Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih delivered today’s Friday sermon from Baitul Futuh. He gave a discourse on the subject of gratefulness and highlighted the positive responses received from various dignitaries and other attendees of the European Parliament address, and two other events held in Germany.

In this day and age it is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim community that has the honour of taking the true message of Islam to the world. We should be most grateful that we experience this privilege as we endeavour to take the mission of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) forward.

The address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih to the European Parliament in Brussels was extremely well received. A press conference was also held at this occasion which received wide coverage. The UK Jama’at had played a good role in organising the European Parliament event although the main organisers were some European parliamentarians. Many misconceptions about Islam were removed through the event.

During Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s trip to Germany an event was held in Hamburg to mark extension of an existing Jama’at building whereby minarets were added to it. Many local dignitaries came to this event. The other event was the inauguration of the new building of Jamia in Germany. This too was well attended. Two mosques were also inaugurated. On the inauguration of one of these mosques a neighbouring couple came and personally congratulated Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih and gave him a gift. During the planning of this mosque this couple was most vociferous in their opposition. However, with passage of time their misgivings were removed and when they attended the inauguration ceremony and listened to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s address their hearts were further softened.

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih highlighted the impressions of some of the guests at the European Parliament address. A Bishop who had come from Switzerland said that the words of the address were mesmerising. While they were enunciated softly, the words carried power and majesty. He said he had not seen a courageous man like Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih. A Muslim member of Belgian parliament said that the address was something to be proud of for all the Muslims and added that the Khalifa had caused exaltation to them. A representative of the Belgian interior ministry said the address had moved and inspired everyone. MEP Godfrey Bloom said that the Khalifa’s address had given everyone light. A representative of the French government Mr. Eric said that the address had a lot of guidance for France. A Spanish parliamentarian said that she completely supported the viewpoints expounded in the address. Another delegate from Spain said that according to the Khalifa the significance of religion is to increase love. Mr. Santiago, a university professor of law who has written books on Islam expressed his gratefulness to God for having met everyone at the event. He said he was a spiritual person and he had not seen an ambience as spiritual as one at the European Parliament address for a very long time. A lawyer from Spain said that she had been told by her Ahmadi host that the experience would be matchless and he was proven right. She said the endeavours of Ahmadiyya community will definitely bear fruit.

A professor from Malta, who is from the Green Party there, said that the organisation of the event was excellent. The professor said that the Khalifa’s speech reflective global peace. A TV producer from Malta, who had been introduced to the Jama’at via the recent leaflet scheme, said that the services of the Jama’at for the establishment of peace are most valuable and said that after meeting him he found that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih exceeded all expectations based on what he had heard about him. A European member of the Church of Scientology said that the Khalifa had given everyone a message to work for peace. A deputy mayor from France said the address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih was great. A university professor from France said that he felt fortunate to attend the event under the leadership of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih and called him a true standard bearer of peace.

Charles Tannock MEP said that the Ahmadiyya community is spreading the message of peace on a global level. He said he was most impressed with the Q and A session at the press conference. He spoke about the progress of the Ahmadiyya community and said that very few people knew about their teachings and it was the European Parliament’s obligation to take it to Europe. He said the community was a super example of peace and tolerance. He thanked Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih on the moving address which he said was the true teaching of Islam. He also mentioned the responsibility that falls on the West and the EU. He said he was amazed at the courage with which Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih had addressed the subject of immigration in his address.

An Estonian MP said Ahmadiyya community rejects extremism. He praised what he called our good ideological and practical model to gather different religions. An MEP said that the fact that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih was in Brussels addressing the European Parliament indicated that people wanted to know more about Islam. A German MP said that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih has addressed the UK Parliament as well as given a speech at Capitol Hill, adding that he would now try and organise for Hudhur to address the Parliament in Berlin. The event was attended by media very well.

As regards impressions about the event in Hamburg which took place the following day, an integration officer said that the Khalifa had explained the teachings of Islam very well and by listening to him he had come to know about the real teachings of Islam. A Council member from the Hamburg area said that the way Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih expressed his words affected hearts in particular. He said the concept of Islam as presented was new for him. Others said that their fears had been allayed after finding out the peaceful teaching of Islam. It was said that the person of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih appeared like the queen bee around whom the entire community worked and that they were completely devoted to him. The press was also present, they had originally come to interview the German Ameer sahib and then had decided to have a Q and A session with Hadhrat Khaliaftul Masih. However, after listening to his address they said all their doubts and concerns had been answered. A lady from the Islamic Board Committee also attended who used to be quite against our community but now her attitude has changed. She said all her concerns were removed and when she saw Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih she felt he was the kind of leader she always thought Muslims should have. President of Hamburg Police was also present who said that if the teaching mentioned in the address was implemented there would be no need for policemen like him. This event was covered very well by the newspapers with large circulation.

Comments received at the inauguration of the Jamia building said that the address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih was not a speech but was the voice of his heart and that in spite of being religious his outlook was practical. Another comment was that the speech was most dignified and its life-infusing words were not limited on morals and had left a deep impression on the listeners.

May God bring about long-lasting results of all these events and may He increase us in our Taqwa and gratefulness.