On Saturday, 2 May 2026, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the Jamia Ahmadiyya convocation ceremony – including graduates from the UK, Canada, Germany, Ghana and Indonesia – held on the Jamia Ahmadiyya UK campus in Haslemere. While the UK, Canada and Germany graduates were present in person, the graduates from Ghana and Indonesia joined virtually.
This year, graduates of three jamias received their Shahid’s degrees from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa); 18 graduates from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, 18 from Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany and 16 from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK.
Eight graduates of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia and 45 graduates of Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana, who joined the session via video link, were presented their degrees with the permission of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) by the Amir of Indonesia and the acting Amir of Ghana, respectively.
The session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mahid Ahmad Sahib – Surah Ibrahim, verses 24-28. Khan Fareed Ahmad Sahib presented the Urdu translation of these verses. Faris Naseem Sahib was then called to recite an Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiah (as).
Representatives of the five jamias, i.e., Syed Taha Anwar Sahib, Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia; Fareed Ahmad Naveed Sahib, Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana (via livestream from Ghana and Indonesia); Mukhtar Cheema Sahib, Vice Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada; Shamshad Ahmad Qamar Sahib, Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany and Zaheer Ahmad Khan Sahib, Chairman Academic Committee Jamia UK, presented their brief reports respectively.
Thereafter, Zaheer Khan Sahib announced the names of graduates and the three classes came up one by one to receive their Shahid’s degrees from Hazrat Amirul Momineen (aa).
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) then took to the podium and, after reciting tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, delivered his address to the graduates. A summary of this address is as follows:
All praise belongs to Allah that today, having completed seven years at Jamia Ahmadiyya, you now stand prepared to enter the field as missionaries. You embark upon this responsibility with the conviction that you are entrusted not only with the task of tarbiyat, but also with the duty of tabligh. You enter this field with the understanding that you have dedicated your lives, and that you remain available, 24 hours a day, for the service of the Jamaat.
Without this mindset, one cannot become a truly beneficial member for the progress of the Jamaat. This is the standard expected of you by the Jamaat, by the Khalifa of the time and in fulfilment of the solemn pledge you have made with God Almighty.
The need for self-assessment
Always remember that nations which progress are those that remain conscious of their weaknesses. Therefore, do not assume that mere praise from your principal signifies completion of your task. Rather, both current students and graduates must strive to attain those standards that genuinely make them worthy of such commendation and ensure that their efforts yield righteous and lasting outcomes.
From words to action
At various convocations, including the previous one, Huzoor (aa) observed that many of the missionaries diligently note down points in their diaries.
However, what benefit is there in writing if these notes remain confined to pages, never to be acted upon with the same passion and enthusiasm that you exhibit at the moment of writing?
Continuous self-evaluation
You must consistently evaluate yourselves: have you utilised all your abilities to achieve the noble purpose for which you have dedicated your lives? If so, this is commendable; if not, then strive to bring those latent capacities into full use.
Prioritising faith over worldly matters
Every Ahmadi proclaims the pledge of giving precedence to faith over worldly pursuits, yet it is incumbent upon you to embody this principle first and foremost within yourselves. Your responsibility extends beyond nurturing your own members to also guiding others.
For this, you must exert every possible effort. The standards of missionaries must be higher than those of others. Only then can you serve as true role models.
Strengthening spiritual foundations
Regularly assess whether you are striving with full effort to cultivate love for Allah the Almighty, establish His Tawhid (Oneness of God) and maintain focus on worship. This requires continuous study of the Holy Quran, Hadith and the writings of the Promised Messiah (as).
Examine yourselves in detail:
- What is the standard of your worship?
- What is the quality of your obligatory prayers?
- What is the state of your voluntary prayers (nawafil) and remembrance of Allah?
Only when these standards improve will your work be blessed and have a lasting impact on others.
Humility and avoidance of arrogance
Never attribute your success or intellectual distinction to your own abilities or knowledge. Rather, express gratitude for the grace of Allah, who granted you the capacity to respond effectively to challenges and derive solutions. Failure to do so breeds arrogance.
As you have studied, arrogance bears resemblance to a subtle form of associating partners with God (shirk), even if such thoughts merely arise within the heart – this is akin to hidden shirk (shirk khafi).
Every missionary must remain extremely vigilant in this regard. While you often speak in sermons about the connection between arrogance and Satan, it is essential first to evaluate yourselves: to what extent are you free from this vice?
Always remember that arrogance is deeply detested in the sight of Allah.
Observance of the five daily prayers
Particular attention must be given to the five daily prayers. It is the duty of every missionary to offer all five prayers punctually. In every centre or mosque where a missionary is appointed, the mosque doors should be open for all five prayers and the missionary must be present after giving the call to prayer (adhan).
Those working in offices sometimes assume that due to their busyness, offering prayers within the office suffices. This is an incorrect approach. Even those engaged in office work should attend the mosque for congregational prayers. Likewise, those in offices, during Jumuah prayer, must make every effort to attend the mosque.
The importance of Tahajjud and voluntary prayers
The Tahajjud prayer is of utmost importance. A missionary, whose success depends entirely upon Allah, must give special attention to both obligatory and voluntary prayers. Regular observance of Tahajjud and nawafil is essential.
Consistency in sending durood and seeking forgiveness
It has been emphasised that sending blessings upon the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and engaging in supplication must be practised regularly.
However, it has been observed that many, including those already serving in the field and even students, lack consistency in this regard.
You must now pledge to maintain regularity in invoking blessings upon the Holy Prophet (sa) and in seeking forgiveness (istighfar), adopting steadfastness in both practices.
Leading by personal example
Only when these qualities are firmly established within yourselves will you be able to cultivate them within members of the Jamaat.
Devotion to the study of the Holy Quran
Special attention must be given to the study of the Holy Quran. Unfortunately, the level of attention required was not maintained during student life, nor is it adequately observed by many currently serving in the field. Now, you must resolve to recite the Holy Quran daily.
For a missionary, reading merely a small portion is insufficient; if not a full part of the Holy Quran, then at least close to it should be recited regularly. Only by keeping this guiding Book before you can you truly guide others and fulfil the demands of tabligh.
The Promised Messiah (as) warned against abandoning the Holy Quran like something forsaken, stating that within it lies your life. While it is not expected of a missionary to neglect the Quran entirely, the level of engagement often falls short of what is required.
Therefore, after entering the field, you must devote yourselves deeply to its study, reflection and the reading of its commentaries, so that your knowledge may continually increase – for it is this knowledge that will grant you success in your mission.
Study of the writings of the Promised Messiah (as)
Similarly, it is essential to study the writings of the Promised Messiah (as). Huzoor (aa) mentioned an incident in which a missionary stated that he had read 60 books of the Promised Messiah (as). However, as a missionary, one ought to study all of them. Many missionaries may have read some of his works, yet often only a few. Consequently, when references are requested, it becomes difficult for them to present accurate citations.
Promoting love and brotherhood within the Jamaat
Instilling love and brotherhood within the Jamaat is of paramount importance. As you enter the field as missionaries, you will encounter various situations that demand significant effort in the sphere of tarbiyat.
However, before addressing others, you must first assess yourselves: do you possess the standard whereby you are willing to make every sacrifice to uphold unity and brotherhood or do personal ego, desires and individual objectives take precedence?
Taqwa and purity
You must also evaluate the extent of your taqwa (righteousness) and purity. As the Promised Messiah (as) stated, it is only through adopting righteousness that one may enter the fortified sanctuary of Allah. Once within this secure refuge, your actions will align with Divine pleasure, yielding beneficial outcomes in both tarbiyat and tabligh.
When such a spiritual standard is attained, your moral condition will improve and you will naturally avoid immoral and inappropriate forms of entertainment prevalent on the internet or television. Even brief exposure often reveals their indecency; however, becoming absorbed in them, or giving cause for complaint from family members, particularly one’s spouse, creates obstacles in your work, removes blessings and leads to personal disrepute.
Guarding against doubts and strengthening conviction
At times, doubts may arise among people. A missionary must not only safeguard himself against such doubts but also protect others from them. The prophecies of the Holy Prophet (sa) will, God willing, be fulfilled, and the Jamaat will ultimately prevail.
To uphold this conviction, it is essential to strengthen your religious knowledge through the Holy Quran, Hadith and the writings of the Promised Messiah (as). Firm belief in the ultimate success of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will enable you to set high aspirations. By refining both your intellectual and practical abilities, you will become part of these successes.
