After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^(aba) stated:

First of all, I would like to thank all the Ahmadis who expressed their sentiments in an exceptional manner and offered intense supplications after sustaining injuries from a fall. May Allah the Almighty grant the most excellent reward to all of you and may He increase your sincerity and loyalty.

In this age, it is only in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that one can find such an example of mutual love, especially sincerity and loyalty, that it shows towards the Khalifa of the time. This is purely expressed for the sake of Allah the Almighty and in accordance with His instruction.

It is only Allah the Almighty, Who can instil this mutual love. In such a case, one cannot determine as to who feels more pain for the other. At times, it seems that the love the members of the Community have for Khilafat is at its peak and upon seeing the examples of some people, it may appear that the attachment and affection of the Khalifa of the time towards the members of the Community may not be of the same level. Nevertheless, this love and this relationship is mutual. As I said, this is such a relationship the likes of which one cannot find in any other worldly relations.

I particularly like these words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^(rta): “The Khalifa of the time and the Jamaat are two names of the same entity.” (Khutabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 4, p. 423, Friday Sermon, 29 September 1972)

It is due to the acceptance of your prayers that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the injuries healed exceptionally quickly. The doctor told me that facial injuries usually heal very quickly, but he was not expecting them to heal this quick. I told him that treatment has its own importance, but the true factor are the supplications that are being made by Ahmadis. I had personally thought that there were quite a few injuries and it may take up to two weeks for them to heal and even then it may leave some marks of the injury. However, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, everything was cleared within seven to eight days.

Let me also mention my experience of applying the “Ointment of Jesus” [Marham-e-Isa] after having sustained this injury. Some time ago, Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib made this according to an ancient Syriac remedy and sent it to me, which I have applied. Likewise, there was also a Calendula-based homeopathic cream that I used.

But in any case, the true source of blessings is Allah the Almighty. He alone is the Healer. I have mentioned these medicines so that others may also benefit from them as sometimes people require it. However, you should now pray that Allah the Almighty may quickly remove the remaining effects of the injury.

The grace of Allah is the true power that can only be attained through prayers. I remember that some time ago, I was suffering from extreme pain in my shoulder and arm, so much so that it was difficult to raise the arm and would need to use help of the other hand. When I showed it to a specialist doctor, he said that this pain could persist for a period anywhere between six weeks to three to four months. In any case, when he re-examined after a few days, he saw that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, 90% of the pain had been alleviated, upon which he was very surprised. I told him that this is how Allah the Almighty blesses a person when hundreds of thousands of people are praying for him. He was an Englishman and said, “I am a Christian and I come from a religious family. I also believe in prayers.” He said, “This is certainly the result of prayers.”

Hence, this is purely owing to grace of Allah the Almighty, which we should continuously be seeking from Him and submit before Him. In the current circumstances we are passing through, we must particularly submit before God Almighty.

I am receiving reports from the UK as well as from other countries that during these circumstances, the attention of the members of the Jamaat has greatly increased towards submitting before Allah the Almighty. As a result of the lockdown, members of the household are making particular efforts to offer the prayers in congregation. Religious lectures and talks [dars] are also given. Lectures are given from different books such as the ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet^(sa)] and from the Holy Quran, which as a result, is increasing the knowledge of the elders and is also familiarising children with religious knowledge. It is also increasing their faith in Allah the Almighty.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the month of Ramadan also occurred during this period and the attention of people towards worship also increased in comparison to before. Ramadan, however, is now coming to an end and the government is also planning to ease the restrictions of the lockdown to a certain degree. Some governments have already done so and this easing [of the lockdown] has already been implemented in some places.

One thing I would like to mention is that every Ahmadi should try to abide by the conditions which the government has introduced in relation to easing the restrictions. However, the most significant and important aspect, which every Ahmadi should remain mindful of, is that the permission to engage in business, easing the restriction of going outdoors and the month of Ramadan coming to an end should not make any Ahmadi stop or decrease their worship of Allah the Almighty and the pious changes they brought about in themselves, rather performing virtuous deeds and offering prayers in congregation at home for as long as there remain restrictions to attend the mosques and then to attend the mosques once permission is granted should become even greater obligations for you. Women should make particular effort to offer prayers at home so that children are able to see a role model before them and so that they may also increase in their faith and conviction in God Almighty. The short religious lectures and lessons should also be continued so that your religious knowledge as well as your understanding and the cognisance of God Almighty increases. Similarly, you should also remain attentive towards watching the programmes on MTA, which I have already before as well.

