Friday Sermon
28 March 2025
Staying on the path of rectitude after Ramadan
After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:
Allah the Almighty has granted us the opportunity to experience this Ramadan. Today is the last Friday of Ramadan. It is a favour of Allah the Almighty that He has enabled many of us to worship and also to observe the fasts. However, along with this, we should also be mindful of the fact that merely by observing the fasts during Ramadan and worshipping during Ramadan, our purpose has not been fulfilled. In fact, Allah the Almighty has commanded and guided us that we should permanently become His servants and try to fulfil the rights of worshipping Him. Hence, during these days, those who were able to pay attention towards their prayers, towards congregational prayers, voluntary prayers and reciting the Holy Quran and those who were granted the ability by Allah the Almighty to act in accordance with it, they now have a responsibility to uphold these virtues. Only if we uphold these virtues will we be able to achieve the objective, which Allah the Almighty has set as the purpose of man’s creation.
Furthermore, in this era, we have pledged allegiance at the hands of the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophetsa and have thus renewed this pledge. As such, we should continue to try our level best to fulfil this [pledge]. Today and even in the remaining few days of Ramadan, or two days that remain, we should supplicate that Allah the Almighty enables us to continue these virtues as a result of the blessings of this Ramadan and that after Ramadan we do not forget these virtues, which we performed in accordance with the commandment of Allah the Almighty. The reason for this is that the Holy Prophetsa has said that a believer is he who waits from one prayer to the next prayer, from one Friday [prayer] to the next, and from one Ramadan to the next. That is, he waits for them so that he can once again perform those acts of worship and those virtuous deeds during that time, which Allah the Almighty has commanded to perform. Furthermore, during this time, these acts of worship atone for small mistakes and sins. The Holy Prophetsa has said that they become the means for atonement. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-taharah, Bab al-salawat al-khams)
Thus, just as Ramadan is important, every prayer and every Friday prayer is important. This Friday is not blessed simply due to being the last of Ramadan; rather, every Friday is blessed. As I mentioned, in this era, Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas and we were able to accept him. He gave countless guidance to his Jamaat on how we can become true Muslims, how we can become true servants of Allah the Almighty and how we can become members of the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, we should remain mindful of these matters. On one occasion, whilst imparting guidance to us, the Promised Messiahas said that he has told his Jamaat time and again not to simply rely on having pledged allegiance to him. Until one understands its true significance, they will not find salvation. A person who suffices on the shell remains deprived of the essence.
The Promised Messiahas stated that if a disciple does not act upon the teachings, then they are not true adherents. If a follower is not practicing, then the eminence of their leader does not benefit them in any way. The Promised Messiahas said that it is not possible for one to simply say “I have taken the pledge of allegiance (bai‘at) with such and such a spiritual leader,” or “I have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas, and now I have attained a great deal,” Until we ourselves become those who act upon the teachings, our pledge of allegiance cannot benefit us in any way.
The Promised Messiahas further explained this with an example: Just as someone visits a doctor, receives a prescription, and then simply keeps it with them, they will not derive any benefit from it. The benefit will only be gained if one actually follows the prescription given by the doctor or physician, applies the treatment, and uses the prescribed medicine.
The Promised Messiahas stated that he has written a book titled Kashti-e-Nuh [Noah’s Ark], which one should read repeatedly, as it contains guidance. When one reads it again and again, acts upon its guidance, and strives to shape their lives according to its teachings – which are in line with the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa – then that will lead one to the true path to success. That is what will truly benefit you in their pledge of allegiance.
The Promised Messiahas further states that Allah the Almighty declares that the one who purifies himself is the one who attains true success.
قَدۡ اَفۡلَحَ مَنۡ زَکّٰٮہَا
“Verily, he truly prospers who purifies himself.” (The Holy Quran, 91:10)
Only when one acts upon this will they attain benefit. Giving an example, the Promised Messiahas stated that there are thousands of thieves, adulterers, sinners, alcoholics, and criminals who claim to belong to the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa. But are they truly so? Do they actually have the right to be called the followers of the Holy Prophetsa? The Promised Messiahas said absolutely not! This is not possible. A true member of the ummah is one who fully adheres to the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, pp. 232-233)
If someone does not follow these teachings, then they cannot be called a part of his ummah. To claim otherwise is nothing but a means of dishonouring the Holy Prophetsa.
