Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 8 December 2024: A third group of khuddam from the Gulf Region of the USA was blessed with an in-person mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
Introductions
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa greeted the khuddam, and first addressed the amir-e-qafila, Alamzeb Khan Sahib. Following this, Huzooraa engaged with each khadim individually, enquiring about their places of residence, family backgrounds, and occupations. During the introductions, one khadim expressed his desire to enrol in Jamia Ahmadiyya. A number of khuddam, though born in America, introduced themselves in fluent Urdu. Huzooraa appreciated their efforts to learn the language, remarking that one khadim spoke Urdu better than some Pakistanis. The khadim explained that he had learnt Urdu specifically to understand Huzoor’saa sermons.
Another khadim, who serves as the president of the Fort Worth Jamaat, conveyed the salaam of his Jamaat. Huzooraa also enquired about the presence of any local White American, African American, or Latin American Ahmadis in their area. The khuddam confirmed there were some African American members in their region.
Following introductions, the khuddam sought Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa permission to ask questions, which he graciously granted.
Discussion on a Quranic verse on angels
One khadim asked about the meaning of the Quranic statement that disbelievers name angels with female names (Surah an-Najm, Ch. 53: V. 28).
Huzooraa explained that this reflects the disbelievers’ attempts to claim superiority by portraying angels as delicate and fragile, akin to women performing light tasks, while considering themselves stronger. He highlighted that Allah, in other verses, rebukes their hypocrisy, as they desire sons for their own lineage but attribute feminine names to angels, implying a weakness in Allah. Huzooraa emphasised that this was a way for disbelievers to attempt to mock and undermine Allah. He advised the khadim to consult the Five-Volume Commentary for detailed explanations in the subsequent verses.
Overcoming trauma and emotional healing
A khadim asked Huzooraa for guidance on coping with trauma and strengthening faith during such times.
Huzooraa explained that trauma can arise from various causes – personal incidents like abuse, family-related matters, or witnessing distressing events. He advised turning to Allah in prayers, seeking His help to overcome the difficulties. If the emotional burden becomes too overwhelming, Huzooraa recommended consulting a psychiatrist for professional support.
Regarding faith settings, Huzooraa addressed situations where trauma may stem from the misconduct of individuals expected to uphold religious and moral standards. He instructed that such incidents should be reported to the relevant authorities. Additionally, he emphasised praying to Allah for safety, protection from the situation, and preservation of one’s faith, so it does not waver due to the experience.
Coping with loss and bereavement
A khadim shared his grief over the passing of his cousin two months ago and requested prayers for him.
Huzooraa expressed his condolences and advised, “Pray for him. May Allah elevate his spiritual status.” He explained that illnesses are a natural part of life, and Allah has not promised a long life to everyone. The Holy Quran clarifies that some pass away young, while others live to old age, reflecting Allah’s natural law.
Huzooraa encouraged the khadim to pray for his cousin while also seeking peace for his own heart. He advised frequent engagement in istighfar, abundant recitation of Durood Sharif, and earnest supplications during salat.
Incorporating Allah’s pleasure into one’s career
A khadim asked how one could incorporate Allah’s pleasure into their career or education.
Huzooraa explained that Allah desires righteousness from individuals, which entails engaging in virtuous actions and avoiding harm to others. He stated, “Allah Almighty says that you should perform deeds free from evil. And what is evil? Evil is anything that causes harm or distress to others, anything that infringes upon the rights of humanity.”
Elaborating further, Huzooraa highlighted the significance of upholding the rights of others:
“Allah the Almighty states that sometimes I forgive My own rights or forego them, but I do not forgive the rights of others that you have violated. For that, there will be punishment. Allah does punish for it. He may forgive it if He wills, but He declares that the likelihood of punishment for such transgressions is higher. As for shirk (associating partners with Allah), He does not forgive.” [Surah an-Nisa, Ch. 4: V.49]
Huzooraa emphasised that any action that strengthens faith in Allah and benefits humanity is a means to attain Allah’s pleasure. He explained, “Whatever work you do that benefits others, or serves them, is a means to attain Allah’s pleasure. For instance, a doctor – even if he is an atheist – if he treats his patients with compassion and provides care, even offering free treatment to the poor, Allah the Almighty rewards him as well, despite his disbelief in Him.”
Huzooraa remarked, “Allah’s pleasure is achieved through anything that benefits humanity. Additionally, for a person of faith, it is essential to ensure that no act of shirk is committed in regard to Allah the Almighty.”
Early marriage and financial independence
A khadim asked Huzooraa how to follow the guidance of marrying at an early age while facing financial instability and career uncertainty.
Huzooraa advised that it was too early for him to marry but suggested that he consider marriage around the age of 23 or 24. He explained that if the khadim’s parents were willing to support him and his family financially, he would effectively be a dependent husband. However, Huzooraa noted that such dependence might not align with his sense of self-respect. Therefore, he recommended completing education, securing a job, and establishing financial independence before marrying, so he could support his family from his own resources.
Utilising one’s expertise for Jamaat service
A khadim asked Huzooraa how he could serve the Jamaat using his skills in accounting and auditing.
Huzooraa advised him to offer his services to the Jamaat, and if no specific tasks were available locally, he could dedicate one or two weeks annually as part of waqf-e-arzi. Huzooraa suggested travelling to places like Africa to teach in Jamaat’s schools or train others in accounting. He also encouraged the khadim to guide others in this field or make his expertise available to the Jamaat in various ways.
Guidance on Ahmadi migrant families and lorry drivers living in the West
A khadim sought Huzoor’saa advice regarding Ahmadi refugees or migrant families arriving in the United States, many of whom take up driving trucks or taxis, which impacts their children’s upbringing. He also asked how the Jamaat could assist them in pursuing better opportunities.
Huzooraa noted that the limited education of many refugees often leaves them with few options. He explained:
“For someone who has only passed their matriculation exams, or even failed, they have no choice but to drive a truck. What else can the poor person do? They cannot pursue a PhD. However, the Jamaat should take responsibility and guide them by explaining that, while they themselves might not have had the opportunity to gain an education, now that they are in the United States, opportunities exist for them to provide better education for their children. Therefore, they should make an effort in this regard.”
Huzooraa emphasised the role of Jamaat’s auxiliary organisations, such as Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ansarullah, and Lajna Imaillah, in supporting these families. He stated:
“The Jamaat should also organise events for these families where their children can participate and take an interest. These should not only be religious events but should also include sessions on education, guidance, and counselling – explaining what they should do and how they should study – because the parents, being less educated, cannot guide [their children].”
He further highlighted the challenges faced by children whose fathers are truck drivers and often away for extended periods:
“If the father is a truck driver and spends several days or even weeks away from home, the children remain at home, beyond the control of their mothers. They may become unruly, and there is no oversight of their environment. In such situations, it becomes the responsibility of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Lajna to step in and assist these families. They should visit such households, enquire about their needs, interact with the children, and ensure arrangements are made to bring them to the mosque for Friday prayers.”
Huzooraa also stressed the importance of weekend classes and other initiatives to connect such children with the Jamaat, ensuring their proper care and development:
“If weekend classes are being held for children, arrangements should be made to bring them to these classes so that they can be properly cared for. Once they become attached to the Jamaat, they will eventually begin contacting you themselves and asking to be included in activities.”
Huzooraa reminded the khuddam of the necessity for refugee families to work in order to survive, but urged the Jamaat to maintain close contact with them:
“Now, those who are migrating to America must work to survive; without it, they would go hungry. They have to earn a living somehow.” He added, “However, if their jobs take them away from home for long periods, the Jamaat must maintain contact with [the children] to ensure their children are cared for.”
Serving Jamaat as a mechanical engineer
A khadim shared his aspiration to become a mechanical engineer and serve the Jamaat, seeking insight into Huzoor’saa service in Africa.
Huzooraa clarified that he did not serve as an engineer. He advised the khadim to complete his studies and then consult the Jamaat’s Engineers and Architects Association to see if his services were required, as they would provide the necessary guidance.
Guidance for doctors in the context of potential world war
A khadim, who is a doctor, sought Huzoor’saa advice on how to prepare for his family in the event of a potential world war or nuclear conflict.
Huzooraa remarked that the world war had already begun in many ways, and analysts now debated whether it would escalate into a nuclear conflict, which would have catastrophic consequences. He noted that survival in such a scenario would become the primary concern, and even doctors might not be spared. The long-term focus would shift to addressing the effects of radiation exposure on future generations.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of praying for such conflicts not to escalate into nuclear war, asking Allah for protection. He advised the khadim to collaborate with the Ahmadiyya Medical Association to propose and prepare plans for such eventualities. Huzooraa mentioned that he had recently addressed these issues at an Ahmadiyya Medical Association conference, highlighting the role doctors should play in a world war scenario.
He recommended consulting Dr Fizan Abdullah Sahib, president of the Ahmadiyya Medical Association in the United States, who had already developed a comprehensive plan, and suggested obtaining this plan to consider its implementation.
Possibility of a subordinate Prophet after the Promised Messiahas
Next, a khadim asked whether another subordinate Prophet could come after the Promised Messiahas.
Huzooraa explained that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa foretold the Promised Messiah and Mahdi would hold the status of a Prophet and that no other Prophet is specifically mentioned in the ahadith beyond him. However, Allah’s power and attributes are unrestricted, and if a Prophet were ever to come, they would arise from within the followers of the Promised Messiahas, aligning with the teachings of Islam and under the framework of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat. [See, “Can another prophet come after the Promised Messiah (as)?” at alhakam.org.]
Huzoor’saa inspiration behind sermons on the Badri Companions and Islamic history
A khadim asked Huzooraa what inspired him to begin delivering sermons on the Badri Companions and other aspects of Islamic history.
