On 15 January 2022, members of Waqf-e-Nau who are currently serving as doctors or pursuing further studies in fields of medicine, were given the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in a virtual mulaqat.
The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Suleiman Sahib followed by its Urdu translation.
Then, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau Germany, Mahmood Ahmad Khan Sahib presented his report. He said that there were 15 waqifeen-e-nau as well as four waqifaat-e-nau doctors seated in the hall. He said that there were also two male and two female Waqf-e-Nau students present who were studying medicine in their final years. He added that the spouses of those waqifeen-e-nau and waqifaat-e-nau who were married were also present with Huzoor’saa permission. He sought permission for the doctors to seek the guidance of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on various matters.
Wajahat Waraich Sahib was the first to introduce himself. He said that he was currently specialising in cardiology and electrophysiology. He added that in a few months, he would complete his specialisation. Huzooraa asked him if he had volunteered abroad and which place he liked most, to which Wajahat Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he had gone to Africa and another place and was also serving as a vice-chairman of Humanity First Germany. He said that he liked all the places he had volunteered in and would gladly serve wherever Huzooraa decided to send him.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then said that after he had gained enough experience, he should ponder if he wished to gain more experience or if he wished to present himself in the service of the Jamaat. Wajahat Waraich Sahib replied that he, as well as his family, were ready. Huzooraa again said that after he had completed his experience, he should decide if he wished to gain more experience or serve the Jamaat full-time.
Aizaz Ahmad Sahib, whilst introducing himself, said that under Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa guidance, he was currently undergoing cancer research and working in the oncology field. He said that last year, he had completed his specialisation in nephrology. He added that his research focused on pancreatic cancer. He further said that he was also serving as the director of Global Health with Humanity First.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked him if he had visited East Africa, to which he replied that he went to Chad last November.
Commenting on the topi (hat) he was wearing, Huzooraa said, “I see, so you bought your topi from Chad?” To this, Aizaz Ahmad Sahib replied that he had bought it from a country in Africa. Huzooraa smiled on hearing this.
Next, Awais Bajwa introduced himself. He said that he was working in the field of neurosurgery and added that he had completed his specialisation this very year and that he was working in the research field. He said that he too went to Chad last year and had the chance to serve there.
Huzooraa said, “Keep making trips to Africa and other countries [to serve there], and keep progressing in this research field.”
Afan Ahmad Ghafoor Sahib said that under Huzoor’saa guidance, he was currently specialising in general surgery and was in his fourth year of the total six years of specialisation. He added that he had the opportunity to serve in various projects of Humanity First Germany. Huzooraa said, “Once you have completed your specialisation, then inform me.”
Next, Safeer Ahmad Najm Sahib said that after seeking guidance from Huzooraa, he pursued gastroenterology and internal medicine. He said that he was completing the third year of specialisation. After completing his specialisation, he said that he, along with his family, would present himself to the Jamaat. Huzooraa asked him how long he had left, to which he said that he had three years remaining. Huzooraa said, “Study for [the remainder of] the three years, Safeer Sahib […] then inform me once you have completed the three years.”
Safeer Sahib said to Huzooraa that diseases usually had different stages, and every stage had a special therapy plan. For example, he said, even if a cancer patient was young, but the stage of cancer had advanced significantly, with cancer having spread throughout the body, such a patient would be prescribed a palliative therapy plan which meant that only the secondary symptoms were treated and not the cancer itself. He asked that if such a situation arose before an Ahmadi doctor and the doctor had some therapy options to help the patient, though it may not be in line with current research, what should such a doctor do?
Huzooraa replied, “If the medical [code of] ethics there allow it, and your hospital discipline and protocols permit you to undertake the treatment, and you have the remedy, then there is no issue with you doing it.”
Huzooraa explained that this all depended on the extent of permission one was granted. “Otherwise, they would say, ‘You did not follow the rules and regulations of our hospital. We have devised our own protocols, which you did not follow, and so you are now relieved from your duties.’ All these things must be considered before you do that”.
Safeer Ahmad Najm Sahib said that the treatment of cancer patients whose cancer had progressed to the most advanced stages was close to impossible and the only thing that was left was to see how much life a patient had remaining.
