Strive for a Good Ending with Quality Worship, Prayers and Good Deeds
After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) first thanked all those Ahmadis who had expressed their sentiments and prayed with great fervour in light of some injuries His Holiness(aba) endured due to falling. He prayed that may Allah reward everyone abundantly, increase them in sincerity and loyalty.
His Holiness(aba) said that in today’s day and age, such an example of love can only be found in the love for Khilafat. This love goes both ways. It cannot be said who loves the other more. His Holiness(aba) said that at times it seems that the community’s love for Khilafat is at its peak and vice versa. Thus, this love goes both ways. It is such a relationship to which no worldly love can compare.
His Holiness(aba) said that he has always been fond of a saying by the Third Caliph(rh), that the Caliph and the community are two names of the same being. His Holiness(aba) said that it is through the prayers of the community that his wounds healed quickly. The speed with which the facial wounds healed have even stunned the doctor. His Holiness(aba) said that he told the doctor that remedies aside, it is in actuality the prayers of the community which have helped the healing of the wounds. His Holiness(aba) expressed that he himself thought it might take approximately two weeks for the wounds to heal, but owing to the prayers of the community they have healed much quicker.
With regards to remedies, His Holiness(aba) said that he used Marham-e-Isa [the ointment used to heal the wounds of Jesus(as) upon being taken down from the cross] and a homoeopathic medicine called Canendula cream.
His Holiness(aba) asked the community to pray that the remaining effects of the wounds may subside quickly. The real strength lies in God’s grace. His Holiness(aba) said that a little while ago He had severe pain in his shoulder and arm, to the point that he could not lift his arm without using the help of his other arm. The doctor said that it would take at least six to eight weeks to heal. However only a short while later when the doctor examined it again, it had healed 90%. The doctor was surprised at the speed of recovery. His Holiness(aba) told him that indeed is the case when millions of people are praying for him. He was a Christian and said that he believed in prayer, but he was shocked and affirmed that this could only have happened through the power of prayer.
His Holiness(aba) said that reports from various countries show that there has been a significant increase in people turning to God. During lockdown, there has been an increase in congregational prayers, there are dars (readings from various excerpts) being given which is increasing the knowledge of young and old alike. It is by the grace of God that Ramadan came during this time, and the inclination towards prayer which was already developing increased even more.
His Holiness(aba) said that now Ramadan is coming to an end, and various governments are also beginning to ease lockdown restrictions. His Holiness(aba) said that with ease in lockdowns, every Ahmadi should adhere to the guidelines set by governments. But the foremost thing that Ahmadis should keep in mind is that with the opening of businesses, going out, Ramadan coming to an end; these things should not bring an end or lessen those righteous deeds which were established during this time. Offering congregational prayers at home should continue and when the mosques eventually open, then similarly there should be an increased attention and effort towards attending the mosques as well. Dars should continue to be given so that knowledge may continue to increase, and members continue to watch MTA. All these things should not be forgotten with the ending of Ramadan and the easing of lockdown restrictions.
His Holiness(aba) said that a believer shouldn’t be like those regarding whom it is said that when they fall into trouble they begin to supplicate and call unto God, but when the hardship is removed, they forget God.
His Holiness(aba) said that there are many who debate whether the Coronavirus is a natural calamity or the wrath of God. Such natural calamities which happen during this era of the Promised Messiah(as) which have an aspect of warning, then surely one must turn towards God even more so and supplicate a great deal. His Holiness(aba) said that he has mentioned before that natural disasters are linked with the advent of the Promised Messiah(as). Thus one should pray to God to become righteous and for a good end.
His Holiness(aba) said that during the time of the plague, the Promised Messiah(as) prayed profusely for humanity to be saved, even though it had been foretold that the plague was a sign for him. It should be clear that the Promised Messiah(as) clearly said that after his advent there would be an increase in calamities. But he also said that there are also some amongst the believers who owing to the law of nature, fall victim to such disasters, and they are given the status of Shaheed (martyr) and are entered into heaven.
His Holiness(aba) said that the thing to be noted during such pandemics is the impact it has on worldly people. At present, worldly people have become perplexed at the situation, and indeed this is what happens at such times. This feeling is not only felt amongst the general public, but even those powerful governments who believed themselves to be like firm mountains. The ways and lifestyles which these governments knew have been completely altered. And their efforts of diverting the attention of the masses can become even more dangerous.
His Holiness(aba) said that every Ahmadi should focus on the fact that there is a warning and glad tiding in such things for Ahmadis. The warning is that it will not be enough to simply hold the title of being Ahmadi, but one must adopt true righteousness. The glad tiding is that the weaknesses that will have come about in Ahmadis will quickly be rectified. Thus, Ahmadis will be saved when they turn to God and fulfil their pledge to the Promised Messiah(as). Thus, maintain the increased attention towards God which has been established in these days.
His Holiness(aba) said that when all of this is over and the matter of fulfilling the rights of God and humanity are looked back upon, it will be the Ahmadiyya Community which will be seen at the forefront. Thus, along with our prayers, we must set an example. We must show the world that it is in fulfilling the rights of others that one can attain the mercy of God. Without this, one’s efforts for establishing peace will be futile, nor can one have prosperous end.
