On Sunday, 2 February 2025, thirty members of the amila of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada had the blessed opportunity to meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad (Tilford), UK. Upon entering the room, Huzooraa conveyed salaam to all and first addressed Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, and then led everyone in a silent prayer. Huzooraa then enquired about their stay and food arrangements before briefly addressing the Missionary-in-Charge and the General Secretary. They provided information, stating that there are more than seventy missionaries, a total of sixty jamaats, and nine imaraat across Canada.
Expanding tabligh efforts
Huzooraa then spoke with the Tabligh Secretary. He enquired about the number of bai‘ats and the circumstances leading to their conversions, specifically how many had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat through the efforts of the Tabligh Department. He further asked about their methods of tabligh and then instructed:
“Broaden your network of contacts and associations, even if this does not necessarily result in immediate bai‘at. At the very least, the message of the true Islam, Ahmadiyyat, should be conveyed to both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Then, insha-Allah, when the time is right, breakthroughs will occur. However, at present, the tabligh efforts and their scope in your country are not what they should be. You may be able to cite an example from a particular region or city, but you will not be able to do so for others. […]
“It is not essential to use the old, established methods – explore new avenues, talk to new people and consult young people about new means for tabligh. Moreover, include those who have a background in social sciences on your team and ask them how you can expand the scope of tabligh.”
The secretary informed Huzooraa that they hold social media programmes, which are also viewed by audiences outside Canada. Upon this, Huzooraa emphasised that their foremost and primary field of tabligh is Canada or certain designated territories, not the whole world, and they should first ensure their efforts are effectively reaching their own country.
Integrity and honesty of an Ahmadi
Huzooraa spoke with the Ishaat Secretary, who informed him that the department procures newly published books of Jamaat and also publishes a periodical, The Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada. Huzooraa acknowledged their work and mentioned that he had read about the incident of Amir Sahib’s conversion, published in a recent issue of their magazine.
Huzooraa reflected on the contents of the story. In the interview, Lal Khan Malik Sahib shared that he came from a village where the school was managed by an Ahmadi Muslim headmaster, Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad Sahib. The school’s high standard was attributed to the honesty and dedication of the Ahmadi headmaster, a fact that should have sufficed as evidence of the truth of Ahmadiyyat. However, while people openly acknowledged his excellence, they simultaneously opposed Ahmadiyyat, saying, “Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad is a most honourable person, but the only problem is that he is a ‘Qadiani’.”
Huzooraa then recounted a tabligh experience from his own university days when Ahmadi students engaged with farmers, assisting them with work and conveying to them the message of Ahmadiyyat. He highlighted how people often recognise an Ahmadi’s righteousness but still hesitate to accept the truth. Huzooraa narrated:
“So, one day, we were sitting and talking. We told the farmer who we were, where we had come from and what we were doing. He listened to everything we said. He asked: ‘There is a lawyer by the name of Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Mazhar.’ I replied: ‘Yes, he is, and he is our Amir Zil‘a.’ He said, ‘He is very pious; there is no other lawyer of his calibre. But there is a problem with him: he is a ‘Mirzai’”
Duties of Umoor-e-Aamah
Addressing Umur-e-Aamah Secretary, Huzooraa emphasised that all members should be treated with fairness and equality, ensuring that no one feels they are being treated harshly while others are given leniency. Huzooraa instructed the secretary to assess to what extent this impression of some people is true.
Highlighting the need for empathy and practical support, Huzooraa said:
“The Umur-e-Aamah Department has a wide range of responsibilities. They should sympathise with people, help them find work and housing, arrange various facilities for them, and absorb and integrate newcomers into the system. If you undertake all these efforts, you will build rapport with people, and consequently, the fear and dread that they have of Umur-e-Aamah will be removed from their hearts. Instead, they will think that, above all, it is a social service and that occasionally there are additional matters brought to our attention for personal reform. This is an extra service they carry out. Remove this fear.”
Huzooraa further advised that members should be made to understand that the secretary is not personally imposing any decisions but is simply carrying out his assigned duty of implementation. He emphasised the importance of patience and understanding, advising that if members are approached with love and care, even those who disagree with decisions will not bear resentment. He said:
“You should inform people that, ‘It is not my fault. […] I am merely the Umur-e-Aamah Secretary. I have been given a directive that I must implement, and that is why you forwarded it. If you accept it, it will benefit you because you are obeying the system of the Jamaat. And if you suffer any kind of loss because of it, Allah the Almighty will compensate that loss in another way.’ […]
“If you explain it calmly and lovingly, people will understand, and many will accept the decision made in the matter. Even if they disagree with the decision, at least they will not be against you, and they will not harbour grievances against the Umur-e-Aamah Department.”
Huzooraa stated that once a decision against an individual is implemented, it can sometimes lead to negative reactions, which opponents may exploit to create unrest. He emphasised that it is also the responsibility of the Umur-e-Aamah Department to address and alleviate such concerns.
Target of building and populating mosques
Huzooraa spoke with the Jaidad Secretary, enquiring about the number of mosques currently under the Jamaat’s possession, as well as the projected target for mosque construction and the timeframe within which this objective was to be achieved. The secretary responded that, as per the decision of Shura, a target of 50 mosques had been set; however, no specific year had been determined for its realisation.
Huzooraa emphasised that without a clearly defined timeframe – stating that by a particular year – the target would hold little practical significance. Both short-term and long-term planning are essential. He further stressed that unless all relevant factors, such as the sizes of various jamaats, were carefully considered, the outcome could be the construction of large mosques without a sufficient congregation to fill them.
Contacting converts
Huzooraa addressed the Nau Mubai‘een Secretary, instructing him to establish contact with all converts, compile their detailed records, and ascertain the circumstances and motivations behind their acceptance of Ahmadiyyat.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of forging a personal and meaningful connection with them. He directed that they should be personally engaged in conversation, enquiring about their well-being and reaffirming their commitment by asking, We understand that you performed bai‘at – should we continue to keep you registered as Ahmadis? How are you? We would like to meet you. You are welcome to visit us, and we wish to visit you as well, and so on.
The true spirit of Wasiyyat
Addressing the Wasiyyat Secretary and the Maal Secretary, Huzooraa emphasised the importance of honesty and integrity in this commitment. He instructed that musis should be reminded that their enrolment in Wasiyyat must be rooted in righteousness. Wasiyyat is an additional sacrifice that requires every musi to contribute in accordance with their actual income. Huzooraa further stated that the Missionary-in-Charge, other missionaries, the Tarbiyat Secretary, and the Wasiyyat Secretary should work diligently to instil this spirit within the musis.
He explained that if someone has signed up for the Wasiyyat scheme, they must ensure that they fulfil their financial obligations truthfully. If they do not wish to continue, they are free to withdraw. However, simply being enrolled in the Wasiyyat scheme is not enough; the essence of Wasiyyat lies in sincerity and honesty in disclosing one’s circumstances. He reiterated that truthfulness should always take precedence in all matters, especially those related to Wasiyyat. Huzooraa said:
“Indeed, they have enrolled in the Wasiyyat scheme, and that is a commendable act; however, the most important requirement is honesty and candid disclosure of one’s circumstances. Truthfulness must always be a priority.”
Furthermore, Huzooraa emphasised that the standard for Wasiyyat contributions is not whether one pays more or less than the minimum wage. The true benchmark is that every musi must contribute in accordance with their actual earnings – including the members of the various amilas.
Huzooraa also advised that musis can pay Hissa Jaidad gradually during their lifetime, similar to how people pay a mortgage. This may be more practical than leaving the responsibility for their heirs to fulfil after their passing.
Adopt humility and exceptional patience
While addressing another member of the amila, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa emphasised the importance of engaging with people with humility and kindness. He remarked that people naturally show humility before those of prominence, but true excellence lies in demonstrating the same humility towards those who are less privileged or of modest means. There should be no complaints in this regard.
Huzooraa stressed that every member of the amila, particularly those who interact with the public, must be very careful and adopt a demeanour of gentleness and compassion. He reminded them that this very instruction was given by Allah the Almighty to the Holy Prophetsa, cautioning that had he been harsh, the people would have turned away from him.
Next, while speaking with Secretary Rishta Nata, who mentioned that at times people become inflexible and do not heed the advice, Huzooraa also advised that even in such situations, one must not respond with frustration or anger. He emphasised the need for exceptional patience, stating that one must demonstrate great forbearance in dealing with such matters.
Waqf-e-Arzi
Encouraging greater participation in Waqf-e-Arzi, Huzooraa advised Secretary Ta‘lim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi:
“Encourage people to devote two weeks of their time. [They should] go to the various jamaats and teach the Holy Quran, study it and learn it themselves. Their attention should be drawn towards salat, self-reform, and supplications. Many of your problems will be resolved like this, insha-Allah. That is why the Waqf-e-Arzi scheme was introduced. Since you are such a large jamaat, you should set a target of five thousand participants, including both men and women.”
After this, Ameer Sahib sought Huzoor’saa permission for the amila members to present their questions. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously granted his request.
Conduct on social media
An amila member asked Huzooraa that some people engage in tabligh on social media, but at times, their language becomes inappropriate, resulting in their approach causing more harm than benefit. He enquired about how this matter should be addressed.
Huzooraa advised:
“Explain to them that this is not our way. Our method of responding to insults is to pray and to respond to oppression by comforting others. This cannot be regarded as tabligh: If we respond to slander with slander, what difference remains between them and us? […]
“In sermons and the gatherings of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ansarullah, and Lajna, you should announce and advise people that if they wish to respond to others on social media, they should do so with patience and composure. If we choose to use the same words as others, it yields no benefit. Allah even instructed Hazrat Mosesas to speak gently and calmly, even to the Pharaoh.” [Surah Ta-Ha, Ch.20: V.45]
Artificial intelligence and careers
Secretary Talim noted that a key responsibility of his role is to encourage higher education. He mentioned that artificial intelligence is transforming various fields, with companies increasingly replacing employees with AI, and sought Huzoor’s guidance on the matter.
Huzooraa advised:
“You can also increase your knowledge of artificial intelligence! You can become so proficient in it that you can create new systems for them and thereby secure employment. However, artificial intelligence only does what you feed it and instruct it to do. It does not use its own mind. Ultimately, a human brain is needed to run it. Companies will also look for fertile minds capable of feeding new and innovative ideas into AI. Ahmadis should be among those people. You should strive for this objective.
“China has just caused the American market share to plummet by billions and trillions. It is said that America spent twenty billion dollars to develop a platform, whereas China spent only five million dollars to accomplish the same. They have capable minds in China, do they not? You should cultivate such minds, and they will be of benefit to you.”
The Secretary Talim interjected, asking whether Ahmadis should be encouraged to pursue careers in artificial intelligence. Huzooraa responded that it depends on their interests and respective fields, explaining that, for instance, a doctor cannot simply rely on AI to dissect a human body or perform surgery. When the secretary remarked that AI is expanding into all fields, Huzooraa emphasised that AI cannot function independently in every aspect – human oversight and verification remain essential. Huzooraa added:
“Nevertheless, we must compete with the world. Whatever field the world excels in, we too should endeavour to excel in that field, so that eventually we may be in a position to guide them on the [ethical] boundaries of artificial intelligence.”
Long-term planning for Jamaat’s progress
An amila member referred to a previous meeting where Huzooraa had stated that people in the world often have a far-reaching vision, planning as much as thirty years ahead and that the Jamaat should adopt a similar approach. He sought Huzoor’saa guidance on what key principles should be considered when making such long-term plans and how they should be implemented.
Huzooraa said that we should adopt this approach of long-term planning, as practised by people of the world, while ensuring that we do not become worldly people ourselves. He then said:
“What is the target of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat? It is that the message of Allah and His Messengersa should spread throughout the whole world. For that, there is short-term planning and long-term planning.
“What did the Promised Messiahas say regarding the purpose of his advent? It was to draw [the entire] mankind closer to God in accordance with the teachings of Islam and to honour each other’s rights. The Holy Quran has listed these rights: the rights of orphans, widows, the poor, husband and wife, and various others. In several recent jalsas, I have mentioned some of these rights. Beyond those, there are indeed more – I have not covered them all.
“So in what order should we endeavour to fulfil these rights? And what ought our aim to be? How can we bring the world closer to us? Therefore, you must all plan for this, must you not? And each country’s priority could be, and indeed would be, different. You should examine this and act accordingly.”
Financial sacrifice and budgeting
Secretary Maal stated that budgets are prepared based on people’s financial circumstances and lifestyles. However, if individuals subsequently declare a lower budget than what is assessed, he enquired how this should be addressed.
“The fact of the matter is that if the local finance secretary and the president of a jamaat are proactive, they should tell him: ‘Your living circumstances indicate that your income is such and such. Yes, if you feel that, given your situation, you cannot make financial sacrifices commensurate with your earnings, then acknowledge that your income is higher, but you will pay chanda on a certain amount, so that at least you are telling the truth.’
“We must continue our endeavours in this respect. Some people later feel embarrassed about this: Some write to me, and I receive many letters asking for their financial contribution rate to be lowered. Three months later, I received another letter from them stating: ‘We made a mistake; we shall contribute at the normal rate.’ There are pious people like that too. Others say, ‘All right, the rate has gone down’, and the following year, they request that it be lowered again.
“We are not tax collectors. […] Rather, we need to establish the spirit of financial sacrifice.
“Your missionaries, Tarbiyat Secretary, the Finance Secretary, and members of the amila should inculcate that spirit. If you set a good example yourselves, people will follow it.”
Secretary Maal further asked about jamaats that reduced their budgets from the previous year.
Huzooraa replied:
“It is not a valid argument to say that because someone contributed more financially last year based on their income, this year their income must necessarily remain the same. There are many entrepreneurs whose businesses have declined; they contributed more last year but cannot contribute as much this year. That is a valid reason, and you should accept it.
“If it becomes a pattern, you should sit down with them, hold a meeting, and then you will learn about their situation. This is in line with the principle of empathy. You should show them empathy and lower the initial budget. Our data must be based on truthfulness, and we must lay our foundations on that. […]
“So, examine the prevailing conditions in your country. The global economy is in decline, people are losing their jobs, and apart from that, due to high costs, people cannot pay according to their usual budget.
“If we convene a meeting and view all this through the lens of empathy, form a team, and send inspectors, naib umara and missionaries, then you will notice a difference through these measures, insha-Allah. And if you do not see any change, then rely on Allah the Almighty, and say to Him: ‘We have done everything I could; now it is for You to bestow Your blessings.’
“When we used to work in the Langar Khana, we had the duty of feeding one hundred thousand people, but we could barely manage to cook for eighty thousand. Yet once the food was distributed, the total reached one hundred and twenty-five thousand, and everyone’s needs were met. Thus, Allah the Almighty placed His blessings therein.
“Similarly, He will place His blessings in your income today. The true essence lies in the blessings that come from Allah the Almighty. If all our deeds are founded upon righteousness, Allah grants us His blessings. Leave some matters to Allah the Almighty after doing your utmost efforts.”
Rishta Nata challenges
The Rishta Nata Secretary noted that while many potential matches are proposed through the Rishta Nata department and the Markaz website, the success rate remains very low. He sought Huzoor’saa guidance on how to improve this situation.
In response, Huzooraa said, “Your role is simply to keep making efforts, so continue.” He advised him to continue making consistent efforts, as disagreements often arise when one side points out perceived flaws in the other. He further advised that these matters be clarified through the Tarbiyat Department and missionaries, emphasising the importance of seeking suitable matches at an appropriate time and, if good proposals arise, to pray and make a decision accordingly. Huzooraa encouraged the secretary to keep offering guidance, persist in its work, and pray for favourable outcomes.
Huzooraa said:
“Clarify these matters through the Tarbiyat Department and via missionaries: as soon as someone reaches marriageable age, they should look for suitable matches, and if good proposals come, they should pray and make a decision accordingly. You can only advise them frequently, and you must work at it. Our responsibility is simply to give them guidance, after which you should pray for Allah to bring about a better outcome.”
Conclusion
With that, this blessed mulaqat came to an end.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)