After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^(aa) recited verses 56 and 57 of Surah al-Nur, before commencing with the sermon:

وَعَدَ اللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا مِنۡکُمۡ وَ عَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ لَیَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّہُمۡ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ کَمَا اسۡتَخۡلَفَ الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِہِمۡ ۪ وَ لَیُمَکِّنَنَّ لَہُمۡ دِیۡنَہُمُ الَّذِی ارۡتَضٰی لَہُمۡ وَ لَیُبَدِّلَنَّہُمۡ مِّنۡۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِہِمۡ اَمۡنًا ؕ یَعۡبُدُوۡنَنِیۡ لَا یُشۡرِکُوۡنَ بِیۡ شَیۡئًا ؕ وَ مَنۡ کَفَرَ بَعۡدَ ذٰلِکَ فَاُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الۡفٰسِقُوۡنَ

وَ اَقِیۡمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَ اَطِیۡعُوا الرَّسُوۡلَ لَعَلَّکُمۡ تُرۡحَمُوۡنَ

The translation of these verses is as follows:

“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors [from among] those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security [and peace] after their fear: They will worship Me, [and] they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious. And observe Prayer and give the Zakat and obey the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy.” [Ch.24: V.56-57]

Yesterday was 27 May which is known [in the Jamaat] as “Khilafat Day”. On Khilafat Day, our Jamaat holds various gatherings so that we may become acquainted with the history of the Jamaat and to remain mindful our responsibilities with relation to Khilafat and become those who, after pledging allegiance to Khilafat, fulfil their duties so that they may continue to receive the blessings of Allah the Almighty.

Allah the Almighty has greatly blessed us by enabling us to accept the one sent by Allah the Almighty in this era, who was sent to inform us about the true teachings of Islam; and then after him we pledged allegiance to Khilafat so that we may implement the teachings brought to us by the Promised Messiah^(as) and spread them throughout the world. Hence, our relationship with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya places a great responsibility upon every Ahmadi. It is only when we fulfil this responsibility that we will be able to do justice to this blessing which has been bestowed upon us by Allah the Almighty.

In these verses which I recited, the promise made by Allah the Almighty regarding the establishment [of faith] and turning fear into peace, is conditional upon us becoming those who have firm faith, who do good works, pay due regard to worship and do not associate any partners with Allah; one should abstain from every aspect of “shirk” [associating partners with God].

In order to achieve these things, worship of Allah the Almighty and Salat are absolutely necessary, therefore one must observe Salat in the manner taught by Allah the Almighty.

Furthermore, it is vital to spend in the way of Allah. Thus, one ought to spend in the way of Allah.

Obedience to the Holy Prophet^(sa) is of paramount importance, therefore one must obey his every commandment.

It is only when we are mindful of these aspects, and strive to live our lives accordingly, and when we truly strive to fulfil our oath of giving precedence to faith over worldly affairs that we will truly be able to partake of the bounties promised by Allah the Almighty and will truly benefit from the bounty of Khilafat.

Hence, this verse presents a magnificent glad tiding for the believers; however, at the same time, it is an opportunity to greatly reflect as well, because if we do not fulfil these conditions, then we cannot truly benefit from this bounty [of Khilafat].

If one does not offer Salat and Zakat and does not fulfil the rights owed to Allah and the rights owed to humankind, then as it has been stated, they cannot draw the mercy and blessings of Allah the Almighty. Therefore, simply learning about our history and celebrating Khilafat Day will not suffice until we become true servants; until we become those who safeguard their Salat and until we fulfil the rights owed to humankind and the rights owed to Allah the Almighty.

Therefore, simply celebrating Khilafat Day will be of no benefit to us if we do not fulfil these objectives. We must introspect and analyse the level of our faith; [we must ask ourselves] do we fear Allah the Almighty? Do we tread upon the minutest aspects of righteousness? Do we love Allah the Almighty more than anything else? Are we completely obedient to Allah the Almighty and His Messenger^(sa)?