Therefore, we must always remember that we need to ensure our actions are in accordance with Islamic teachings – the commandments of Allah the Almighty as conveyed to us by the Holy Prophetsa and, in this era, the guidance given to us by the Promised Messiahas.
In one instance, the Promised Messiahas stated that having entered this Jamaat, one must act upon its teachings.
He stated that after joining the Jamaat, one also faces hardships. If there were no hardships, then how could one attain a reward? He said that the Holy Prophetsa endured suffering in Mecca for thirteen years, and one cannot even comprehend the difficulties of that time. Therefore, always remember that trials and tribulations do come. But even when these hardships befell both the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions in Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa still taught patience. And what was the result? In the end, the enemy was completely destroyed.
The Promised Messiahas says that you will see that these mischievous people – those who oppose you – will eventually vanish and cease to exist. The same circumstances exist today as well. Allah Almighty has decreed that He will spread this Jamaat across the world. He said that these people trouble you because they see you as few in number, but when the Jamaat grows significantly, they will fall silent on their own. This has always been the principle of the world, and this is the history we have seen with the communities of prophets.
The Promised Messiahas further said that if Allah had willed, these people would not have caused you distress, and no such persecutors would have existed. However, Allah intends to teach you patience through them.
Allah the Almighty is the Master of all powers; He has the ability to stop these oppressors; however, He also wishes to test us, to see how much patience we possess and to what extent we establish our relationship with Him. Is our worship to Allah the Almighty merely during the month of Ramadan? Do we truly wish to make this worship a permanent part of our lives, and are we making efforts to do so? If we fail to do this, then there is no benefit. If we do this, and we also remain patiently content with the will of Allah the Almighty and keep praying, then Allah the Almighty will grant us deliverance from the enemy. Then, you will witness how Allah the Almighty will protect you from these afflictions.
The Promised Messiahas states that patience itself is an act of worship. God Almighty states that those who remain patient shall be granted rewards beyond measure, meaning they shall receive blessings without limit. This reward is exclusively for those who are patient. There is no such promise from Allah the Almighty for any other act of worship. When a person spends his life within a community, then when he endures much suffering, the Protector’s honour will be impassioned and He will destroy the one who causes them harm. Meaning when we exhibit patience, prostrate ourselves before Allah the Almighty, and pray to Him, then Allah the Almighty’s honour will be stirred.
At times, people become impatient. It is true that we are facing great afflictions in certain places, especially in Pakistan. However, Allah the Almighty expects of us – and the Promised Messiahas has instructed us – that we remain patient. It is not sufficient to simply supplicate during Ramadan; rather, we must make these prayers and righteous deeds a permanent part of our lives. Only then will we reap the true benefit. The Promised Messiahas clearly declared that our Jamaat is under the protection of Allah the Almighty, and enduring hardships only strengthens faith. There is nothing akin to patience. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, p. 235)
Thus, if we keep these things in mind, then, insha-Allah, we will continue to progress, and the enemy will never be able to hinder our efforts, or frustrate our plans. However, the condition remains that our own deeds must be righteous, and that we carry out every action solely for the pleasure of God Almighty.
On one occasion, the Promised Messiahas stated that you should not remain engrossed in the world; rather, turn towards Allah the Almighty. And when you turn towards Allah the Almighty, then you will witness how He will create ease for you.
Then, while giving advice regarding righteousness, the Promised Messiahas states that history tells us that true Muslims in the early days always had to endure hardships. Even the Companions faced such circumstances that they had to survive by eating leaves. At times, even a morsel of food was not available.
