Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 1 June 2026: Members of the wider Additional Wakalat-e-Tasneef team from the United States were blessed with a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aa).
A large team and a great responsibility
At the beginning of the mulaqat, Huzoor (aa) noted the size of the team and drew attention to the scale of the work that remained. He remarked that, with such a large team, the Jamaat’s literature should by now have been translated into English.
Thereafter, Maulana Munir-ud-Din Shams Sahiab, Additional Wakil-ut-Tasneef, UK, presented a report on the progress of Additional Wakalat-e-Tasneef. He said that by the time of the previous mulaqat with Huzoor (aa) in 2023, translations of 309 books had been completed, at an average of about 15 books per year. Since then, a further 62 books had been completed, including 29 translated works and 33 formatted books, raising the average to just over 20 books per year. With regard to Ruhani Khazain and Malfuzat, he reported that 76% of the books had been translated. Out of 93 books of the Promised Messiah (as), 71 had been published in English, representing 60% of the total pages.
Members then introduced themselves one by one. The responsibilities mentioned included project management, translation, Urdu-to-English review, English review, high-level review, formatting, finalisation, indexing, archiving, cover design, eBooks, Arabic review, children’s books and educational activities.
Translation, review, formatting and publication workflow
During the introductions, several members explained that they were involved in translation and review work from Urdu into English, while others assisted with formatting, finalisation, reference checking, indexing and cover design. One member mentioned that he had been serving with the Tasneef committee since 2003 and was involved in archiving and, previously, cover work. Another member said that he carried out high-level review of Urdu-to-English translations, including formatting and checking references.
Huzoor (aa) also asked one member whether he knew Urdu or relied on AI assistance. The member replied that he knew Urdu, having been born in Pakistan and migrated later in life. Another member explained that, though he did not know Urdu, he assisted in translation and review from Arabic into English.
A member also reported that the department had compiled a list of more than 1,000 approved terms, based on approvals from the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) onwards. These terms had been incorporated into the Tasneef style guide so that, where the context was applicable, the approved English wording could be used consistently.
Young volunteers and family participation
Several young members were also present in the mulaqat and introduced their work. One boy in Year 7 said that he helped with formatting. Huzoor (aa) asked him whether he knew Urdu, how he carried out formatting and where he had learnt the technical skills. The boy replied that his father had taught him.
Another young member, who had recently joined Tasneef, introduced himself, upon which Huzoor (aa) encouraged him to work more than the elders so that they too would be motivated to work.
The presence of several members from the same family was also noted. One Lajna member said she worked on formatting and eBooks, while her daughter explained that she assisted with formatting and cover design. Huzoor (aa) observed that the family had formed a whole team, so to speak, with even the children involved and said that this was a good thing.
Work on children’s books
Members of the children’s book team also introduced themselves. It was mentioned that some worked on translations, review, formatting, editing, indexing and educational activities for children’s books. One Lajna member said that she led the team working on children’s books and reported that, since the previous mulaqat, eight books had been completed.
Huzoor (aa) observed that, while comparatively fewer children’s books were available in Urdu, there were more in English. It was explained that some of the work involved translating books previously published by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya of a certain country.
A thirteen-year-old waqifa-e-nau also introduced herself and said that she worked with the children’s team. Another member explained that she helped prepare activities such as word searches for the children’s books.
The English translation of Ruhani Khazain
After hearing the report and speaking with the members, Huzoor (aa) prayed that Allah may enable them to continue their work and drew attention to the need for greater speed in completing the remaining translations. He noted that 71 books from Ruhani Khazain had been completed and instructed that the remaining books should also be completed soon.
Huzoor (aa) then pointed out that the German team had completed the entire Ruhani Khazain in German, despite having begun only around ten years ago and despite having a smaller team. He added that the Arabic team had also completed the translation. Huzoor (aa) said that English had remained behind and that this was now a challenge for the team.
Studies and Tasneef work
A young member asked how he should balance schoolwork with Tasneef work. He explained that, over the previous six months, he had spent around 12 to 18 hours a week on Tasneef and sometimes more due to deadlines, which meant that he occasionally delayed schoolwork. He added that, by the grace of Allah, he had maintained straight A grades and was passionate about Tasneef work.
Huzoor (aa) advised him clearly that he should do his schoolwork first and then Tasneef. His first priority should be school. Huzoor (aa) explained that once he completes his education and attains a good degree in whichever field he chooses, he can then give extra time to Tasneef work.
Huzoor (aa) said that as a young boy, he may certainly give time to Tasneef, but his first preference must remain his studies. He advised him to prepare a timetable. Huzoor (aa) noted that in the West, schools are only in session for part of the year, while many days remain free. During those free days, he can give time to Tasneef work; but when school is in session, he should give priority to his studies.
‘Tasneef’ means writing, not merely translation
A Lajna member from the children’s team mentioned that, while the team was preparing books for older children and teenagers, there was a shortage of books for children under the age of ten.
Huzoor (aa) said that the team should prepare such books themselves. He said that Allah had granted them fertile minds and ability and they should write and present such books. Huzoor (aa) reminded them that ‘tasneef’ does not mean translation only; it also means writing. Therefore, alongside translation, they should author short books for young children.
Conclusion
As the mulaqat concluded, the members had the opportunity to have photographs taken with Huzoor (aa). They also received pens as gifts.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)