Alongside this, we must be mindful of our actions and see whether they conform with the true teachings of Islam. [We must ask ourselves] are our actions and our offering of Salat merely to show others? Are we spending [in the way of Allah] and paying the Zakat merely to show others? Are we fasting merely to show others? Are we offering Hajj merely to be regarded as a Hajji [a title for one who performs the pilgrimage]?

We can only be truly obedient to Allah the Almighty and His Messenger^(sa)and can attain peace of mind and contentment when our actions are solely for the purpose of attaining God Almighty’s pleasure; and such a society under the shade of Khilafat can only be established when each one of our actions is truly fulfilling the rights owed to Allah and the rights owed to humankind. Hence, it is not enough to merely utter words; rather, we must always be mindful of this instruction of Allah the Almighty, that only those believers will benefit from the institution of Khilafat, who do good works.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“In the Holy Quran, God Almighty has prescribed performing righteous deeds along with faith. An action is considered pious or good when it is free from every kind of blemish. Remember, man’s actions always fall prey to thieves. Who are those thieves? It is pretentiousness”, i.e. when man carries out a deed to show other people. “Then there is ujab” which means to carry out a deed and to be greatly pleased with one’s own actions. “Similarly, all sorts of vices and evils”, which at times, one may not even realise they are committing, “ultimately ruin one’s good deeds. Righteous deeds are those deeds which are free from even the thought of all injustices, conceit, pretentiousness, arrogance and usurping the rights of others.”

This, in essence, is true righteous deeds. It is not merely refraining from committing an evil deed, in fact the Promised Messiah^(as) stated that even the thought of doing so should not enter one's mind. Only then can one be called a true believer and one who performs good deeds.

Then, the Promised Messiah^(as) states, “Just as one can be safeguarded due to their righteous deeds in the Hereafter, they can be safeguarded through them in this world as well.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) then states, “Even if there is one individual in the home who carries out virtuous deeds, the entire house can be saved as a result. Be mindful of this fact that until one carries out virtuous deeds, simply professing belief is of no benefit.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 274-275)

Hence, righteous deeds are an absolutely necessary condition alongside faith.

The Promised Messiah^(as) then states:

“One cannot determine a righteous deed based on their own understanding and assumptions, nor by merely stating that such and such act is a good deed. Righteous deeds, in reality, are those which are free from all blemishes, because salih [righteous] is the opposite of fasad[corruption/disorder]. Just as in the case of food, it can only be considered wholesome when it is neither raw, nor burnt, nor of low quality; rather, it is such that is immediately consumed by the body”. It becomes part of the body and that food is wholesome in which there is nothing lacking.

“In the same manner, it is essential that righteous deeds must not have any kind of blemish in them, i.e. they should be in line with the commandments of God Almighty and in line with the practice of the Holy Prophet^(sa).” The deeds should be according to whatever the Holy Prophet^(sa) did and demonstrated.

“Furthermore, there should not be any aspect of indolence when carrying out an action, nor any ujab, pretentiousness, or be merely according to one’s own understanding. It is only then that such an action would be deemed as a righteous deed.”

One should not make up their own definitions and interpretations of what a righteous deed is, nor assume that it can mean such and such.

“Instead, if one acts in word and in letter according to the commands of Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet^(sa), only then such an action will be considered a righteous deed. This is of vital importance.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 425-426)

This is of extreme importance. If one attains this stage, then know for sure that they shall be recipients of the blessings of God Almighty’s promise.

Thus, these are the people who truly fulfil the oath of establishing Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, not those who, after seeing how they can acquire personal benefit, begin to offer their own interpretations of what is a righteous deed and what a ma‘ruf decision means. Such people are completely overcome by their arrogance.

The proclamations of such people of remaining attached to Khilafat can be of no benefit whatsoever, no matter how many times they claim to be attached to Khilafat. Those who obey and follow Khilafat with sincerity are the ones who shall have a bond of loyalty with Khilafat in its truest sense. They are the ones who safeguard Khilafat, and who are themselves safeguarded by Khilafat. The prayers of the Khalifa of the time shall be with them. Their troubles and worries shall draw the prayers of the Khalifa of the time. They are the ones who commit righteous deeds and whose connection with Khilafat and the bond of Khilafat with them are for the sake of attaining the pleasure of God Almighty.