The Promised Messiahas said that no one can do good for another until God Almighty wills good for them. If Allah the Almighty desires good for someone, only then will they receive goodness from others. When a person adopts righteousness, then God Almighty Himself opens doors for them. It is merely your supposition that others will bestow goodness upon you, but if Allah the Almighty has not yet decreed good for you, then you may exert innumerable efforts, but they will not be able to bestow goodness. To tread the path of righteousness, one must bow before Allah the Almighty, and when we attain His pleasure and begin to tread the path of righteousness, then, Allah the Almighty will open the doors of His grace. Insha-Allah.
That is why the Promised Messiahas instructed to have true faith in Allah the Almighty, for everything will be attained through Him, because Allah the Almighty states:
مَنۡ یَّتَّقِاللّٰہَ یَجۡعَلۡ لَّہٗ مَخۡرَجًا وَّیَرۡزُقۡہُ مِنۡ حَیۡثُ لَا یَحۡتَسِبُ
(The Holy Quran, 68:3-4)
Whoever adopts righteousness and fears Allah, He will create a way out for them and provide for them from where they could never have imagined. He will grant them ease and blessings from sources they never anticipated. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, p. 204)
Therefore, we must always keep this in mind if we truly wish to make our lives successful and benefit from the blessings of this Ramadan, or indeed any Ramadan.
In relation to fulfilling the rights of one another, the Promised Messiahas stated that people should sit together in harmony. The more love and affection you show towards one another, the greater will be the love of Allah the Almighty for you. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, p. 228)
It is not just the physical acts of worship, but in the days of Ramadan, many people’s attention is drawn towards demonstrating high moral conduct – many people’s attention has been drawn towards this – and they even share it with others. It is, however, essential that we continue to uphold these high morals. We must resolve to avoid petty disagreements, trivial disputes, and small conflicts that arise among us, and instead lead a life filled with love and affection. When we do so, then the blessings of Allah the Almighty shall rain down upon us.
Then, on another occasion, whilst imparting guidance, the Promised Messiahas states that it is imperative for our Jamaat, especially in this turbulent age, where the winds of misguidance, negligence, and deception are sweeping from every direction, to adopt righteousness.
If one observes, what medium is not being used today to lead people towards misguidance? Every form of media, every effort is working towards this very end. Worldly people have started using every means to lead others towards misguidance, ignorance and to lead them away from Allah the Almighty.
In such a time, our responsibility as those who claim to have believed in the Promised Messiahas, who came in this age for the rejuvenation of faith and the revival of Islam, is to strive to avoid such evils. We must assess ourselves: how many of us truly refrain from these things? Everyone ought to make this assessment, including the youth, the elderly, men, women, and children alike.
The Promised Messiahas continues that the current state of the world is such that they have no regard for the greatness of Allah the Almighty’s commandments. They have a disregard for the rights due to Him and His commandments. They have no regard for Allah the Almighty’s admonitions. He says that people have become excessively engrossed in worldly matters.
If we assess our own conditions, we too find instances where people have become overly immersed in worldly affairs. Sometimes, people forget to offer their prayers, some neglect the Jumuah prayers, and some disregard other good deeds. At times, in pursuit of their rights, they even try to usurp the rights of others. Such things do not bring one closer to Allah the Almighty. Therefore, while we are engaged in prayers during Ramadan, asking Allah the Almighty to grant us the opportunity to do good deeds and to fulfil our needs, we must also put into practice the guidance that Allah the Almighty has provided to us. We must make an effort as well; relying solely on prayer will not suffice.
The Promised Messiahas mentioned that those engrossed in worldly affairs, when faced with worldly loss, raise a hue and they begin to cry out loud. And, just as I mentioned earlier, in order to save themselves from incurring any worldly loss, they disregard the rights due to Allah the Almighty. They have no regard for the rights due to Allah the Almighty, so long as they don’t incur any worldly loss. They fail to pay attention to the guidance of Allah the Almighty and neglect the rights of others. Some even get involved in lawsuits and wrongfully file lawsuits. And then, in order to disgrace the other party, they present false arguments and evidence upon the advice of their lawyers. The lawyers try to persuade them to present false arguments and testimonies. In such circumstances, how can we expect Allah the Almighty’s help? If one wants Allah the Almighty’s support, it is essential to focus on virtue and strive to adhere to the commandments of Allah the Almighty.