Thus, none of us should become neglectful of these virtues, neither after the lockdown, nor after Ramadan, rather we should continuously maintain and uphold them. An Ahmadi, who has pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah^(as) and pledges to bring about pure transformation within himself, should never become forgetful of his pledge of initiation. It does not behove a believer to be among those people, in relation to whom Allah the Almighty says that when they are faced with difficulties and hardships, they submit before Allah the Almighty and seek His protection, beseech Him for help and call out to Him and when the difficulties are removed, they forget God Almighty.

Nowadays, people are deliberating as to whether this coronavirus is a natural disaster or a divine punishment. However, during such calamities and pandemics, it is the duty of a believer to submit before Allah the Almighty more than ever before. One should not remain in the mere search of what exactly is the cause and significance of the calamity. In this era, i.e. the era of the Promised Messiah^(as), there are countless promises which Allah the Almighty has vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah^(as), which have been fulfilled, are being today and will continue to be fulfilled in the future as well. If there are some aspects in the form of warnings, then the first and foremost duty of a believer to become anxious and instil fear in their hearts and strengthen their faith and conviction and pray for their good end. What truly matters is to have a good and prosperous end. I have said this many a time that the natural calamities, such as storms and pandemics that are occurring in this era, have a particular relation to the era of the Promised Messiah^(as).

Therefore, we should pray extensively for our faith and to develop conviction in our faith and for a prosperous end. Moreover, we should pray extensively for the entire world to be saved. Even when Allah the Almighty had clearly informed the Promised Messiah^(as) that the plague had manifested as a sign for him, he still prayed for the world with great anguish. Even from behind closed doors, those who heard the state of his prayers to save humanity relate that sounds of such profuse weeping could be heard similar to the sound of water boiling over fire. (Khuda Tala Dunya Ki Hidayat Ke liyea Humesha Nabi Ma’booth Furmata Hai, Anwar-ul-Aloom, Vol. 18, p.514) (Register Riwayat [unpublished], Vol. 7, p. 107, Riwayat Hazrat Master Muhammad Allah Daad Sahib^(ra))

Thus, despite God revealing to him that it was a sign, his mercy and kindness for humanity prevailed and he would pray for them to be saved from the plague and its destruction. Such was the fervency of the Promised Messiah’s^(as) prayers; thus we must also look to his example.

Some people are trying to link an essay written by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^(rta) titled “Natural Disasters or Divine Wrath?” to this current pandemic and they present interpretations of their own as well in this regard. However, let it be clear, that as I have said before, after the advent of the Promised Messiah^(as), the frequency of disasters and calamities have increased. Regarding this, the Promised Messiah^(as) has clearly stated that these calamities will descend and there will be destruction – there is no doubt in this. However, as I have stated in previous sermons, the Promised Messiah^(as) has also said that some believers, owing to the Divine law of nature, also come into its fold, however they are given the status of being a martyr and they have a prosperous end. (Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 252)

And according to the Holy Prophet^(sa), their prosperous end takes them into heaven, as he stated that when those at a funeral praise the deceased and speak highly of his services and testify to his fulfilling the rights to God and rights to humanity, then entrance to paradise becomes incumbent upon such a person. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith no. 949)

We see that that there are many such pious Ahmadis – regarding whom everyone expressed similar sentiments. But the real thing to be seen regarding these pandemics is their impact upon worldly people. Worldly people have become perplexed at the situation and indeed this is what happens in such cases. We witness their state in the world today. Not only of ordinary people, but of powerful governments as well; those who think of themselves to be established like great mountains. The economy and the order of great and firmly established governments have been completely overturned. However, as a result of this, their efforts in order to try to divert the attention of the masses is even more dangerous. This could lead them into war and further destruction of their livelihoods. So, as long as these people do not bring about such change within themselves, which removes this state of disorder and discord, they will continue to be engulfed in one destruction after the other.

