A call of Islam from the birthplace of atheism
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) blesses Jalsa Salana France
On the main boulevard of Saint Germain in Paris is seated the life-size statue of Denis Diderot. It was in the salons of Paris that he would hold meetings with the French intelligentsia. It was through these discussions that atheism – as we know it today – was born. He is considered an instrumental figure of what is known as French Enlightenment. How enlightening the historical phase known as French Enlightenment was, we need not go into details here.
What we know is that the latest episode of true enlightenment has just taken place on the land of France. Earlier this afternoon, at 2pm local time, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community opened the annual convention – Jalsa Salana – of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, France. Huzoor(aba) had arrived at the scenic countryside of Trie Chateau earlier during the week; it is from here that he has called the world to Islam through his very enlightening Friday Sermon.
With his Friday Sermon commenced the 27th Jalsa Salana of France. Minutes before the Sermon, Huzoor(aba) hoisted the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat to mark the inauguration of Jalsa Salana.
In his Friday Sermon – globally watched live via MTA International – Huzoor(aba) reminded members of the Jamaat what Jalsa Salana calls for and how important it is to benefit from the three days of Jalsa Salana.
The primary message of his Friday Sermon was a reminder of what is expected of a good Muslim. Salat, Huzoor(aba) said, is of primary importance in one’s faith. Offering prayers in congregation, said Huzoor(aba), is equally important as the offering of Salat itself, hence it is important to offer Salat in mosques as much as is possible for one.
Huzoor(aba) said that the first question to be asked on the Day of Judgement will be about Salat. If, in replying to this question, one falls short, their voluntary prayers will help compensate for it. Huzoor(aba) emphasised that it is only through taqwa that Salat can be offered in its purest form.
Allah has made it clear that Salat is obligatory for every believer, and He has also expressed His immense love and mercy for those who offer voluntary prayers.
Taqwa, or the fear of God, also instigates other elements that enable one to become a better person. It is taqwa that encourages one to forgive others and to be loving towards their fellow beings.
Huzoor(aba) said that Allah has promised his mercy and love for those who love and have mercy on their fellows. The slogan of “Love for All, Hatred for None” will only come true if we start practising it in its true essence from the smallest unit of the society; it is from our homes that this great charity will begin and span over the society at large.
Huzoor(aba), at the end of his Friday Sermon, prayed that Allah enable us to fulfil our pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiah(as) which, in essence, is to live our lives according to the beautiful teachings of Islam.
Huzoor’s(aba) addresses to Jalsa Salana France will be broadcast live on MTA International on Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 October.