Islamabad, UK, 6 October 2024: Thirty-six members of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway had the blessed opportunity to meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
The session began with the recitation of verses 103 to 105 from Surah Aal-e-‘Imran by Muneeb Ahmad. Muhammad Ghalib Khan presented the English translation. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa remarked that the translation should have been in Norwegian or Urdu, rather than English.
Following this, Ayan Ahmad recited an Arabic qasidah composed by the Promised Messiahas, “Ya ‘aina faidillahi wal-‘irfani”, with its translation presented by Azan Hayat Khan. An Urdu poem by the Promised Messiahas, “Khuda ke paak logon ko…”, was then recited by Aryan Hayat.
Introduction
Huzooraa then turned to Abdul Hai Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway, who informed him that 36 atfal had come from Norway. Their stay at the Baitul Futuh Mosque and the activities they had participated in since their arrival, including visiting London’s sights, were discussed.
The atfal then asked Huzooraa various questions, which they had.
Using Artificial Intelligence cautiously
Faran Nasir asked about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mentioning that while it is used for various tasks, it can have dangerous consequences. He enquired about the extent to which it should be used.
Huzooraa explained that nothing is inherently good or bad; it is people who make things so. Huzooraa said:
“Even when a child is born, they are neither good nor bad. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said that it is their environment – their parents and the people around them – that makes them good or bad. If they receive a good upbringing, they become good; if not, they may turn out bad. If you have good friends, you will become good. If your friends are bad – those who waste time, watch films, are constantly on social media, and neglect their studies – you will become like them.”
Huzooraa noted that AI can be used for good purposes in certain areas, but relying entirely on it is not appropriate because it lacks human understanding. It needs thorough review and editing. He gave a humorous example of a mistranslated Urdu couplet of Mirza Ghalib to illustrate how AI can produce nonsensical results without human oversight.
He emphasised that while AI can be beneficial, it should be used within limits and under control. Misusing it to spread misinformation or harm others is wrong. Huzooraa encouraged Ahmadis to research AI and utilise it for good purposes that benefit humanity.
Praying for non-Ahmadi relatives
Fariz Nasir asked if he could give Tahrik-e-Jadid chanda on behalf of his non-Ahmadi grandmother and pray for her.
Huzooraa replied:
“When she is not Ahmadi, why would she contribute to Tahrik-e-Jadid? Tahrik-e-Jadid was established to expand the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and to carry out tabligh. Its purpose is to produce more literature of the Jamaat, to convey to people the true teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat – the teachings of the Promised Messiahas – and to fulfil his mission. So, since your grandmother is not Ahmadi, why are you forcing her to participate in tabligh efforts of the Ahmadis?”
Instead, Huzooraa suggested giving sadaqah on her behalf to benefit her. He encouraged him to pray for her guidance, health, and longevity, and to obey her in all matters except if she asks him to leave Ahmadiyyat.
Developing a strong relationship with Allah
Mahbeer Masood Malik, aged ten, asked how he could develop the best relationship with Allah.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of offering the five daily prayers, especially since prayers become obligatory at the age of ten. He advised performing prayers with attention and sincerity, and praying to Allah to strengthen their bond. He highlighted the significance of Surah al-Fatihah in prayers, explaining that it contains supplications for guidance and help from Allah.
Explaining the meaning of some verses of this Surah, Huzooraa said:
“‘اِیَّاکَ نَعۡبُدُ وَاِیَّاکَ نَسۡتَعِیۡنُ’ So, seek help from Allah for this. Pray to Allah, ‘We seek Your help so that we can worship You properly.’
“‘اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ’ ‘Lead us to the straight path – so that our friends are good, our environment is good, we ourselves become those who speak good words, we do not cause distress to our siblings. By walking on the straight path, we become those who obey our parents and act upon the commandments of Allah.’
“So this is the extent of ‘اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ’ for you. As you grow older, the scope of this prayer will broaden further. If you pray this, your bond with Allah will become stronger.”
Becoming a good Ahmadi Muslim
Rayan Ahmad enquired about how to become a good Ahmadi Muslim.
Huzooraa reiterated the earlier advice: to develop a connection with Allah, offer prayers sincerely, and ask Allah for guidance in becoming a good Muslim. He assured him that Allah listens to sincere prayers.
Understanding the role of angels
Another tifl asked why Allah, being Almighty, needs angels.
Huzooraa explained that while Allah is All-Powerful, He has established a system in which angels carry out various tasks assigned to them. He drew an analogy to a king who, despite having supreme authority, appoints ministers to perform different duties. Similarly, Allah has created angels and Prophets to implement His commands and convey His messages.
Huzooraa said:
“It does not mean that He is powerless and cannot do without the help of angels. He can act directly, but He has established a system. Humans also follow such systems; that is why we have cabinets, parliaments, and organisational structures. In the same way, Allah has created a system involving angels and prophets.”
Becoming a good waqif-e-nau
Faran Ahmad, aged ten, asked how he could become a good waqif-e-nau.
Huzooraa referred to a sermon he had delivered on this topic in Canada and encouraged him to obtain it from his Secretary Waqf-e-Nau. He summarised key points: having faith in Allah, worshipping Him by offering the five daily prayers, reading the Holy Quran daily along with its translation, and acting upon its teachings. Huzoor said:
“Recite the Holy Quran – even if you recite one ruku‘ – and then try to read its translation as well. A waqif-e-nau should know the translation of the Holy Quran so that he understands its message and teachings, and can adopt them and act upon them. When you read, you will act upon its teachings.”
Huzooraa advised following the Waqf-e-Nau syllabus, implementing its guidance, and striving to be a good Ahmadi Muslim with the highest moral standards.
Avoiding the harms of social media
Sa’im Ahmad asked how he could avoid social media after receiving an iPad at school.
Huzooraa noted that inappropriate websites are usually blocked at schools. He advised him to ask his parents to ensure that any unsuitable content is blocked and to use the device only for educational purposes. He cautioned against the negative effects of inappropriate content and emphasised the importance of resolving not to engage with such material. He encouraged focusing on learning beneficial things and maintaining good morals. Huzooraa said:
“Sometimes there are sites where children’s stories appear, yet inappropriate advertisements pop up. From that, the mind is affected, it becomes poisoned, children’s minds are ruined, and they start learning bad things. Therefore, if such a thing appears, immediately move past it – change it. Make an effort; resolve that you are an Ahmadi Muslim; you have to do good deeds, learn good things.”
Conclusion
As the session drew to a close, Huzooraa graciously distributed some sweets among the children and permitted a group photo with the atfal.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)