The Promised Messiahas further states that whilst they are in a state of weakness, they do not have the courage to commit sin. They do not commit sin whilst they are weak and are drawn towards Allah the Almighty, but as they get an opportunity, they immediately begin to commit falsehood and sin.
Once they are granted ease and prosperity, they forget that it is Allah Who has granted them this ease and prosperity and they forget about their earlier state. True gratitude to Allah the Almighty is to maintain those good deeds and never attempt to usurp the rights of Allah or His servants, i.e. those deeds which one carried out in their state of weakness. If someone is violating the rights of others, it is because they lack true righteousness.
The Promised Messiahas states that when true righteousness exists, a person cannot engage in such actions. He further states that there is a great deal mentioned in the ahadith and many blessings, but people lack faith in their hearts and do not practically adhere to these things.
There are some people who speak with reference to the Quran and Hadith, but they lack the practical condition and faith in order to adhere to it. The Promised Messiahas states that God Almighty has sent him to instil these virtues once again. When God saw that this field [of virtue] was empty, His divine Majesty could not allow this field to remain barren and for people to remain distant. Hence, He desires to create a new, living Jamaat, and this is why we preach the message of adopting a life of righteousness. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, pp. 395-396)
Thus, as we have entered the pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiahas and become part of a new Jamaat, we must strive to lead our lives filled with righteousness.
The Promised Messiahas states that righteousness is not something that can be obtained merely by words. In fact, Satan misleads even those who strive to practice righteousness. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, p. 398, footnote)
The Promised Messiahas then gave an example of this, “A small amount of sweetness attracts countless ants. (If there is sugar or sweets placed somewhere, ants will swarm to it.) This is the same case of the sins caused by satanic influence, and it reflects the level of weakness in man.” A person may think that they have become very righteous and are adhering to righteousness, but when Satan attacks, it becomes clear that they are not yet fully safeguarded from the attacks of Satan and are not completely under the protection of Allah.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“Had Allah willed, He would not have left humans in such a state of weakness.” As I mentioned earlier that the moment someone performs a good deed, they may think that they adhere to righteousness, but this is not true righteousness. This is a righteousness that is vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Just as ants are drawn to sweetness, Satan also attacks to provoke feelings of self-righteousness, convincing a person that they have become virtuous. When this happens, they drift away from their good deeds, and arrogance starts to take root.
The Promised Messiahas states that, thus, those who walk the path of righteousness must tread carefully and cautiously. This is only possible when, “a person recognises that the source of all strength is Allah alone.
“No Prophet or Messenger has the power to bestow this strength of their own accord. (Indeed, one attains blessings through Prophets and Messengers; one attains blessings by following their teachings. But all power belongs to Allah the Almighty alone. Prophets and Messengers also guide one to seek from Allah the Almighty.) Then, when one gains this strength from God Almighty, one is able to bring about a change within oneself. In order to attain this, it is necessary to supplicate, and it is prayer that can remove all satanic weaknesses. This in itself is termed a supplication. Satan wishes for man to remain weak in his prayers, because he knows that all the reformation possible will take place through this. But the condition for this is to become pure and chaste. So long as man has impurities inside him, Satan will continue to love him.” (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, p. 398)
Therefore, observing prayer is a prerequisite in order to become purified. During this month of Ramadan, we derived benefit by offering prayers regularly, by being more mindful of it and by offering voluntary prayers.
The Promised Messiahas stated:
“If you wish to remain protected from Satan indefinitely and remain steadfast upon righteousness, then the condition for this is to focus on worship – such worship which is performed with care and in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Almighty, devoid of any form of ostentation or display. When worship is offered in this manner, a person will always remain protected against Satan’s assaults and will remain under the shelter of Allah the Almighty’s mercy.”
