After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V^(aba) stated:

The day after tomorrow is the 23^rd March. In the history of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, 23 March holds great significance, because on 23 March 1889, the Promised Messiah^(as) laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat when he began taking the pledge of allegiance [bai‘at]. His advent took place exactly in accordance with the promise of Allah the Almighty and the prophecies of the Holy Prophet^(sa). At that time, the ark of Islam was extremely unsteady and even today, the religious state of the Muslims is dire. As a matter of fact, even from a political and secular perspective, their state is rather dire, despite many Muslim countries being extremely wealthy. They possess oil money, however, their importance and their dignity has completely been lost. Nevertheless, at the time when the Promised Messiah^(as) took the pledge of allegiance, he was extremely pained upon observing the state of Islam. His heart was filled with agony. Islam was continuously being attacked by other faiths, especially by Christianity. However, there was no one to respond to them. Even the Muslim scholars of the time were afraid. In fact, it resulted in hundreds of thousands of Muslims leaving Islam and falling into the lap of Christianity. At that time, when this was the state of Islam and when Islam was being attacked in this manner, it was Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^(as) of Qadian who stood up by the command of Allah the Almighty and fulfilled his responsibility of defending Islam as a great champion of Allah. In response to all the religions that were present in India at the time – i.e. the Arya Samaj, Brahmu Samaj, Christianity, other faiths and even people of no faith – and in response to everyone who was launching horrific attacks against Islam and the Foundersa of Islam in their writings and speeches, he penned a series of outstanding books – in fact, even prior to taking the pledge of allegiance – which are called Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya and are very well known. At first, there were four volumes in which he wrote powerful responses to the enemies of Islam. He wrote the first part of this book in 1880, then in 1882 and then in 1884. In this book, he wrote irrefutable arguments in relation to the divine origins matchlessness of the Holy Quran and in relation to the truthfulness and finality of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Along with this, he extended a challenge for anyone to refute these arguments. In fact, he said that if they could refute even a third, a quarter or a fifth of his arguments with their own arguments, he would give them a reward of 10,000 rupees, which was a huge sum at that time. (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 1, pp. 24-28)

In any case, when he made this announcement and published such books, the other Muslims gained confidence in the strength of Islam and its finality, and that there is no need for them to worry or to be afraid of other people. Furthermore, the people and the scholars at that time praised the Promised Messiah^(as) greatly.

Due to this service rendered by the Promised Messiah^(as) for Islam, some individuals even asked him to accept their pledge of allegiance. However, as he had not yet received a command from Allah the Almighty, he did not accept the pledge of allegiance at that time. Then, when Allah’s command was given, he began accepting the pledge of allegiance and thus the community of sincere believers was established. Later, Allah the Almighty further instructed him to proclaim that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.

Nonetheless, before the formal commencement of the pledge of allegiance, the Promised Messiah^(as) published an announcement in December 1888 titled Tabligh. In this, the Promised Messiah^(as) stated:

“Another message that I wish to convey to the people at large, and to my Muslim brothers in particular, is that I have been commanded to receive an oath of allegiance (bai‘at) from seekers after truth who wish to acquire true faith and purity, and yearn to find the path to Allah’s love, and want to give up their foul, slothful and false existence. Whosoever finds in himself the willingness to do this must come to me. I will be their comforter and will do my best to ease their burden. God will bless them through my prayers and my attention, provided they are ready heart and soul to abide by His conditions. This is a Divine command which I have hereby conveyed. The actual words of the revelation in Arabic are as follows:

اِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَکَّلْ عَلَی اللّٰہِ وَاصْنَعِ الْفُلْکَ بِاَعْیُنِنَا وَ وَحْیِنَا۔ اَلَّذِیْنَ یُبَایِعُوْنَکَ اِنَّمَا یُبَایِعُوْنَ اللّٰہَ۔ یَدُاللّٰہِ فَوْقَ اَیْدِیْھِمْ

“‘When thou hast determined a matter then trust in Allah and build the Ark under Our eyes and according to Our instructions. Those who enter into covenant with thee enter into a covenant with Allah. Allah’s Hand is above their hands.’” (The Green Announcement, p. 29)

With this, Allah the Almighty also manifested various signs – both earthly and heavenly. Among the celestial signs was the eclipses of the sun and the moon, which the Holy Prophet^(sa) had prophesied as a sign of the advent of his Mahdi, which were destined to appear on specific dates during the month of Ramadan. (Sunan al-Dar Qutni, Kitab al-Eidain, Bab SIffah al-Salah wa al-Khusuf wa al-Kusuf, Hadith 1795, Mu’assasah al-Risalah, Beirut)

They appeared in the Eastern Hemisphere in 1894, and in the Western Hemisphere in 1895. Many righteous-natured individuals witnessed this sign and accepted the Promised Messiah^(as).

