Islamabad, UK, 13 October 2024: On 13 October 2024, members of the national amila and local presidents (sadran) of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya France had the blessed opportunity to have a virtual meeting with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa presided over the meeting from Islamabad, UK, while the participants joined from France via video link.
Tajnid
After exchanging greetings, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa discussed some matters related to the tajnid of the members in France. Huzooraa noted that the previous day, i.e., 12 October 2024, Lajna Imaillah France had informed him that some of their members were not maintaining contact with the Jamaat. Amir Sahib informed Huzooraa that efforts were underway to update the tajnid.
Huzooraa advised:
“Your Jamaat’s Tarbiyat Department, along with missionaries, Lajna, khuddam, and ansar, should all collaborate to try to reconnect with those who are not in contact. And for those who say they are no longer Ahmadis—that they once took bai‘at but have now left—this should be clearly known. It should not be that you include their names in the tajnid list, but have had no contact with them for months or even years. Therefore, devise a scheme, and create a formal programme with everyone’s cooperation, so that those who are disconnected—if they have indeed separated and do not wish to be part of the Jamaat—then should be formally separated, so your tajnid reflects this, and your other planning is accordingly aligned.”
General guidance for amila members
Turning his attention to the amila members, Huzooraa observed, “As far as Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya France is concerned, apparently, from the appearance of the amila and their faces, it seems that there is much sincerity, loyalty, and genuine intention among you to work. However, Allah the Almighty knows the true state of hearts.”
He advised them, “Therefore, endeavour first and foremost for the amila members to establish a relationship with Allah the Almighty. Enhance the standards of your worship. Increase your knowledge of the faith. Pay attention to reading the Holy Quran and understanding it.” He stressed the importance of strengthening their bond of loyalty and sincerity with the Jamaat, saying, “Instead of personal egos, strive wholeheartedly with pure intentions to achieve the objectives of the Jamaat and to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.”
Reminding them of their solemn promises, Huzooraa stated, “You pledge that ‘We will remain loyal to the Jamaat; we will be loyal to Khilafat.’ You can fulfil these promises only when you do everything solely for the sake of Allah. Without this, they are mere words.”
He highlighted the necessity of self-improvement and humility, noting, “Every person makes mistakes and has weaknesses; no one is free from them. However, one should strive for self-improvement and display humility, considering oneself a humble person.” He added, “This is the command of Allah the Almighty; this is the teaching given to us by the Promised Messiahas; this was the practice of the Promised Messiahas—humility and meekness—which pleased Allah the Almighty, and He revealed to him:
تیری عاجزانہ راہیں اس کو پسند آئیں
“He is pleased with your humble ways.” (Tadhkirah, Qadian, 2019, p. 961)
Emphasising the significance of sincerity, Huzooraa said, “There should be humility and meekness, and with the fear of Allah in the heart, every work should be for His sake. Every member of the amila should keep this in mind and heart.” He assured them, “Only then will you be able to fulfil the rights of the services entrusted to you, and only then will you become those who attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Therefore, make every effort towards this.”
Clarifying the nature of their roles, Huzooraa remarked, “The apparent positions are not worldly ranks but are for the service of the faith. These are entrusted to you for the service of religion.” He cautioned, “Do not consider them as ‘positions’ but as a service, a divine favour. Recognising them as a favour from Allah, strive to fulfil them with humility and meekness. If these qualities develop within you, then you can consider yourselves successful.”
Guidance for the Tarbiyat Department
Huzooraa then addressed the Secretary Tarbiyat, providing guidance for the Tarbiyat Department. He stated that merely sending out monthly circulars was not sufficient. The primary focus of tarbiyat should be to help everyone develop a relationship with Allah the Almighty, starting with attention to worship and observance of salat.
He emphasised that amila members themselves should diligently observe the five daily prayers. Those living near mosques or salat centres should attend congregational prayers as much as possible. He advised that tarbiyat should begin within their own homes, encouraging their families towards regular prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran. By creating an environment of good tarbiyat at home, its positive effects would naturally spread to the rest of the Jamaat.