Furthermore, with regard to righteousness, the Promised Messiahas stated that in order to become righteous, it is essential for a person to not only abstain from grave matters such as adultery, theft, usurping the rights of others, hypocrisy, arrogance, contempt, and miserliness, and abandon all immoral conduct, but also to excel in adopting moral excellences. True righteousness requires that one not only shun major evil and refrain from immoral acts, as this is not sufficient; rather, true righteousness is when one takes steps towards virtues. The real objective is to eradicate evil conduct and replace it with virtues. If one eschews all evil morals and adopts virtues, then that is the real essence. Thus, righteousness is not merely to avoid sin; rather, it is about refraining from evil and actively pursuing good deeds.
Then, what are the other virtues that one should adopt? They include treating others with kindness, displaying good manners, showing compassion, demonstrating sincere loyalty and truthfulness towards God Almighty, and seeking opportunities to reach the elevated station. A person should strive to engage in deeds that please Allah the Almighty and are worthy of praise. It is through such efforts that one becomes a righteous person. The Promised Messiahas has stated that when these qualities are adopted by an individual, they are counted among the righteous.
The Promised Messiahas further said that when people reach this state, Allah the Almighty becomes their Guardian, as Allah the Almighty Himself declares:
لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَیۡہِمۡ وَلَا ہُمۡ یَحۡزَنُوۡنَ
“No fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve”. (The Holy Qur’an, 2:39)
In another place, God states:
وَہُوَ یَتَوَلَّی الصّٰلِحِیۡ
“And He protects the righteous”. (The Holy Qur’an, 7:197)
It is narrated in a Hadith that Allah the Almighty becomes the hands with which such people grasp, the eyes with which they see, the ears with which they hear, and the feet with which they walk. In another Hadith, it is mentioned: “Whosoever bears enmity towards My friend, they should prepare for war against Me.”
In another place, it is mentioned that when someone attacks a friend of God, Allah the Almighty pounces upon that person with the ferocity of a lioness whose cub has been snatched from her. The Promised Messiahas said that this is how one attains the mercy of Allah the Almighty. When a person takes a step towards God, He, in turn, advances towards them. The mercy of Allah the Almighty is not bestowed upon everyone; thus, whosoever is a recipient of His mercy becomes a manifest sign of it. The greatest signs were shown in support of the Holy Prophetsa and despite the relentless efforts of his enemies to bring about his ruin, not a single one of their schemes succeeded. To the extent that they plotted to assassinate him, yet all such attempts were ultimately foiled.
The Promised Messiahas states that one should continuously nurture the love and reverence of Allah the Almighty within their hearts, and there is no greater means of achieving this than prayer. The essence of true devotion lies in presenting one’s virtues before Allah the Almighty and fulfilling the due rights of His worship and the Promised Messiahas has mentioned that there is no greater means than prayer.
Thus, we have passed through the month of Ramadan, we have experienced [different stages in] our prayers and improved on our virtues. It is now essential to continue these practices, and in order to draw the mercy of Allah the Almighty, these virtuous habits must become a permanent part of our lives. Without this, there is no survival.
The Promised Messiahas states that while the fasting month comes once a year, and Zakat is obligatory only upon those who possess wealth (not everyone pays Zakat), this too is a virtue, but prayer is a fundamental obligation for everyone five times a day. Whether one is rich or poor, young or old, they must offer the prayers. Never neglect your prayers. Offer them repeatedly, and do so with full attention, keeping in view that you are standing before the One Who holds immense power that, if He wills, He can accept your supplication in an instant. One should have such firm faith that one thinks that one stands in the presence of God. He is All-Powerful, such that if He wills, He can grant acceptance to your prayers at any moment.
