On 20 April 2025, a delegation of Lajna Imaillah Germany had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in a mulaqat held at Masroor Hall, Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
Upon entering the hall, Huzooraa conveyed his greetings and took his seat. He then invited a member of the delegation to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. She recited verses 191-192 from Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, followed by the Urdu translation. Another member presented the German translation.
Following the recitation, some of the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on various matters.
Understanding the Quranic verse: ‘We have the power to bring in their place others better than they’
A member of the delegation asked about verses 41-42 of Surah al-Ma‘arij, in which Allah the Almighty states:
“But nay! I swear by the Lord of the easts and of the wests, that We have the power to bring in their place others better than they and We cannot be frustrated in Our plans.”
The question posed was: If human beings are the best of creation, how could Allah bring about a creation better than them?
In response, Huzooraa said that Allah is indeed the Master and Possessor of all power. The verse clearly states, “We have the power”, and one who is Qadir is one who has authority and power over all things.
Huzooraa explained that although human beings have been created as the best of creation, they themselves do not possess absolute power. Yet, despite this limited capacity, they are constantly striving to improve what they create. As an example, he mentioned how in the automobile industry, manufacturers release models they claim are the best, only for a more advanced version to be released within a year or two. Likewise, in the field of information technology, today’s innovation is quickly replaced by something even better. He cited artificial intelligence as a further example of this ongoing progression. If human beings, with their limited capabilities, are able to produce improved versions of their own work, then how can anyone question that Allah, Who is All-Powerful, has the ability to bring about something even greater than what exists now?
Huzooraa continued by explaining that although Allah has created human beings as the best of creation, their capabilities have advanced significantly over time. The level of scientific progress witnessed today far exceeds that of earlier generations. This reflects how Allah the Almighty continues to nurture and develop the potential of this “best of creation”, in accordance with His wisdom.
He went on to say that Allah has the power to create life on other planets as well. It is possible, he said, that there are human-like beings elsewhere in the universe. Huzooraa referred to a recent research finding which suggested the possibility of intelligent life existing on a distant planet millions of light-years away. He said such life may exist and could even be more intelligent than human beings on Earth. If contact is established with them, it will then become necessary to see how that interaction unfolds – whether they invite us to their way of life, or whether we convey the message of Islam to them.
However, Huzooraa emphasised that up until now, Allah the Exalted has made it clear to us that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has been sent as rahmatul-lil-‘alamin – a mercy for all the worlds. Therefore, if such life does exist and contact is established before the Day of Judgement, it will remain our responsibility to convey the message of the Holy Prophetsa to them.
Huzooraa concluded by saying that if any creation is to be brought forth after this, then Allah knows best.
Marriage as a journey of mutual spiritual progress
A member of the delegation asked how young Ahmadi Muslim women could ensure that their marriages are not simply shaped by societal expectations, but rather become a means of mutual spiritual progress and nearness to Allah. The question noted that in many modern societies, marriage is often viewed as a final destination rather than a continuous journey of personal and spiritual growth.
In response, Huzooraa explained that Allah the Exalted has put in place the arrangement of marriage as a means for the continuation of life. However, this continuation is not like that of animals who reproduce simply to perpetuate their kind.
Huzooraa said that Allah has established marriage as a source of sakinah – tranquillity – and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated that husband and wife are created to bring comfort and peace to one another. (Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.22; Al-Bayhaqi, As-Sunan al-Kubra, Hadith 13478; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1469) The first principle, he explained, is to develop a bond of friendship within the marriage – an atmosphere where both partners are mindful of each other’s emotions. In such an environment, love and affection flourish.
This, he said, ensures that the next generation – born out of such loving companionship – also inherits those qualities of affection and warmth. When children are raised in a loving environment, they too are more inclined to love Allah and to live by His teachings.
Huzooraa further stated that when a person realises that Allah has bestowed upon them blessings in this world, including companionship that offers emotional comfort and tranquillity, they are moved to be grateful to Allah.
He emphasised that when both husband and wife become conscious of one another’s emotional needs and strive to fulfil not only each other’s rights but also the rights of Allah, then their marriage becomes a means of attaining divine pleasure. In such marriages, he said, both spiritual and emotional development becomes possible.