In reference to this, I would like to mention that in this Ramadan as well, both lunar and solar eclipses have occurred or are set to occur. The moon has eclipsed and the sun will soon eclipse, and they will occur on the same dates [as the prophecy]. Such eclipses may also continue to occur in the future. However, the solar and lunar eclipses that appeared in the time of the Promised Messiah^(as) and took place after his claim, hold their own distinct significance. He had sought a clear distinction and a sign from God Almighty, and then Allah the Almighty demonstrated it. Some Ahmadis also point to these recent eclipses as signs. Allah knows best. However, if one does consider them as signs, they should be seen as the continuation of that sign, in which the claim was made 135 to 136 years ago.

But I wish to clarify that the eclipses during the time of the Promised Messiah^(as) appeared in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, whereas this year’s eclipses are occurring predominantly in the West. Thus, we cannot equate the significance of these current eclipses to the ones that took place before. Furthermore, this year’s eclipses are covering only a small portion, meaning about 25-30% of the sun will be covered, whereas during the time of the Promised Messiah^(as), the eclipse covered between 75-100%. In fact, when it initially began appearing and the Promised Messiah^(as) was shown the eclipse, he remarked that while he had witnessed it, the opponents would not be affected or moved by it. However, the eclipse slowly covered more, and eventually the solar eclipse occurred. In any case, I have mentioned this here with reference to this sign.

On 12 January 1889, the Promised Messiah^(as) published an announcement titled Takmeel-e-Tabligh, in which he laid out ten conditions of bai‘at [pledge of allegiance]. As we know, the Ahmadiyya Community has ten conditions of bai‘at, and it is essential for an Ahmadi to act upon them and accept them wholeheartedly. In this, the Promised Messiah^(as) instructed that the one taking the pledge of allegiance shall affirm: “I shall abstain from Shirk [association of any partner with God] right up to the day of my death. That I shall keep away from falsehood, fornication, adultery, trespasses of the eye, debauchery, dissipation, cruelty, dishonesty, mischief and rebellion; and will not permit myself to be carried away by passions, however strong they might be.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) also instructed that one should affirm: “I shall pay full attention to the five daily prayers and offer them in accordance with the commandments of God and the Holy Prophet^(sa); and shall try my best to be regular in offering the Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers]; that I shall ask forgiveness for my sins (i.e., recite istighfar). That under the impulse of any passions, I shall cause no harm whatsoever to humankind, neither by my tongue nor by my hands. That I shall remain faithful to God in all circumstances of life and remain resigned to the decree of Allah.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) then instructed, that “I shall completely submit myself to the authority of the Holy Quran (i.e., to strive to seek out and act upon all the commandments of the Holy Quran, and to refrain from that which Allah Almighty has forbidden); and shall make the word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet^(sa) the guiding principle in every walk of my life. That I shall pass all my life in humbleness, cheerfulness, forbearance and meekness and entirely give up pride and vanity. That I shall hold faith, the honour of faith, and the cause of Islam dearer to me than my wealth and life. That I shall endeavour to benefit mankind to the best of my God-given abilities and powers.

“That I shall observe this oath of allegiance to the Promised Messiah^(as) till the day of my death, pledging obedience to him in everything good (i.e., whatever instructions he gives based on the sharia. And the Promised Messiah^(as) couldn’t give any instructions outside of the sharia. So I shall always abide by them, for the Promised Messiah^(as) came to propagate the religion of the Holy Prophet^(sa)).