Huzooraa said, “Why do you ask me? Medically, if there is nothing you can do, then what can I say?”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that there was also homoeopathic treatment for those who believed in it. “Sometimes homoeopathic medicine prolongs life slightly. Or, sometimes, one is even cured completely – it depends on the condition and the situation of the person. If the doctors have given up, then there is this the alternative treatment of using homoeopathic medicines if one desires to do so; and if not, then one should be content with the will of Allah.”
Irfan Sahib, whilst introducing himself, said that upon receiving guidance from Huzooraa in a mulaqat six years ago, he started specialising in the field of cardiology. He said that this year, around March or April, his specialisation would be completed. Hearing this, Huzooraa said that once he had completed his specialisation, he should let the Jamaat know.
Next, Asim Bilal Arif Sahib said that he was specialising in paediatric surgery. He said he had completed four years out of the six of specialisation. Huzooraa said, “Inform me once you have completed the remaining two years.”
Asim Bilal Arif Sahib then asked Huzooraa a question. He said that in Germany, they had a social health system where one had to consider how many funds were available against the extent to which a patient could be treated. He said that it was observed that as people lived longer, their treatment costs also increased. Moreover, the treatment costs for preterm babies also went into hundreds of thousands. He asked Huzooraa what the solution to this rising issue could be.
Answering, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the government should increase the funding for social care. “This is what can be done. What else can one do about it? You can treat people privately out of sympathy for them if that is possible. Apart from this, people will have to rely and depend on the government funding. What other solution can I offer?” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and said, “If I have the money, then I will give it.”
Asim Bilal Arif Sahib said that he was also ready to dedicate his life to the Jamaat.
Nadir Ahmad Sahib was next. He said that he was specialising in cardiology under Huzoor’saa guidance and that he had completed five years of his specialisation.
Raza Sharif-ur-Rehman Sahib was next to introduce himself. He stated that he was currently in his fifth year of specialisation in neurosurgery. He said that he was more inclined towards clinical work. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Pursue what you are interested in, and then tell me [upon completion].”
Salman Ahmad Rana Sahib said that he came to Germany four to five years ago from Pakistan. He added that he had previously served for four years in a Jamaat hospital and was now working at a German Red Cross hospital and was inclined towards specialising in cardiac surgery and requested Huzooraa to pray. In response, Huzooraa said, “May Allah the Exalted grant you the ability.”
Irfan Ahmad Sahib was next to speak. Reading his name tag, Huzooraa said, “There are many Irfans here among the doctors.”
He said that after completing his studies and PhD, under Huzoor’saa guidance, he was specialising in cancer research and medical oncology. He said that he had completed his third year, and his research was in data analysis and especially looking at personalised medicine.
Irfan Ahmad Sahib then told Huzooraa that in developed countries, such as Germany and USA, personalised medicine was provided through which patients benefitted. He said that in developing countries, personalised medicine was not provided. He asked Huzooraa what they could do as Waqf-e-Nau doctors to deliver personalised treatments in developing countries.
Huzooraa answered:
“It is your job to raise money and then help the poor. There should be some doctors who go abroad, volunteer, participate in waqf-e-arzi [temporary dedication] for a while and go and treat people during this waqf-e-arzi.”
Huzooraa said that the cost of such a plan for personalised medicine, and whether the countries would be able to bear the expenses, should be considered. Huzooraa said that a feasibility plan needed to be devised.
Omair Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, Sadr of the Muslim Ahmadiyya Medical Organisation (MAMO) Germany, was next to speak and introduce himself. He said that he was an orthopaedic consultant in a private clinic. He said that during the past two years of Covid-19, Ahmadi doctors had the chance to provide general guidance and council to Ahmadis and Ahmadi patients. He sought guidance from Huzooraa to see what else there was that they could do.
Huzooraa said, “I don’t know what you have already done. Consider what you have accomplished and see how you can improve.”