Huzooraa referred to a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa, who said that if a husband places a morsel of food in his wife’s mouth out of love for Allah and to attain His pleasure, he will be rewarded for that act. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-iman, Hadith 56)
He remarked that this mindset is not required only of women but of men as well. Both must think in these terms – that their actions should be aimed at pleasing Allah. When that becomes the goal, then both spiritual advancement and mutual emotional satisfaction become possible and such marriages serve to safeguard future generations as well.
Children who suffer from bullying and take their own lives: What is Allah’s treatment of such souls?
A member of the Lajna delegation asked how Allah would treat children who take their own lives after being subjected to persistent bullying in schools, often without a full understanding that suicide is considered a grave sin in Islam.
Huzooraa responded by acknowledging the serious issue of bullying, which some children are subjected to at school. He explained that this can eventually lead to mental health disorders. In extreme cases, some children, due to this psychological trauma, end up taking their own lives.
Huzooraa stressed that parents have a vital role to play in such circumstances. He advised that a friendly and open environment must be established at home, where children feel safe and heard. He said that sometimes small children return from school visibly upset and express a strong desire not to return. Such cases, he explained, are often the result of bullying.
Parents, he emphasised, must immediately ask their children about the reasons behind their distress and then approach the school’s head teacher, staff and administration to raise the issue and protect the child. However, Huzooraa noted that in some cases, raising a complaint can result in retaliation from the bullying students, which may further isolate or worsen the situation for the affected child.
In such instances, he said, it may be necessary to temporarily withdraw the child from the school, or even change the school entirely. He mentioned that homeschooling is also an option in some countries. What is most important, he explained, is to instil confidence in the child. Every day, parents should encourage their child, uplift them and build in them the resolve that they need not fear others or be disheartened by their peers’ words.
Children must be made to feel that they are fully supported and protected. They should know that their parents will stand up for them and advocate on their behalf before school authorities. Once a child feels this sense of protection, the psychological burden can begin to lift and the symptoms of mental distress may begin to fade.
Huzooraa remarked that the real remedy lies in the relationship between parents and their children. He warned against the tendency of some fathers to be wholly absorbed in earning money, or of mothers becoming preoccupied with socialising, while their children are neglected and left to suffer. Raising children, he said, requires sacrifice.
He emphasised that children are not to be left to fend for themselves like wild animals, but must be moulded into responsible human beings. This requires real effort and commitment. He referred to the verses of the Holy Quran that are recited during nikah ceremonies, which include the exhortation:
“O ye who believe! fear Allah; and let every soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow. ” (Surah al-Hashr, Ch.59: V.19)
Huzooraa explained that this verse calls upon parents to nurture, train and prepare their children for the future.
He said that the future of every family and indeed every nation lies in its children. Therefore, proper upbringing and tarbiyat are not only beneficial for individual families, but also for humanity as a whole.
Modesty and society’s focus on physical appearance
A young woman remarked that, from childhood, girls are urged to value modesty and not give precedence to outward beauty, yet when they reach the age of marriage, proposals often seem to hinge on looks. She asked Huzooraa for guidance on dealing with this.
Huzooraa replied that if Islamic teaching appears to be neglected, the fault does not lie with the teaching itself but with society. Many people are driven by greed and forget Allah. The Holy Prophetsa taught that people generally consider four factors when arranging a marriage: wealth, beauty, family lineage and religion; of these, the most blessed choice is the one based on faith. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab an-nikah, Hadith 5090) A pious girl will be chosen by a pious boy and the well-being of future generations depends on such choices.
Huzooraa warned that a young man who neglects prayers, indulges in bad company or immoral media, or is given free licence by his parents, will not value a spiritually minded wife. Moral training must therefore be equal for boys and girls alike. Khuddam, atfal and ansar all require reform and parents must first reform themselves before guiding their children. In some societies, he said, girls are kept under strict expectations while boys are granted “open licence”; this mentality is mistaken and must change.
He urged Lajna office bearers, mothers, aunts and elders to launch a personal “campaign of reformation”, striving for their own righteousness and then helping to reform others. Only when both sides pursue piety, he said, will righteous marriages be formed and lasting good effects appear.