Taqwa as a condition for acceptance of prayers
It must also be remembered that the acceptance of prayers is contingent upon righteousness. You have studied accounts of the elders and saints of the past, and incidents demonstrating the acceptance of prayers. You have also encountered such examples in sermons and within the Quran itself.
However, the true benefit of these narratives lies in striving to attain high standards of righteousness yourselves, so that a living connection with Allah is established and you personally witness the signs of accepted prayers.
The role of knowledge and moral excellence
If your moral conduct is elevated and your knowledge refined, there is no need to fear any opponent. Many missionaries possess such strong intellectual standards that they effectively silence opponents through reasoned discourse.
However, in the arena of tabligh, knowledge alone is insufficient; moral excellence is indispensable. The Holy Quran, the Holy Prophet (sa), and the Promised Messiah (as) all emphasise that one must never use harsh or offensive language. Such behaviour, in fact, reflects a deficiency in knowledge.
The power of practical example
It is essential that Ahmadis present a practical example in their conduct, and for a missionary, this standard must be exceptionally high. Although these reminders may appear repetitive, they are of profound importance and require constant attention.
A practical example has the power to bring about true transformation. It has been stated in the recent sermons, citing the Promised Messiah (as), that many people were drawn to the Holy Prophet (sa) due to his exemplary conduct. His truthfulness left a deep impression upon hearts, leading people to accept him.
Similarly, a missionary must embody the highest standards of truthfulness. There should be no complaint that he gave false testimony or spoke dishonestly.
Cultivating passion for faith
You frequently quote the Promised Messiah (as), urging others to develop the zeal and fervour of the companions (ra) and to cultivate a deep sense of honour for Islam. If such passion is absent, one cannot claim to be capable of reforming the world or becoming a beneficial person for humanity.
While this expectation applies to every Ahmadi, a missionary must be especially mindful of it. This zeal can only be cultivated through a deep and living relationship with Allah.
Detach your hearts from worldly distractions and develop a sincere passion for Islam. Without this, superficial efforts will not yield true success.
Essential priorities for a missionary
Always remember the following essentials:
- Devotion to the worship of Allah
- Acquisition and recitation of the Holy Quran with reflection
- Regular study of the writings of the Promised Messiah (as)
- Maintaining a strong bond with the Khilafat
- Listening attentively to sermons and conveying their message to others
As representatives of the Khalifa of the time, it is your duty to listen to his sermons, extract key points and communicate them effectively. Many missionaries already practise this, yielding great benefit for the Jamaat.
Establishing justice and harmony
Strive diligently to foster love and unity within the Jamaat, ensuring that no individual wrongfully usurps the rights of another. If missionaries consistently draw attention to such matters, the overall standard of tarbiyat within the Jamaat will rise significantly.
Intellectual and practical preparedness
Upon entering the field, you will face numerous challenges; therefore, you must remain mentally prepared. Develop practical strategies for resolving issues, guided by deep reflection upon the Quran, Hadith and sermons.
In addition to religious knowledge, enhance your understanding of worldly disciplines. This will enable you to demonstrate the superiority of Islamic teachings in intellectual and historical contexts, opening new avenues for tabligh.
Likewise, you should be equipped in advance with responses to objections raised against the Promised Messiah (as).
Strategic approach to tabligh
You must carefully consider the diverse audiences you will encounter:
- How to convey the message to Muslims
- How to address atheists
- How to engage with Christians
- How to respond to staunch opponents
- How to communicate with Jewish audiences
You must be prepared to present compelling arguments, address objections effectively and demonstrate the truth and superiority of Islam.
The path to becoming a successful missionary
Only by keeping all these principles in view can you become a successful missionary. Only then can it be said that graduates of Jamia Ahmadiyya have truly fulfilled their responsibility as missionaries.
For this, it is essential to cultivate a close relationship with Allah. Special emphasis must be placed on offering Tahajjud prayer, so that Allah may accept your supplications and grant you success.
When these qualities are attained, it can truly be said that Jamia graduates have emerged as missionaries who are valuable assets to the Jamaat and beneficial members of society. May Allah grant you all the ability to fulfil these responsibilities.
Hazrat Amirul Momineen (aa) then led everyone in silent prayer.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)