“That I shall exert such a high devotion in the observance of this bond to the Promised Messiah^(as) as is not to be found in any other worldly relationship.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 563-564)

Thus, this is a summary of the conditions of bai‘at that I have just mentioned. Many sincere individuals pledged allegiance upon these conditions, and to this day, we continue to pledge allegiance upon these conditions. We must reflect on whether we are truly acting upon all these aspects which I have just mentioned – this serves as a reminder for us.

It is due to this that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Ahmadiyya Community has a vast number of sincere members who not only uphold these conditions but are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, wealth, time and honour. They remain ever-ready to uphold the grandeur of religion and strive to spread the message of Islam to the world to the best of their abilities. Just as the Promised Messiah^(as) has instructed us, we must strive to carry out the mission of preaching Islam and elevate our love for the Holy Prophet^(sa) to its highest level.

The depth of love the Promised Messiah^(as) had in his heart for the Holy Prophet^(sa) is beautifully captured in one of his writings. He states:

“I always wonder what a sublime Prophet this Arabian Prophet is, whose name is Muhammad (thousands upon thousands of blessings and peace be upon him). One cannot fathom the limit of his sublime status and it is not given to man to estimate the extent of his spiritual effectiveness. It is a pity that his rank has not been recognised as it should have been. He is the champion who restored to the world the Tauhid [Unity of God] which had disappeared from the world; he loved God to the extreme and his soul melted to the extreme out of sympathy for mankind. Therefore, God, who knew the secret of his heart, exalted him above all the Prophets and all the first ones and the last ones and bestowed upon him all that he desired within his lifetime. It is he who is the fountainhead of every grace, and anyone who claims any superiority without acknowledging his grace is not a human being but is the spawn of Satan, because he (the Holy Prophet^(sa)) has been bestowed the key to every exaltation” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, pp. 137-138)

In this way, on countless occasions, the Promised Messiah^(as) has spoken about the lofty rank of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Similarly, at one instance, the Promised Messiah^(as) stated:

“The man who, in his being and his attributes and his actions and through his spiritual and holy faculties set an example of perfection, in knowledge and action and in sincerity and steadfastness, and was called the perfect man. [...] The man who was most perfect as man and as Prophet, and came with full blessings, and who through a spiritual revival and resurrection manifested the first Judgement in the world and revived the dead world, that blessed Prophet, the Seal of the Prophets, the leader of the righteous ones, the pride of the Prophets, was Muhammad, the Chosen One [peace and blessings of Allah be on him]. Our Lord, send down on that beloved Prophet that mercy and blessing that Thou hast not sent down on anyone since the beginning of the world.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 1, p. 199)

Hence, it was on account of this, of such love for the Holy Prophet^(sa) that Allah the Almighty commissioned him for the task of reviving Islam. Now, he is the only one who will fulfil this task and Allah the Almighty told him that on account of his love and devotion, He also conferred upon him the rank of being the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and instructed him to announce it. Allah the Almighty told him that He would fulfil His promise of reviving Islam in the latter days and that this duty was entrusted to him. These were the objectives for which the Promised Messiah^(as) was commissioned and he did true justice in fulfilling them. He advised the Community and said that having pledged allegiance to him, they should remember that Allah the Almighty said the Promised Messiah would be accompanied by people resembling the Companions. When this is what Allah the Almighty has stated, then those who enter into his allegiance, vowing to uphold the honour of the Holy Prophet^(sa), to uphold the honour of Islam and to propagate Islam to the corners of the world, then we must adopt the qualities of the Companions. Whilst elaborating upon this, the Promised Messiah^(as) states at one instance:

“Reflect over the sacrifices made by the Companions of our Perfect Guide, for the sake of their God and Messenger. They were exiled, persecuted, made to bear all sorts of misfortune and gave their lives. However, they continued to advance with sincerity and devotion. So what was it that made them so truly devoted? It was the ray of the fervour of that true divine love which had penetrated their hearts. Therefore, no matter which Prophet one compares him to, the Holy Prophet^(sa) cannot be matched, whether it be with respect of his teaching, his purification of souls, turning the hearts of his followers cold to the world, or valiantly sacrificing blood for the sake of truth.”

