Khilafat : The Promise, The Blessing, The Salvation
Friday Sermon delivered at Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
‘The World’s Salvation Lies in Becoming Attached to Khilafat’
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) recited the following verses of the Holy Qur’an:
‘And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths that, if thou command them, they will surely go forth. Say, “Swear not; what is required is actual obedience in what is right. Surely, Allah is well aware of what you do.” Say, “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger.” But if you turn away, then upon him is his burden, and upon you is your burden. And if you obey him, you will be rightly guided. And the messenger is not responsible but for the plain delivery of the Message. 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.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 24:54-57)
The Foretold Era of Caliphate
His Holiness(aba) said that it has been 117 years since the establishment of Khilafat (Caliphate) in the Ahmadiyyat Muslim Community. It was initiated in 1908 in accordance with the promises of God and the Holy Prophet(sa). Ahmadis are fortunate to be part of a system which was foretold by God, that with the advent of the Messiah and Mahdi, there would be an era of Islam’s revival would begin within which there would also be Khilafat, as clearly prophesied by the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that according to Hadith, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that prophethood will remain established among you as long as Allah the Almighty wills, then He will bring about its end and follow it with Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood. Following this, Allah the Almighty will remove this blessing as well whenever He pleases. Then, in accordance with His decree, a tyrannical monarchy. When this comes to an end, something even worse in the form of monarchical despotism would follow it until Allah wills, and then He will remove it. Thereafter, Khilafat on the precepts of prophethood will be established, and after saying this, the Holy Prophet(sa) remained silent.
His Holiness(aba) said that in accordance with this prophecy, with the advent of the Promised Messiah(as), a new era for the revival of Islam began, and after him, the institution of Khilafat was established.
His Holiness(aba) said that in the verses he recited, God clearly promised the Muslims that Khilafat would be established among them. After the Holy Prophet(sa), the Rightly Guided Khilafat remained for 30 years. But Khilafat was not to remain just for 30 years, rather as the Holy Prophet(sa) said that after periods of tyrannical and despotic rulerships, a lasting Khilafat would be established in the era of the Promised Messiah(as). This promise of Khilafat comes with the condition that we will remain attached to it. So long as we remain attached to Khilafat, we will continue to reap the blessings of Allah. However, this too requires the fulfilment of certain conditions as outlined by God in the Holy Qur’an.
His Holiness(aba) quoted the Promised Messiah(as) who writes:
‘Thus, He [Allah Almighty] 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 Jama’at, 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 spelt out in the verse:
“That is, after the fear, We shall firmly re-establish them.”
That is also what happened at the time of Moses(as), when he died on his way from Egypt to Kin‘an before taking the Israelites to the intended destination in accordance with the promise. At his [Moses’s] death Israelites were plunged into deep mourning. It is written in Torah that with the grief at this untimely death and sudden departure of Moses(as), the Israelites wept for forty days. The same happened with Christ(as). At the time of the incident of the Crucifixion, all his disciples scattered, and even one of them apostatised.
So dear friends! Since it is the Sunnatullah [practice of Allah], 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 Judgment. 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 Jama’at 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 everlasting 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. And let a Jama‘at of righteous people, one and all, in every country keep themselves busy in prayers so that the second Manifestation may descend from the Heaven and show you that your God is such a Mighty God.’ (The Will [Al-Wasiyyat], pp. 5-8)
Unity Established Through Caliphate
His Holiness(aba) said that in telling people around the world to pray, the Promised Messiah(as) made a prophecy that Ahmadiyyat would spread around the world. Today we see this to be the reality, with Ahmadis all around the world who are attached and devoted to Khilafat. It was also witnessed at the time of the election of the fifth Khilafat, how the world came together, and so too will it continue to happen. Hence, we must continue to remain attached to Khilafat and remain prepared to offer any sacrifice for maintaining the institution of Khilafat.