Therefore, this is the true Khilafat in which the bond between the community and the Khalifa of the time is for the sake of acquiring the pleasure of God Almighty. This is the Khilafat which shall be a means of stability and peace. This is the relationship between the members of the Jamaat and the Khalifa of the time, which shall enable both to receive the bounties of Allah the Almighty.

Other Muslims desire to establish Khilafat but want to do so through worldly means and planning. However, this can never avail them, nor can Khilafat be established through such efforts, no matter how hard they try. Now, Khilafat shall continue as God Almighty has decreed.

On the one hand, this should instil within us sentiments of gratitude and cause us to prostrate before God Almighty that He has favoured us with the blessing of Khilafat, but on the other hand, whilst always keeping the fear of God in our hearts, we must assess our actions as to whether they are in line with the commands of God Almighty and the Holy Prophet^(sa)and whether our fulfilment of the rights owed to God and the rights owed to humankind is in accordance with the standard Allah the Almighty has prescribed.

Thus, where every moment of an Ahmadi should be spent in gratitude to Allah the Almighty for granting us the blessing of Khilafat, they should also spend that time assessing themselves as to whether they are fulfilling the commandments of Allah the Almighty. When one lives their life bearing this in mind, and moulds their actions in accordance with this, and prays for Khilafat to remain firmly established, then they shall continue to receive God Almighty’s bounties. The Promised Messiah^(as)has taught us this very same thing, that God Almighty has reassured him that the institution of Khilafat shall remain established, and these glad tidings given to him by Allah the Almighty shall indeed be fulfilled if we continue to fulfil its conditions.

In his book, Al-Wasiyyat [The Will], the Promised Messiah^(as), with regard to the institution of Khilafat, gave a description in great detail. He states:

“This is the way of God. And ever since He created man on earth, He has always been demonstrating this divine practice. He helps His Prophets^(as)and Messengers^(as) and grants them success and predominance, as He says:

کَتَبَ اللّٰہُ لَاَغْلِبَنَّ اَنَا وَرُسُلِیْ

“[That is, ‘God has ordained that He and His Prophets shall prevail.’ (Ch.58: V.22)]

And by predominance, it is meant that as Messengers^(as) and Prophets^(as)desire that God’s hujjat [the will or purpose of God] is established in the world and no one is able to oppose it, so, in turn, does God demonstrate with powerful signs their truthfulness as well as the truth they wish to spread in the world. He lets them sow the seed of it [the truth], but He does not let it come to full fruition at their hands; rather, He causes them to die at such time as apparently forebodes a kind of failure and thereby provides an opportunity for the opponents to laugh at, ridicule, taunt, and reproach the Prophets^(as). And after they have had their fill of ridicule and reproach, He reveals yet another dimension of His Might and creates such means by which the objectives which had to some extent remained incomplete are fully realised.” (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, pp. 304-305)

The demise of the Promised Messiah^(as) was a shock to every Ahmadi and left them grief-stricken; at the same time, the opponents rejoiced and marked it as a festive occasion.

When the Promised Messiah^(as) passed away, such disgraceful statements were issued that upon hearing them, any person would feel ashamed [to hear such language]. Such vile statements were issued that one is left astounded that a person who believed in Allah and the Holy Prophet^(sa)could fall to such a low ebb. I do not need to mention these malicious comments, but I will highlight some of the efforts of the opponents which shows how they tried their utmost to finish the Jamaat after the demise of the Promised Messiah^(as).

They tried to break up the Jamaat and spread lies that Ahmadis had repented from Ahmadiyyat. For example, the followers of Pir Jama‘at Ali Shah said that Ahmadis had repented from Ahmadiyyat and were pledging allegiance. (Tarikhe-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 204)

That is, after the demise of the Promised Messiah^(as), Ahmadis had turned away from Ahmadiyyat and joined them.

