Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa inaugurates mosques, inspects new Jalsa site in Stuttgart and addresses volunteers
Last Sunday, multitudes of people flocked to Islamabad, Tilford, on what seemed to be the morning of a typical Bank Holiday Sunday. What was it that pulled entire families out of bed so early? The chance to see off their beloved Khalifa, as he departed for Jalsa Salana Germany 2023.
The scene was set, and the mixed feelings – knowing that Huzooraa was leaving but that he would soon be back – pulsated through Islamabad. One intriguing thing about Islamabad is that, whatever the size of the crowd, there is always a sense of serenity and calmness. The same was the case that morning.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, just before 10:30 pm where over 3500 members of the Jamaat had gathered in the Bait-us-Subuh complex to welcome Huzooraa. Choral poems were recited, slogans of takbir were called, and all members were jubilant on the arrival of their beloved Imam. Huzooraa made his way to the mosque and led the Maghrib and Isha prayers – a moment everyone had been yearning for. This marked the start of Huzoor’saa visit to Germany.
The atmosphere is charged with a profound sense of spirituality and happiness at the arrival of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in Germany after four years. German Ahmadis are flocking from all corners of the country, some travelling hundreds of miles, to join in prayers led by Hazooraa, partake in family or individual mulaqats, or simply catch a glimpse of their beloved Imam. The mosque at the Baitus-us-Subuh complex and its adjacent halls are filled to capacity and beyond, resonating with fervour. Individuals and families leave the prayers and mulaqats spiritually rejuvenated.
Inauguration of Mubarak Mosque, Florstadt
On 28 August, Huzooraa inaugurated the new Mubarak Mosque in the German town of Florstadt, which is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Frankfurt am Main. This mosque is part of the 100 mosques scheme that Germany Jamaat is pursuing. On a previous visit to Germany, Huzooraa laid its foundation stone in a ceremony that took place on 18 October 2015.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony of Mubarak Mosque, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, expressed immense gratitude to Allah the Exalted for the occasion. He spoke on the topic of the mosque as a symbol of peace and religious freedom. Huzooraa stated that Islam is often misunderstood in the West due to the actions of extremists. However, he clarified that Islam promotes peace and security, citing the Holy Quran’s teachings that permit warfare only for defence and to establish religious freedom for all.
Addressing the communal spirit, Huzooraa extended special thanks to the mayor of the area; he acknowledged the mayor’s continuous support and cooperation with the Jamaat, highlighting that such collaboration fulfils the duty of friendship for noble objectives.
Turning his attention to the mosque’s location, Huzooraa pointed out its significance. The mosque is situated in a commercial area and serves as a call to God amid worldly transactions. He emphasised the role of the mosque in maintaining a spiritual balance in a commercial environment.
Discussing the current state of the world, Huzooraa warned that the world is rapidly moving towards destruction due to materialism. He affirmed that mosques teach the importance of caring for the needy and orphans and called for fulfilling the rights of Allah as well as His creation. He cited the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa on assisting both the oppressed and the oppressor, stating that stopping the oppressor from oppressing is a form of assistance.
In concluding his address, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa outlined the objectives for building mosques within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He prayed that the Ahmadis in the area may become more active in spreading the teachings of peace and love after the construction of this mosque and fulfil both the rights of God and His creation. Amin.
Guests from various sections of society joined the inauguration ceremony. Two mayors and a member of the provincial assembly also spoke at the event. On this occasion, Huzooraa also unveiled a commemorative plaque while leading everyone in a silent prayer. Later, Huzooraa also led the Zuhr and Asr prayers. He inspected the mosque’s architecture and briefly engaged with Jamaat members across all age groups. The mayor had the honour of discussing matters with Huzooraa and joining him in planting a memorial tree, while amila members and other Jamaat volunteers were privileged to have photos taken with him.
Inauguration of Sadiq Mosque, Karben
On 30 August, Huzooraa inaugurated the Sadiq Mosque in Karben, a town that is located approximately 10 miles north of Frankfurt. The foundation stone was laid by Huzooraa on 7 June 2014. Upon arrival for the inauguration ceremony today, Huzooraa also unveiled a plaque, and led everyone in Zuhr and Asr prayers. Later on, he also planted a tree.
During his address at the inauguration ceremony, Huzooraa said he extends his gratitude not only to Allah, but also to the local people and the municipal administration, for it is our religious obligation to express such thanks in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Huzooraa said, Abdullah Wagishauser Sahib, the Amir of Germany, noted in his comments that the mosque is situated in the city centre. This is advantageous, as alongside the material amenities provided in the city centre, there ought to be sanctuaries for worshippers to offer prayers to the one God—be it churches or other places of devotion. Huzooraa said that God sent prophets to amicably exhort people to fulfil the obligations owed to both God and humankind.
On the purpose of establishing the mosque, Huzooraa said that having established this mosque, we shall strive to disseminate the teachings to the public, emulating the paradigm set by the Holy Prophetsa, who affirmed that Islam embodies a doctrine of peace.
While mentioning local opposition to the mosque, Huzooraa said, initially, there was a degree of resistance to the mosque, which might have been partially justified given the negative representation of Islam by some Muslims globally. Nonetheless, some of those sceptics subsequently became allies upon witnessing the true Islamic conduct of local Ahmadis.