Huzooraa explained that he had been seeking a new topic after extensively covering subjects related to tarbiyat and tabligh over the previous 13 or 14 years in his sermons. He decided to focus on the Companions to explore Islamic history and to emphasise their role as models for Muslims, as highlighted in Islamic teachings: “Follow in their footsteps” and “They are like stars; whichever one you follow will guide you.”
Realising the vastness of the topic, Huzooraa turned his attention specifically to the Badri Companions. He reflected on the revelation of the Promised Messiahas:
جنگ بدر كا قصہ مت بھولو
“Do not forget the event of Badr.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 1077)
It further motivated this focus. Thus, the series on the Companions of Badr was initiated and eventually completed.
Huzooraa said he is currently delivering a series on the life and character of the Holy Prophetsa focusing on his battles. He shared that these accounts highlight the Holy Prophet’ssa beautiful example and bring forth valuable lessons. When this series concludes, the mention of the Badri Companions will also conclude, and Huzooraa expressed that any future topics would depend on Allah’s guidance.
Why does God test us?
A khadim asked Huzooraa why Allah tests His servants.
Huzooraa explained that Allah tests His righteous servants to grant them greater rewards, both in this life and in the hereafter. He stated:
“In the next world, God bestows countless rewards upon those who successfully endure trials. This is why Allah says that, in the hereafter, everyone will be healthy, free from trials, and will witness Allah’s blessings. According to our faith, the eternal life is indeed the next world. Here, a person may live for 50, 60, 70, or 80 years before departing, but in this life, Allah grants rewards to those who endure trials with perseverance. However, those who are ungrateful are not given the same rewards that the grateful receive.”
Huzooraa highlighted that Prophets endure the greatest trials, sharing an example from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa:
“Once, a Companion touched the Holy Prophetsa and remarked how warm he was. He asked, ‘Do you also experience fever? Do you go through suffering?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘I endure greater suffering than you, but Allah has also granted me immense patience, and I continue to express gratitude to Him even amidst trials.’”
Expounding on the immense hardships faced by the Holy Prophetsa, Huzooraa recounted:
“Did the Holy Prophetsa not endure immense suffering during the Battle of Uhud? He was severely injured; a piece of iron pierced his face, his tooth was broken, and he was drenched in blood, unable to walk properly. And what happened in Ta’if? He was pelted with stones to the extent that his shoes were filled with blood. At various times, he faced immense difficulties. In Makkah, while prostrating in prayer, the entrails of a camel were thrown upon him; someone wrapped a cloth around his neck and began to pull.”
Huzooraa underscored the Holy Prophet’ssa patience and perseverance through these trials, which earned him unparalleled rewards:
“He also suffered from fever and illness. Yet, he emerged successful in every trial, which is why the greatest reward has been granted to him.”
Strengthening faith amidst life’s fluctuations
Lastly, khadim asked about how khuddam can remain steadfast in faith despite recurring difficulties such as financial struggles and strained relationships.
Huzooraa emphasised that trials are a part of life and that true believers understand their transient nature. Huzooraa drew on the teachings of the Holy Quran, explaining that Allah tests people through hardships to distinguish those who remain patient and grateful. He said:
“These trials do occur because Allah the Almighty Himself states in the Holy Quran that He tests people, puts them through hardships, afflictions, and illnesses. Those who are righteous respond with ‘اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَىۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ’ – meaning, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.157]”
He pointed out that everyone experiences cycles of ease and difficulty, whether they believe in Allah or not, and that these fluctuations are a fundamental part of the worldly system:
“The Holy Quran states: ‘فَاِنَّ مَعَ الۡعُسۡرِ ىُسۡرًا’ [Surah al-Inshirah, Ch.94: V.6] After hardship comes ease, and after ease comes hardship. Allah the Almighty has set these things so that He may test people’s gratitude.”
Huzooraa explained that if Allah continuously granted unending ease, people would become intoxicated by their comfort and forget the true purpose of life. Giving the examples of certain affluent Arab countries, Huzooraa said:
“We may think they are leading splendid lives and will face no consequences, but their circumstances are deteriorating. Look at what happened to Gaddafi, the events in Iraq, or what is currently happening with Bashar al-Assad. […] And if not in this world, then in the next world they will certainly be held accountable. Allah Almighty says that if He does not seize someone here, He will do so in the hereafter, but He will seize them nonetheless. Thus, anyone who considers the life of this world as everything is not a true believer. A true believer regards this world as a temporary abode and continues to pray to Allah Almighty to be saved in the next world.”
Huzooraa also cited the example of Qarun’s downfall, illustrating how those attached solely to worldly wealth eventually face divine reckoning, whereas the righteous find solace in their patience and trust in Allah.
Concluding his guidance, Huzooraa explained that the pattern of highs and lows extends to spiritual life as well. Even the Holy Prophetsa, at times, engaged in profound, lengthy worship, while at other times, these observances were shorter. Thus, it is natural that faith and worldly circumstances should pass through phases of rise and fall.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the mulaqat, the khuddam were granted permission for a group photograph, after which Huzooraa took leave and the mulaqat came to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)