On Sunday, 14 January 2024, a group of khuddam – aged between 18 and 40 – from Connecticut, USA, had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a face-to-face, in-person mulaqat. The mulaqat took place in Islamabad, UK. At the outset of the meeting, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam.
Huzooraa then turned to the khuddam, who proceeded to introduce themselves. Haris Qureshi Sahib was the first. He mentioned being the son of Dr Mahmood Qureshi Sahib and shared that he was pursuing a medical degree at Yale University. When Huzooraa enquired about any siblings, he responded that he had a younger brother seated behind him. Recognising his name, Huzooraa further asked about the upcoming wedding, and Haris confirmed that it was his wedding that was soon to take place.
Next, Taymoor Abdullah Ahmad Sahib introduced himself. He mentioned that he was in his second year at university. Huzooraa asked about his field of study, to which Taymoor Sahib mentioned that he initially intended to pursue engineering but was currently undecided. He explained that he was contemplating pursuing civil or mechanical engineering. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa remarked on the significant difference between the two disciplines.
Then, Masroor Ahmad Khan Sahib, the son of Mansoor Ahmad Khan Sahib, introduced himself. He mentioned that in May, he completed his master’s degree in biomedical science. Huzooraa enquired if he was born in America, which he affirmed. Following this, Huzooraa asked about his career aspirations, specifically whether he aimed for research. In response, the young khadim expressed his desire to attend dental school.
Subsequently, turning to the missionary, Rizwan Khan Sahib, Huzooraa asked about the size of the Jamaat in Connecticut, to which he replied that the tajnid is 349. Huzooraa enquired if they were all scattered or if there was a centre or a mosque. Rizwan Sahib responded that there was a mosque and added that the members were dispersed, with some living 30 minutes away, some an hour away, and some even an hour and a half away. He mentioned that around ten families reside within a 20-minute radius.
Next, Hashir Ameen Sahib, son of Shahid Ameen Sahib, said he was currently studying at the university. Talha Javed Sahib, the son of Muhammad Javed Iqbal Sahib, mentioned that he is in his first year at the university, studying nuclear engineering. Isa Zafar Sahib was next to introduce himself. He said he was studying digital media and design and he added that he wanted to make TV shows. Huzooraa asked him if he wanted to enter the film industry or a news channel. Huzooraa mentioned that he could use his expertise in MTA after acquiring knowledge.
Next, Majid Qureshi Sahib, son of Dr Mahmood Qureshi Sahib, mentioned that he was in his fourth year of university, currently studying biomedical engineering. He stated that he was planning to pursue a combined degree in medicine and a PhD and expressed his desire to enter the field of research. Huzooraa enquired about his ambitions, to which he replied that he was still thinking and had to figure that out. However, he added that he recently developed a research interest. Huzooraa agreed and said that research would be better. He also mentioned that he was a waqif-e-nau too. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Then you can go into research.”
Asim Ahmad Sahib, son of Raza Ahmad Sahib, said he was part of the Hanjra family. He mentioned that professionally, he works at a multinational conglomerate as a design quality engineer, specialising in hospital patient monitoring. Additionally, he shared that he studied biology and medical engineering, completing his master’s. He also mentioned his role as the Talim Secretary. Huzooraa asked him if he was born in America, and he affirmed. Huzooraa enquired about his connection to Pakistan, asking if he knew his roots and his family village. Huzooraa also asked if he could speak Punjabi, to which he responded that he could not. Huzooraa said, “Try to learn Punjabi; otherwise, you cannot know your roots.”
Jonathan Tores Sahib, 33, was next to introduce himself. He said he was a convert and did bai‘at at Huzoor’saa hands in 2014. He said he was, by profession, a financial adviser working for a bank. Huzooraa asked him if he was married, to which he said he was not. Huzooraa then said, “Ask your Murabbi Sahib to find a good match for you.”
Salman Raheel Sahib, son of Irfan Ahmad Raheel Sahib and grandson of Barkat Ali Sahib, Darwesh-e-Qadian, mentioned that he recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Mabroor Ahmad Khan Sahib, son of Mansoor Ahmad Khan Sahib, said he was a dentist by profession. Haseeb Ahmad Sahib, son of Raza Ahmad Sahib and grandson of Mian Riaz Ahmad Hanjra Sahib, mentioned that he and his wife have been in Morocco since December and said that they adopted a son, Ibrahim, who is 16 months old. He further requested prayers. Ijaz Ahmad Khokar Sahib, son of Tahir Ahmad Khokar Sahib, said he did a PhD in organic chemistry. Khaleeq Ahmad Tahir Sahib, son of Rafeeq Ahmad Tahir Sahib and grandson of Barkat Ali Sahib Darwesh, stated that he is 21 years old and currently in his third year of university, studying computer science.
Then, Nail Khalid Bajwa Sahib, son of Khalid Maqsood Sahib, mentioned that he was in his first year of medical school. He sought guidance from Huzooraa for his future. Huzooraa asked about his preferences and advised him to specialise in cardiology. Faizan Ahmad Nadeem Sahib, son of Zafar Nadeem Sahib and grandson of Barkat Ali Sahib Darwesh, said he was in his second year of university studying computer science.
Nasir Mannan Sahib, son of Manzoor Mannan Sahib and grandson of Mian Abdul Mannan Sahib, mentioned that he has dual master’s degrees in mechanical and software engineering. Musa Zafar Sahib said he is currently studying computer science and added that he recently performed Umrah. He stated that he plans on attaining a master’s degree and then entering the field of work.