The Promised Messiah^(as) has also mentioned this that whether or not one is a Muslim or being held accountable for one’s faults in religious matters will indeed be on the Day of Judgement. Allah the Almighty will see to this in the Hereafter. However, mischief and disorder, the usurping of rights, mockery of God’s servants; these are such factors that draw destruction which cause great anguish. (Kishti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p. 5)

In any case, our duty is to pray, to help the world understand and to bring about a pure transformation within ourselves. The essay of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^(rta) which I have mentioned is quite a lengthy essay, but the aspect which every Ahmadi should focus on after having read that essay is to not just merely ponder over the nature of the calamity and how it affected the previous nations and its current impact. No doubt these aspects should instil fear in people and draw them to assess their conditions. However, in reality, the words which one ought to pay particular attention towards – which he [i.e. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^(rh)] has also written – is that there is both a warning and glad tiding in this for the Community. The warning is that simply bearing the title of an Ahmadi alone will not be enough to save a person, rather the condition of righteousness (taqwa) is also attached with this. The aspect of glad tiding is that this will provide an opportunity for the Ahmadis to very swiftly rectify those weaknesses which will have come about in their practical conditions. Thus, in short, those who have simply adopted the label of having done the Bai‘at, they will only be saved when they return to the Promised Messiah’s^(as) true teachings. This will only prove to be a glad tiding if they return to God – otherwise there would be no glad tiding. (Natural Disasters or Divine Wrath?, p. 121)

As I stated earlier that the special attention that has come about in these days should remain established. Draw your attention and the attention of your children towards fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of humanity because after the destruction, when the world will turn to God and will turn to fulfilling the rights of humanity, they will look towards the example of this Community. Indeed, then it will be Ahmadis who will guide the world. But before this, we must pray in a heartfelt manner that let it not come to the point where the world is so far gone that the paths leading to light and peace become closed. Let people pay attention before this. Thus, along with our prayers, we must also show our examples. We must tell the world that only in fulfilling the rights of one another can they attain God’s mercy. And without attaining the mercy of God Almighty, Who is the one and only God, our attempts to establish peace in the world will not be successful, nor will we have a prosperous end. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, where members of the community are focusing on worship, they are also serving humanity; youngsters, healthy elders and women alike. Very good reports are coming in from everywhere in regard to this. This service to humanity is also becoming the means of guiding some of those worldly people who have deviated from the right path.

A few days ago, there was a report from Canada, that at two in the morning, after being disappointed from everywhere else, a woman called the Khuddam neighbourhood help line; saying that she was in desperate need. She stated her son was ill and there was no means to get medicine for him and every place had turned her down. She said that everyone told her that she could not get the medicine until the next morning, and her son was in very bad condition. She relates, “I said that people say there is a God. Though I do not believe in God, but let’s see today if He actually exists.” She says, “It was in a state of great anguish and helplessness, that I prayed, ‘O God, if You exist, my son is in a dire condition, thus arrange for his medicine.’ At that moment I thought of the Khuddam help line. When I called, a man answered and when I informed him of my need, he said that he would try to help. A little while later, he called back saying that it was two in the morning and it would be difficult to arrange [for the medicine]. He then enquired the condition of my son. I told him the situation and expressed my worry, to which he said, ‘Alright, I will see if can do anything; I will go to a certain place where there is a pharmacy that is usually open. If it is open, I will bring the medicine.’ And so, he got up at night and went. When I called, he was sleeping and I had woken him up, yet he still travelled 50 kilometres and brought me the medicine.” She says that this incident proved to her that that God indeed exists, and she gained this certainty because of that Ahmadi Khadim (youth) for which she said she was very thankful. Thus, by serving humanity in these days, we can become a means of bringing people closer to God, for which each and every one of us should strive – not that we should wait to see whether a calamity comes or not. And we must also continue the lesson of sympathising with the pain of others, which we have received during Ramadan because one of the purposes of Ramadan is to bring awareness to the fact that one should show compassion for the pain of others.

Thus, the general atmosphere that has come about in the world as a result of this pandemic and now with the atmosphere of Ramadan should always serve as a reminder towards our responsibilities. The month of Ramadan will come to an end tomorrow or the day after; but we must always continue to establish the good deeds. We should always continue those positive changes which we have brought about. And when the lockdown restrictions ease, then we must not forget our responsibilities to ourselves and to humanity. It should always be remembered that where you remind yourselves of fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of humanity, you should also draw the attention of others towards this and through your pure examples strive to make the world fulfil its rights to God and its rights to humanity. We have accepted the Promised Messiah^(as) in this age. There was never a gathering in which he did not try to draw our attention towards the standard and status we should acquire in light of the teachings of Allah Almighty and His Messenger^(sa). Hence, we should constantly remind ourselves of his advice so that we attain true faith and certainty, rather than focusing on the weaknesses of others, we should assess our own conditions. In this regard, at this time, I will present some excerpts of the writings of the Promised Messiah^(as) which we must continue to ponder upon. What was the standard and level at which the Promised Messiah^(as) wished to see us? Regarding our standards, the Promised Messiah^(as) said at one instance:

“Every one of you ought to strive and wake for Tahajud prayer; and also offer special supplications in your five daily Prayers when you stand after the ruku. Repent from anything and everything which displeases God. Repentance is to abandon all the evil deeds and situations which cause the displeasure of God and to bring about a sincere change; to move forward and adopt righteousness. One ought to hold morality in high regard, for this too brings the mercy of God.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states:

“Refine your habits; be free from anger and replace it with humility and meekness. Along with the reformation of your morals, give charity to the extent of your means as well. Allah Almighty states:

وَ یُطۡعِمُوۡنَ الطَّعَامَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ مِسۡکِیۡنًا وَّ یَتِیۡمًا وَّ اَسِیۡرًا

i.e. they feed, for the pleasure of God, the poor, orphans and prisoners and they say: ‘We give you only for the pleasure of Allah Almighty, and fear a day that is most terrifying.’ In short, engage yourselves in prayer and repentance, and continue to give charity so that Allah the Exalted may treat you with grace and compassion.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 215-216 [English Translation])

Granting further advice to the Jamaat, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Allah the Almighty has no care except for those who are His pious servants. Foster brotherhood and love amongst yourselves; forsake barbarity and mutual dissension. Withdraw completely from all forms of jest and mockery, for mockery moves the heart far away from the truth. Treat one another with respect. Each and every one of you ought to give preference to the comfort of your brother over themselves. Reconcile sincerely with Allah the Exalted and become subservient to Him once again. The wrath of Allah the Almighty is descending upon the earth and only those will be saved who fully repent of all their sins and return to God. Remember that if you bring yourself to obey the commandments of Allah Almighty and endeavour to support His chosen religion, God will remove all the obstacles in your way and you will be successful. Do you not observe how a farmer will uproot weeds from the field so that healthy plants can flourish; and how he adorns his field with beautiful and fruitful trees; and safeguards and protects them from everything that could cause them harm? However, owners do not care if cattle eat away at such trees and plants which do not bear fruit, and which begin to rot and dry, or if a lumberjack cuts them down and throws the wood of such trees into a furnace. In the same manner, you too ought to remember that if you are deemed among the truthful in the sight of Allah Almighty, no one who opposes you can cause you grief. If, however, you do not set aright your state of affairs and if you do not make a firm covenant of obedience with Allah the Exalted, then God has no care for such people.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) then says:

“You ought to join with those who are loved by God … Rid yourselves of all mutual conflict, aggression and enmity. Now is the time for you to set aside trivial matters and engage yourselves in important and magnificent work. The people will oppose you …”

The Promised Messiah^(as) states that one should not care about such people and further states:

“Always remember my counsel in the form of a testament that you must never act angrily or harshly, but rather you must advise everyone gently, softly and courteously.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 266-268 [English Translation])

Whilst drawing our attention towards improving our conditions and towards fulfilling the rights owed to mankind, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“In a hadith it is stated that on the Day of Judgement, God Almighty will say to some people, ‘You are indeed the chosen ones and I am pleased with you, because when I was hungry, you fed Me; when I was unclothed, you granted Me with clothes; when I was thirsty, you gave Me water and when I was ill, you visited Me.’ They will reply: ‘O Allah! You are free from all these needs, when did such a thing occur and when did we do all of this?’ God Almighty will reply: ‘Such and such servant of Mine was in a poor condition, but you took care of him. And thus, it was as if you did that all to Me.’ Then another group of people will appear before God Almighty to whom He will address and say, ‘You have treated Me unjustly. I was hungry, but you did not feed Me; I was thirsty yet you did not give Me water; I was without clothes but you did not grant Me any clothes; I was sick and you did not come to enquire about Me.’ They will reply by saying: ‘O Allah! You are free from all these things, when did this take place where we could have helped You?’ Upon this God Almighty will reply, ‘Such and such servant of Mine was in poor condition, but you showed him no sympathy. It was as if you showed the same treatment to Me.’”