The Promised Messiahas states that worldly rulers are dependent on their treasuries and constantly worry about them finishing and sending them into destitution. They remain worried about how they will be replenished. At the same time, they remain anxious that if they spend freely, they may soon run out. This is precisely the state of the Western world today, which once considered itself to be wealthy and believed that it had ample riches which would never diminish, is now confronted with severe economic challenges. Their economies are crumbling, inflation is rising, the value of the [Pakistani] rupee is falling, the value of the pound is decreasing, and the dollar is also decreasing in value. There is a state of complete chaos and uncertainty, which is why they have imposed numerous restrictions.
In contrast, the treasury of Allah the Almighty remains ever full. When a person stands before Him, all that is required is unwavering certainty. One must firmly believe that Allah is Omnipotent and His treasures are eternally abundant. They will never deplete. When one develops this certainty, then he ought to seek from Him.
Then, Allah the Almighty has the power to accept prayers and grant them right away. The Promised Messiahas says that one should have certainty they are standing before an All-Hearing, All-Knowing, All-Aware and All-Powerful Being. Out of His favour and kindness, may He grant it right away. One should pray with great fervour and not lose hope or despair. In this way, one will soon experience contentment and will attain the ever-increasing favours of God. If one develops this state, they will attain these blessings of Allah the Almighty, and they will find God Himself. This is the method which we must adopt. However, the prayers of the unjust and the transgressors are not accepted because they are negligent of God Almighty. If a son does not care for his father and is undutiful, then the father does not care for him. Why then should God? (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, pp. 400-402)
Hence, the Promised Messiahas states that our Jamaat should establish a true bond with God Almighty and strive to develop the strength of their faith to the degree of certainty. This is the very purpose for which he came. He said that if this purpose is not being fulfilled, then there is no use in pledging allegiance to him.
Thus, we must strive to continue increasing our virtues and establish a special connection with Allah the Almighty. This is the very purpose of our lives, and this is what will help us in realising the success of this Jamaat. This will save us from difficulties and tribulations, and through this, insha-Allah, the Jamaat will continue thriving until it reaches the stage which has been promised by Allah the Almighty.
The Promised Messiahas states that the foremost among the objectives of the Promised Messiah are the signs which Allah the Almighty is exhibiting as a continuation of the signs shown at the time of the Holy Prophetsa. God has outlined the signs of success and also continues to manifest them. The Promised Messiahas says that this is so Allah the Almighty may prove that He listens to our prayers and answers them as well. He shows us these signs to exhibit that His help is with us. Then he says that the second purpose for his coming was to establish a connection between man and God. He says that one of the aspects is for Allah the Almighty, as He promised to the Holy Prophetsa which He is fulfilling. The second aspect has been entrusted to us by Allah the Almighty; to be His grateful servants, to do justice in worshipping Him, and to progress in our faith.” When this happens, then we will reap the blessings of Allah the Almighty and we will be among those who do justice to the very purpose for which we have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas.
The Promised Messiahas states that it is necessary for our Jamaat to increase its faith, to develop true certainty and understanding of Allah the Almighty, to avoid laziness and slackness in doing virtuous deeds. If there is laziness, then even performing ablution seems like a nuisance, let alone offering Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers]. If the ability to carry out virtuous deeds is not developed and there is no passion for vying in good works, then there is no use in associating with him. If we are not bringing about a change within ourselves, if we do not have a passion for doing virtuous deeds, there is no passion for developing the worship of Allah the Almighty or exhibiting lofty morals, then there is no use in pledging allegiance to the Promised Messiahas. He states that only those enter into his Jamaat who consider these teachings to be their code of conduct and strive to act upon them according to their capacities and capabilities. However, those who only [pledge allegiance] in name and do not act according to the teachings, should remember that God Almighty has determined to make this Jamaat special, and no one can remain within this Jamaat simply by having their name written down. There will eventually come the unfortunate time for such a person when he can become distanced, and certainly will. Therefore, as far as it is possible, mould your actions according to the teaching which is given. He says that deeds are like wings – without action, a person cannot soar to the heights of spirituality. As birds fly in the sky with their wings, deeds are also necessary in order to elevate in spiritual rank. It is through deeds that one can soar upwards and draw nearer to Allah the Almighty. One cannot soar to spiritual heights and cannot achieve those lofty purposes which Allah the Almighty has placed beneath them.