Mubasil Chaudhry Sahib, 27, son of Munawar Ahmad Chaudhry Sahib, stated that he is planning to pursue a career in cybersecurity. While introducing himself, Imran Raheel Sahib mentioned that he has three children and is 37 years old. Hashir Mirza Sahib said he was a waqif-e-nau and stated that he recently completed his bachelor’s degree in biology. Yasir Ameen Sahib, serving as Qaid Majlis Connecticut, then had the chance to introduce himself.
Speaking with Jonathan Tores Sahib, Huzooraa asked about his background, to which he replied that he is Puerto Rican and mentioned that he grew up in a Christian family.
After the introductions, the khuddam had the opportunity to ask some questions. A khadim, speaking with Huzooraa, said that in his line of work, he worked with companies and some of those companies worked with Israeli companies. He asked Huzoor’saa advice on this. He also added that he has a choice as to who he desires to work with.
Huzooraa asked, “Is there any business in the United States where Israelis are not involved directly or indirectly?” Huzooraa then advised him to pay more chanda and charity [sadaqah] from his income.
The khadim asked for guidance about the use of homoeopathic remedies for individuals who have undergone organ transplants and are on extensive medication for immune suppression. He mentioned that doctors typically advise against homoeopathy in such cases. He sought advice from Huzooraa on whether one should still consider homoeopathic treatments despite the doctors’ recommendations.
Huzooraa said:
“We should not rely on and trust only one medicine. If you believe, if you think, that homoeopathic can be useful for the treatment of that ailment, as a supplement as well, then you can use it, no problem. But, [for] those people who don’t believe in homoeopathy, then it will not work for them […]. Once Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was taking some medicine. He took allopathic medicine first, then native ayurvedic medicine, and then, after that, homoeopathic medicine. Somebody standing by asked, ‘Huzoor, why have you taken so much medicine? Which one will work?’ He responded, ‘I don’t trust any of the medicines; I trust in Allah the Almighty, I don’t know which medicine has been blessed by Allah the Almighty to work on my ailment, so this is why I am using all of them.’”
Then, a khadim said to Huzooraa that he received a rishta proposal from Pakistan and requested Huzoor’saa prayers. When asking his question, he said that our time on earth will come to an end at some point and enquired if there is a time limit to our stay in heaven and whether that time will also come to an end. Huzooraa said, “The concept of time in the hereafter is beyond our comprehension. So, even if there is a limit to time, in the eyes of Allah the Almighty, it is unlimited for us. We cannot say when it is going to end.”
Next, Huzooraa was asked about the dars that was delivered in Masjid Mubarak on that morning. The khadim asked why Christians had a fascination with or a longing for the Roman Empire, which had persecuted them. However, he questioned why they cursed the Muslims who openly accepted them when they took Jerusalem. The khadim also alluded to the incident where Hazrat Umarra was offered to pray in the church but refused out of respect.
Huzooraa said, “Those original Christians were the true believers. They believed in one God. They didn’t believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God, but later on, when Christianity spread, the Roman king accepted Christianity and they just distorted the teachings of Christianity and added some of their own traditions and myths about their religion. So, present-day Christianity is actually a mixture of Roman ideology and Christianity. This is why they are not against the Romans.”
While seeking guidance from Huzooraa, a khadim mentioned that he was a waqif-e-nau and expressed his intention to pursue civil engineering. He added that he was also thinking about other fields, such as medicine. He conveyed his confusion regarding the choice of a specific field and sought Huzoor’saa advice and guidance.
Huzooraa remarked that if, alongside studying these subjects, he could also pursue medicine, it would be beneficial, as Huzooraa emphasised that medicine is better. Furthermore, Huzooraa mentioned that delving into research within the medical field would be an even better option.
The khadim also made a request, mentioning that they had submitted their rings and asked if Huzooraa could bless them. Huzooraa then, one by one, blessed the rings by touching them with the ring of the Promised Messiahas that he was wearing.
The next khadim mentioned that their group came with the missionary with the intention of praying all five daily salat behind Huzooraa and having the opportunity to spend time and receive this gracious mulaqat. He also asked what they could all take away upon returning to America to strengthen their bond with Khilafat.
Huzooraa said, “The main lesson is to try to be particular in offering five daily prayers on time; whatever the condition may be, never miss any prayer. That should be the main thing that you should emphasise and be particular about.” Following this, a khadim expressed his feelings about this moment. Huzooraa then asked them about their accommodation, food, and if everything was fine.
A khadim also requested Huzooraa to pray for their missionary, Rizwan Khan Sahib, who brought everyone together and worked to make their trip possible. Huzooraa replied, “Being a young man, he should be the joining and bonding force among the youngsters.”
Upon being asked how we can make tabligh more effective, Huzooraa said:
“Our job is just to spread the message, to convey the message, to preach as much as we can by distributing literature pamphlets, brochures and using social media, and the fruits and outcome are in the hands of Allah the Almighty; whenever He wishes, He will give you the fruits.”
Following this, a khadim asked Huzooraa for a piece of advice or attribute they could instil to have a successful relationship with their future spouse and in-laws.
Huzooraa answered:
“They say, ‘Nobody is perfect.’ Always show patience for your wives. Whenever you see anything wrong – any shortcoming, anything – then close your eyes, close your ears, and close your mouth. Your life will be okay.”
Huzooraa then distributed pens to the khuddam. In the end, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)