There is no stipulation here that the person has to be a Muslim, Christian, Hindu or anything else. The Promised Messiah^(as) further writes:

“Thus, to show compassion and sympathy to mankind is a significant form of worship and an outstanding means to attain the pleasure of God Almighty. However, I have observed that people show negligence in this regard. They look upon others with contempt and mock them. To look after the poor and to help them in times of difficulty is a significant matter, yet such people cannot even sympathise with the poor and instead consider them to be inferior. I fear lest such affluent people are engulfed in these hardships themselves. For those whom God Almighty has blessed, one way of showing gratitude for those blessings is to show kindness and compassion to God’s creation. They ought not to demonstrate arrogance over the blessings they have been bestowed by God, nor should they trample over the poor like ferocious beasts.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 102-103)

Further elaborating on this, the Promised Messiah^(as) says:

“In reality, the most delicate and difficult matter is fulfilling the rights of mankind because this is a matter that one is faced with at all times. Therefore, one ought to be extremely mindful of this when taking any action. It is my belief that one should not be excessive in their conduct even against their enemies. Some people try their utmost to ruin and destroy their enemies and becoming embroiled in this, they overlook what is permissible and what is not. In order to humiliate their enemy, such an individual resorts to fabricating accusations, lying, backbiting and inciting others against them. Just observe how a small enmity can lead one to significant evil and when this further increases, the matter becomes uncontrollable.”

This is what is observed today and the world is succumbing to this, whether on a personal level, collectively, nationally or amongst governments.

The Promised Messiah^(as) further says:

“I tell you in earnest; do not consider anyone to be your personal enemy and forsake such a malicious habit. If you become one with God Almighty and He is with you, then God has the power to make your enemies become subservient to you. However, if you have severed all ties with God and have no connection or relationship with Him and instead, you do what you please, then would there be a greater enemy of yours than God? One may be spared if they harbour enmity against God’s creation, but if God becomes the enemy of an individual, then even if the entire world comes to his aid, he will not be saved. Therefore, adopt the practice of the Prophets of God. God Almighty does not desire for you to harbour personal enmity against anyone. Always remember that one is only honoured and blessed when they harbour no personal grudge or enmity against anyone. Indeed, in order to uphold the honour of God and His Prophet^(sa) is a different matter altogether ...”

This means that if someone does not respect God and His Messenger^(sa) and instead is their staunch enemy, then you may consider them to be your enemies. But the term “enmity” here has been further explained; the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“To consider such a person as your enemy does not mean you can fabricate lies against him and make schemes to cause him grief. Nay, you ought to distance yourself from such a person and entrust the matter to God Almighty. If at all possible, one ought to pray for them to see the error of their ways, but there is no need to start an altercation with them.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 104-105)

Then explaining what our moral standards ought to be, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Your moral state ought to be so admirable, that with pure intentions, when you seek to advise someone or direct their attention towards an error they have committed, you ought to do so in an appropriate atmosphere so that the person is not offended. Do not view anyone with contempt. Do not break anyone’s heart. There should be no mutual discord within the community. Never look down upon your poor brethren in faith. Do not take pride unjustly in your wealth and riches or in the distinction of your family background and consider others to be inferior and unworthy. In the sight of God Almighty, honourable is the one who is righteous. As such, Allah the Exalted states:

اِنَّ اَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰہِ اَتْقٰىکُمْ

[Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. (Surah al-Hujarat, Ch.49: V.14)]

One should treat others also with the best morals, for those who exhibit ignoble morals do not act with goodness. People search for excuses to engage in litigation against the community. While the people are afflicted with one plague, our community is faced with two plagues. If even one person from an entire community commits an evil, that sole individual tarnishes the whole community. Increase your capacity in wisdom, forbearance and forgiveness. Respond to even the most foolish of people with dignity and goodness. Nonsense must not be returned with similar absurdity.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“It is befitting in these trying times to subdue the inner self and adopt righteousness. My only desire in this discourse is to advise you so that this may serve as an admonition. The world is a transient abode and ultimately, all must die. Happiness lies in religious objectives. Religion is our very purpose.” (Malfuzat, Vol.1, pp. 216-217 [English Translation])

On another occasion, the Promised Messiah^(as) advised the Jamaat in the following words:

“Our Jamaat should not merely pronounce the words of the Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] verbally, but instead they ought to fulfil the true purpose of performing the Bai‘at.” Our Jamaat should not merely pronounce the words of the Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] verbally, but instead they ought to fulfil the true purpose of performing the Bai‘at, “That is, they ought to bring about a transformation within themselves. One cannot please God by merely understanding the commandments of the faith”; God will not be pleased by this alone until one does not bring about a transformation within themselves. “Until you do not bring about a change in yourselves, there will be no difference between you and others. If you have the habits of deceit, lying, negligence and indolence, then you will perish before anyone else. Everyone ought to take on their own responsibilities and fulfil their pledges as there is no guarantee how long one may live.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) then continues:

“The one who performs virtues ahead of time can expect to be purified. Strive to bring about changes within you, supplicate in your prayers and try your utmost through charity and almsgiving or by any other means to be counted amongst:

وَالَّذِیْنَ جَاہَدُوْا فِیْنَا

‘Those who strive in Our [i.e. God’s] path.’ Just as if when one is ill, they visit a physician in order to obtain medicine, have treatment for their bowel movement, has blood taken or fomentation treatment and tries everything possible to be cured from his illness, in the same way, try your utmost to cure yourself of all spiritual ailments. Do not use words alone to cure, rather one should make a concerted effort and follow all the practices that God Almighty has ordered us to carry out. Give charity and alms and worship in seclusion.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) says, “God Almighty loves the one who makes an effort and when one tries through various means, they succeed by one method or another”, that is, they are shown a sign. (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 188-189)

Thus, in these days, especially when Pakistan and other countries have caused agitation against Ahmadis, we ought to adopt all means possible in order to gain the blessings and mercy of God Almighty. When the enemy has exceeded all bounds in their enmity, it is our responsibility to try even harder than before to attain the mercy and blessings of God Almighty.

In this present age, the Promised Messiah^(as) has clearly explained the lofty status, rank and character of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and stated that it is only by following the example of the Holy Prophet^(sa) that one can attain excellent standard of morals and to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty and His creation. The Promised Messiah^(as) has repeatedly mentioned that we should not abandon the way of the Holy Prophet^(sa).

On one occasion, granting us advice in this regard, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“I would also like to tell you that there are many people who desire to attain these excellences by way of their own self-invented incantations and litanies. But let me tell you that if you adopt a method that was not practiced by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, then it is futile. Who could be more truly experienced in the path of those favoured by God than the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? In fact, he was a man in whose person all the excellences of prophethood reached their final limit as well. The path adopted by the Holy Prophet^(sa) is the most effective and nearest way to God. To abandon this path and invent another – irrespective of the joy that it may bring – in my opinion, leads to ruin. This is what God has disclosed to me.”

This is precisely the condition of those who seek to separate us from the Holy Prophet^(sa). The erroneous interpretations of the so-called religious saints and scholars have completely distorted the image of Islam and yet they declare themselves to be true Muslims and expel us from the fold of Islam.

Further elaborating on the status of the Holy Prophet^(sa), the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“By truly following the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, one finds God; but one who does not follow the Holy Prophet^(sa) – even after an entire life of striving – shall not be able to attain the ultimate objective. As such, even Sa‘di speaks of the necessity of subservience to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the following words (this is Persian couplet):

بزہد و وَرَع کُوش و صِدق و صَفا ولِیْکَن مَیْفَزَائے بَر مصطفےٰ

(Strive to forsake materialism, and to adopt piety, sincerity and purity; But do not step beyond [the practices taught by] Mustafa^(sa).)

“So, do not abandon the path of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. I observe that people have invented a plethora of diverse incantations. They hang themselves upside down and undertake ascetic practices like yogis, but all of this is useless. It is not the custom of Prophets, peace be upon them, to hang upside down or engage in meditative practices of ‘negation and affirmation’ (nafi-o-asbat), or perform the Sufi ‘invocation of the saw’ (dhikr-e-arra). This is why Allah the Exalted has referred to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as a perfect exemplar:

لَکُمْ فِیْ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰہِ اُسْوَۃٌ حَسَنَۃٌ

‘Verily, you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model.’ (Surah al-Ahzab: Ch.33: V.22)

Follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and do not try to deviate from his path even an inch.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 71-72 [English Translation])

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states:

“In short, the real purpose of man is to aspire to the excellences of ‘those upon whom Allah has bestowed his blessings,’ and to which Allah the Exalted has alluded in the following:

