The Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah (as)
Offering Friday Prayers on the Day of Eid
His Holiness(aba) said that we offered Eid earlier today, and today is also Friday. The Holy Prophet(sa) once said that when Eid falls on the day of Friday, then one also has the option of simply offering the Zuhr (early afternoon) prayer, but in another narration he said ‘but we will offer the Friday prayer.’
His Holiness(aba) said that he advised Amir sahib that members of the community could either offer Zuhr prayers or offer the Friday Prayers at home as they have been doing.
His Holiness(aba) said that based on the example of the Holy Prophet(sa), he would also be offering the Friday Prayer. He quoted a response of Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) to those who said they should simply offer the Zuhr prayer when Eid came on a Friday. Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) said that it was a blessing to have been granted two occasions of happiness on the same day, so why should it not be taken advantage of. On the same token, those who do not offer the Friday prayer should not be looked down upon as this leniency has been granted to them.
Not Enough to Simply Write ‘Seal of Prophets’
His Holiness(aba) said that he had selected a few narrations of the Promised Messiah(as) in which he explains that purpose of his advent, his obedience to the Holy Prophet(sa) and acceptance of him being the Seal of Prophets and explaining the coming of a prophet after him. The opponents of this community raise issues on this point. They deem it a great service that they have passed laws under which ‘Seal of Prophets’ must be written beside the name of the Holy Prophet(sa). His Holiness(aba) commented that this would have been good if they truly acted upon the example of the Holy Prophet(sa). Yet the fact of the matter is that they are running further and further away from the true example of the Holy Prophet(sa). Had they truly loved the Holy Prophet(sa), they would have come running to accept the Promised Messiah(as).
Purpose of the Advent of the Promised Messiah(as)
His Holiness(aba) presented a quotation of the Promised Messiah(as) in which he explained that there were two purposes for his advent. The first was to bring about purity amongst the Muslims, and second to break the cross and re-establish the Unity of God. The Promised Messiah(as) asked that had he been a liar, could he have thrived, flourished and been successful as he was? A liar’s lies are enough to ruin him. But when God Himself initiates a mission, He sends angels to help see it through. The Promised Messiah(as) challenged that if he was false, then his community would falter. But if was true, then no matter how harsh the opposition may be, this community will flourish. It has never happened that a person sent by God was accepted without opposition.
His Holiness(aba) then said that we see people have accepted the Promised Messiah(as) in over 200 countries. Thus, according to the sayings of the Promised Messiah(as), it is our responsibility to purify ourselves.
The Promised Messiah’s(as) Love and Obedience for the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) presented another quotation of the Promised Messiah(as) in which he emphatically said that he and his community are believers in One God and His Messenger (sa). He clearly said that the only way for one to attain true nearness to God is through true obedience and love of the Holy Prophet(sa). All paths to righteousness are through the Holy Prophet(sa). The Promised Messiah(as) also declared that Jesus(as) did not ascend to the heavens bodily, nor will he return bodily. He said he could not accept this because this would be a disservice to the Holy Prophet(sa), who has passed away. How can it be said that the Holy Prophet(sa) passed away, yet Jesus(as) is alive in heaven? If it can easily be accepted that the Holy Prophet(sa) passed away, then what difficulty do Muslims find in accepting Jesus(as) to have passed away. It would have been more appropriate for the Holy Prophet(sa) to remain alive, for he was the greatest of all prophets, a man of who’s stature there has been no one since the world was created.
Upon the demise of the Holy Prophet(sa), Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) recited the verse ‘Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him.’ (The Holy Qur’an 3:145) Why did he recite this verse? He saw the companions in a state of shock, disbelief and grief. It was difficult for them to comprehend the fact that the Holy Prophet(sa) had passed away. But by reciting this verse, he consoled them saying that all prophets before had also passed away. These companions loved the Holy Prophet(sa) immensely. How could they have accepted their master to have passed away, while Jesus(as) was still alive?
Then His Holiness(aba) presented a quote of the Promised Messiah(as) in which he wrote about the esteemed stature and nature of the Holy Prophet(sa). He wrote that had the Holy Prophet(sa) not come to this world, then we would not have had proof for the truth of any other prophet. It is only through him that we came to know of their truth. The Promised Messiah(as) prayed, ‘God! Accept our prayers for him, send him peace, bless him and his progeny and all his companions with Thy blessings.’
Our Examples Will be Enough as a Response to Opponents
His Holiness(aba) prayed that may we be able to recognise the esteemed stature of the Holy Prophet(sa) and continue to send salutations upon him. If we act upon the pristine example of the Holy Prophet(sa), then our actions themselves will be enough as a response to those who oppose us.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions