From 6-8 October 2023, Majlis Ansarullah UK held their annual ijtema at the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in Morden, UK. Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the ijtema on the final day to formally conclude the event with an address.
At 16:07 local time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the ijtema site. Upon arrival, various groups of ansar had the honour of having their photos taken with Huzooraa. He then proceeded to the prayer hall of Baitul Futuh Mosque and led everyone in Zuhr and Asr prayers.
At 16:55, Huzooraa arrived at the Tahir Hall, and the formal proceedings of the final session of Majlis Ansarullah UK’s national ijtema commenced. Huzooraa invited Hafiz Tayyib Ahmad Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. He recited the first five verses of Surah al-Jumu‘ah and presented their English translation.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then stood up, as did all those present, and took the Ansarullah pledge. Majlis Ansarullah USA and France, also holding their annual ijtemas, joined the proceedings through a video link.
Subsequently, Huzooraa invited Munir Odeh Sahib to recite a qasidah. He presented couplets from an Arabic poem penned by the Promised Messiahas in honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Tommy Kallon Sahib provided the English translation of these couplets. After this, Huzooraa asked Umar Sharif Sahib to recite an Urdu poem, similarly composed by the Promised Messiahas, in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.
Huzooraa then invited Dr Ch. Ijaz Ur Rehman Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah UK, to present the ijtema report. In his report, Sadr Sahib expressed profound gratitude to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for gracing the event and humbly requested his prayers. He further said the theme of the ijtema, with Huzoor’saa permission, revolved around the “aims and objectives of the advent of the Promised Messiahas”. The ijtema, he reported, had been an enriching experience for all attendees, featuring tahajjud along with other prayers, scholarly speeches, interactive panel discussions, educational exhibitions, and a blend of academic and sports competitions.
Qaid Sahib Amoomi Majlis Ansarullah UK was then called by Huzooraa to announce the Alam-e-Inami prize for the best majlis which Huzooraa awarded to the winning qiadat of Dudley in the West Midlands, UK.
At 16:23, Huzooraa came to the podium and conveyed “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” and recited tashahhud and ta‘awwuz. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then said:
Ijtemas of Majlis Ansarullah UK, alongside those of the USA and France, are concurrently underway. MTA has unified all the Ahmadis across the world in such a way that they all participate in these events. And today, many ansar from the UK as well as those around the world will be watching and listening to this event. Hence, Huzooraa said, his words today are addressed to all of them. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the founder of Majlis Ansarullah, once remarked during an address to the ansar that the name “Ansarullah” (helpers of Allah) was chosen with deliberate thought. The age of a nasir signifies maturity. Consequently, it is imperative for every nasir to serve the faith with the utmost dedication. This service not only pertains to financial sacrifice but also to various other facets of faith.
Huzooraa said that, from a religious perspective, it is your responsibility to spend the maximum amount of your time in worship and in promoting and propagating the faith through your actions and preaching. This is so that, by observing your example, your children may also develop piety in them. Hence, every nasir must increase his standard of worship and set an example for his progeny. The Holy Quran makes mention of Hazrat Ibrahimas, highlighting his persistent counsel to his offspring about the importance of God’s worship. Hence, it is also the duty of Ansarullah to do so. This, Huzooraa said, will result in the raining down of the blessings of Allah. And until this remains, Jamaat will continue to progress. Huzooraa said, if you truly aspire to safeguard your existence, the lives of your offspring, and the vitality of the Community, and if you aim to shield both yourself and your lineage from worldly impurities, it is imperative to introspectively evaluate the standards of your prayers and the remembrance of Allah [zikr-e-ilahi]. Otherwise, the slogan of Ansarullah would be a hollow slogan.
Huzooraa said, we have pledged to the Promised Messiahas that we will establish the rule of Allah on earth and that we will give precedence to faith over worldly matters. We cannot fulfil this responsibility without acting on God’s commandments. The Promised Messiahas said:
“Hence, take refuge with God Almighty and observe your Prayers with strict regularity. Sometimes people will only offer one Prayer, but remember that there is no concession in the matter of Prayer. Even the Prophets were not excused. It is recorded in a Hadith that a newly converted party of Muslims came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and they asked to be granted relief from offering the daily Prayers. However, the Holy Prophetsa said: ‘A religion bereft of action is no religion at all.’ Never forget this point.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 264)
Hence, Huzooraa said, those who sometimes come to him and say that they usually pray but miss a prayer here and there should have grave concerns about their state. How will their children establish prayer if they do not do so themselves? If they then become corrupted, they will have no right to complain.
Huzooraa pointed out that there are individuals who engage in prayers yet indulge in immoral deeds and do not fulfil the rights of others. Their prayers are mere formalities, a mere ticking of boxes. Allah has declared that the prayers of such individuals are rejected, flung back at them, and become a source of their downfall. Consequently, prayers should be offered with sincere devotion, purely for the pleasure of Allah. It is these heartfelt prayers that truly bear fruit.
The Promised Messiahas also said true prayers are hasanat; they remove evil. He states:
“Then, in the observance of prayer, one ought to strive to seek the benefits that are associated with it and keep in view the concept of goodness, or ihsan.
اِنَّ الۡحَسَنٰتِ یُذۡہِبۡنَ السَّیِّاٰتِ
“‘That is to say, ‘Good works drive away evil.’ (Ch.11: V.115)
“Therefore, whilst aspiring to goodness and striving to attain the pleasures in prayer, one ought to supplicate that God enables one to observe the prayer that is characteristic of the truthful (siddiqin) and of those who excel in good works (muhsinin).”
“As mentioned, Allah the Exalted has stated:
اِنَّ الۡحَسَنٰتِ یُذۡہِبۡنَ السَّیِّاٰتِ
“And this means that good works or prayer drives away evil. In another instance, God Almighty states that prayer saves one from indecency and manifest evil. However, despite this, we observe that there are people who observe prayer yet still indulge in evil deeds. The response to this is that they observe prayer, but not in its true spirit, nor with piety. […] They only perform useless movements in the form of a custom and habit. Their soul is dead. Allah the Exalted has not described this as hasanat [good works].
“In this verse, God has used the word hasanat as opposed to as-salat even though the two words mean one and the same thing. This is because God wishes to allude to the merit and beauty of prayer, which in its true form possesses within it a spirit of truth and the effects of divine grace. This form of prayer does indeed drive away evil. Prayer is not simply a process of sitting and standing.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 159-161)
Thus, Huzooraa stated that it is these types of prayers that drive away the evil we need to offer. In this way, not only will we distance ourselves from vices, but we will also establish a connection with Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, we will become a means for our children to forge a bond with the Living God.
The Promised Messiahas also states that:
“Unless a person is firmly rooted in Tawhid (Oneness of God), the love and greatness of Islam cannot be established within them.” He further says, “Such a person cannot attain the pleasure and delight of salat (prayer). The essence of the matter is that unless evil intentions, impure and foul schemes are completely annihilated, and until vanity and arrogance are replaced with humility and meekness, one cannot be deemed a true servant of God.” He adds, “For teaching perfect servitude, the best teacher and the most superior means is salat itself.” He asserts, “I reiterate to you that if you wish to establish a genuine bond with Allah the Almighty, become devoted to your prayers. Become so devoted that not only your body, not only your tongue, but the desires and passions of your soul become entirely immersed in salat.”
Huzooraa said, this is what every nasir needs to prioritise. If our prayers are not according to what Allah requires, then our claim of being “helpers of Allah” is futile. Huzooraa added that members of Majlis Ansarullah should introspect in this regard and strengthen their bond with Allah. Only then will Allah the Almighty create circumstances that bring about revolutions.
The Promised Messiahas also said:
“Allah Almighty desires to make my community a model for others. […] Allah the Exalted loves a righteous person. Everyone ought to keep in mind the majesty of God, remain fearful, and remember that all people are the servants of God. Do not oppress or act harshly towards anyone. Do not deride another person. If even a single member of our community is evil, they defame us all.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 8)
He further stated:
“True fear of Allah demands that a person examine the degree to which his words and actions accord with one another. A person whose words and actions are at odds with one another should know that they shall incur the wrath of Allah. If one’s heart is impure, it will never find favour in the sight of God no matter how pure one’s words may be; in fact, this arouses the wrath of God. My community ought to realise that they have come to me so that I may sow the seed that transforms them into a fruitful tree. So, everyone ought to examine their selves to become cognisant of their inner and outwardly states. If, God-forbid, the hearts of my followers are not in harmony with their words, they shall not be met with a blessed end. Allah the Exalted does not care for a community with hollow hearts who make empty claims, for He is Self-Sufficient. The victory at Badr had already been prophesied, and there was every reason to believe that the Muslims would triumph. But the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, continued to weep and pray to his Lord. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra inquired as to the need for such fervent supplication when victory had already been promised. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘God is Self-Sufficient.’ That is to say, perhaps hidden conditions lay beneath the surface of this divine promise.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 10)
Hence, Huzooraa said, ansar should always be concerned about this and develop such examples that always show the highest levels of worship. Their practical demeanour should be exemplary, serving as role models for their spouses and offspring. Our mission should not be confined merely to guiding our kin but should encompass guiding the entire world towards Islam. Consequently, it is vital to regularly reflect upon and adhere to the teachings imparted by the Promised Messiahas in our daily lives.
The Promised Messiahas also said:
“If you desire to attain success in both worlds and seek to conquer the hearts of people, then strive to purify yourselves, make use of reason, and follow the guidance given in the Word of God. Reform yourselves and serve as an example for others by demonstrating sublime virtues. Then will you attain success.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 65)
Huzooraa emphasised that if we act on this, only then can we prove that we are not just making hollow claims. Moreover, it is vital to study the Holy Quran if we want to attain true taqwa [righteousness]. This is one of the tasks of ansar; to read, study, ponder over, and act upon the Holy Quran and then to propagate it to the world.
The Promised Messiahas also said:
“Hence, remember that mere words and verbosity can be of no use until there is action. […] If you desire to support and serve Islam, you must first adopt piety and purity yourselves, so that you may enter the resolute fortress of God’s refuge. Then will you be granted the honour and right to offer this service. You can observe how weak the external strength of the Muslims has fallen. Other nations look towards them with abhorrence and contempt. If your inner force and strength of heart also weakens and withers away, then know that the end is nigh. Purify your souls so that they are imbued with spiritual power.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 74-75)
Huzooraa reiterated that the mission of serving Islam; raising the flag of the Holy Prophetsa in the world, and establishing Tawhid is an immense honour, and to attain this honour, one must inculcate taqwa and righteousness. Huzooraa said that although every Ahamdi has the duty to play a role after becoming Ahamdi to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiahas, Ansarullah should consider themselves the foremost addressees of this.
The Promised Messiahas also said:
“The secret at the heart of this is that the present era is not an age of war and battle, but an era of the pen. Now when this is the case it ought to be remembered that righteousness is required in order for the gates of hidden truth and insight to be opened. Therefore, adopt righteousness because God Almighty states:
اِنَّ اللّٰہَ مَعَ الَّذِیۡنَ اتَّقَوۡا وَّالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمۡ مُّحۡسِنُوۡنَ
“‘Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.’ I cannot count the number of times these words have been revealed upon me. I have received this revelation in great abundance. If all we do is utter mere words, then remember that this brings no benefit. Victory demands righteousness. If victory is what you seek, then become righteous. […] Hence, the important thing to consider is that we must improve in our morals and actions, and adopt righteousness, so that we may be conferred the grace of God’s support and love. Then, with the help of God, each and every one of us is obliged to show no negligence in responding to these attacks. However, when responding, our intention must be for the glory of God Almighty to be manifested.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 238-239)
Huzooraa said that, when we pledge to serve Islam, raise the flag of the Holy Prophetsa and establish Tawhid in the world, then imagine the concern and worry we should have to reform ourselves given this guidance. To what degree does this require us to beautify our prayers and worship and become role models for our families? We need to rectify our priorities to achieve this.
Huzooraa said that last week (i.e., on 1 October 2023), he took a pledge from Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Initially, their work was mostly related to the service of humanity. However, with time, the task of raising the flag of Islam was also given to them. This, Huzooraa said, is also the responsibility of Majlis Ansarullah; the ansar are of an age of complete maturity. Hence, this is their greater responsibility. Ansar should understand the name that they have been given, i.e., that they are Allah’s helpers. Hence, they should also fulfil this pledge.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then asked the ansar to stand up and repeat the following pledge:
اَشْھَدُ اَنْ لاَّ اِلٰہَ اِلاَّ اللّٰہُ وَحْدَہٗ لَاشَرِیْکَ لَہٗ وَاَشْھَدُ اَن مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہٗ وَرَسُوْلُہٗ
“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, He is one and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammadsa is His servant and messenger.
“I swear by Allah and proclaim that I will always endeavour to convey and propagate the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the blessed name of the Holy Prophetsa to the corners of the earth until my dying breath. And for the sake of fulfilling this most sacred obligation, I shall forever keep my life devoted to the service of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa. I shall give every possible sacrifice, no matter how heavy its burden, in order for the blessed flag of Islam to be raised aloft in every nation until the end of time.
“I also solemnly pledge to strive with unyielding conviction to protect and strengthen the institution of Khilafat until my last breath. And I shall always urge my progeny to remain firmly attached to Khilafat and to seek its blessings, so that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya may remain protected until the end of time. And so that, through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the propagation of Islam may continue until the last day. And so that the flag of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa may be raised far higher than any other flag in this world.
“O God, enable us to fulfil this pledge. Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin.”
Huzooraa repeated the pledge in Urdu and English and prayed that Allah the Exalted may enable all to fulfil this pledge and consistently focus on its tenets. Huzooraa then led everyone in silent prayer, after which he announced this year’s ijtema attendance and drew the attention of Majlis Ansarullah towards improving it. Huzooraa then proceeded to the Baitul Futuh Mosque to lead the Maghrib and Isha prayers before departing for Islamabad.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)