship. However, on reflection of Quranic verses, such as (29:7), that is Surah Al Ankabat, we learn that whatever spiritual striving man does is for his own betterment and 49:18, that is Surah Hujurat, that informs us that accepting Islam (and all its beliefs) is indeed a favour of Allah on us, it is His guidance that has opened the doors of spiritual progress for us. Indeed, worship of God is far more than the physical postures one adopts during it; sincere worship is a profound experience, which enables human to imbue Divine attributes. Worship connotes that one is conscious of Allah’s Being and all His attributes and aspires to imprint them on oneself.

Citing verse 63 of Surah Al Naml (27:63) Huzoor^(aba) said that when the criterion of worship drops the believers lose their status/eminence in the world. In the current times the Muslim ummah has all but lost its dignity, this stems from lack of worship. Today those who have the power in the Muslim world have given in so much to worldly and material gains that they do not have the time to stop and reflect over where are they heading. Huzoor^(aba) said it is the duty of each Muslim to counsel the other that if they are to regain their glory they need to turn to worship of God, he said it should certainly be the identity and glory of each Ahmadi. It is worship of God that increases one’s humility, which in turn brings about nearness of Allah and with it His grace. With reference to verse 20 of Surah Al Anbiya (21:20) Huzoor^(aba) remarked that if one submits to the belief that everything belongs to Allah, then why does one not pay heed to His dues in the same way as one pays attention to worldly matters and worldly masters? Indeed because Allah has given human free will and often He does not take man to task immediately.

Huzoor^(aba) cited verse 78 of Surah Al Furqan (25:78) to illustrate the point that although man’s creation is for the purpose of worship of God, if man adopts too many worldly influences, rendering himself spiritually hollow, then Allah too does not care.

Huzoor^(aba) related a few ahadith to elucidate the subject, emphasising the incomparable greatness and omnipotence of God and of His complete and absolute independence of all creation. Further Huzoor^(aba) read excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) enjoining to inculcate sincerity in one’s worship. In conclusion Huzoor^(aba) prayed that may we seek Allah’s grace through His worship in the footsteps of our master.