Whilst advising the Ahmadis, Khwaja Hasan Nizami Sahib said:

“Ahmadis ought to reject Mirza Sahib’s claim of being the Messiah and Mahdi. Otherwise, without the presence of an intelligent and well-organised individual such as Mirza Sahib, there is a danger that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat will be unable to survive the backlash from its opponents and would break apart.” (Tarikhe-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 206)

He imparted this advice in a very politically tactful manner, in the guise of softly spoken words. Though he appeared to have a very serious demeanour; however, he tried to act out as if he was saying this out of his simplicity and sympathy for Ahmadis that as Mirza Sahib had passed away, there was nobody that could now lead the Jamaat, which was why Ahmadis ought to leave Ahmadiyyat and join them.

But little did he know! He could not envisage the grandeur of those promises that Allah the Almighty had vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah^(as), wherein Allah the Almighty revealed to him through revelation that He was with the Promised Messiah^(as) and his loved ones. (Al Hakam, Vol. 11, Number 46, 24 December 1907, p. 4)

Allah the Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiah^(as) and reassured him that after him, the institution of Khilafat would be established and these promises and prophecies would certainly be fulfilled.

The Promised Messiah^(as) stated that the communities of Prophets^(as)always witnessed the second manifestation of God’s power. By giving the example of a prophet here, it answers the doubts of those Ahmadis of weaker faith who sometimes hesitate to mention that the Promised Messiah^(as) was a prophet. This has clarified this point in that the Promised Messiah^(as) himself declares that his community is the community of a prophet and that he himself was a prophet. He stated that the communities of Prophets always witnessed the second manifestation of God’s power, and those who believed and did good deeds would witness this.

Regarding the continuation of the second manifestation of God’s power, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Thus, He manifests two kinds of Power. First He shows the Hand of His Power at the hands of His Prophets^(as) themselves. Second, when, with the death of a Prophet^(as), difficulties and problems arise and the enemy feels stronger and thinks that things are in disarray and is convinced that now this Jamaat will become extinct and even members of the Jamaat, too, are in a quandary and their backs are broken, and some of the unfortunate ones choose paths that lead to apostasy, then it is that God, for the second time, shows His Mighty Power and supports and takes care of the shaken Jamaat. Thus one who remains steadfast till the end witnesses this miracle of God.

This is what happened at the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq^(ra), when the demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa) was considered untimely and many an ignorant Bedouin turned apostate. The Companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa), too, stricken with grief, became like those who lose their senses. Then Allah raised Abu Bakr Siddiq^(ra) and showed for the second time the manifestation of His Power and saved Islam, just when it was about to fall, and fulfilled the promise which was spelled out in the verse:

وَلَیُمَکِّنَنَّ لَہُمْ دِیْنَہُمُ الَّذِی ارْتَضٰى لَہُمْ وَلَیُبَدِّلَنَّہُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ خَوْفِہِمْ اَمْنًا

That is, ‘After the fear We shall firmly re-establish them.’” [Ch.24: V.56] (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, pp. 304-305)

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states:

“So, dear friends! Since it is the sunnatullah, from time immemorial, that God Almighty shows two Manifestations so that the two false joys of the opponents be put to an end, it is not possible now that God should relinquish His Sunnah of old. So do not grieve over what I have said to you, nor should your hearts be distressed. For it is essential for you to witness the second Manifestation also, and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement. And that second Manifestation cannot come unless I depart. But when I depart, God will send that second Manifestation for you which shall always stay with you just as promised by God in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.

“And this promise is not for my person; rather, the promise is with reference to you, as God [addressing me] says: ‘I shall make this Jamaat who are your followers, prevail over others till the Day of Judgment.’ Thus, it is inevitable that you see the day of my departure, so that after that day, the day comes which is the day of ever-lasting promise. Our God is He Who keeps His promise and is Faithful and is the Truthful God. He shall show you all that He has promised.

