In his Friday Sermon today Huzur said it was a hundred and twenty years ago, on 23rd March 1889, that the magnificent prophecy of the Holy Qur’an which the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) foretold was fulfilled. It was after a thousand years of spiritual darkness during which the religion of Islam remained but in name for the majority of its adherents that the ‘luminary’ arose who was to seek light from the luminous sun that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was.

With the beauty and the light of the Shariah brought by his master, the followers and those who learned from the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) are ever engaged in spreading the message to the world.

The first era of the community began on 23rd March 1889. Allah revealed to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that once he had resolved to undertake the service he should put his trust in God Who would steer the ‘vessel’ Himself.

According to the commandment of God, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took his bai’at (pledge of allegiance) on 23rd March 1889 and hundreds embarked his ‘vessel’. The community grew in hundreds of thousands during his lifetime. His followers honoured the bai’at and traversed spiritual stages. Meanwhile there was considerable opposition and many were martyred for the crime of entering into bai’at. Notable among the early martyrs was Sahibzada Syed Abdul Lateef shaheed whose death was ordered by the King of Afghanistan after the maulwis issued a fatwah. He was martyred in a merciless way reminiscent of the persecution the early Muslims endured. Despite all opposition the movement grew from strength to strength until on 26th May 1908 the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) passed away. Then, just as he had assured his community about a ‘second manifestation’ that was to follow him, the second era of the community began. Some unfortunate people were embroiled in egotistical matters and were admonished by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I (may Allah be pleased with him). However these ill-fated people, despite possessing intellect and wisdom, rejected the second Khilafat e Ahmadiyya. They did not realise that only those will be saved who will stay on the ‘vessel’ and adhere to the ‘second manifestation’ and that the significance of the term ‘second manifestation’ was not an executive body but was Khilafat.

Huzur said we are fortunate that today we are on board this vessel and are thus saved from drowning and Allah’s hand is on us. Since 1908 the opponents have tried all sorts of different and varied ploys to obliterate us but Allah has always saved us from the bad consequences of these trials and tribulations. As we continue to grow all over the world, the envy of the opponents is also mounting and wherever in the world the mullah can wield some power, he does not desist from committing cruelty in the name of God, against the Ahmadis. However, each such act of the mullah only increases Ahmadis in their faith.

Expounding the matter through the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzur said the Qur’an makes it clear that it is essential for the completion of faith that one faces trials – it is stated in verse 3 of Surah Al Ankabut ‘Do men think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and that they will not be tested?’ (29:3). None who joins this community remains free from trials. Some have to endure separation from parents. When severe trails are faced and one stays steadfast and patient for the sake of God, the spiritual rewards are immense. It is not possible to develop in spirituality without trials and tribulations. Huzur said this is the counsel of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which the Ahmadis adhere to and they realize that they stimulate and nourish their faith during opposition.

Huzur said last Friday he mentioned the opposition faced by the community in Bulgaria. On the behest of the Mufti of the country the police are harassing the local Ahmadis. When Huzur sent his Salaam to the Bulgarian Ahmadis the local murabbi sahib contacted them individually. In response the Bulgarian Ahmadis said they remained firm of faith – some became emotional and said that Huzur should not worry, they will endure all hardship. Huzur said those who ask what revolution did the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) bring should say if this is not a revolution, then what is? These Bulgarian Ahmadis – who have lived their lives in Europe and under Communism - have truly understood the teachings and are granted the insight that in order to have Divine nearness they have to go through trials. This only comes about with the grace of God and this grace is through joining the community of the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).

In India, those who have newly come into the fold of Ahmadiyyat are also being persecuted. This is again done on the behest of the mullah and the government is not taking any concrete measure against it because this is an election year and they are interested in the votes of the mainstream Muslims. Those who persecute and those who turn a blind eye to them should remember that although we do not have any worldly power, but Allah is our Lord and when His help comes everything is blown away like dust. Huzur urged the Indian Ahmadis to engage in sincere prayers.