Huzooraa highlighted the necessity of continuous supervision and constant attention, rather than relying solely on sending circulars. He suggested collaborating with missionaries and the Amir to develop a regular, well-defined tarbiyat plan, focusing on fulfilling duties and self-reformation while keeping the fear of Allah in their hearts.
Guidance for the Maal Department
Addressing Secretary Maal, Huzooraa enquired about the participation of members in financial sacrifices and whether they paid chanda according to the prescribed rates. He stressed that if someone could not pay chanda according to their income, they should openly state their situation but should not misrepresent their income.
Upon learning that there were weaknesses in this aspect, Huzooraa emphasised the need for greater attention. He pointed out that while those with limited means often gave whatever they could, attention should be given to those who earned more, encouraging them to recognise that it was Allah’s favour upon them to have such income. As a token of gratitude, they should willingly spend in the way of Allah. He underscored the importance of instilling this sense among the members.
After this, Amir Sahib requested Huzoor’saa permission for some people to ask questions, which he graciously granted.
Declaring true income
Syed Hasnain Shah Sahib asked about the importance of declaring one’s true income.
In response, Huzooraa emphasised the need for honesty and integrity in financial matters. He said, “I have already instructed the Secretary Maal to remind people, to make them aware that they need to make financial sacrifices to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, and to draw their attention to the favours of Allah upon them. This is the command; Allah the Almighty has instructed us to advise and to repeatedly give counsel. In this way, we should keep reminding them.”
He cautioned against the dangers of wealth leading one away from spiritual obligations, stating, “It should not be that when wealth comes, a person becomes more inclined towards the world and forgets Allah the Almighty. Remember that you are to give for the sake of attaining Allah’s pleasure.” Huzooraa stressed that obligatory chandas should be paid first, according to one’s actual income. Additional contributions could be made thereafter, but the primary obligations must not be neglected.
He pointed out the issue of giving funds elsewhere for personal projection or recognition, remarking, “It should not be that the obligatory chandas are not properly declared, not given according to one’s actual income, and instead, funds are given elsewhere where there is more projection, where there is applause, and people say, ‘Yes, he spent a lot; he gave to the mosque, or he gave to such and such place.’ These things are wrong.”
Huzooraa reminded everyone that chanda is a form of sacrifice and should be given with sincerity to attain Allah’s pleasure. He underscored the necessity of continuous reminders from the Finance Department and the Tarbiyat Department to keep members focused on their spiritual responsibilities rather than seeking people’s approval.
Participation of musian in financial obligations
Saeed Ahmad Sahib raised a concern about musian (participants of the Wasiyyat scheme) who contribute less chanda than their income warrants. He asked how improvement could be brought about in such cases and whether it was necessary for an amila member to be a musi.
Huzooraa responded that while it was preferable for amila members to be musian, it was not an absolute requirement. “Efforts should be made for amila members to be musian,” he said. “However, if someone is a good worker and is giving their other chandas correctly, giving chanda ‘am according to the prescribed rate, and is excelling in other virtues, prayers, and other works, then they can be an amila member; there is no harm in it. But since we have to set an example, it is better if they are also musi.”
Regarding musian who undercontributed, Huzooraa emphasised the seriousness of the pledge they had made. “No one forced them to make Wasiyyat,” he noted. “But when they do make Wasiyyat, then it becomes their duty that having made the Wasiyyat, they fulfil the pledge they have made.” He reminded them that they had pledged to Allah to spend at least one-tenth of their income and property in His way. Failing to fulfil this pledge amounted to breaking a covenant with Allah.
He advised gradual tarbiyat for such individuals. “It is the duty of the secretaries of Wasiyyat to explain to them; the secretaries of Tarbiyat also have the duty to explain to them, and the missionaries should also explain to them to give chanda according to their income,” Huzooraa said. If circumstances prevented them from fulfilling their pledge, they should consider temporarily cancelling their Wasiyyat and continue contributing as per chanda ‘am, without resorting to falsehood. He concluded, “The standard of righteousness [taqwa] of a musi should be very high. Everyone should pay attention to this.”