“Though these days are the last days of this world and there are many a disaster waiting to happen, yet it is necessary that this world continues to exist until all those things about which God has prophesied come to pass. I came from God as a Manifestation of Divine providence and I am a personification of His Power. And after I am gone, there will be some other persons who will be the manifestation of the second Power [of God]. So, while waiting for the second Manifestation of His Power, you all together keep yourselves busy praying.” (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, pp. 305-306)

Thus, in accordance with the prophecies of the Promised Messiah^(as), which had been vouchsafed to him by Allah the Almighty, we are witnessing the fulfilment of Allah’s blessings word for word for the past 113 years.

On the demise of the Promised Messiah^(as), some people began saying that the head [of the Jamaat] had been severed, as it were, and now they had nothing left. Some of these statements I mentioned earlier, wherein they stated that Ahmadis should abandon the Jama’at as there is nobody to take the helm.

Regarding Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra), the Curzon Gazette newspaper stated, “What are the Mirzais left with now? Their head has been severed, the person who has become their Imam” – this was written after Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) had been elected as Khalifa – “will not be able to do anything other than to teach them the Quran in the mosque.”

However, what would these ignorant ones, who were devoid of wisdom, have known that this was that magnificent task for which Prophet Abraham^(as) prayed for an extraordinary prophet to be raised from among his progeny, and this was the magnificent Shariah which was brought by the Holy Prophet^(sa); and that this is the most perfect and excellent book through which those who read it and teach it will succeed in this world and in the Hereafter.

The Promised Messiah^(as) was sent by God to further spread the teachings of this very book and for which the institution of Khilafat has been established.

Nonetheless, upon hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) stated, “May Allah ensure that this transpires and I am able to teach you the Quran alone.” (Badr Qadian, 7 January 1909, Vol. 8, edition no. 10, p. 5)

This is something Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) did in an exceptional manner. The enemies who thought that the organisation of the Jamaat would fall into disarray and that it would break up, were left as resentful as ever. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) answered the hypocrites and those who supported Sadr Anjuman [as an absolute authority] in such a way, that no one had the strength to spread any evil.

In his first speech as Khalifa, he stated:

“Irrespective of whatever your emotions or opinions are, you must now fully obey my commands.” (Badr Qadian, 2 June 1908, Vol. 7, edition no. 22, p. 8)

Then, on another occasion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) delivered an emphatic speech in Masjid Mubarak [Qadian]:

“Through your actions, you have caused me so much pain, that I am not even standing in the part of the mosque that you have built. I am standing in the mosque of my Mirza.” i.e. he was standing in the part of the mosque that was built in the beginning, in the time of the Promised Messiah^(as), as opposed to standing in that part of the mosque that was constructed later using the donations from the Jamaat members.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) stated:

“I do not stand in that part [of the mosque]; rather, I stand in the original part of the mosque which was constructed in the time of the Promised Messiah^(as),” or the part that existed from before the extension. He further said, “I declare that both the Anjuman and the Jamaat are to obey the Khalifa and both are to serve him.” That is, both the Anjuman and the believers are to serve the Khalifa. “The Anjuman is an advisor.” In this capacity, advice can be sought from it and indeed seeking advice is important.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) then stated:

“Whosoever said that the duty of the Khalifa is only to take the pledge of allegiance and the actual authority belongs to the Anjuman ought to repent. God has informed me that if anyone from among this Jamaat leaves me and becomes an apostate, then God will grant me a Jamaat [of people] in their stead.”

He then said:

“It is alleged that the role of a Khalifa is only to lead the prayers and announce the nikah and also take the pledge of allegiance. This can be carried out by any mullah [religious cleric], so what need is there to appoint a Khalifa for it? There is no stipulation that only a Khalifa can carry out these tasks.”