His Holiness(aba) said that some people think that even within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Khilafat will turn into a worldly leadership. However, Allah has promised and the Holy Prophet(sa) foretold that the Khilafat will remain a spiritual Khilafat until the Day of Judgement. Never will there be a time when it can be said that the Khilafat has turned into a monarchy, as some mischief mongers seek to purport. This will never happen. This concept was also strongly opposed by the Second Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra), who said that so long as righteousness and piety remain in the Community, Khilafat will never turn into a monarchy. There was a time when Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra) considered whether there could possibly be a time when the Khilafat would turn into a monarchy, but when the Second Caliph(ra) rectified this notion, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra) abandoned his own thought, as though it never existed, because the Khalifa had now explained the matter. This is true loyalty to Khilafat.
Blessings of Caliphate Remain With Those Who Are Obedient
His Holiness(aba) said that the Khalifa prays and wakes up at night to pray for his Community. Is there any king who does this? Allah has promised that Khilafat will be given to those who obey Allah and His Messenger (sa). Hence, we must continue to adhere to this. If not, then those people will become removed from Khilafat; however, this promise of God can never be averted. Hence, as stipulated by God, faith and good deeds are precursors to being true believers, which is the standard required to be of those who benefit from Khilafat. History shows that the Rightly Guided Khilafat remained among the Muslims so long as they were obedient. When they abandoned obedience, then they became bereft of Khilafat. This shows that if we wish to continue receiving the blessings of Khilafat, then we must remain attached to it and remain ever obedient to Khilafat.
His Holiness(aba) said that God Almighty Himself draws the hearts to Khilafat. We witness that in every era, from the First Caliph, Hazrat Hakim Mauvli Nooruddin(ra), the Second Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra), the Third Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad(rh), the Fourth Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(rh) and now during the Fifth Khilafat, God has manifested His magnificent help for the Caliphs and has drawn hearts towards them. Such examples are unparalleled.
His Holiness(aba) said that those who remain attached to the Community and Khilafat witness countless blessings. Though the opponents continue their cruelties against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, its members are resolute in their faith, and nothing can deter them. No matter the opposition, especially in places like Pakistan, the progress of Ahmadiyyat has never ceased and the Community has only ever continued to grow. Even when the Khalifa of the time had to leave Pakistan, the Community’s progress did not cease; rather, Khilafat took on a unique lustre, and the Community has progressed by leaps and bounds.
His Holiness(aba) said that today, during the era of the fifth Khilafat, though there has been much opposition and many martyrdoms, people’s faith cannot be shaken, and whilst they remain firm in their faith, the Community continues to spread. Now it has spread to about 214 countries around the world. People all around the world are strongly devoted to Ahmadiyyat and Khilafat. Take, for example, the families of the martyrs from Dori in Burkina Faso, who remained steadfast in their faith and did not waver in the face of death. Their families have remained steadfast in faith, and express that they too are prepared to offer their lives if so necessary in order to preserve and protect the institutions of Khilafat. They express such love for Khilafat, which is astounding.
His Holiness(aba) said that when he visited Africa, people whom he had never met before would meet him with such passion and emotion as cannot be described. They would weep as they met him, despite never having known him before. This was only due to the love of Khilafat.
Purify Yourself from All Forms of Shirk
His Holiness(aba) said that another condition stipulated by God for Khilafat is to avoid committing shirk, associating partners with God. Even pride and arrogance can take the form of shirk. If we want to truly reap the blessings of Khilafat, then we must purify ourselves from all forms of shirk. When office bearers abandon their own pride and egos, then they will become beneficial for the Community, and they will be those who work solely for the pleasure of Allah. Similarly, another condition is that they offer their prayers, and remain obedient to the commandments of God and His Messenger (sa). Hence, it must be remembered that the promise of Khilafat is for those who show complete obedience. This means that establishing prayer is also of paramount importance for anyone who wishes to benefit from Khilafat and remain attached to it.