They exhibited such devotion, the like of which cannot be found. The Promised Messiah^(as) continues:

“This is the rank of the Companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Moreover, the mutual love and affection that existed amongst them has been illustrated by Allah in two sentences:

وَاَلَّفَ بَیۡنَ قُلُوۡبِہِمۡ ؕ لَوۡ اَنۡفَقۡتَ مَا فِی الۡاَرۡضِ جَمِیۡعًا مَّاۤ اَلَّفۡتَ بَیۡنَ قُلُوۡبِہِمۡ وَلٰکِنَّ اللّٰہَ اَلَّفَ بَیۡنَہُمۡ

“[‘And He has put affection between their hearts. If thou hadst expended all that is in the earth, thou couldst not have put affection between their hearts, but Allah has put affection between them’]

“In other words, the affection between them could never be fostered even if a mountain of gold had been spent for this purpose.”

The love and affection which Allah the Almighty established among them could not have otherwise been established even if heaps of wealth were to be gathered. This is a love which is established by Allah the Almighty on account of their sincerity, devotion, and the fact that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and Islam. The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Now another community is that of the Promised Messiah, which is to develop within itself the hue of the Companions.”

(This was the model set before us by the Promised Messiah^(as), that in following this example, if we have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah^(as) then the Promised Messiah^(as) was to come in order to fulfil the mission of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Hence, he said that this Community must adopt the hue of the Companions). “The Companions were a pious community, and the Holy Qur’an is replete with their praises.” The Promised Messiah^(as) says, “Are you like them?” He asks us whether we are like them. The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“God says that the people who will accompany the Promised Messiah would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Companions. The Companions were those who sacrificed their wealth and homeland in the way of truth. They abandoned everything.” The Promised Messiah^(as) states, “Most would have heard the incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him. On one occasion, when people were instructed to sacrifice their wealth in the way of God, he brought all the possessions he owned at home. When the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, inquired of him as to what he had left at home, he said: ‘I have left God and His Messenger^(sa) at home.’”

This was the passion which the Companions showed, an example of which is found in the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq^(ra). The Promised Messiah^(as) continues, “The Companions may be considered as ones who were martyrs in the cause of Allah. For them, it was decreed (Whether they were physically martyred or their blood was spilled, their sacrifices alone rendered them with the rank of martyrdom) that paradise lay beneath the shadow of swords.  (They were always ready to lay down their lives). But we are not faced with such trying circumstances because for us it was decreed that:

یَضَعُ الْحَرْبُ

“I.e., there would be no war in the era of the Mahdi.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 42-43)

Hence, we should take advantage of the few opportunities for sacrifices which Allah the Almighty has given us. For this, we must fulfil our pledge of sacrificing our life, wealth and time. Having expressed the greatest love for the Promised Messiah^(as) by pledging allegiance to him because he is the representative of the Holy Prophet^(sa), then we must act upon this expression as well.

The Promised Messiah^(as) imparted a great deal of advice to the Community. He said that if we have pledged allegiance to him, then he requires something in order for us to do justice to this pledge. What does he require? The Promised Messiah^(as) said that we should read the Holy Qur’an, but not as a storybook. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 3, p. 155)

If we wish to do justice to our pledge of allegiance, then the first condition is to read the Holy Quran, but not as a storybook or as mere fables; it must be read with understanding. In the previous sermon, I drew attention towards reading the Holy Quran and presented sayings and guidance from the Holy Prophet^(sa). Whilst elaborating upon this and highlighting the condition of the people, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“You can now see with your own eyes how people melodiously and beautifully recite the Holy Quran, but the Quran does not go deeper than their throats.” Their recitation may be exceptional, but they are unable to understand the message. Despite reciting it well, they are oblivious to its meanings. All that they possess are beautiful voices. He further states, “Therefore, the Holy Quran, which is also named ‘The Reminder’, came in this early period to remind people of the hidden and forgotten truths and innate qualities within man (for all times to come—and in the past and present – the Quran has been revealed to uncover verities). In light of the firm promise made by Allah the Exalted:

اِنَّا لَہٗ لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ

“[Most surely We will safeguard the Quran]

“Even in the present era a teacher has come from heaven who is the awaited one, in fulfilment of the following verse:

اٰخَرِیۡنَ مِنۡہُمۡ لَمَّا یَلۡحَقُوۡا بِہِمۡ

“[Among others from among them who have not yet joined them.]

“That man is the one who speaks to you now.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states:

“I now return to the prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(sa) concerning precisely this era, when people would recite the Quran but it would not go beyond their throats.” He further states, “Our opponents—nay, rather those who disparage Allah the Almighty’s promises (not just our opponents but those who entirely deny Allah’s promises) and disregard the teachings of the Holy Prophet^(sa) are unfortunate.” These people claim to understand the Qur’an but lack practical action. He states, “It is indeed lamentable that when someone attempts to counsel them sincerely and compassionately, they make no effort to comprehend.” If the one sent to guide them, show them kindness and care for them tries to advise them, they do not pay attention.

The Promised Messiah^(as) says, “If they choose not to strive to understand, that is their choice, but at least they should listen to what is being said and cease in their needless opposition. Yet why would they listen? It seems their predicament is such that they simply cannot listen, for listening requires attentive ears and the capacity to hear. Only then can one truly hear. Allah the Almighty urges patience and positive thinking, yet these people refuse to exercise these virtues; their intention is solely opposition.”

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Had Allah not turned His grace towards the earth, Islam today, like other religions, would be considered a mere tale or a dead tradition. A lifeless religion cannot impart life to others, but Islam today remains prepared to give life. Yet, it is God’s unchanging practice that He accomplishes His works through means and causes, though these means may or may not be visible to people. Nevertheless, Allah the Almighty utilizes such means regardless of human perception. Undoubtedly, causes and means exist. Similarly, heavenly lights descend and take the shape of earthly means.”

The divine light descending from Allah the Almighty transforms into diverse forms and various means to accomplish His purpose.

The Promised Messiah^(as) further states: “When Allah the Exalted found the era of the Holy Prophet^(sa) plunged in darkness and misguidance, with dark clouds of wrongdoing and gloom sweeping over the earth in every direction, He raised the Holy Prophet^(sa) shining forth as a brilliant lamp from the mountains of Paran, to dispel the darkness, and to transform misguidance into guidance and virtue.”

Thus, the Promised Messiah^(as) says: “I have appeared in this age because, with the passage of time, the actions of clerics, people and of Muslims have tried to weaken that original light, though it cannot be weakened, it has become obscured from perception. Allah the Almighty has sent me to demonstrate to the world that this light still shines. If you wish to witness this light, see it through my eyes. Allah the Almighty has made me a means for this. I am indeed sent by Allah the Almighty; accept me if you wish or reject me if you choose. It is entirely your decision. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that I am sent by Allah the Almighty. I am absolutely convinced of this, as are those who follow me. Allah the Almighty has sent me in complete subservience to the Holy Prophet^(sa).” (Malfuzat, Vol 1, pp. 93-94)

Regarding the era of opposition against Islam, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“At that time, the dispensation unveiled by God Almighty would be the community of the Promised Messiah (To counter the opposition and to revive Islam, the movement established would certainly belong to the Promised Messiah). It is for this reason that God Almighty named the Promised Messiah^(as), ‘the one who would break the cross’, as we learn from the Holy Prophet^(sa) in the Hadith. The actual fact is that every Reformer (Mujaddid) came to rectify the disorders that were prevalent at the time. Now reflect for the sake of God and it becomes evident that presently, the pen and tongue have been employed in support of the Christian concept of salvation so forcefully that if one flips through the pages of history, no parallel can be found to exist in any other era, as far as efforts to support a false doctrine are concerned (this has not been established in any other era). At present, proponents who support this disorder of Christianity have gone to the very extreme in their writings.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 213)

Christianity was rampant everywhere, and it was particularly prevalent in that era, as I have mentioned – they were spreading their message far and wide. Muslims themselves were rapidly adopting Christianity. Never before had such efforts been so intensely pursued as they were then. Thus, to counteract this, Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah^(as).

He further states: “So when unjust and vigorous allegations have been levelled against the true concept of God’s Unity, and upon the chastity, dignity and truth of the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and upon the divine origin of the Book of Allah, would the jealousy of Allah Almighty not demand that he be sent from on high who was to come and break the cross?”