He further states:

“There is no condition stating that this must only be carried out by a Khalifa. I do not give any importance or value in taking a bai‘at of this nature. True bai‘at is one which comprises of complete obedience whereby one does not disregard even a single instruction issued by the Khalifa.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 262)

Thus, through this address, not only were the plans of the hypocrites foiled, but it also silenced the enemies. The person they deemed to be weak and old, when he spoke with the succour of God Almighty, it silenced them and they fell back down vanquished. Those that were once applauding, were forced to hide their faces. The sincere members of the Jamaat were invigorated and pledged allegiance again. The world looked on just how the Jamaat began to progress and flourish.

Then in March 1914, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra) passed away. This incident sent shockwaves throughout the Jamaat. Supporters of the Anjuman who were adamant that the real successor to the Promised Messiah^(as) was the Anjuman and were only silent due to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^(ra), once again became active. Similarly, the hypocrites also began their activities.

However, in line with the promises of God vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah^(as), once again the institution of Khilafat was held by the hand of God’s support. The supporters of the Anjuman were worried that the Jamaat would elect Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra) as the next Khalifa. They tried their level best to prevent this from happening and delay this even for a brief period. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra) openly stated:

“A Khalifa must be elected. At the same time, I would clarify that I have no desire to become the Khalifa. Whosoever you elect as the Khalifa, my entire family and I are ready to pledge allegiance to him sincerely.”

However, the people who considered themselves to be extremely wise and wanted to take the leadership were worried that the decision would be in favour of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra), and so did not accept this. When  Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra), Khalifatul Masih II, said that he was prepared to pledge allegiance to anyone they elect as the Khalifa, but there must be a Khalifa, they did not accept this.

Nonetheless, in accordance with the instruction left behind by the Promised Messiah^(as), the believers gathered in Masjid Nur, and approximately 2,000 people or slightly more, all elected Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^(ra) as their Khalifa. People leapt over one another in order to pledge allegiance. Those present at the time wrote that it seemed as though the angels were taking hold of people and bringing them to pledge allegiance after the election. (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 1, pp. 330-331)

Upon witnessing all this, the supporters of the Anjuman, some of whom were prominent members, took all of the treasury and left. But once again, the world witnessed how Allah the Almighty established the grandeur and majesty of the Jamaat through Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s^(ra) 52-year reign as Khalifa is proof that the young man – to whom Allah the Almighty handed the reins of Khilafat – took the Jamaat to ever new heights of success at a rapid pace. The people who looted the wealth of the Anjuman and claimed that Christians would soon rule over Qadian, their progenies today are seeing that Allah the Almighty’s support is with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and through it, they are seeing that Christians are coming under the flag of the Messiah of Muhammad^(sa). This is what we are witnessing even today.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^(ra) established various missions throughout the world. In Africa, Christian missionaries did not have the strength or courage to stand up to Ahmadi missionaries. Eventually they had to concede that Ahmadiyyat became a great obstacle in the progress of Christianity and this has been mentioned in their reports. Thus, whether it was to foil the plans to attack Qadian, the field of propagating the message or the migration, at every step, this resolute and determined Khalifa steered the ship of the Jamaat with the help and succour of Allah the Almighty and took it to ever new heights of success and safeguarded it. And then, in accordance with divine decree, when he passed away in November 1965, Allah the Almighty established another sign of the Second Manifestation of Allah’s power.

Once again, Allah the Almighty gathered the Jamaat at the hand of Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III^(rh) and transformed their state of fear into peace. And once again, the Jamaat continued to attain newer heights of success. A new era began of establishing schools and hospitals in Africa and also introducing Ahmadiyyat to Africa. The Jamaat began to be introduced across the world. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^(rh)toured some of the African countries and this visit had an extraordinary impact. This was the first time any Khalifa had visited Africa.

In 1974, the government [of Pakistan] at the time began an extremely harsh campaign against the Ahmadis and passed a law to declare Ahmadis as non-Muslims. However, under the protection of Khilafat, the Jamaat successfully escaped this dangerous onslaught and the efforts of the opponents to impede the success of the Jamaat were completely foiled and frustrated.

The opponents, who thought that they would reduce the Jamaat into an extremely helpless and impoverished state, their aspirations were completely ruined and in turn, Allah the Almighty opened new avenues of wealth for the Jamaat.