Undertaking a compulsory semester abroad
A student asked whether she was allowed to spend her compulsory semester abroad – for example, in the United Kingdom – to improve her English.
Huzooraa responded that if the purpose is purely academic benefit and she continues to give precedence to her faith and modesty, then she may go with the permission of her parents. Wherever a believer resides, they must observe Allah’s commands and maintain proper hijab and modesty.
Huzooraa said:
“However, always bear in mind that as an Ahmadi girl, there is a certain level of dignity and honour which ought to be upheld. You have certain responsibilities which ought to be fulfilled. Your attire should be modest. If you travel abroad for studies, you should maintain your purdah. You should not interact with boys unnecessarily. You should not interact with other girls who have a negative influence. The Holy Quran not only says to protect yourselves from men, but it also states to observe purdah from women who have a negative influence as well. So, you should protect yourselves from such people. Focus on your education. It is okay to interact and be in contact with other male students to the extent of your coursework and your studies in an open environment. However, you should not sit separately or privately with them in the cafeteria, canteen, tuck shop or restaurant and just chat with each other. […] Furthermore, your accommodation should be independent. You should live in a girls’ hostel where all are girls or find independent accommodation. If your parents are happy with this and are not worried about you [studying abroad], then it is fine; you may study abroad.”
Guiding principles for newlyweds in building a strong, spiritually aligned marriage
A member of the delegation asked what guiding principles husbands and wives should be particularly mindful of during the early years of marriage in order to establish a bond that is strong, harmonious and aligned with the pleasure of Allah the Exalted.
Huzooraa began by emphasising that both husband and wife must first acknowledge that they are not perfect. Every individual has weaknesses and shortcomings. Human perfection, he said, belongs only to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, whom Allah has described as the perfect man. (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.22) No other human being is without flaws.
Huzooraa advised that when spouses observe one another’s shortcomings, they should overlook them rather than highlight them. Instead, the focus should be on shared values and mutual interests.
He also explained that compatibility is important, but it does not require complete similarity in educational or professional backgrounds. He gave examples of marriages in which highly educated women, such as teachers or doctors, were married to men engaged in trades or running small businesses like mechanics, taxi services, or restaurants. Despite differences in education or profession, such couples often lived happily, because of mutual understanding.
The core principle, Huzooraa said, is to acknowledge and overlook each other’s flaws for the sake of a peaceful home. When this is done, the environment in which future children are raised also benefits. Once children are born, he said, both parents must be prepared to make sacrifices and to refine their own moral conduct.
He emphasised the importance of establishing a strong relationship with Allah, particularly through prayer. He urged both husband and wife to not merely perform the daily prayers in haste, but to offer them with heartfelt supplications. In their prayers, they should ask Allah to instil mutual love and affection between them and to guide them in the upbringing and tarbiyat of their children. They should pray that their children grow up on the right path, away from the negative influences of society and instead be nurtured in righteousness.
Huzooraa said the essence of a strong marriage is constant remembrance of Allah and a conscious awareness that He is watching every action. He explained that just as people change their behaviour when they are aware of being observed by CCTV cameras, they should be even more mindful knowing that Allah is watching them at all times, from every angle. If one truly believes in Allah, he said, then one’s actions must reflect that belief.
He also referred to the advice of Hazrat Amma Janra, the revered wife of the Promised Messiahas, who used to counsel young women, including Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begumra, about maintaining peace in marriage. Hazrat Amma Janra advised that if a husband does something wrong out of anger, the wife should wait until his anger has subsided before gently offering any counsel. (Sirat wa Sawanih Hazrat Syedah Nawab Mubarikah Begum, pp. 253-255) If a wife tries to correct her husband while he is still angry, it may lead to arguments and, in extreme cases, separation. Similarly, if the wife is angry, the husband should remain quiet and later offer advice at a better time. This approach of restraint and mutual patience helps preserve harmony.
Huzooraa concluded by saying that when children are born, both parents must be willing to make sacrifices for their sake.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the mulaqat, the participants were graciously given gifts by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Huzooraa then took his leave, bringing the blessed session to an end.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)