Indeed, according to Allah’s promise, such a person was destined to appear precisely during such a crisis. Though Christianity may not hold the same dominance today as it once did, attacks on the honor and dignity of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and assaults on the Holy Qur’an continue. Today, individuals from diverse groups, including atheists, secularists, opponents of Islam, and followers of various other religions, engage shamelessly and offensively in these attacks. Even today, it remains the responsibility of the Community of the Promised Messiah^(as) to refute these people decisively, provide reasoned answers, uphold the honour, chastity, and truthfulness of the Holy Prophet^(sa), and play a vital role in safeguarding the Holy Quran.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states: “Has God Almighty forgotten His promise:

اِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا الذِّکۡرَ وَاِنَّا لَہٗ لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ

“(Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian).

“Verily, remember that the promises of God are true. (Allah the Almighty has promised that since He sent down the Holy Qur’an, He would protect it. Allah the Almighty remains true to His promises). In accordance with His promise, He has sent a warner to the world, and while the world has not accepted him, God Almighty will surely accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with immensely powerful onslaughts. I tell you truthfully that in accordance with the promise of God Almighty, I have appeared as the Promised Messiah; accept if you will, or reject me if you so please. But remember, your denial will amount to nothing. Whatsoever God has willed shall indeed come to pass, because God Almighty has already revealed to me, as recorded in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya:

صَدَقَ اللهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَكَانَ وَعْدًا مَّفْعُولًا

“‘Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth, and this promise was bound to be fulfilled.'" (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 213-214)

Thus, it is vital that the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah^(as) was to spread throughout the entire world, and indeed it will, because he came in subservience to the Holy Prophet^(sa) in order to propagate the religion brought by him, which was to be the final religion. Allah the Almighty has sent down this religion and He would cause it to spread throughout the world, irrespective of whether there is opposition from Muslims or non-Muslims; their opposition is bound to fail.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states that an allegation is levelled as to why he was sent. Many Muslims level this allegation. The Promised Messiah^(as) replies by saying that do the deeds of the Muslims not warrant that a reformer should be sent? The religious clerics raise a hue and cry as to why the Promised Messiah^(as) was sent, they ought to reflect on their own deeds. Their own actions warrant [the need of a reformer]. Elaborating on this matter, the Promised Messiah^(as) states that if the deeds of people who call themselves Muslims are indeed virtuous, then why do they not yield positive results?

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“These people fail to understand this and state, ‘What about us is un-Islamic? We proclaim لا الٰہ الا اللہ [There is none worthy of worship except Allah] and also observe the Prayers; we fast during the days of Ramadan, and pay the Zakat.’ However, I declare that all of these actions of theirs are not good deeds in the true sense. They are a mere shell that is empty of the kernel (they are like a shell). For if their actions were good deeds in the deeper sense, why do they not bring about positive results?”

Allah the Almighty has promised that good deeds produce positive results, but why is this not happening? Is the deplorable condition of the Muslims of this age not an indication that there is something wrong? It shows that there is some deficiency, as a result of which Allah the Almighty’s promise is not being fulfilled. The Promised Messiah^(as) continues: “Good deeds are characterised by the quality of being pure from all forms of corruption and adulteration. But where can such qualities be found in these people?” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 59-60)

They make claims that they pray and fast, but they are devoid of righteousness. They ought to assess their own conditions and they will come to know whether they possess these ill traits or not.

The Promised Messiah^(as) stated that the conditions of the time indicate the need for a reformer. And in fact, this is the very slogan they raise; some people raise the slogan that we are in need of a reformer. Witnessing the state of the Muslim world, there is a dire need for someone to come and reform them, but they do not accept the one that has been sent by Allah the Almighty. At one instance, the Promised Messiah^(as) stated that the manner in which the Christians have launched attacks [against Islam] or the onslaught by followers of other religions or atheists and the way in which the Muslims are falling victim to these attacks whereby they are moving away from religion, necessitates that a reformer should come to guide people towards the right path. And the Promised Messiah^(as) has claimed that he is the reformer sent by Allah the Almighty in this era.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states that even if he had no argument in his support, the Muslims still ought to have wandered frantically in search of the Messiah and asked why he had not yet appeared. Even if the Promised Messiah^(as) did not present any argument in his favour, the Muslims should still have gone out in search of him, having witnessed the conditions of that time. The Muslims should not have engaged in disputes with him, for his purpose was to break the cross. When the Messiah was to appear, he was to refute Christianity; he was to refute atheists and people of no faith. This was precisely the need of the hour at the time the Promised Messiah^(as) made his claim, and it is the same today.