صِرَاطَ الَّذِیْنَ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْہِمْ

[The Path upon which You have bestowed Your blessings. (Surah al-Fatihah Ch.1: V.7)]

“Our community ought to pay special attention in this regard, for in establishing this community, the very desire of Allah the Exalted is to prepare a community like the one assembled by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, so that in the latter days, this community may serve as a testament to the truthfulness and greatness of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 72, [English Translation])

Thus, having pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah^(as), we have become part of the true followers of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Indeed, our prosperity is in entering the Bai‘at of the true ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and become counted amongst his true followers. Moreover, with all our faculties may we strive to our utmost to follow the example of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and by following his example and his commandments, may we become counted amongst those upon whom Allah the Almighty has bestowed His rewards. May we always remain protected from the harmful influence of those who have incurred the displeasure of God Almighty and have fallen astray. May we develop the delight and pleasure in our prayers. May we lead our lives by always following the commandments of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger^(sa). Also, remember the Aseeran-e-Rah-e-Maula [those imprisoned due to Ahmadiyyat] in your prayers and especially for those Aseeran against whom extremely cruel and unjust charges have been levelled.

A few days ago, an Ahmadi lady, Ramadan Bibi Sahiba, was charged under the blasphemy law and put into jail. This family did the Bai‘at around 2002 and her husband wrote to me saying:

“We are not scared of offering sacrifices, nor do we feel any sorrow for being imprisoned. The only sorrow me and my wife have is that we have been accused of dishonouring the very Prophet^(sa) for whom we are ready and willing to offer our lives for the sake of his honour and respect. This is our only pain.”

Thus, continue to always pray for them and also the other Aseeran [prisoners due to Ahmadiyyat] who have been accused under this law and the death penalty has been declared against them. May Allah the Almighty miraculously provide the means for them to be released and grant them His mercy. May He grant the judicial body and the government to carry out justice. Although they profess their belief in God and His Messenger^(sa), but may the true fear and love of God and His Messenger^(sa) also be instilled in their hearts and may they follow the example of the Holy Prophet^(sa).

In addition to this, I would like to draw your attention towards other prayers as well.

May Allah the Almighty enable all of us to recognise the true purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah^(as). May the love for Allah and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(sa), the Seal of all the Prophets prevail over every other relationship of ours. May we adhere to the true teachings of Islam.

May our homes become models of true love and affection. Those children who are distressed owing to the discord and dispute between their parents, may Allah the Almighty alleviate their worries. Pray for all the Waqf-e-Zindagis [life devotees] that may Allah the Almighty enable them to serve their faith in a selfless manner and that they truly fulfil their waqf. Pray for the Waqifeen-e-Nau that May Allah the Almighty enable them to fulfil their and their parent’s pledge. Pray for the martyrs of Ahmadiyyat and their families. Pray for all those Ahmadis who are experiencing hardship and difficulties. Pray for one another and for yourselves. When one prays for others it also becomes a means of attaining the blessings of Allah the Almighty for yourselves as well.

Pray for the marriages of girls, especially those whose marriages are unnecessarily being delayed. Pray for the current circumstances of the world but also pray for every Ahmadi to be safeguarded from the ill effects of the economic situation that is going to develop as a result. Owing to such circumstances developing, pray that may it not hinder the various projects and initiatives of the Jamaat and may Allah the Almighty out of His grace continue to provide the means of its progress.

Pray extensively for those who are offering financial sacrifices even in such conditions that may Allah the Almighty grant manifold blessing to them and their wealth. Pray for those serving in MTA; there are volunteers and also employees who are working extremely diligently in order to convey the message of Islam across the world.

Pray for the Muslim world that may their internal conflicts end and they learn to live with one another in peace and may Allah the Almighty protect them from the evils of those powers who seek to oppose Islam. However, this can only happen when their own internal disputes come to an end. I will recite a few other prayers as well and you should repeat them after me:

اَللّٰھُمَّ اِنَّا نَجْعَلُکَ فِیْ نُحُوْرِھِمْ وَنَعُوْذُبِکَ مِنْ شُرُوْرِھِمْ

“O Allah, we make You a shield against the enemies, and take refuge in You from their evils.” (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ul-Witr, Hadith no. 1537)

لَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ الْعَظِیْمُ الحَلِیْمُ۔ لَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِیْمِ۔ لَا إِلٰہَ إِلَّا اللّٰہُ رَبُّ السَّمٰوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الْأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْکَرِیْمِ

“There is no god but Allah, the Great, the Forebearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Great Throne. There is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Da‘wat, Hadith no. 6346)

یَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوْبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِیْ عَلٰی دِیْنِکَ

“O Controller of the Hearts! Strengthen my heart upon Your Religion.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab-ul-Qadr, Hadith no. 2140)

اَللّٰہُمَّ إِنِّی أَسْأَلُکَ الْہُدٰى وَالتُّقٰى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنٰى

“O Allah. I seek from You true guidance, righteousness, chastity and self-sufficiency.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Zikr, Hadith no. 2721)

اَللّٰہُمَّ إِنِّی أَعُوْذُ بِکَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِکَ وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِیَتِکَ وَفُجَاءَۃِ نِقْمَتِکَ وَجَمِیْعِ سُخْطِکَ

“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from being deprived of Your favour, the decline of the good health You have granted, Your swift punishment and from all those deeds which may incur Your displeasure.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Riqaq, Hadith no. 2739)

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ اَنْفُسَنَا وَ اِنْ لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَ تَرْحَمْنَا لَنَکُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْخٰسِرِیْنَ

“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost.” (Holy Qur’an 7:24)

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوْبَنَا بَعْدَ اِذْ ہَدَیْتَنَا وَ ہَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْکَ رَحْمَۃً اِنَّکَ اَنْتَ الْوَہَّابُ

“Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us; and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely, Thou alone art the Bestower.” (Holy Qur’an 3:9)

رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَۃً وَّ فِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَنَۃً وَّ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (The Holy Qur’an 2:202)

A prayer of the Promised Messiah^(as) is as follows:

“O Lord of all the Worlds! I cannot do justice in expressing my gratitude for Your favours. You are Most Merciful and Benevolent. You have bestowed countless favours upon me. Forgive me of my sins, lest I perish. Instil pure love in my heart for You, so that I may be granted life and cover my shortcomings; enable me to carry out those deeds through which You will be pleased. I beseech Your Holy Countenance and seek refuge in You from incurring Your displeasure. Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me. Save me from the calamities of this world and the Hereafter, for all grace and blessings are in Your hands.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 159, letter addressed to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib^(ra), Letter no. 3)

اَللّٰھُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰی اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ کَمَا صَلَّیْتَ عَلٰی اِبْرَاہِیْمَ وَعَلٰی اٰلِ اِبْرَاھِیْمَ اِنَّکَ حَمِیْدٌ مَجِیْدٌ

اَللّٰھُمَّ بَارِکْ عَلٰی مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰی اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ کَمَا بَارَکْتَ عَلٰی اِبْرَاہِیْمَ وَعَلٰی اٰلِ اِبْرَاھِیْمَ اِنَّکَ حَمِیْدٌ مَجِیْدٌ

“O Allah! Send down Your Mercy on Muhammad^(sa) and on the family of Muhammad^(sa), as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham^(as) and on the family of Abraham^(as), for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.

“O Allah! Send down Your Blessings on Muhammad^(sa) and the family of Muhammad^(sa), as You sent your Blessings on Abraham^(as) and on the family of Abraham^(as), for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.”

Today is the last Friday of this Ramadan; may Allah the Almighty enable us to continue the good deeds we developed during this Ramadan and the pious changes we brought about in ourselves and may He accept these prayers in our favour.

I would like to mention in relation to Eid that many people have written to me that according to the information on the website, Eid is being celebrated on 24 [May], however the new moon will not be visible on Sunday, therefore Eid cannot be on the 24^th. And so, I wrote to them [i.e. the committee] to look into this again and also included some other experts in this field and they held a number of meetings. I also instructed Amir Sb to look into this matter as well.

They submitted a chart which indicates that although the moon will not be visible on 23 [May] in the larger cities according to the website, but according to the chart they have shown, there are certain area such as Falmouth, Penzance and Hayle where the new moon will be visible to the naked eye on the 23^rd. If the moon is visible in any part of the country, then Eid can be celebrated in the rest of the country as well. The committees for viewing the moon in other Muslim countries also follow the same practise for determining the sighting of the moon. And so, after this analysis and having conducted this a few times after that again, it has been decided that Eid will insha-Allah be celebrated on Sunday, 24 [May].