Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 24 November 2024: The amila of Brampton West Amarat, including the local presidents, and the two missionaries, had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, for an in-person mulaqat at Islamabad, UK.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa arrived at the mulaqat room, greeted the members of the amila, and first addressed Abdul Jabbar Zafar Sahib, the Local Ameer of Brampton West Amarat, enquiring about the purpose of their visit. Huzooraa then led everyone in silent prayer. Following this, Huzooraa spoke with each participant individually, asking about their roles and duties.
While speaking with Secretary Tabligh, Huzooraa enquired about the bai‘ats they had achieved and encouraged them to also win the hearts of the local Canadians for Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Then, Huzooraa spoke again with the Local Ameer, who conveyed the salaam of all members of the Jamaat and requested prayers for them. He also expressed their strong desire for Huzooraa to visit Canada. Huzooraa smiled and replied, ‘What am I to do there?’ Ameer Sahib responded that they wished Huzooraa could inaugurate the Mubarak Mosque.
Huzooraa then turned to a couple of secretaries before allowing the members to ask questions. Here is a summary of their interactions:
Setting ambitious targets for tabligh and bai‘ats
Huzooraa enquired about the bai‘at target set by the Secretary of Tabligh, who mentioned that their goal was to reach 20 people. Huzooraa expressed surprise at the low target, noting that with the population of Canada being over 40 million and Brampton alone having over 700,000 people, the target should be much higher. He emphasised that Jamaat members should take the initiative and set ambitious goals that reflect the size of the population.
The secretary then explained their approach, mentioning that they had started with a Seerat-un-Nabi event attended by around 30 guests, many of whom were visiting a mosque for the first time. The secretary also mentioned an annual interfaith event held in November, which had previously been covered by MTA, and included 54 guests.
Huzooraa highlighted the need to reach a larger audience, stating that at least 10% of the population should be aware of Islam, and encouraged them to create a comprehensive plan involving Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ansarullah, and Lajna Imaillah. Huzooraa said:
“I had said 10 or 15 years ago that at least 10% of the population should receive the message of Islam so that they are at least introduced to [Islam]. After that, the work would continue to expand. By now, vast progress should have been made! Therefore, a plan must be devised so that in your area, every individual becomes aware of what Islam truly is, what Ahmadiyyat represents, and what the true teachings of Islam entail. The face [of Islam] seen by outsiders when they observe Muslims is not its true face; rather, its true teachings are these [of Islam Ahmadiyyat]. Thus, it is essential to increase awareness of this introduction.
“To achieve this, a plan must be made in collaboration with Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ansarullah, and Lajna Imaillah—all working together. There must be a concerted effort.”
The secretary affirmed that they would work towards this goal.
Challenges in achieving election quorum and tarbiyat
One of the amila members brought up the difficulty of achieving the required quorum during elections, which was causing a significant waste of resources and time.
In response, Huzooraa explained that this issue was not unique to Brampton. He remarked that if proper tarbiyat and training are provided, such problems do not arise, and then asked the Secretary of Tarbiyyat about his tarbiyat plans.
The secretary noted that missionaries often visited homes. To this, Huzooraa acknowledged the efforts of the missionaries but emphasised that while they were fulfilling their responsibilities, the secretary should also focus on building a team of his own for effective tarbiyat work.
Huzooraa said:
“Engage with people, bring them closer, and help them understand the importance of the Jamaat’s system and its activities. They should realise the significance of institutions like Shura and elections, and the need to fulfil their responsibilities, including ensuring quorum. Only then will they participate. This is the duty of the Secretary Tarbiyat—to train members in every respect.”
Huzooraa stressed that true tarbiyat requires genuine effort and cannot be reduced to superficial numbers or unverified reports on prayers and Quran recitation. He said:
“Tarbiyat involves instilling in their hearts a sense of their obligations—towards Allah the Almighty, the rights they owe to others, and their assigned Jamaat responsibilities. Worship, coupled with the duties entrusted to them by Allah, mandates adherence to the Jamaat system, as they have pledged to do so. Every time we take the pledge, whether as ansar, Lajna members, or others, we affirm that we will prioritise our faith over worldly matters. To honour this pledge means putting personal needs aside and prioritising Jamaat’s requirements.