This is why he was named the “Promised Messiah”. If the Muslim clergy had the well-being of mankind in view, they surely would not have acted in this manner. They would have realised that nothing is to be accomplished by issuing edicts against him. When God says that a certain thing should be, who has the power to say that it should not be? In a way, his opponents were actually his servants and helpers, because they conveyed his message to the east and to the west.

The opposition we face is also a means of spreading our message and is a major source of propagation for us. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 1, pp. 397-398)

Therefore, no matter how hard they may try to destroy the community of the Promised Messiah^(as), those same efforts become the means of propagating his message.

In one place, the Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“Allah the Exalted is more merciful than a compassionate mother. He does not wish for His creation to be wasted. He reveals to you the paths of guidance and light. But in order to tread these paths, you must utilise your reason and purify your souls. Just as planting does not occur until the soil is ploughed to prepare it, so too pure reason cannot descend from heaven until souls are purified through strenuous effort and rigorous self-discipline. In this age, God has shown immense grace, and as He is jealous for His religion and His Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, He has sent a man, who speaks to you now so that He may invite you towards this light. If the present era had not been plagued by such corruption and disorder, and efforts to expunge religion had not been undertaken, then there would be no issue whatsoever. However, at present, you can observe from east to west that nations are preoccupied with removing all traces of Islam.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 70)

And these efforts have greatly increased in the current times.

If there were no opposition to Islam, then there would be no need for the advent of the Promised Messiah^(as). But today we can witness that 136 years have elapsed since the Promised Messiah^(as) made his claim, and until now, this [opposition] is only increasing.

The Promised Messiah^(as) states that people, i.e. opponents, say that he has started a business, whereas this is not a business in the slightest. The job of the Promised Messiah was to propagate the faith and establish a religious enterprise. Indeed, if one must assign this enterprise a name, then this is a religious endeavour. The Promised Messiah^(as) states that if you wish to know the truth, then know that it is as though he is dead to worldly preoccupations. With respect to worldly ventures, his case is like the dead. He was devoted to the faith, and his entire mission was religious in nature – as has always been the case with the past saints and holy men of Islam. His mission was no new undertaking; his task was to dispel those beliefs which posed a danger to the people in every respect, i.e., to remove harmful innovations) and to purge their hearts is our true desire and objective. This was because many erroneous innovations had taken root.

Certain wrong beliefs have been introduced in Islam, and we have to safeguard the world and Muslims from it. We are to establish the true faith, which is the teachings of the Holy Quran. This was the very purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah^(as), and to show the true reality of the false religions. The Promised Messiah^(as) stated that his purpose was to reveal the true reality of the false religions; to show the spiritual light of Islam; to establish the lofty rank and status of the Holy Prophet^(sa). (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 5, p. 167; Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 1, p. 310)

In relation to the lofty status of the Holy Prophet^(sa), the Promised Messiah^(as) stated:

“So bear in mind that in revealing the Holy Book, (i.e., the Holy Quran) and sending the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Allah the Exalted has desired to manifest to the world a magnificent sign of mercy. To this effect, Allah the Exalted states:

وَ مَاۤ اَرۡسَلۡنٰکَ اِلَّا رَحۡمَۃً لِّلۡعٰلَمِیۡن

“[We have sent thee not but as a mercy for all peoples.]

“Similarly, Allah Almighty states that He sent down the Holy Qur’an for the following purpose:

ہُدًی لِّلۡمُتَّقِیۡنَ

“[It is a guidance for the righteous.]

“These are such grand objectives that they are second to none. It is for this very reason that Allah the Exalted willed for all the individual excellences of the past Prophets, peace be upon them, to culminate in the person of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; and for all the merits and excellences found in the various scriptures to be encapsulated in the Holy Quran; and for all the qualities of the past nations to be gathered in this ummah. Hence, God Almighty desires for us to attain these excellences, and so one must not forget that just as God wishes to confer upon us these supreme excellences, He has blessed us with faculties in equal degree. For if we had not been given faculties that accorded in strength, we would never have been able to attain these excellences in any way whatsoever.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 57)

Thus, Allah the Almighty has bestowed us with these faculties, a teaching, and has also outlined our objective; now it is our responsibility to make every effort to try and attain those objectives. The Promised Messiah^(as) stated that this was the purpose of his advent in this world and the reason he was sent by Allah the Almighty. Drawing attention to this teaching, the Promised Messiah^(as) stated that people should ponder over these matters as to how we can propagate the teachings and religious law given to us by the Holy Prophet^(sa) to the rest of the world, instead of just opposing him.