Huzooraa asked in what way they guided people, to which Omair Sahib replied that they had the chance to provide general guidance and counselling to Ahmadis.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“Keep informing them and keep raising awareness among them. There are also many among our Ahmadis, who – let’s take Covid for example – think it is nothing and there is no need to be careful, nor to wear masks, nor to get vaccinated. If one has not been vaccinated, one should at least wear a mask and take other precautions. In some cases, I have found that applying Vicks [vapour rub with ingredients such as camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil] on and around the nose and wearing a mask is quite effective; or homoeopathy can be used if one believes [in its efficacy]. However, those who do nothing and say, ‘Nothing will happen, if God wills, then death will come’ like the Punjabis do, then what can one say to them? The only thing that can be done is to run a big campaign in order to raise awareness among the less educated. And those who are careless, but educated, should be told, ‘You are educated people and this is how you ought to behave under this situation.’”
Next, Tanzeel Ahmad Khan Sahib had the opportunity to introduce himself. He said that he was currently in his final year as a medical student and added that this year, his house job would also be completed. Huzooraa, recognising him, said, “Aren’t you the one who sends letters with a photograph attached to the top corner of the letters?” Tanzeel Ahmad Sahib responded in the affirmative.
Tanzeel Ahmad Khan Sahib added that Huzooraa guided him to pursue research and, according to hisinstructions, he was doing MD–PhD in neurology. Huzooraa said that he should continue gaining experience and should apply his experience in treating patients during waqf-e-arzi.
He asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa which of the two, neurology and neurosurgery, was required more. Huzooraa stated that if it was possible to choose neurosurgery, then that would be better.
Atif Ahmad Sahib said that he was in his final year at medical school and was currently doing a house job. He said that he wished to pursue vascular surgery. He saidthat there were two routes to this. The first was that one should specialise in general surgery, which took six years, and then a further three years of specialisation in vascular surgery. Or, he said, the second route was that one should go directly into specialising in vascular surgery which took six years to complete. He said that if he chose the latter, he would be able to present himself in the service of the Jamaat earlier than if he did the former.
Huzooraa replied that he should go directly into vascular surgery.
Shahzeb Mirza Sahib said that he completed his studies in dentistry last month and was currently writing his doctoral thesis.
Rana Mukaram Sahib was next to introduce himself. He said that a few months ago, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa guided him to go into research in cardiology. He asked Huzooraa if he should pursue clinical research or basic research which was conducted in laboratories. Huzooraa said that he should go into clinical research.
Amir Mehmood Minhas Sahib said that he did BDS in Pakistan, Karachi and had moved to Germany last year.
Next, Mirza Mubahil Sahib said that he had completed his studies five months ago from Romania. Recognising him from a mulaqat he had had a month ago, Huzooraa said, “Are you the grandson of Mirza Sahib?” Mirza Mubahil Sahib replied in the affirmative and said he was the maternal grandson of Mirza Abdur Rashid Sahib. “Yes, I can tell by your facial features.”
Mirza Mubahil Sahib requested Huzooraa if he could ask a question. He said that among Punjabi people, mental illness was considered to be the result of being weak in faith. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Whoever says this is wrong.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further said:
“There are different causes of mental illnesses. There are different circumstances and a person goes through various situations and conditions. Even if a person’s faith is not weak, then people treat him in such a way in the environment he is living, that the poor person is inevitably made to have mental issues. Thus, the poor patient is helpless. To say that he is weak in faith is wrong anyway.”
Mirza Mubahil Sahib asked how one could raise awareness in this regard.
Huzooraa said that one would have to inform people. “An illness is an illness. What relationship does it have with faith?”, Huzooraa said.
Next, the female doctors and those ladies pursuing studies in the various fields of medicine had the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Nazia Mehboob Sahiba was the first to introduce herself. She said that she had been living in Germany for the past five years. She obtained her MBBS degree from Pakistan, whereafter she worked at a hospital there as a gynaecologist and paediatrician. She said that after moving to Germany, she took some language courses. She said that once the language courses were complete and she had passed some further exams, she would be able to practice in Germany.
Samra Mustafa Sahiba stated that she had studied dentistry and was now attaining experience as an assistant dentist.