Joining political parties
In a follow-up question, Saeed Ahmad Sahib asked about the permissibility for individual Ahmadis to join a political party in France. Huzooraa clarified that if someone was interested in politics and wished to join a party that stood for the protection of human rights, they could certainly do so. “If you are joining with the spirit of serving humanity, then you can certainly join; there is no harm,” he affirmed. However, he cautioned against joining parties that aimed to create hatred, rifts, or disorder, stating there was no need to associate with such groups.
President Macron facing backlash after demand for arms embargo on Israel
Mansoor Ahmad Vaince Sahib brought up a recent statement by the President of France regarding establishing a ceasefire in Gaza by halting weapon supplies, which had received backlash from certain institutions and politicians. He asked how Ahmadis could support the President’s stance in this context.
Huzooraa responded, “He is the President of the country, and you are citizens of this country. People are speaking against him, saying that what he said was wrong. But if he has spoken a sensible thing to establish peace in the world, then we should accept his words, listen to them, understand them, and try to act upon them.”
He highlighted the consequences of continued conflict, noting, “So far, we have seen that by supplying weapons, the war has escalated, oppression has increased, there is a massacre of Palestinians happening, and now, under the pretext of war, attacks are also happening on Lebanon.” Huzooraa encouraged those who could write to express their support in newspapers, emphasising, “We should establish peace, and by maintaining peace, we can progress, and the world can progress; otherwise, we will be destroying ourselves and the world.”
He urged members to support sensible initiatives for peace and not hesitate to voice their agreement, adding, “If he has spoken a sensible thing, then support the sensible thing. What is there to question in this? I have said this many times; I mention something about it in every sermon.”
Balancing business and faith
Samire Bounpeng Sahib sought advice for Ahmadis who wished to become entrepreneurs without neglecting their Jamaat responsibilities.
Huzooraa acknowledged the practicalities of business life but emphasised the importance of balancing worldly pursuits with spiritual obligations. He stated, “Those who are engaged in business are obviously doing so to earn money; it is not feasible for them to abandon their business.” However, he added, “It is essential that if they possess the fear of Allah, love for the Jamaat, and a sense of giving precedence to faith over worldly matters, they will make time for religious duties during their business activities.”
He advised that they should allocate time for prayers, pay attention to reading the Holy Quran, and focus on serving humanity and fulfilling the rights of Allah and His creation. Drawing lessons from Islamic history, Huzooraa said, “There were many Companions who were millionaires, yet they gave precedence to faith over worldly matters. Whenever needed, they were ready to sacrifice their wealth, lives, and everything for the sake of faith.”
He encouraged Ahmadi businessmen to utilise their wealth not only for personal and familial benefits but also to support the Jamaat and assist the poor. “Allah the Almighty has commanded us to fulfil the rights of His servants as well,” he reminded. He urged them to contribute to charitable causes and Jamaat projects, highlighting that it was a matter of instilling awareness among earners to utilise their income for the Jamaat.
Huzooraa reiterated the importance of honouring their pledge, stating, “You all pledge, ‘I shall sacrifice my life, wealth, time, and honour.’ When you pledge to sacrifice your wealth and time, then you should fulfil it, whether one is a businessman associated with the Jamaat, an employee of the Jamaat, an ordinary member, a shopkeeper, a trader, or a labourer.” He encouraged everyone to act according to their capabilities and the strengths granted by Allah.
Engaging the youth
In a follow-up question, Samire Bounpeng Sahib asked how to encourage more young khuddam to participate in Jamaat programmes promoting academic excellence and entrepreneurship.
Huzooraa emphasised that senior office-bearers must set good examples. “When senior office-bearers set good examples, and the Sadr of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, along with qaideen and mohtamimeen, bring khuddam closer by setting their own examples, then khuddam will naturally come closer,” he explained. He cautioned against excessive strictness, noting that if leaders did not treat the youth with love, they would distance themselves.
He suggested that in this era, where people are engrossed in worldly matters, it was necessary to coordinate and devise schemes involving ansar, khuddam, and the Jamaat to generate interest in Jamaat activities. “Khuddam should contemplate—Allah the Almighty has granted you a very fertile mind—how we can bring the youth closer so that they become attached to the Jamaat,” Huzooraa said. Once attached to the Jamaat, efforts should be made to strengthen their attachment to faith and Allah.
He advised that planning should be tailored to their circumstances, emphasising love and affection and setting personal examples. “The most important thing is to pray for this purpose,” he added. By setting good examples, explaining with love and affection, and praying for the youth, a positive and virtuous effect would be established.
Approach to tabligh
Rabah Fodil Sahib asked about achieving success in tabligh and propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Huzooraa highlighted that Allah the Almighty had commanded the spreading of fundamental teachings and had instructed the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa to convey the message to the people. (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.68) He observed that many in France and Western countries had moved away from religion and no longer had an interest in faith.
He advised, “First, you will have to find those who are interested in religion. Establish relationships with those who are interested in religion.” He emphasised the importance of building personal connections, saying, “A key principle of tabligh is to build relationships with them, bring them closer, not just preach to them but also show them your example, befriend them.”
Huzooraa encouraged engaging in direct conversations and individual tabligh, inviting respectable people to homes for meetings, and organising small functions where questions about Islam could be addressed. He stressed that the effectiveness of tabligh depended on righteous personal conduct and attention to prayer. “If your example is something else while you are preaching righteousness, then after some time, the person will realise who you really are, and it will not have an impact,” he warned.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by widespread misconceptions about Islam and advised that literature should be shared with those showing interest in religion. He emphasised the need for tailored planning, considering the challenges, difficulties, and objections people might have. Auxiliary organisations and the Jamaat should collaborate to create a consolidated programme suited to local circumstances.
Future opposition against Jamaat in the West
Hammad Akram Sahib referred to a previous statement by Huzooraa regarding future opposition in European countries to such an extent that Ahmadis might forget the opposition faced in Pakistan. He asked whether this opposition would occur due to the Jamaat’s progress or because Huzooraa defends Islam vigorously and advocates for justice and equal rights for smaller countries against big powers.
Huzooraa explained that all these factors would converge. “Firstly, when the Jamaat progresses, it is evident that it will face opposition,” he said. “Then, when you speak against the actions and misdeeds of those people, it will lead to opposition.” He elaborated that as people developed an inclination towards Allah, satanic forces would rise in opposition. “Satan’s followers cannot tolerate in any way that Allah’s name be exalted or that the teachings of Islam spread in the world,” he noted.
He highlighted that when the true model of Islam was established everywhere, opposition would increase even more. The Dajjalic forces would become concerned that their agenda of making people forget Allah and establishing atheism was being thwarted. They would fear that Muslims might psychologically or practically dominate minds, or that people from their nations might start joining them.
Huzooraa emphasised the need to strengthen personal faith and prepare to support new Ahmadis in their spiritual growth. “We will have to strengthen our own faith; we will have to plan for that,” he advised. Planning ahead was crucial to facing potential challenges. He remarked that opposition could arise both due to the Jamaat’s expansion and general misconceptions about Islam caused by the actions of some Muslims.
He concluded by highlighting that those intent on spreading atheism would oppose the Jamaat as it brings true Islam to the forefront. “Opposition will continue to increase more and more; it will come from governments, from other people, and from religious people—the so-called religious leaders—whether they are Christians, Jews, or whoever they may be,” Huzooraa said.
Conclusion
At the end of the meeting, Amir Sahib expressed gratitude to Huzooraa and requested prayers. Huzooraa concluded by advising all to remain steadfast in the guidance provided. He said, “Remain steadfast on these matters [that I have just mentioned]. Properly carry out the tarbiyat of the Jamaat, remove egotism from among them, establish a relationship with Allah the Almighty, and instil sincerity and loyalty. This is a great success, and this is the objective.” He encouraged them, “If you achieve this, then the Jamaat of France can be counted among the best jamaats. May Allah grant you the ability to do so.”
With these words, Huzooraa took leave, and the meeting concluded.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)