Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 30 December 2024: A group of 21 khuddam from Virginia and North Carolina, USA, was graciously granted an in-person mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
Introductions
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa greeted the khuddam, and first addressed Regional Qaid Sahib. Following this, Huzooraa interacted with each khadim individually as they introduced themselves. During the introductions, the khuddam expressed gratitude for being able to offer five daily prayers behind Huzooraa during their stay. Several khuddam described their academic pursuits and future plans, with some expressing the desire to devote their skills to serving the Jamaat. One khadim mentioned that he and his sons were all khuddam, adding that one of them intended to enrol in Jamia Ahmadiyya. Huzooraa remarked on the makeup of the group and asked whether they had brought only those of Pakistani or Bengali origin, or if they had any local converts. Qaid Sahib explained that while some local converts of African-American origin could not attend due to various constraints, efforts were made to include as many khuddam as possible.
Following introductions, the khuddam sought Huzoor’saa permission to ask questions, which he graciously granted.
Role of religion in shaping morality
A khadim asked Huzooraa about the role of religion in morality, stating that many people claim they do not need religion to be moral, possess integrity, or stay on the right path, and sought an explanation of why this assertion might be incorrect.
Huzooraa said:
“It is not necessary that those who possess good morals always be the followers of a religion. There are many who claim to be Muslims, but look at the actions of those Muslims these days. Their morals are not good as such. There are some atheists who possess better morals than them. Some of the people from among those who are not practising Muslims or who are not Christians or who do not adhere to any religion, may also possess good morals. It is not the case that Islam or religion does not teach morals. In fact, every Prophet who has come into this world has taught good morals. It is a common teaching amongst them all. They taught that one ought to believe that God is One, worship Him and treat others with good morals. This is also the teaching of Christianity, Judaism of Mosesas; and the Holy Prophetsa in Islam. So, every Prophet taught morals, which demonstrates that the basis for morals stems from religion. So, as such, we can say that those who learned good morals did so through religion.
“It is a completely different matter when they say that they do not believe in God and in religion. The fact of the matter is that there are people who develop good morals without believing in any religion, but Allah the Almighty states that if you believe in religion, fulfil His rights and possess good morals, then He will reward you manifold. That is why Allah the Exalted has mentioned in the Holy Quran that those people who believe in religion and who seem to offer prayers, but if they do not fulfil the rights of the poor and do not speak the truth, if they are involved in quarrels and if they usurp the rights of others, then God will not accept their worship and they will be sent to Hell.
“Thus, Allah the Exalted has made this clear Himself that it is not only sufficient to simply believe in religion, but good morals are also paramount. Just as there are the rights due to Allah, similarly, there are also the rights of mankind. Allah the Exalted commands us to fulfil those rights too. They are called huquq al-‘ibad; the rights of mankind. If one does not fulfil the rights of mankind, then the rights of God that one perceives to be fulfilling in his own estimation will not be accepted by God.
“Thus, those people who say that religion has ruined us, explain to them that this is not the case. It was the basic teaching of religion that enabled you to develop morals within you. It is a different matter if one has gradually forsaken the teaching of their religion but has adopted good morals from it. However, […] we believe that real life is the life of the Hereafter, and we will be rewarded by Allah the Exalted manifold in the Hereafter, and this reward may not be afforded to those who do not believe in religion.
“We believe and have firm faith in the life of the Hereafter. One will depart from this world after 80 or 100 years of age. One may live up to the age of 100 years or 105 years of age. Yesterday, one of your previous presidents, Jimmy Carter, passed away at the age of 100. There are very few people who live longer than this. Otherwise, normally the life expectancy for people is between 80 and 90 years. So, Allah the Exalted will reward a [religious] person more in the Hereafter. This is our perspective. We believe in religion and God and possess firm faith and certainty about the Hereafter. And that is why it is necessary to have good morals along with religion.
“To merely say that you are a Muslim who offers his salat [is not sufficient]. Allah the Exalted states that He will throw the salat of one [who is unmindful of good works] in their face. Thus, Allah the Exalted has Himself mentioned this. Explain to them that we never say that Allah the Exalted will only forgive those who offer salat and not those who do not. Indeed, if you are doing good work, then He may well forgive you. Allah the Exalted is All-Powerful and He is the Master. He is not a mere judge [without sovereignty]; rather, He is the Master. He is not bound to always dispense justice; rather, He can also forgive anyone as He so pleases if they have performed virtuous deeds.”
Our responsibilities towards non-Ahmadi relatives
Another khadim enquired about the responsibilities of Ahmadis towards their non-Ahmadi relatives, asking how they could fulfil these duties while also guiding them to recognise the truth of Ahmadiyyat and accept it.
Huzooraa replied:
“There is no coercion in religion. There is no compulsion. Those relatives that are not Ahmadis – if they have a good relationship [with you], then they are doing so on the basis of considering you to be good. Some have non-Ahmadi relatives who say that due to the fact that someone has become Ahmadi, they would boycott them. They do not speak to them. They speak against them. They try to cause them harm. However, those relatives that keep a connection with you, that means that their nature is good. So maintain friendship and a connection with them.
“According to the Islamic teachings, show them your good morals. We were just talking about morals. And wherever they require any assistance, assist them, be beneficial to them, pray for them. So when they witness your behaviour and attitude towards them, then they shall realise that these are good people and gradually a time shall come when Allah the Exalted will open up their hearts, and they shall become Ahmadis as well.
“Allah the Exalted has not just said that you must only fulfil your commitments to those of your kin and close relatives who are Muslims. Allah the Exalted has commanded that you take care of your close relatives, be mindful of your blood relations, and also look after the blood relations of your wife.
“So when you behave in this way, then whoever it is, when you do this, it shall have a good impact and peace and security will be established in those surroundings. And gradually, when that time comes, if Allah the Almighty has decreed for them that they are to accept religion or accept Islam, then they shall do so. If not, then you at least will be rewarded for your good conduct.”
How to maintain focus in salat
Next, a khadim asked Huzooraa how one can maintain focus and attentiveness in salat and avoid laziness in offering prayers on time, seeking guidance on methods or strategies to achieve this.
Huzooraa explained that focus and dedication in salat stem from a heartfelt desire. He said, “The fact of the matter is that whatever work you do, you do it because you have a heartfelt desire to do it. Why do we need to offer prayer? Is it only for your own sake? There are two things for a person: the first is that to achieve a target, a person works, and the second is that if someone loves another person, then in order to attain their love, that person does something for it.”
Huzooraa illustrated this with an example of a child’s relationship with their parents. A person loves their parents and follows their guidance, not for material rewards like food or clothing but because of the care and affection parents provide. Similarly, Allah commands us to love Him even more than we love our parents. [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.201] When one truly loves Allah the Almighty, worship and prayer become natural expressions of that love.
Huzooraa further elaborated that Allah states in the Holy Quran:
“And I have not created the jinn and the men but that they may worship Me.” [Surah adh-Dhariyat, Ch.51:V.57]
He explained that Allah does not benefit from our worship; rather, the benefit is for us. Allah rewards even the smallest effort with immense blessings, both in this world and the Hereafter. Recognising Allah’s countless bounties – such as the provisions we enjoy, supportive parents, educational opportunities, and other blessings – should naturally lead us to gratitude. Huzooraa remarked, “Allah the Almighty says that if you are thankful to Him, then He shall grant you even more. [Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.8] So when a person is grateful, then he expresses it, right? If you wish to express your gratitude, then [Allah says] you will have to go to Him five times [a day].”
Huzooraa highlighted that developing love for Allah and recognising His blessings would transform salat from a mere obligation to a source of pleasure. Citing the Promised Messiahas, he reminded that salat offered hastily or as a burdensome obligation lacks value. He stated, “Allah the Exalted has said in the Holy Quran that the prayer of such people who do not fulfil the due rights of prayer, their prayer shall be thrown back on them.” [Surah al-Ma‘un, Ch.107: V.5-6 and Surah an-Nisa’, Ch.4: V.143]
Huzooraa cautioned against praying solely out of social or familial pressure, such as fulfilling a parent’s instruction, attending a Khuddam meeting, or adhering to routine. He emphasised that salat should stem from a genuine love for Allah. This love, Huzooraa said, should surpass one’s love for even their parents.
Huzooraa concluded with practical advice, urging the khuddam to consistently seek Allah’s love through heartfelt supplications, saying, “Profusely seek forgiveness and supplicate in your prayers that, ‘O Allah! Grant us Your love.’ It is only then that a person becomes a true believer.”
Future of Muslims in the West
Following this, a khadim enquired about the future of Muslims in the West, asking whether Huzooraa foresaw a time when Muslims might face difficulties, including being stripped of their freedoms, and how this could impact the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in particular.
Huzooraa began by stating that Islam’s true progress would occur through Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, placing the Community at greater risk as compared to other Muslims. “There will come a time when certain people will stand against Islam and ultimately against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It is possible that those animosities grow and progress if you do not bring about a revolutionary change before that happens,” he observed. He added that success invariably attracts enemies, so such hostility would inevitably extend to Western countries as well.
He noted that certain entities always sought ways to harm Khilafat, employing various tactics and engaging in extensive lobbying efforts. “It is quite apparent that with increased success comes an increase in enemies, and this animosity will also spread in the West.”
Huzooraa further added, “In fact, they are always up to something and plotting; […] they think of ways that they might be able to cause harm to Khilafat. To achieve this, they use different tactics,” Huzooraa said. Allah knows best how far opponents might go, he remarked, but with the right efforts, divine grace, and persistent prayers, it is possible for the Community to be safeguarded.
Citing the ongoing tragedy in Palestine, he highlighted how people in the West – be they Christians, Jews, or atheists – only began protesting the injustice and describing it as genocide after tens of thousands of Palestinians had already been killed by Israel. This belated response, when the majority of casualties were children, underscored the need for the Jamaat to be proactive. He urged Ahmadis not to wait until they too became victims of severe oppression and injustice, but rather to publicise their peaceful goals and intentions before hostilities gained momentum.
He recalled instructing the Jamaat 15 or 20 years ago to convey its message to ten percent of the local population, saying that had this guidance been heeded, far more people would already be aware of Ahmadiyyat.
Huzooraa added:
“This will come to pass, but what are the measures we can take at this time? We must introduce ourselves, and even before that, we must convey that we are peace-loving people, we have no ulterior motives or agenda, and our only goal is that you recognise Allah the Almighty. We are not seeking power. This is what politicians and worldly people fear, that others would come into power and take away their rights. We have no such ambitions. We are people of faith and convey the teachings of our faith. They can keep the power and authority that they have. If they realise this, their enmity may decrease to some degree. Nonetheless, enmity is inevitable when the time comes for the Jamaat to progress.”
Huzooraa warned that opposition would intensify as the Jamaat’s efforts in spreading Islam lead to growing numbers and increased visibility. Currently, many regard the Community as a small group made up primarily of Pakistanis, with a few members from other backgrounds such as African Americans, white Americans, and Asians, and thus do not consider it significant. However, he highlighted that opponents are aware of the Jamaat’s unity under Khilafat, which serves as a central leadership, and may seek to target this core. He stressed that worldly powers often plan decades in advance – thirty years or more – and urged the Community to adopt similarly long-term, strategic planning.
How to deal with domestic abuse
A khadim asked how to address a situation in which one spouse’s abuse towards the other often goes unnoticed yet causes lasting harm, and how the Jamaat could assist the individual suffering from it.
Huzooraa observed that in many such cases, wives complain about misconduct on their husbands’ part. The Jamaat offers support through its Islahi Committees, established so that husbands and wives may reconcile and move forward. Lajna Imaillah and Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya also explain that each spouse must fulfil their respective obligations. He noted that disagreements often arise because neither party recognises that both possess shortcomings. Each person should refrain from constantly identifying the other’s faults, as an overemphasis on pointing out mistakes only widens the rift.
Huzooraa highlighted that if a husband and wife truly observe their respective rights and responsibilities, conflict diminishes. Both should reflect on the root cause of their problems and strive to resolve them. However, it remains challenging for the Jamaat to intervene if each spouse denies responsibility and places all blame on the other.
Consequently, he emphasised that righteousness, fear of Allah, and a spirit of giving others their due rights are essential. Islahi Committees, Lajna Imaillah and Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya can only function effectively when couples adopt these principles. “Islam doesn’t just state that one should acquire their own rights; Islam states that one must give others their rights. When both of them have this mentality, then no confrontation can exist,” Huzooraa said.
Supplications of the Promised Messiahas
Towards the end of the mulaqat, a khadim enquired whether the Promised Messiahas regularly recited a specific supplication of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.
In response, Huzooraa explained that the Promised Messiahas would recite many prayers of the Holy Prophetsa at various times, and some prayers were even directly taught to him by God Almighty. Among these was the Durood Sharif, which the Promised Messiahas emphasised should be recited frequently.
Huzooraa shared an incident, saying, “The Promised Messiahas once elaborated on the significance of Durood Sharif in such detail that Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra remarked, ‘I will not offer any other supplication in the prescribed prayers other than Durood.’ The Promised Messiahas responded, ‘What better prayer is there than this? This is excellent, and I too recite it.’” Huzooraa continued, “The Promised Messiahas explained that the angels once gathered and said that he had attained his lofty station because of his immense love for the Holy Prophetsa and his consistent recitation of Durood Sharif. It was due to this prayer that he received everything. What better supplication can there be than Durood Sharif?”
While highlighting the significance of fervour and passion in prayers, Huzooraa said, “There are many other prayers that the Promised Messiahas would recite from time to time, but he also taught that a prayer should emanate from your heart.” Huzooraa noted that the prayers prescribed by the Holy Prophetsa are filled with blessings, yet, in addition to them, one should also pray earnestly in one’s own language, especially during the five daily prayers, to cultivate true fervour, because “the prayer that stems from the heart is accepted by Allah Almighty.”
Huzooraa further stressed that there are no shortcuts in matters of worship. Merely reciting a particular prayer a set number of times does not guarantee forgiveness if the five daily prayers are not observed properly. The consistent offering of these obligatory prayers, he explained, provides the foundation upon which personal supplications become truly effective.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the mulaqat, the khuddam were granted permission for a group photograph. After the photograph, Huzooraa graciously distributed pens and engaged in conversation with them before taking his leave, bringing the mulaqat to a close.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)