Hibatul Hay Sadiyya Ata Sahiba was next to introduce herself. She said she had studied dentistry and had also gained experience in this field. She said that in 2018, she had the opportunity to work in Sao Thomé at a dental medical camp under the auspices of Humanity First Germany. The year prior, she attained her qualifications in oral surgery and implantology and was also serving as national secretary ishaat under Lajna Imaillah Germany. Two days ago, Huzooraa appointed her husband, a missionary, to be sent to Georgia. Huzooraa asked the name of her husband; to which she replied that her husband was Haroon Ahmad Ata Sahib. “Haroon, the one from Hamburg?”, Huzooraa asked. Hibatul Hay Sahiba answered in the affirmative. Huzooraa said that she could continue her practice there in Georgia.
She asked Huzooraa how waqifeen could balance their service to the Jamaat and the upbringing of their children in the most suitable manner.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered:
“You have 24 hours [in a day]. Divide the 24 hours and see where you spend your time. Make a chart of all the 24 hours [and see] how much time you spent on your sleep, how much time you spent on cooking, how much time you spent on namaz, and how much time you spent in idle talk, and how much time you spent on your profession. After coming home from school, it is important for the child to be given one hour by the mother. Sit with them, eat with them, ask them about school. Alright? This is necessary. Then there is the weekend – or at nights [during the weekdays] if time permits – you can spend some time doing Jamaat-related work”.
Shaista Sumbal Ahmad Sahiba said that she completed her studies in Denmark and had also attained a German medical license. She added that she was pursuing specialisation in internal medicine following Huzoor’saa guidance.
Syeda Sabiha Basharat Sahiba said that she was currently doing her house job which would finish in June. She added that she was doing her research in psychiatric clinical studies.
Next, Shehla Ufaq Sahiba introduced herself. She said she was in her final year at medical school. She added that Huzooraa had told her in a previous mulaqat that she should become a heart specialist and thus, she was pursuing it. She expressed her desire to do waqf-e-arzi in any country Huzooraa decided to send her. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa told her to write to him about it.
Nafeesa Sahiba, Muavina Sadr for waqifat-e-nau said that there were some wives of the doctors present who wished to ask Huzooraa some questions and seek guidance.
The first questioner said that children in Germany lived a relatively comfortable life. The questioner said that she often thought that when, as a family, they would be sent to other countries to serve, her children may feel some difficulty in settling and adjusting. She asked Huzooraa how one could prepare their children for this. She further asked Huzooraa if his own children felt any difficulty settling in Africa.
Answering the question, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“One of my children was born there; the other child was around 8-10 months when she went [to Africa]. And so, I raised them [in Africa]. There was no such question of ‘adjusting’ them. We inculcated in them the habit of having whatever was available to eat and drink there. Just as we spent our life with fortitude, so too did our children and like that, they grew up”.
Huzooraa said that now there were many facilities in Africa and there was no difficulty for doctors there.
Next, upon being asked what the duty of a waqif-e-zindagi’s wife was and how one could prepare themselves, Huzooraa said:
“The wife of a waqif-e-zindagi [a life-devotee] is also a waqifa-e-zindagi. If [her husband] is a murabbi [missionary] then she should also help him; she should improve her spiritual condition, improve her moral condition, improve her intellectual condition so that she can also help with the tarbiyat among the women. Just as it is the duty for a murabbi to improve his condition, so too should his wife improve her condition.
“If [a woman is a wife of a] doctor, then it is necessary for her to offer sacrifice. If the doctor overstays his duty in the hospital or in the Jamaat’s clinic, then the wife should be patient and not tell him, ‘You cannot do duty for more than eight hours’, or, ‘Do not work in the hospital for more than six hours. Why do you spend all your time in the hospital?’ [She should] exhibit patience and tolerance, and at the same time, if she has children, she should pay more attention to the training of her children. [She] should instil in the children the spirit that ‘we are Ahmadi children and children of a waqif-e-zindagi”.
Huzooraa said that wherever the family was sent to, whether it is Africa or another place, they should engage and socialise with the locals.
Huzooraa said, “The wife of a waqif-e-zindagi should possess these qualities; she should mingle and mix with the people, help her husband, do good tarbiyat of her children according to the environment and also set an example for others in her environment.”
After this, as the mulaqat came to an end, Huzooraa turned to Mahmood Khan Sahib, who said that there were 50 Waqf-e-Nau students pursuing the medical field and requested Huzooraa to pray for them. Huzooraa said, “You should have also included them in today’s class.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)