The Promised Messiahas states that birds possess understanding and knowledge. If they do not use the knowledge and understanding which Allah the Almighty has placed in their natural disposition, then they would not be able to carry out that which they do. For example, if a honeybee did not possess understanding, it would not be able to draw nectar. Similarly, messenger pigeons (pigeons carrying messages which used to be widely used) have to use their understanding to some degree. They travel very long distances in order to deliver letters. Similarly, birds are made to do wonderful things. Hence, it is necessary for a person to first use their understanding and think as to whether what they are about to do is in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Almighty and whether it is for the sake of His pleasure. When one is mindful of this and uses their understanding, then it is necessary for one to undertake action.
First, one should think and use their understanding that these are virtuous deeds which they must do, and they will have virtuous results. These are the things according to Allah the Almighty’s commandments, and these are not. Then one should act accordingly. One should not be lazy or neglectful. It is necessary to ensure that the teachings are correct. Sometimes, though the teachings can be correct, man, in his foolishness and ignorance, or due to someone else’s mischief and lies is deceived. It can also be at times that Satan deceives a person. It is necessary to understand that sometimes a person can be deceived in regards to this teaching. Hence, it is vital for an Ahmadi that in order to carry out his deeds, one must strive to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty, and he should clear his mind and think. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 4, pp. 438-440)
He should first analyse, ponder over it, pray and then undertake action. The sole purpose should be to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. When we act according to these things, then we will become those who fulfil the purpose of pledging allegiance to the Promised Messiahas.
Then on one occasion, whilst imparting advice about increasing the standard of one’s worship, the Promised Messiahas states that one should take part of Allah the Almighty’s love in full, for in reality this will establish the Unity of God. To this end, where you proclaim that you love Allah the Almighty and that you wish to establish the Unity of God, then it is necessary to prove this. That is why falling before Allah the Almighty, weeping is necessary. When these things happen, then we will be true adherents to the Unity of God and those who act upon it and those who spread it. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 3, p. 187)
Then, elaborating on what it means to love God Almighty, the Promised Messiahas states that It is to give precedence to the pleasure of Allah the Almighty over one’s parents, wife, children, and even one’s own self – in short, over everything. Hence, the Holy Quran states:
فَاذۡکُرُوا اللّٰہَ کَذِکۡرِکُمۡ اٰبَآءَکُمۡ اَوۡاَشَدَّ ذِکۡرًا
Meaning, remember Allah the Exalted as you remember your fathers; rather, remember Him with even greater and deeper love.
The Promised Messiahas further states that now, there is a point here that requires contemplation. God Almighty did not teach that one should refer to Him as the father. He has taught that one should not refer to him as the father, lest one is deceived like the Christians. Now, if someone raises the objection that the aforementioned teaching places the love of God below our love for our fathers, God Almighty has cleared this objection by using the words اَشَدَّ ذِکۡرًا. If these words had not been used, this objection would hold weight, but the aforementioned phrase has resolved this potential criticism. That is, Allah the Almighty instructs to remember Him even more than your father.