“If someone cannot attend even an annual meeting or an election held every two or three years, how can they claim to have fulfilled their pledge? Fulfilling these pledges is also a responsibility. It is the secretary’s duty to instil this understanding in people’s minds and hearts. Submitting a shallow report, such as stating how many people pray, is inadequate. Offering prayers is a basic obligation. The Promised Messiahas stated that a religion without worship is no religion, and he defined worship as offering the five daily prayers. Simply fulfilling this obligation is nothing extraordinary—it is required [fardh]. If someone is not offering prayers, how can they even claim to be an Ahmadi?
“Similarly, reciting the Holy Quran is essential, even if it is just one or two rukus daily. This is necessary to acquire knowledge of the faith. Additionally, administrative duties, dedicating time, participating in preaching efforts, supporting tarbiyat programmes, and creating an atmosphere of tarbiyat in one’s home—these are supplementary tasks that every Ahmadi should engage in. This collective effort creates an environment where everyone progresses together.
“When this spirit is alive, issues like quorum not being met during elections or Shura sessions will no longer arise. Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ansarullah, and Lajna will no longer have grievances about participation. A spirit of collective responsibility will naturally ensure the quorum for all events. This is a matter of instilling a living spirit within members.
“The role of the Secretary Tarbiyat is vast. If the secretary is active, the Department of Umur-e-Ammah will have fewer challenges; the work of tabligh will be supported, and the Department of Maal will also benefit. Every individual will feel their personal responsibility. Those who have been trained well and understand the spirit of sacrifice and their purpose will contribute both financially and with their time.
“All these aspects fall under tarbiyat. If you become active and your department becomes functional, and if murabbis focus on tarbiyat with these principles, then problems will cease to exist altogether. Everything will be resolved.
“Even your amila members may not be those who consistently offer 100% of the five daily prayers in congregation, what then can be expected of others? You may invite me to inaugurate the Mubarak Mosque, saying, ‘We have built this mosque.’ But how many people who live within 10 minutes of it, whether by walk or by car, actually attend?”
Huzooraa then asked a murabbi how many people live near the mosque and how many attend different prayers. He further enquired how many members of the amila live close to the mosque. One Sadr Sahib said that they had recently held ‘Ashra Salat’ (ten days of focus on prayer), and attendance was good. Huzooraa responded:
“It should not be limited to ‘Ashra Salat’ only; rather, every day should be a ‘Yawm-us-Salat’. Fulfil this basic obligation, and the rest of your tasks will resolve themselves naturally.”
Participation in Remembrance Day events
An amila member enquired about the “Muslims for Remembrance” initiative, where Jamaat members honour war veterans.
Huzooraa reflected on the reasons behind the previous instruction to the Canada Jamaat not to participate. He explained that while participation is not inherently objectionable, it should focus solely on remembrance. He emphasised the need to avoid activities that could allow groups to misrepresent the Jamaat’s stance, advance their political agendas, or create the impression that the Jamaat is aligning with groups it does not wish to be associated with. He added that the Canadian Jamaat may seek approval to resume participation. Huzooraa also noted that restrictions arose in one region (outside Canada) due to poppies with Christian crosses being sold, though not produced by Ahmadis.
Financial sacrifices and youth engagement
An amila member sought guidance on encouraging young khuddam and Lajna members, who transition from students to professionals or businesspeople, to begin regular financial contributions. He explained that many continue declaring themselves as students for extended periods, making it challenging to integrate them into the Jamaat’s financial system.
Huzooraa emphasised that this challenge falls under the domain of tarbiyat. He stated that if individuals truly understood the importance of financial sacrifice and their obligations to the Jamaat, they would naturally begin contributing once they started earning. Huzooraa advised murabbis and officeholders to consistently remind members, including students who are earning, about their responsibilities through sermons and personal interactions.