At the time, members of the Jamaat were financially rendered into a very dire state, or rather the opponents tried do so, but Allah the Almighty granted them affluence and enabled them to migrate from there as well. Therefore, those people, who migrated to Germany, or any other country, after 1974, they were granted a lot of affluence. Thus, they ought to inform their children and their future progenies as to how the enemy made efforts against them, but then how Allah the Almighty opened new avenues for them under the shade of Khilafat and granted them a thousand times more affluence than before.

In June 1982, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^(rh) passed away and once again Allah the Almighty, in accordance with His promise, transformed the Jamaat’s state of fear into peace through Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV^(rh). At the time, the opponents were left completely stunned upon witnessing the success of the Jamaat and once again sought to hatch new plans and completely destroy Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

On the one hand, the enemy, in its own estimation, sought to launch a deadly attack, but these ignorant people who are bereft of any wisdom, failed to understand the plans of the divine. Through extraordinary help and support, Allah the Almighty enabled Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^(rh) to migrate from Pakistan and the opponents were left watching.

After the migration of the Fourth Khalifa^(rh), a new era of success began and through satellite [broadcast], the Khalifa of the time, Ahmadiyyat and the true message of Islam began to not only reaching the home of every Ahmadi, but even to the homes of the non-Ahmadis all over the world and new avenues of tabligh opened. Ahmadiyyat was established for the first time in many countries and the true message of Islam began to spread. The publication of the Holy Quran increased even more than before and its translations were produced in new languages.

In accordance with divine decree, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^(rh) passed away in April 2003. Once again, this news shocked the Jamaat and the enemy. In their estimation, [the enemy] thought that this was the perfect opportunity to now bring an end to the Jamaat. However, in accordance with the promises vouchsafed by Allah the Almighty to the Promised Messiah^(as), He once again granted His support to the Jamaat and did it in such a manner that even the opposing maulvis acknowledged that despite them not considering us to be truthful, the practical manifestation of God’s succour was with the Jamaat and they were a witness to this. However, despite knowing that the practical manifestation of God’s support was with us, they were unwilling to accept [Ahmadiyyat].

Allah the Almighty heard the prayers of the believers and transformed their state of fear into peace and through the Promised Messiah^(as), the era of the Fifth Khilafat began in the history of Islam.

In the early era of Islam, the Khilafat-e-Rashida was only limited to four Khalifas and this had been prophesied by the Holy Prophet^(sa). And now, the era of the Fifth Khalifa which has started through the Promised Messiah^(as), is also in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Since the advent of the Promised Messiah^(as), many new chapters have been written in the history of Islam and the era of the Fifth Khilafat is also one of them.

The opponents thought that the leadership of the Jamaat was no longer in strong hands, but little did they know that the true hand [that was leading the Jamaat] was in fact the hand of God and He granted strength to those whom He was with and supported.

Today, the opponents look towards the success of the Jamaat with great envy, even more than before. The introduction of the Jamaat and its global recognition in this era has happened in an extraordinary manner; among every section of society and at every level. This is being done in an extraordinary manner.

I am a very weak person and this success is not owing to any excellence on my part. The Ahmadiyya Jamaat is being introduced to the leaders of various governments of the world and in their parliaments, purely owing to the grace of Allah the Almighty and in accordance with His promises vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah^(as). This is happening in fulfilment of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet^(sa).

We witness the blessings of Allah the Almighty on a daily basis. The publication of the Holy Quran and the translation of the books of the Promised Messiah^(as) into various languages has increased even more than before.

Through MTA, the true message of Islam is reaching every country of the world. Initially, there was only one channel and it was shown in one language, but now MTA has eight different channels operating all around the world. MTA studios have been established in various countries of the world from which MTA programmes are prepared. The studios are not just located on one place, but have been established in various locations across Africa, North America and Europe. And yet, when we look at our means and resources, it seems impossible for us to do this. Similarly, the true message of Islam is being propagated through social media. The government in Pakistan has imposed restrictions through various means, but new avenues have opened for us by Allah the Almighty in other countries.