In Pakistan the opposition is at its height. It is astonishing that each time the mullah has driven a government towards persecution of Ahmadis in the Indian sub-continent in particular the community has moved towards greater progress. This proves that this community has been formed by God and is a sign among His many signs. Addressing these people Huzur said they should come to their senses and desist from contending with God and should becomes helpers of the one who God has sent. However, Huzur said their eyes are shut, they are in fact perpetrating the injustice in the name of God. They are forgetting that when cruelty exceeds all limits the believers raise the call ‘when will come the help of Allah?’ – to which the response is ‘Yea, surely the help of Allah is nigh.’ (2:215).

After the partition of India the majority of the mullah came to Pakistan and have always created some form of mischief or the other in the country. Currently, a furore is being raised and the persecution of the Ahmadis aside, the country is suffering huge notoriety. The Ahmadis in Pakistan are given the option to either abandon their faith or leave the country otherwise risk losing their lives. The worst aspect of it all is that this is being done in the name of Islam and to establish the status of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) as the Khatamun Nabiyeen (Seal of all the prophets). These killings are being carried out as an expression of a sense of honour for Islam in the country that was specifically created in the name of Islam.

The truth is that it is the Ahmadis who are demonstrating a sense of honour for religion while the others are not even achieving a fraction of it. The oil-rich Muslim countries are helping the mullah but the mullah is either using that for his personal gain or channelling it towards terrorism while there is no effort to spread the message of Islam. Let it be very clear to the mullah who today exerts the greatest claim on Pakistan that Ahmadis made great endeavours in the creation of Pakistan and this is acknowledged by all decent people, regardless of religious persuasion. While these endeavours for the creation of Pakistan were being made the mullah was even against the very concept of Pakistan. Putting the matter in context Huzur said 23rd March is also commemorated as Pakistan Day. Huzur quoted from the writing of renowned academics and journalists of the time (Muhammad Ali Johar, Maulana Abdul Majeed Salik) who acknowledged the esteemed contribution of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) to the world of Islam. Huzur said everyone is aware of the participation of Qaid e Azam [Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the state of Pakistan] in the creation of Pakistan. However, there had come a time when he too was disheartened by the circumstances and went to England with the thought that he could no longer help. The Muslims were badly shaken by this. Hadhrat Khalifatul Maish II (may Allah be pleased with him) made great effort in the matter and through our resident Imam in London at the time, Maulana Abdul Raheem Dard sahib he pressurised Qaid e Azam and convinced him to return to India. Indeed Qaid e Azam himself acknowledged that it was the persuasion of Maulana Dard that left him with no option but to return to India and resume his efforts for the creation of Pakistan. Justice Munir, who presided over the judicial commission regarding the troubles of 1953 in Pakistan also spoke up against the ill-founded allegations against the community.

History bears witness to the endeavours of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) and other Ahmadis in the creation of the state of Pakistan (land of the pure) that was created for Muslims and thus called while the ilk of the mullah labelled it ‘land of the impure’ at the time. Khilafat e Ahmadiyya has been at the forefront of efforts made for people of Kashmir and Palestine etc. On the other hand, if one is to look at the statements of our opponents they speak for themselves. Ata ullah Shah Bukhari, a leader of the Ahrar Movement, said that the state of Pakistan was like a prostitute that the Ahrars had accepted. He also likened those who associated with the Muslim League to swine. Maulana Maudoodi opined that in the state of Pakistan there would be ‘Kafirana (impious/based on unbelief) government of the Muslims’. Huzur said now they are trying for the very Kafirana government. Whoever comes in power [in Pakistan] makes alliances with the mullah and foremost on the agenda of the mullah is to oppose Ahmadis. Huzur said during the troubles of 1953 there were some fair-minded people around but in 1974, the government of the time joined the mullah and in the name of Islam committed grace injustice and barbarity. Equitable future historians will chronicle that period as a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan. In 1984, a despot made a further amendment in the legislative alternation of 1974 and claimed that he would obliterate Ahmadiyyat. While Ahmadiyyat is going from strength to strength those who committed grave injustices against us are either eliminated or are being grinded down. The Ahmadiyya community, gathered on the hand of Khilafat and demonstrated -and indeed is demonstrating - steadfastness which is a proof that it is fulfilling the pledge of the bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).

The provincial and the central governments of Pakistan should remember that if the permanence of Pakistan is dear to them – for which the Ahmadis sincerely pray – then they should establish the principles on which Qaid e Azam wanted to establish the country. Indeed the Qaid e Azam said that if Pakistan was to flourish then the prosperity of all the people, rich and poor was significant. He aspired to break the chain of prejudices and the differences of those in the majority and the minorities and have no disparity between different sects. He spoke of independence that enabled people to go freely to their temples, their mosques and their places of worship. He said he believed that this should be kept in view as the ideal. However, Huzur said, the legislative body of 1974 worked completely contrary to this. Huzur said it is not the task of a legislative body to determine and decide on the religion of people. The day the government of Pakistan comprehends the principle and starts working on it will be the day of establishing progress of Pakistan. When the sectarian divisions will break then alone will the Pakistanis be able to see the real Pakistan. Huzur said neither Islam nor the great personality who gave the Muslims a separate country gave the permission to pass verdicts on the religious faith of others. Each Pakistani should have the basic rights of citizenship, the law should be the same for all. Peace will only be achieved when equal rights are given to all. Since the legislation of 1974 and the ‘amendment’ of 1984 the country has been in decline. Ahmadis are going to but pray for the country despite the persecution. However, those who persecute Ahmadis should be mindful that Allah’s decree shall certainly get even. As it is cited in verse 94 of Surah Al Nisa, ‘And whoso kills a believer intentionally, his reward shall be Hell wherein he shall abide. And Allah will be wroth with him and will curse him and will prepare for him a great punishment.’ (4:94). Huzur said a Hadith cites that the most excellent part of faith is ‘La ilaha illala’ (there is none worthy of worship except Allah). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was furious when a Companion killed a disbeliever during war despite the person professing to accept Islam. The Companion thought the man was so professing only to save his life. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) however was indignant and asked whether the Companion had torn the man’s heart open to see what was in it. Huzur said despite these blessed models the Muslims today continue to take the lives of Ahmadis. Last week they martyred a young couple, both doctors, only because they believed in the Imam of the age. Dr. Shiraz Bajwa was 37 years old and Dr. Noreen Bajwa was 28 years of age which makes her the youngest female Ahmadi martyr. Both were well-liked and popular. On 14 March 2009 their bodies were discovered by their housekeeper at their home. The body of Dr Shiraz Bajwa was found lying in the bedroom, hands tied behind his back, mouth gagged, eyes blindfolded and with visible marks of strangulation. The body of Dr Noreen Bajwa was found in the living room. Huzur said they lived in a gated residential area with security arrangements, so it seems as if it was an ‘inside job’.

Huzur said the Ahmadi are being martyred for a reason – however, due to the rejection of the truth that the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has come the disorder and multitude killings in the country is nature’s vengeance. As a result, although they do not recognize us as Muslims, other Muslims are killing Muslims, what would then be Allah’s treatment with them in light of the aforementioned verse (4:94). There is much conflict in the country and the government has conceded in the Swat Valley (a region of Pakistan) and has let the mullah implement Shariah system there. The mullah has now decreed that no judicial judge should try and intervene. Huzur said this is not a matter that can be halted; it can engulf the whole country ensuing in loss of peace and terrorism. The British Foreign Secretary has recently said that Pakistan should unite against the internal ‘mortal threat’ of extremism. As the mullah once labeled it the ‘land of impure’ – Allah have mercy – if it stays in their hands then will they let the name of Pakistan be? The Ahmadiyya Khulafa have been cautioning them against the mullah. They aspire to democratic ways yet they do not identify the dangerous alliance of the mullah.

We can but pray for the country, that may Allah save it. If the mullah thinks they can achieve something by the martyrdoms of Ahmadis, it is a vain and crude notion. The ‘vessel’ that was made by God will be protected by Him alone. As for the martyrdoms, yes, there will be trails and those who are sacrificing their lives are attaining the love of God. Pakistani Ahmadis should pray for the country which stands on the edge of fire, the prayer of Ahmadis can alone save the country. The Ahmadis had a great share in the creation of Pakistan and it will be the prayer of Ahmadis alone that will be useful in saving it.

Huzur said he would lead the funeral Prayer in absentia of the two martyrs as well as a Dr. Aslam Jehangiri and a Syeda Nasira Begum sahiba. Huzur prayed may Allah elevate the status of all the deceased.