On freedom of religion, Huzooraa said, we owe a debt of gratitude to the government for upholding the freedom of religion. He said this liberty has enabled numerous Ahmadi Muslims to settle here and practise their faith without impediment. We are, therefore, thankful to the government for providing sanctuary to those who are persecuted for their beliefs worldwide.
With regard to fulfilling the rights of others, Huzooraa said that the execution of rights is incumbent upon Muslims, and that does not merely instruct us to advocate for our own rights; it also underscores the importance of attending to the rights of others as well. Huzooraa said, that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, particularly in regions like Africa and South America, serves individuals through various humanitarian projects, irrespective of their religious affiliation. In fact, 80 per cent of the beneficiaries have no formal connection with the Ahmadiyya Community. Therefore, the Jamaat not only advocates for religious freedom but also manifests this principle through tangible acts of service to humanity.
While emphasising women’s rights in Islam, Hzuooraa said Islam advocates fulfilling the rights of women in the most exemplary manner. Women are accorded all their due rights in Islam, and within our Community, numerous educated women actively contribute to the betterment of society through their professional expertise.
Highlighting the sanctity of places of worship in Islam, Huzooraa said, Islam enjoins the protection of all religious sanctuaries. Consequently, those who engage in the desecration of churches are acting in contravention of Islamic principles.
On the topic of communal harmony, Huzooraa said that, as the mayor aptly noted, this gathering appears not solely to be an assembly of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but a congregation of diverse individuals from this locality. Huzooraa added that this is precisely our objective—to foster unity among people. Huzoor further highlighted the rights of neighbours given by Islam.
In the end, Huzooraa prayed that the mosque may serve as a platform for imparting the authentic teachings of Islam to the people. He also prayed that God may enable all humanity to dwell in harmony, recognise their Creator, and duly fulfil the obligations of His worship.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V inspects Jalsa Salana Germany site and addresses volunteers
Stuttgart, Germany, 31 August 2023: At approximately 8 pm local time, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, arrived at Messe Stuttgart, the venue of Jalsa Salana Germany 2023. Huzooraa inspected the Jalsa site and departments, while also giving guidance to the volunteers. During Huzoor’saa inspection, he also spoke with members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK who cycled to Germany for the Jalsa, visited the tabligh exhibition hall where he saw the Holy Quran and Chinese exhibitions, spoke to African delegations, inspected the Langar Khana after which he visited the Lajna Jalsa Gah.
Huzooraa then headed to the main Jalsa Gah, where he addressed the Jalsa Salana volunteers and gave them guidance. Prior to Huzoor’saa address, a recitation of the Holy Quran, Surah al-Baqarah verses 149-150 was presented, along with the Urdu and German translations.
Huzooraa said that it is Allah’s grace that, after a long period, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany is getting the opportunity to hold a large-scale Jalsa Salana. Huzooraa said that, insha-Allah, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany will in the future be able to acquire its own place. Speaking about the site, Huzooraa said that this year’s Jalsa site is very large and thus requires more effort on behalf of the volunteers, especially in terms of the security arrangements as anti-Muslim and anti-Ahmadi sentiments exist.
Addressing the guests, Huzooraa said food would be served to everyone, but patience was needed. Those serving the food must do so in a cheerful manner, and like he said to the UK Jalsa Salana volunteers, everyone should wear their smiles.
Huzooraa said that on the Lajna side, the security teams should also have a positive and happy temperament while remaining diligent and carrying out security checks.
Speaking about the setup, Huzooraa said that this year’s Jalsa is a testament that, though a long time had passed since a Jalsa on this scale, the Jamaat was able to do it and the future generations would be learning from them.
Huzooraa said every volunteer should serve to the best of their abilities and continue smiling.
An interview with Afsar Jalsa Salana Germany
Prior to Huzoor’s arrival at the Jalsa site, we caught up with Respected Ilyas Majoka Sahib, who is serving as Afsar Jalsa Salana Germany 2023.
Regarding the new venue, the challenges that come with it, and the feelings of Jamaat Germany, Ilyas Sahib told us:
“This venue is much larger than the previous one. We used to have four conference halls, and now there are 10 which is more than double. Last time Huzooraa attended in 2019, there were 40,000 attendees. This year, it is the 100 year centenary and also Huzooraa is attending after four years, so an attendance of approximately 50,000 is expected. This is what we are preparing for.
“However, sometimes there are also new challenges with new places. There is the administrative challenge, which means that there is a new local authority to deal with. This is the first time they get to know us. We’re learning how they work and they’re learning about how we work, so this is one of the challenges.
“The second set of challenges is that of logistics and infrastructure. Although it is a large venue, it’s actually a place meant for exhibitions and conferences, and not designed for the annual conventions we hold in the Jamaat. Usually, people who come to exhibitions do not stay overnight, whereas Jalsa Salana is slightly different. There is accommodation, there is food, people stay overnight, etc. There were not sufficient ablution and shower facilities, so we have had to install them as well for the thousands of guests who are going to come.“There is a lot of excitement. This is something really unique, with the new place and the centenary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Germany. And, above all, the attendance of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa. Words cannot describe our happiness.”