After reciting Surah Al Fatihah, Huzoor (aba) said that every person in this world has desires and makes every effort to pursue them, whereas a Momin is one who has complete and absolute faith in the existence of God and turns towards the Almighty in face of any type of adversity – in fact, what defines a true Momin and worshipper of God is his progress in faith at every occasion in his life. Huzoor (aba) said that even if one wishes to purchase a simple thing such as a shoelace, one should seek the guidance and will of God, because without His will, all his efforts to purchase this item will fail, and even if the purchase does take place, the person may not be able to utilize the item. It is God’s great blessing on the Ahmadis that He has enabled them to accept the Promised Messiah (as) who has guided them to seek the pleasure of God. Huzoor (aba) quoted a couple of extracts from the Promised Messiah(as)’s writings in which he says that Allah loves those who turn towards Him and their offspring are never wasted, whereas those who turn to the world, God does not love them and their children are ruined. Without the pleasure of God, one cannot achieve any type of victory, nor success, nor contentment. He further writes that although one cannot see God but God manifests Himself through His creation. He manifests Himself when we pray to Him.

All humans beings, be it a king or a ruler, face helplessness in certain situations, where the only remedy then becomes prayer. So Huzoor (aba) stated that Ahmadis indeed are fortunate that the Promised Messiah (as) has explained these concepts so clearly, and by and large, Ahmadis are well versed in these views. Another important point to remember is that some people turn towards God only in times of adversity, but a true Believer is one who seeks God’s pleasure no matter what the situation is and in all affairs, be it personal, business related or matters pertaining to religion. Before carrying out any action, a Momin turns towards God to seek His blessing and His help with complete faith. At times, one thinks that a certain activity may be better for him and makes efforts to achieve results to that end, but it is God Who possesses complete knowledge and therefore prevents that activity from occurring, sometimes permanently or temporarily, and this for the benefit of that person. Due to sadqaat and supplications, God informs the person or his near and dear ones, or in matters of Jamaat, God informs several members of the Community beforehand about the reasons why certain activities cannot take place at a certain time. Due to personal convictions, sometimes people insist on carrying on with such activities, yet, when they do not come to pass, the future events that unfold make it clear that it is indeed a blessing of God that such and such activity did not take place.

God has directed us towards a guiding principle in the Holy Quran: “It may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you like a thing while it is bad for you. Allah knows and you know not. (2:217)” Therefore, one should not become needlessly persistent to carry on with a certain activity because his knowledge is limited, whereas God knows best when and how and where a certain activity needs to be carried out. Surrendering to His Will and seeking His Help through supplication is the best way, because when God does not Will, then all efforts and intense desires for a certain cause will be in vain.

This year, due to the centenary of Khilafat, every Ahmadi has a renewed zeal and has made efforts to attend the Jaslsa Salana Qadian, but recently, the unfortunate events that have taken place in India have shaken the whole nation. These merciless terrorists who have been captured have admitted to further brutal attacks that may take place in the near future, due to which the government has increased in security measures. Therefore, due to these circumstances, Huzoor (aba) has prohibited any visitors from foreign countries to participate in this event, without any exceptions, no matter how intense their desire to attend. Allah Almighty will improve the situation and further opportunities will arise InshaAllah. Islam teaches us to supplicate for protection against any kind of adversity (natural or man-made) and therefore we should take every precaution necessary in staying away from harm’s way.

After consultation and supplication, Huzoor (aba) has taken this decision to stop visitors from foreign countries to attend the Jalsa Salana Qadian. Our actions should be higher than our emotions. There is no reason to put ourselves in any kind of trouble because the life of every Ahmadi is precious. Many will be disappointed, but remember that Allah will bless His chosen ones and guide them. Huzoor (aba) mentioned a specific prayer of the Holy Prophet (saw) to protect us from all types of evil in the world, which we should recite frequently these days. May Allah accept our prayers and protect every Ahmadi, Ameen. Another prayer that should be recited is: 'My Lord, I stand in need of whatever good Thou mayest send down to me.' (28:25)

Huzoor (aba) ended with a collective prayer for Ahmadis around the world that may God always guide us on the right path and protect us from all evils, direct our desires in the correct direction, and if we make the wrong decision, may Allah protect us from its bad consequences, may He enable us to make decisions based on wisdom, which is a blessing of God. God has taught us this prayer: 'My Lord, bestow wisdom on me and join me with the righteous; (26:84)'

A true believer should not be fearful, but he should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making any decisions. We are not afraid of making any sacrifice, by the grace of God, but we should also protect ourselves from harm. We should supplicate to God for the best results of this decision and grace this occasion with innumerable blessings, and exchange the grief that some may experience due to this decision with the joy of His nearness and an even stronger personal relationship with Allah. Huzoor (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who has said that God is Merciful, and does not waste the prayer of a supplicant. We should become ever more prayerful to God and pay our gratitude to Him. Each Ahmadi should pray for himself and for the other Ahmadis around the world, specifically the Ahmadis of India and Pakistan. May Allah guide mankind and enable them to understand their purpose of creation. Ameen.

Funeral prayers (in abstentia) were offered for Respected Amtul Rehman Sahiba, wife of Respected Chaudhry Mohammad Ahmad Darwesh Sahib who passed away on 3 December 2008 in Qadian.