The Promised Messiahas further states that for the establishment of true divine Unity, it is necessary for one to fully partake of love for God Almighty. This love cannot be established until one is complete in the practical aspect. Mere verbal declarations prove nothing. If a person continuously repeats the word ‘sweet’, this would never replace the actual taste of sweetness. One cannot taste sweetness simply by taking the name of sweets. Similarly, if a person who verbally declares and proclaims their friendship for someone, turns away from lending their help and support when the time calls for it, they would not be considered a true friend. In the same way, if the Unity of God is professed only in words and love is expressed in the verbal sense alone, this is of no benefit whatsoever. In fact, this aspect of the teaching requires practical expression more so than verbal profession. This does not mean that verbal affirmation holds no value. The Promised Messiahas said that his purpose is to highlight that verbal declarations must be affirmed with practical expression. Therefore, it is necessary for one to devote their life to God. This is Islam. This is the purpose for which the Promised Messiahas was sent. The one who does not approach this spring at the present time, which God Almighty has caused to flow forth for this purpose, is without question, left deprived. (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 3, pp. 188-189)
The Promised Messiahas said that in order to establish the Unity of Allah the Almighty, you must shape your lives accordingly. This does not necessarily mean that you must formally dedicate your life to the Jamaat. Rather, it implies dedicating your lives to practising the teachings and propagating Allah the Almighty’s message, moulding yourselves in such a manner that it becomes evident your lives are entirely for Allah the Almighty’s sake. It is only by shaping your lives in this way that you can truly succeed. The Promised Messiahas urged us to understand this as the purpose of our lives – not merely to earn worldly gains, but having pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas, you must strive with all your ability to establish and spread the Unity of Allah across the globe. With this mindset, each member of the Jamaat will actively play their part, striving to raise the banner of Allah the Almighty’s Unity and bring humanity under the banner of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.
Thus, during this Ramadan, we have pledged to focus on worship, exemplary morals, performing righteous deeds, and spreading the Unity of Allah the Almighty. However, these efforts must not end with the conclusion of Ramadan; they must continue throughout the year. Only by maintaining this continuity can we achieve the true objective of our lives. Otherwise, the purpose behind pledging allegiance to the Promised Messiahas, as commanded by Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophetsa, will not be fulfilled. We will not be able to achieve this objective and will fail to reap the blessings promised through this pledge of allegiance. Therefore, we must always remember that by pledging allegiance, we committed ourselves to bringing about a distinct transformation within ourselves. The prayers and virtues attained during this Ramadan must become a lifelong part of our lives.
The Promised Messiahas once stated:
“If you continue living like worldly people, it will be of no benefit. You have repented at my hand, and repentance at my hand demands a death, so that you may be given a new life. If your pledge of allegiance does not come from the heart, it will yield no result. In pledging allegiance to me, God desires the testimony of your hearts. Thus, whoever accepts me with a true heart and repents sincerely from their sins, the Forgiving and Merciful God will certainly forgive their sins, making them as pure as a newborn baby. It is at this point that the Angels will then protect him.”
The Promised Messiahas gave an example, “If even one righteous individual exists in a village, Allah the Almighty, out of respect for that person’s piety, spares the village from destruction. However, when destruction arrives, it encompasses everyone, though even then Allah finds ways to protect His servants. It is Allah’s established practice that even one righteous person becomes a means of salvation for others.” (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 3, p. 262)
In light of the current circumstances of the world, whilst we strive to safeguard ourselves, our future progenies, the rest of humanity; and whilst we strive to establish the Unity of God in the world and bring the world under the flag of the Holy Prophetsa, we should also bring about a permanent change within ourselves and make the habit of offering continuous supplications a part of our lives, so that we are able to safeguard ourselves and the world in general.
The world is hurtling towards destruction. And if Allah wills, He can establish such means to reform the world by bringing about a transformation in their hearts, and so they become safeguarded from destruction. And if the destruction is going to take place, then may Allah the Almighty protect the believers and faithful people. In order to be safeguarded from this, it is essential that we should carry out our deeds in such a manner that we continuously receive Allah the Almighty’s grace.
May God grant us the ability to understand how we are to keep our worship alive, how we are to establish a bond with Allah the Almighty, how we are to follow the path of righteousness, how we are to demonstrate high morals, how we are to establish the Oneness of God in the world and how we are to safeguard the world and ourselves from destruction. When we fulfil all of these aspects and instil this understanding, only then can we truly do justice to our pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiahas. May God enable us to fulfil the due rights of our pledge. May this Ramadan be a source of blessings for us and grant us mercy, grace and blessings. May the remaining days of Ramadan and the coming year until the next Ramadan be such that we fulfil the due rights of our worship of Allah the Almighty and also fulfil the rights of His creation. May Allah the Almighty grant us the ability to do so.
(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 18 April 2025, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)