He further explained that students who genuinely face financial constraints should formally communicate this and seek permission, declaring their inability to contribute chanda aam while participating in other financial schemes. This transparency helps maintain accountability without undue pressure.
Huzooraa likened the process of tarbiyat to the Quranic analogy of Prophet Abrahamas training birds to return upon being called. He stated that if tarbiyat is effective, individuals will naturally respond. He also stressed the importance of personal examples set by amila members, murabbis, and officeholders. A positive and approachable demeanour creates trust and engagement, whereas negative behaviour or reservations arising from poor conduct can drive members away.
Bahishti Maqbarah and additional burial sites
A member asked about the possibility of establishing additional sites for Bahishti Maqbarah, “Huzooraa, currently there are two Bahishti Maqbarah sites, in Qadian and Rabwah. Is there any possibility of establishing a third site elsewhere?”
Huzooraa explained that the title of ‘Bahishti Maqbarah’ is intrinsically tied to the guidance provided by the Promised Messiahas. He established the first site in Qadian during his lifetime, and the second site in Rabwah was established by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, where Hazrat Ummul Momineenra, the wife of the Promised Messiahas, and other family members are buried. These two sites are unique and will retain their distinct designation as ‘Bahishti Maqbarah’.
Huzooraa further elaborated that the Promised Messiahas, in his booklet Al-Wasiyyat, instructed that graveyards for musis (those who have pledged Wasiyyat) be established in other countries as well. [The-Will (English), 2023, pp. 42-43] Such graveyards, referred to as “maqbarah musiyan,” have already been set up in various parts of the world, including Canada. These sections are reserved exclusively for musis and require prior approval from the Khalifa of the time.
Engaging families with limited Jamaat contact
Another amila member raised the challenge of some families who do not attend Jamaat meetings or events and have limited contact with the Jamaat. The member asked what approach an office-bearer should take in such situations.
Huzooraa advised that it is their responsibility as office-bearers to continue making efforts to connect with these families. They should not give up until the family explicitly states that they are no longer Ahmadis. As long as they identify as Ahmadis, it is the duty of the office-bearer to engage them with love and patience, continually praying and striving to bring them closer. This includes maintaining personal contact beyond formal duties such as collecting chanda or organising meetings. Huzooraa emphasised that secretaries should visit such families regularly, even without discussing chanda or specific Jamaat duties, and encourage them to come to the mosque and participate in prayers. The goal is to make them feel part of the Jamaat and understand the importance of the Jamaat’s system.
Huzooraa said it is essential to keep trying until they either fully reconnect or explicitly state otherwise. Persistent efforts and prayers are key in such matters.
Wasiyyat Hissa Jaidad and property-related rules
A member asked about the issue of property valuations for Wasiyyat Hissa Jaidad, given the rising cost of properties, and whether the payment period could be extended to ten years instead of five.
Huzooraa highlighted that the system of Wasiyyat is built on the principles of sacrifice. The existing five-year payment period is designed to balance flexibility with the spirit of sacrifice. Extending this period, especially in light of fluctuating property values, could undermine the essence of Wasiyyat.
Huzooraa also emphasised the importance of ensuring that sacrifices in Wasiyyat go beyond the ordinary, differentiating them from the sacrifices of those offering regular financial contributions through chanda aam. He encouraged members to approach their obligations with sincerity and a spirit of sacrifice while maintaining transparency and seeking guidance where needed. Adjustments or proposals, if necessary, should be presented through appropriate channels while adhering to these guiding principles.
Possibility of performing Hajj as Ahmadis
An amila member asked if Ahmadis would ever be able to perform Hajj openly as Ahmadis.
Huzooraa responded that they should pray for this, as only Allah knows the future. Huzooraa expressed hope that conditions would continue to improve and reminded them that such matters depend on the overall circumstances and Allah’s will.
Conclusion
The mulaqat concluded with Huzooraa graciously granting the amila members the opportunity to take a group photograph with him.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)