His Holiness(aba) said that by the grace of God, in these days, where members of the community have increased in their attention towards God, they have also increased in their service to humanity. This is helping some see the light of truth. There was a report from Canada that at 2 am, when a woman could not find help anywhere else, she called the Khuddam (Ahmadi youth) helpline, as her son was ill and in bad condition, in urgent need of medicine. She was extremely worried, and while in this state, thought to herself that though she did not believe in God, but she said that if she found help that night, she would believe in God. She called the helpline – at first she was told again that it is late and perhaps the earliest she will be able to receive the medicine was the next morning. However when she told the Ahmadi youth who was attending the phone call about the condition of her son, and despite the fact that he was asleep prior the call, he left his house in the middle of the night, drove 50 kilometres and delivered the medicine to her. Thus, through this effort of his, she came to believe in the existence of God
His Holiness(aba) said that not only should we continue the increased inclination towards God established during this time and especially in Ramadan, but we must also continue the increased focus towards service to humanity. Ramadan will finish in a day or two, but the righteous changes it has brought about should remain forever. The positive changes brought about by the lockdown, with regards to ourselves as well as others, should remain with us for the rest of our lives. We have accepted the Messiah of the age(as). Thus we must always try to implement his teachings
With regard to this, His Holiness(aba) presented certain extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah(as); pertaining to the condition and level at which the Promised Messiah(as) wished to see Ahmadis. For example, the Promised Messiah(as) said that every Ahmadi should strive to offer Tahujjud (pre-dawn voluntary prayer), should offer the five daily prayers, avoid all things that displease God, eliminate anger, establish forbearance and adopt excellent morals. In essence, every Ahmadi must pray, seek forgiveness, and give alms that God may have mercy on you.
The Promised Messiah(as) also wrote that one must establish brotherhood amongst themselves and abandon all enmity and mockery. Establish a relationship with God and enter into the fold of His mercy. If one takes it upon himself to fulfil the commandments of God then He will remove hardships from their path. Just as a farmer cares only for those trees of luxuriant growth and bear fruit, and cares not for such trees which are barren and bear no fruit. Thus God cares for those who prove true in striving for His cause and in His way. So eliminate harshness amongst yourselves and establish kindness and compassion.
The Promised Messiah(as) said that compassion towards others is a great form of worshipping God. As for those who have been blessed with the grace of God, one of the greatest ways to express gratitude for this is to serve His creation.
His Holiness(aba) read another passage in which the Promised Messiah(as) said that our community should be such that it does not limit itself to mere words, but fulfils that true tenants of the pledge of allegiance. If a true inner change is not brought about, then there is no difference between us and others. Just as one goes to the doctor to cure his illnesses, one should seek to attain righteousness with the same urgency.
His Holiness(aba) said that in these days, especially when there is opposition against Ahmadis in Pakistan and other places, one must strive to attain the mercy of God even more so than before. The Promised Messiah(as) elaborated, that the only way to attain righteousness and high moral standards is by treading upon the path shown by the Holy Prophet(sa). We see that these days, so called Muslims have distorted the teachings of the Holy Prophet(sa) and misguide the masses, yet they call themselves Muslims and label Ahmadis as non-Muslims. The Promised Messiah(as) said that do not abandon the path of the Holy Prophet(sa). There are some who have adopted all kinds of harmful innovations in faith. However the Holy Prophet(sa) alone is the excellent example. Thus, do not try to stray from his path in the slightest. God’s purpose of establishing this community was so that there could be a community, like that of the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that by accepting the Promised Messiah(as) we have entered into the fold of the true followers of the Holy Prophet(sa), and thus we should strive to fulfil this duty. We must establish true fervour in our prayers and strive to follow the example of the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) urged the community to pray for those who are imprisoned in the name of Ahmadiyyat. Just recently an Ahmadi lady has been put in jail under the blasphemy laws created by Pakistan against Ahmadis. For her and all others, may Allah create the means for their miraculous release.
His Holiness(aba) prayed that may we recognize the true purpose for the advent of the Promised Messiah(as), may we implement the teachings of Islam, may there be peace in homes. His Holiness(aba) said to pray for all life devotees, that they may fulfil their pledge of devotion. Pray for the Waqfe nau, pray for the martyrs and their families, pray all those Ahmadis facing any sort of hardship, pray that all Ahmadis may be saved from the ill effects of the current pandemic, pray for the workers of MTA. Pray for the Muslim world, that peace may be established.
At the end, His Holiness(aba) recited some prayers and asked the community to recite them as well.
Some of these prayers are as follows:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِي نُحُورِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ
‘O Allah, we make You a shield against enemies, and take refuge in You from their evils.’ [Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith No.1537]
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ
‘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 Muslim Hadith No. 2730]
يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ
‘O Controller of the Hearts! Strengthen my heart upon Your Religion.’ [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Book 6, Hadith 2140]
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى
‘O Allah. I seek from you true guidance, righteousness, chastity and self-sufficiency.’ [Sahih Muslim Hadith No. 2721]
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ, وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ, وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ, وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ
‘O Allah! I seek refuge in you from being deprived of Your favor, the decline of the good health You have granted, Your swift punishment and from all those deeds which may incur Your displeasure.’ [Sahih Muslim Book 16, Hadith 1601]
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَاۤ اَنۡفُسَنَا ٜ وَ اِنۡ لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَ تَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَکُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الۡخٰسِرِیۡنَ
‘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 تُزِغۡ قُلُوۡبَنَا بَعۡدَ اِذۡ ہَدَیۡتَنَا وَ ہَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ لَّدُنۡکَ رَحۡمَۃً ۚ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ الۡوَہَّابُ
‘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]
رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا فِی الدُّنۡیَا حَسَنَۃً وَّ فِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ 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.’ [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.’
‘O Allah! Send down Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.’
‘O Allah! Send down Your Blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent your Blessings on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.’
His Holiness(aba) also addressed the date of Eid in the UK, saying that some have been writing regarding Eid does not fall on the 24th of May as the crescent will not be sighted on the night of the 23rd. However His Holiness(aba) said that he arranged for a committee to look into this matter they have reported that there are certain areas where the moon can be seen on the night of the 23rd in the UK and if in a country the moon can be seen in one area then the entire country can offer Eid on that day. Hence, Eid will be offered on the 24th.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.