The Promised Messiah^(as) stated with regards to the Holy Prophet^(sa) being a perfect prophet:

“Allah the Exalted has blessed us with a Prophet who is the Seal of the Believers, the Seal of the Pious, and the Seal of the Prophets. Similarly, God Almighty revealed upon him a book, which is the Seal of Books – a book which comprehensively encapsulates all others. When it is said that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the ‘Seal of the Prophets’ and that prophethood has reached its end in him, this does not imply that prophethood has ended as one brings about the end of someone by strangling them to death. This sort of an ‘end’ is not worthy of honour. In fact, when it is said that prophethood has come to an end in the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, this means that the excellences of prophethood have reached their climax in his person. In other words, all the various excellences that were granted to the Prophets, from Adam^(as) to Jesus^(as), son of Mary – certain qualities to some and different qualities to others – were all combined in the Holy Prophet^(sa) and in this way the Holy Prophet^(sa) naturally became the Seal of the Prophets. In the same manner, all the teachings, guidance and insights given in various books, came to their final point of completion when they culminated in the Holy Quran, and so the Holy Qur’an became the ‘Seal of the Books’.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 58)

The Promised Messiah^(as) states:

“It should also be understood that the allegation which is levelled against my Community and me, that we do not believe in the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as being the Seal of the Prophets, is a grave calumny against us. Our critics do not believe in the Holy Prophet^(sa) as being the Seal of the Prophets even one part out of a hundred thousand, as compared to the strength, certainty, divine understanding and insight with which we believe it, nor do they have it within themselves to do so. They do not grasp the underlying essence and secret in the Seal of Prophethood and the Seal of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They have merely heard this term from their forefathers, but they are ignorant of its true essence and do not know what the Seal of Prophethood means and what it means to believe in this concept. However, Allah the Exalted knows well that we believe with perfect insight that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Seal of the Prophets. Moreover, God Almighty has disclosed to us the true essence of the Seal of Prophethood in such a way that the intense pleasure which we derive from the sherbet of divine insight that we have been given to drink cannot be understood by anyone other than those who have been satiated by this fountain.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 58-59)

Thus, this is the teaching, status and objective for which the Promised Messiah’s^(as) advent took place and the purpose of establishing the Jamaat and instructing his Jamaat to offer sacrifices and spread this message to the world and propagate the religion of the Holy Prophet^(sa), the Seal of the Prophets, to the corners of the world. And not to rest until the rule of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and the Unity of God is established in the whole world. This was the very purpose of the Promised Messiah’s^(as) advent. This is the significance of our faith, and if we understand the significance of this faith and consider ourselves to be those who do justice to our oath of allegiance, then we too must ponder over these matters. When we fulfil these objectives, we will achieve the purpose of our lives as well as the purpose of our pledge of allegiance, and we will attain the pleasure and nearness of Allah the Almighty.

During the days of Ramadan, through prayers, increasing our knowledge, learning the Holy Quran, and practically spreading the message, we should become wholly devoted to this work so that we may swiftly raise the flag of the Holy Prophet^(sa) in the world and bring the world to submit before the One God. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.

In the end, I wish to request prayers for the Ahmadis in Pakistan. May Allah the Almighty bring ease to their circumstances. These days, the opponents are exerting every effort and are trying to inflict harm in every way. Whether on account of the minarets or domes of the mosques, or due to offering prayers, they look for any excuse for the sole purpose of causing harm to Ahmadis. May Allah the Almighty protect them all.

Pray generally for the Muslim world as well; may Allah the Almighty grant them sense and wisdom, improve their conditions and have mercy on them.

A new wave of injustices against the Palestinian Muslims has begun. May Allah the Almighty protect them against these cruelties and have mercy on them.