The Khalifa’s Words Benefit Everyone
His Holiness(aba) said that once, whilst explaining what it means to establish prayer, the Second Caliph(ra) said that the best form of prayer in the Friday prayer is when the Imam delivers a sermon and imparts guidance. It is a time when people come together and are united, and everyone turns in the same direction, towards the Khalifa as he speaks. Today, through MTA (Muslim Television Ahmadiyya), the Khalifa’s sermon is broadcast throughout the world, where people intently watch and listen to what the Khalifa is saying and implement his words in their lives. People around the world attest that the words of the Khalifa seem as if they have been curated to each of their individual circumstances, and they attest that Khilafat has caused them to become united. These are people from Africa, Turkey, Russia, etc., who write letters to the Khalifa. Hence, it is wrong to think that what the Khalifa says is limited to Pakistanis or those in Europe. Letters from around the world attest that people are benefiting and reforming themselves through the words of the Khalifa. These days, through the series of sermons on Islamic history, people are benefiting and finding examples which they implement in their lives in order to benefit and better themselves. Hence, Ahmadis in 214 countries around the world are united under Khilafat.
His Holiness(aba) said that God has also established Zakat as a condition for Khilafat, which also includes other forms of financial sacrifices and contributions. Ahmadis around the world offer financial sacrifices, and through the institution of the Community and Khilafat, these financial sacrifices help people worldwide. People try to persuade Ahmadis to leave Ahmadiyyat because supposedly, they do not follow the true Islam. However, even new converts respond saying that the Ahmadiyya Community serves humanity, establishes schools, hospitals, takes care of the poor, etc., among many other things, and if anyone does follow the true Islam, then it is Ahmadis. This is all due to the blessings of Khilafat.
The World’s Salvation Lies in Becoming Attached to Khilafat
His Holiness(aba) said there are certain places in the world where Ahmadis are facing grave difficulties, such as Bangladesh, some Arab countries, some African countries, Pakistan and other places like Palestine where the entire nation is being subjected to grave cruelties. His Holiness(aba) prayed for ease for the Palestinians. In any case, the Ahmadis who see such cruelties do not waver in their faith but remain resolute. Those associated with Khilafat must pledge to save the world from destruction, and in this effort, strive to bring the world to God. This requires remaining prepared to offer any sacrifice and also establishing a bond with God at a personal level. When one does this, not only will they help save the world, but they will also be saving their own progeny and themselves from the calamities of the world. Remember that the world’s salvation lies in becoming attached with Khilafat.
His Holiness(aba) quoted the Promised Messiah(as) who says:
‘Don’t 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 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 Jama‘at 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.’ (The Will, [Al-Wasiyyat] pp. 11-12)
His Holiness(aba) said that we must strive to become those who benefit from the blessings which the Promised Messiah(as) gave us the glad tidings of. We must do this by honouring the unity of God in every facet of our lives, by showing compassion to humanity, by ridding our hearts of malice and rancour, by treading upon righteousness, by protecting our faith, by exhibiting complete obedience and by progressing in our faith. May Allah enable us to do so and enable everyone to be ready for any sacrifice to preserve and protect the institution of Khilafat. May we see that time when the banner of God’s unity flies high in the world and people flock towards the servitude of the Holy Prophet(sa).
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) said that he would lead two funeral prayers of the following:
Dr Col Pir Muhammad Munir
Dr Col Pir Muhammad Munir who used to be an administrator of the Fazl-e-Omar hospital in Rabwah. He was a convert to Ahmadiyyat and his parents later accepted Ahmadiyyat as well upon seeing his good character. He served the Community in various capacities, including as a general physician and administrator of the Fazl-e-Omar hospital. His period of service spanned 19 years. His wife says that he was a very kind father and husband. He fulfilled his life devotion with true loyalty. He was regular in offering prayers and was devoted to his faith. He had a bond of love with Khilafat and advised his children to write to the Khalifa. He is survived by his wife, three sons and grandchildren. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy.
Salima Zahid
Salima Zahid wife of Samiullah Zahid of Canada. She is survived by her husband, a daughter and three sons. One of her sons is Ataul Momin Zahid, a professor at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK. She taught many children the Holy Qur’an and many non-Ahmadis even attested that she taught their children the Holy Qur’an. She possessed many great qualities and was devoted to her faith. Her son says that she always gave precedence to helping others. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant her forgiveness and mercy.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions