On 20 January 2019, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the keynote address at the International Refresher Course for the Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration (Dar-ul-Qaza) that marked 100 years since the organistaion’s establishment.
114 representatives of the Qaza attended from 15 countries for the weekend-event held at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London on 19-20 January 2019.
The following countries were represented at the event (with the number of their delegates):
UK (22), Canada (11), Denmark (3), Holland (4), Norway (3), Pakistan (9), Switzerland (2), Germany (29), Bangladesh (1), USA (21), Australia (2), Indonesia (3), Belgium (2), India (1) and Mauritius (1).
After tilawat and its translation, Sardar Muhammad Rana Sahib, President of the Qaza Board Pakistan presented a brief report of the two-day refresher course followed by a vote of thanks by Dr Zahid Khan Sahib, Sadr Qaza Board UK.
This led to the highlight of the event: the concluding address by Hazrat Khalilfatul Masih Vaa.
During his address, Huzooraa drew the attention of the attendees towards fulfilling their responsibilities as arbitrators, according to the esteemed standards of justice and truthfulness outlined in the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Expressing his pleasure over the committee having been established for 100 years, Huzooraa said:
“With the grace of Allah the Almighty, it has been 100 years since the establishment of Dar-ul-Qaza in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We are gathered here today so that upon completion of 100 years, we show gratitude to God that He has enabled us to administer this institution for 100 years and has given us the opportunity to serve within it.”
Huzooraa further stated:
“Certainly, it is only the grace of Allah the Almighty that He has enabled Dar-ul-Qaza to continue for the past 100 years. Nevertheless, a member of Dar-ul-Qaza can only be a true recipient of the beneficence associated with this institution if he fulfils the pre-requisite responsibilities that are entrusted to him.”
Speaking of the weight of responsibility upon the arbiters, Huzooraa said that upholding the requirements of justice was of paramount importance and that no decision should ever be taken lightly:
“The arbiters have very important responsibilities. Therefore, they should make every decision wisely, with due diligence and must utilise all their capabilities to uphold the highest standards of justice at all times … Every matter must be pondered over in detail and should not be taken lightly.”
To outline the standards of justice expected in Islam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa quoted chapter 5, verse 9 of the Holy Quran, which states:
“O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that this verse contains detailed guidance and exhorts the readers to keep in view that God Almighty is aware of what is in people’s hearts. Decision makers, in particular, therefore should deliver their verdicts and opinions with complete sincerity and maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality at all times.
Huzooraa said that the Holy Quran requires such standards of justice that a person must be ready to testify against himself or his close relatives in order to uphold the truth.
Speaking of the level of piety that the arbiters must strive to attain, Huzooraa said:
“It is necessary that an arbiter should analyse and ask himself whether he would be able to bear witness against himself if he himself was a claimant in a case. Would they be able to uphold absolute truth in all circumstances?”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the demands of justice required for the members of Dar-ul-Qaza to be truly God-fearing.
Furthermore, it was necessary that each arbiter analysed the facts of each case carefully and prayed sincerely before reaching a decision.
Huzooraa stated:
“For our arbiters, it is not enough to only know the law, the teachings of Islam or for him to possess sound opinion, rather being righteous is also of crucial importance. In order to attain righteousness, one must have a strong relationship with God Almighty, and so each arbiter should engage in special prayers during the proceedings of a case and when reaching a verdict.”
During his address, Huzooraa drew the attention of the organisers to arrange for the proceedings and the lectures delivered to be produced in print form and circulate it to those who were unable to attend in person.
The event concluded with a silent prayer, followed by dinner and photographs with the delegates.
The concluding session of this historic event will be shown on MTA International and will be available to view at www.mta.tv/ondemand.