Then, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Allah the Almighty has taught us a new approach of how one can strengthen their bond with Khilafat which is through online or virtual meetings. Through this means, various [virtual] meetings are taking place and direct communication has been established with the Jamaats and members are able to seek direct guidance from the Khalifah of the time.

Whilst residing here in London [UK], I am meeting people in countries in Africa or Indonesia, Australia or USA, etc. All of these are the signs of Allah the Almighty’s support which we are witnessing. Thus, we should never forget that we should always do true justice to these signs of Allah the Almighty’s grace and the blessings He is bestowing upon us through Khilafat, so that we continue to partake of this reward till the Day of Judgment as prophesied by the Holy Prophet^(sa).

Allah the Almighty has vouchsafed His promise to grant success to the Promised Messiah^(as) and Allah the Almighty does not break His promise. However, we must continue to fulfil our responsibilities in order to partake of these blessings.

We should always remain grateful servants of Allah the Almighty and prostrate before Him and we ought to demonstrate our gratitude for this blessing of Khilafat through our every word and deed. We ought to be every-ready to make any kind of sacrifice in order to fulfil our pledge of obedience to Khilafat till our very last breath; it is only then that we can do true justice in instilling this spirit of obedience in our future progenies till the Day of Judgment.

Those among us who are ready to make every kind of sacrifice, while remaining firm upon their faith, the Promised Messiah^(as) has reassured them of becoming the recipients of Allah the Almighty’s blessings.

In relation to this, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Do not think that God will let you go to waste. You are the seed which the Hand of God has sown in the earth. God says that this seed will grow and flower and its branches will spread in all directions and it will become a huge tree. So, blessed is the one who believes in what God says and does not fear the trials which he suffers in His path. For the coming of trials is essential so that God may try you to see who is true in his declaration of bai‘at and who is false.

“Whoever falters in the face of a trial would do no harm to God whatsoever and ill-luck would only land him in hell. Were he not born, it would have been better for him. But all those who remain steadfast till the end – they will be shaken with quakes of calamities, and battered with storms of misfortune, ridiculed and mocked by people, and hated and reviled by the world – shall at last come out victorious. And doors of blessings shall be thrown open for them. God addressed me and said that I should inform my Jamaat that those who believe and their belief is not adulterated with worldly considerations and is free from hypocrisy and cowardice and is not found wanting at any stage of obedience, such people are the favourites of God. And God says that indeed these are the ones whose station is that of Truth.” (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, p. 309)

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states:

“God’s word informs me that many calamities will occur and many disasters will descend on the earth – some during my lifetime and some after I have gone. And He will promote and advance this Jamaat to the full. A part of it will happen at my hands, and some after me.” (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, pp. 303-304)

Insha-Allah, this success is destined to happen; however, may Allah the Almighty always enable us to remain steadfast. May Allah the Almighty enable us to witness for ourselves the signs of the complete success of the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty enable us to fulfil the pledges we have made so that we can witness the fulfilment of Allah the Almighty’s promises in our very lives. May our worship, prayers and our deeds attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. May we develop a true understanding of the institution of Khilafat and teach this to our progenies as well, so that our future progenies continue to benefit from these blessings until the Day of Judgment.

I again draw your attention towards prayers. Remember the Ahmadis in Pakistan in your prayers and other Ahmadis being oppressed anywhere else in the world.

Pray for the Muslims facing injustices, whether they are in Palestine or anywhere else in the world. May Allah the Almighty alleviate their hardships and create ease for them. May He enable the Ahmadis to truly adhere to the teachings of the Promised Messiah^(as) and become true Ahmadis. And those Muslims, who have not yet accepted the Promised Messiah^(as), may Allah the Almighty enable them to recognise the Promised Messiah^(as) and enter his bai‘at. May we quickly witness the flag of Islam and the flag of the Holy Prophet^(sa) raised aloft in the world and witness the tawhid [belief in one God] established all over the world.

Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 18 June 2021, p. 5-9.  Translated by The Review of Religions.