On Monday, 17 June 2024, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, UK to lead the congregation in Eid-ul-Adha prayer and subsequently deliver the Eid sermon.
After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“Today, by the grace of Allah, Eid-ul-Adha is being celebrated in many parts of the world. It is known as the Qurbani ki Eid (Festival of Sacrifice) in Pakistan, India, and other regions. Countless animals are sacrificed as an act of faith, following Prophet Abraham’sas example. Similarly, those performing Hajj in Mecca partake in the sacrifice of millions of animals. This act of sacrifice is a profound symbol of the complete devotion and obedience of Prophet Abrahamas and Prophet Ishmaelas, who were ready to give their lives and sacrifice the son at Allah’s command.”
Huzooraa explained that Eid al-Adha is celebrated in remembrance of the aforementioned act when both father and son, divinely inspired in a dream, were prepared to lay the knife on the neck and be sacrificed. However, Allah the Almighty acknowledged their devotion, which they showed following His revelation, and instead, commanded them to sacrifice a lamb. Consequently, in commemoration of their sacrifice, Muslims across the globe sacrifice thousands upon thousands of animals.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said when we possess such passion to sacrifice everything while treading the path of righteousness, only then will this spirit be considered the true sacrifice. However, these days people are seen bidding on animals of sacrifice and the essence of sacrifice is absent.
Huzooraa said:
“As for the so-called religious scholars, they have poisoned people’s minds in the name of religion. In Pakistan, the concept of religious scholars’ monopoly has grown to such an extent that they can go to any lengths of oppression. Ahmadis, in particular, are targeted by this injustice. According to these clerics, for Ahmadis to perform Eid prayers or offer sacrifices is considered a grievous crime, and they are willing to go to any extreme to enforce punishment for it.”
Huzooraa emphasised that these clerics go as far as ordering the killing of Ahmadis in the name of Islam and rewards of Paradise. Incidents in previous years show that authorities imprisoned many Ahmadis on the basis of practicing Islam. Some similar incidents this year have emerged as well.
Hazrat Amirul Momineen highlighted that only God Almighty accepts the sacrifice of His servants. Many Ahmadis kept themselves from performing sacrifice owing to the given circumstances. Huzooraa gave the example of the acceptance of Hajj of a person who did not even go to perform the pilgrimage but his Hajj was accepted owing to a righteous deed, and God rejected the Hajj of thousands even though they performed it. Huzooraa expressed that Allah the Almighty, in the same way, can surely accept the sacrifices of Ahmadis. God says:
لَنۡ یَّنَالَ اللّٰہَ لُحُوۡمُہَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُہَا وَلٰکِنۡ یَّنَالُہُ التَّقۡوٰی مِنۡکُمۡ
“Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.38)
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said Ahmadis know the spirit of the above verse and tread the path of righteousness. Surely, Ahmadis feel anxious when they can’t perform the sacrifice but understanding the essence of righteousness, they are satisfied. May Allah grant guidance to these clerics.
Huzooraa said:
“Instead of following the commands of the Holy Prophetsa, these people want to spread their self-made religion. Allah Himself says that those who kill someone who recites the creed or practice their faith will face His punishment and end up in Hell. So, can they escape Allah’s wrath? [They can save themselves] if only they would use their reason and listen to the words of Allah and His Messengersa and act accordingly
“Ahmadis, who are steadfast in their faith and are sincerely sacrificing their lives, wealth, and emotions, surely their deeds are accepted in the eyes of Allah. This is indeed a period of sacrifice, which, God willing, shall pass. Therefore, in these circumstances, we should bow even more before Allah. We should intensify our supplications so much that Allah’s mercy hastens to help the oppressed and seize the oppressors.
“We should ask Allah that we are prepared to follow the practice of Prophet Abrahamas and perfectly obey the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa by being ready for every kind of sacrifice, be it of life, wealth, or emotions. Whether our goats and cows are sacrificed or not, we are ready for this sacrifice. So, if Allah accepts our prayers and intentions, surely, He will accept our sacrifices as He has promised. However, the condition for all of this is piety.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that if we tread the path of righteousness, and fulfil the rights of God and His creation, we will surely bring about a revolution in the world. We should always remember that the sacrifice of Prophet Abrahamas and Prophet Ishmealas was symbolic for the future revolution.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“The true sacrifice lies in the purity of hearts. Flesh and blood are not the real sacrifices. While ordinary people offer the sacrifice of animals, the special ones sacrifice their hearts. However, God has not abolished apparent sacrifices [of animals] either, to show that these sacrifices also have a connection with mankind.”
Huzooraa said this is the spirit of sacrifice that we should instil in every member of the Jamaat. Only then we can bring about a revolution for which the Promised Messiahas was sent in servitude of the Holy Prophetsa. God willing, we will not heed to temporary efforts of these clerics. It is the promise of God to the Promised Messiahas. We should not feel concerned that these nominal scholars have stopped us from practicing Islam, as they are no way near Islam and its teachings.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa emphasised that these people are trying to become God, but we should focus on righteous and the true spirit of sacrifice. The Promised Messiahas said it is necessary for our Jamaat to tread the path of righteousness, as they are connected to such a person who has been appointed by Allah the Almighty, so that all those who are spiritual ill may regain health. God says:
وَمَنۡ یَّتَوَکَّلۡ عَلَی اللّٰہِ فَہُوَ حَسۡبُہٗ
“And he who puts his trust in Allah — He is sufficient for him.” (Surah at-Talaq, Ch.65: V.4)
The Promised Messiahas said the prayers of a righteous person are accepted.
Huzooraa said these hardships and persecutions are there to help us rise and soar even higher. We should not be worried about these vain efforts of clerics. We should never be concerned about any kind of hostility and always seek the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“May Allah make this Eid blessed in every way for Ahmadis around the world, and may we soon witness a revolution resulting from their sacrifices.
“Eid Mubarak to the Ahmadis of Pakistan as well. For the past several days, [my] focus has been on them. The situation has been quite dire there. May Allah bring about the fruition of their sacrifices soon. Even today, on Eid, rioters attacked in Kotli, vandalising the mosque. In some places, Ahmadis were not even allowed to perform Eid prayers. Despite the government’s promises of protection, local authorities often act according to their own will. Nevertheless, our complete reliance is on Allah, and we must continue to bow before Him.
“May Allah swiftly turn the suffering of Ahmadis into joy. Wherever in the world Ahmadis are enduring pain and sacrifice, may relief come soon. Remember to continuously bow before Allah in all circumstances and strive to elevate the standards of your worship.
“Keep the families of the martyrs in your prayers. May Allah regard every drop of the martyrs’ blood with such love that it brings about a revolution. May the sacrifices of these martyrs lead to a profound transformation in their progeny, strengthening their bond with faith more than ever before.
“Pray for the early release of all prisoners, especially the woman imprisoned in Yemen. May Allah grant succour to all the others, granting them swift freedom. May Allah abundantly reward every Ahmadi making sacrifices in any form and keep every Ahmadi steadfast in piety.
“Pray for the Palestinians as well; may Allah swiftly rescue them from the grinding oppression they face, and show them mercy. May this Eid be filled with blessings for all Ahmadis. May peace, tranquility, and safety prevail globally, and may the people of the world come to recognise the One True God, for only then can true peace be established on earth.”
After the conclusion of the Eid sermon, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, and then conveyed “Eid Mubarak” to all.