Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 1 June 2025: The amila members of the Sector 78 Jamaat in France were granted a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The meeting commenced as Huzooraa arrived, greeted the attendees and led them in silent prayer. Huzooraa then turned his attention to the local president, Muhammad Belarbi Sahib, to begin the proceedings.
Review of Jamaat activities and targets
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about the local Jamaat’s composition. It was reported a total of 121 Ahmadis, with 67% being of Moroccan and Algerian descent and the remainder of Pakistani origin.
Huzooraa then delved into the Jamaat’s tabligh efforts, asking about their annual bai‘at target. Upon learning the target was five new converts, Huzooraa advised that this figure was too modest. He counselled that even if each of the amila members present were to bring one person into the fold of Ahmadiyyat, the number would surpass the current target. Huzooraa emphasised the necessity of setting ambitious goals and formulating proactive programmes, cautioning that without such ambition, the mission of spreading Ahmadiyyat would take centuries.
Following brief introductions from the General Secretary and the Qaid Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Huzooraa addressed the Secretary Ishaat, enquiring about the publication of any local periodical. The secretary explained that while they organised reading sessions after prayers and distributed some literature at stalls, they lacked a dedicated centre and were only able to hold prayers four times a week in a garage. In response, Huzooraa reminded him that offering prayers five times a day is obligatory.
The Assistant Secretary for Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid was asked if all Jamaat members were participating in these schemes. He reported that 50 members had made promises, with 42 having fulfilled them. Huzooraa advised that children should also be included in these blessed schemes.
Addressing the Secretary Tarbiyat, Huzooraa stressed the importance of encouraging members to attend prayers regularly. He noted that with 121 members, it should be feasible to arrange a salat centre, even within someone’s home.
During the discussion with the Secretary Maal, Huzooraa also enquired about the number of musis. This led to an exchange with the Secretary Wasaya, whom Huzooraa encouraged to increase the number of members participating in the scheme.
The Secretary Ziafat was asked about opportunities for providing hospitality. He explained that food is organised for guests during tabligh events.
Finally, Huzoor-e-Anwaraa spoke with the Secretary Umoor-e-Kharijiyyah, asking about his personal contacts with councillors, politicians, government officials and academics, etc. The secretary affirmed that he maintained good relations with such figures. Learning that the secretary was a native Frenchman, Huzooraa remarked that this could be particularly beneficial, advising him to leverage this to build stronger relationships with neighbours and local officials.
Project for a new salat centre
A member of the amila presented a report on a project to acquire a property for a dedicated salat centre. He explained that the plan was to purchase a house in the city and convert it into a prayer centre, with the aim of completing the purchase in June.
Huzooraa enquired about the accessibility of the proposed location. The secretary confirmed that its location was convenient for over 60% of the local Jamaat members. Huzooraa then asked about the financial plan and timeline for the purchase. The secretary reported that significant efforts had been made during the month to encourage financial sacrifices for this cause. The total cost of the property is 270,000 euros, of which 37,000 euros has already been collected from the local Jamaat. Huzooraa noted that 233,000 euros were still outstanding and enquired whether the national Jamaat headquarters would be providing a loan to cover the shortfall. The secretary acknowledged that further efforts were required.
Huzooraa asked if the local members had the financial capacity to purchase the property. The secretary opined that while it might not be possible within a month, it was certainly achievable over a few years, though the desire to acquire the centre immediately was strong in order to meet the objectives set by Huzooraa.
In response to a question from Huzooraa, it was stated that most members are salaried employees rather than business owners. He then presented photographs of the proposed property. Huzooraa asked if it was in a residential area and whether they had secured permission from the local council for congregational activities. The secretary confirmed that they had met with the council and, due to the availability of nearby parking, no objections had been raised.
Huzooraa then asked the Sadr Sahib about the extent of support from the national headquarters and the conditions of any potential loan. The Sadr explained that it was part of a national scheme to which every Jamaat contributes.
Huzooraa concluded this segment by praying that Allah the Almighty may enable them to acquire the centre soon. Upon learning that the Jamaat did not have a resident missionary, Huzooraa asked if they needed one, to which the Sadr replied in the affirmative.
Guidance on financial sacrifices
Next, permission was granted for members to ask questions.
The Secretary Maal sought guidance regarding the collection of chanda. He asked whether it would be better to allow members to calculate and declare their monthly contribution themselves, rather than asking for their income details, as some members feel hesitant to disclose their full earnings.
Huzooraa instructed that members, especially the musis, should at least be asked to affirm that their contribution is in line with what they can afford.
Huzooraa acknowledged that due to rising inflation and expenses, some may not be able to pay the full prescribed rate. It is better for them to contribute a smaller amount truthfully than to resort to falsehood. The focus should be on sincerity. If someone with a high income wishes to contribute a lesser amount for a valid reason, they may seek permission from the Markaz.
The spirit of service
The General Secretary expressed a concern that much of his work felt administrative and procedural. He sought Huzoor’saa guidance on how to prevent this role from becoming a mere formality.
Huzooraa responded by reminding him that the principles and guidelines for service are well-established and have been repeatedly explained. He stated that he cannot individually instruct every office-bearer across the expanding global Jamaat. The guidance is available in his sermons, addresses and meetings and is disseminated through official publications. The rules and regulations are clearly documented. Those who are sincere in their desire to work can find the way. The key, Huzooraa advised, is to perform one’s duties with honesty and with the sole intention of pleasing Allah the Almighty and serving His Jamaat. Simply filing reports is not the true purpose of the work.
The Jamaat as a spiritual system
Another member asked for guidance on how to respond to those who wish to run the Jamaat’s system like a company.
Huzooraa clarified that the Jamaat operates according to its own established rules and regulations, as detailed in the Dastur-e-Asasi (Constitution) and other regulatory documents for central, local and auxiliary bodies. The roles and responsibilities of every office-bearer are clearly defined. While the Jamaat adopts effective practices from secular organisations, its foundation is spiritual. The ultimate objective is not corporate profit but attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. All work within the Jamaat should be undertaken with this divine purpose in mind, not to please any individual or the Markaz. God is all-seeing. Huzooraa referenced his recent address to the Majlis-e-Shura of the UK, which contained comprehensive guidance for office-bearers. He reiterated that the Jamaat is Allah’s ‘company’ and when pleasing Him is the primary objective, all matters naturally fall into place.
Guidance on mercy killing
A member noted that France is considering legalising euthanasia, or mercy killing and asked for guidance for Ahmadi healthcare professionals who might be instructed to carry out such a procedure.
Huzooraa explained that mercy killing does not typically involve a direct, violent act by a doctor. It is usually administered through a slow-acting poison or the withdrawal of treatment, often by paramedical staff under a doctor’s direction. Huzooraa advised that a person with a strong conscience should try to be excused from such a duty by stating their inability to perform it. In a situation where it becomes a legal and professional obligation and the patient themselves has requested it, it becomes a matter of compulsion. The doctor is not committing murder in the criminal sense.
The ideal course, Huzooraa stated, is to avoid involvement. One should try to be excused from the task. If that is not possible, one must either leave the profession or comply under duress.
The questioner mentioned that his 16-year-old daughter wishes to enter the medical field. Huzooraa counselled that she should not be discouraged. The medical profession is vast and she can choose a specialisation focused on saving lives rather than ending them. He advised the family to focus on the positive aspects of the profession. Becoming a doctor is a noble pursuit dedicated to saving lives and situations involving mercy killing are extremely rare.
The mulaqat concluded with a request from the Sadr Sahib for a group photograph with Huzooraa, which was graciously granted.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)