Islamabad, UK, 5 October 2024: Members of the regional amila and qaideen of various majalis from the Hessen South Region of Germany had the blessed opportunity to meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
Introduction
Upon arrival, Huzooraa greeted the attendees and enquired, “Is this the amila seated?”
Imtiaz Ahmad Shaheen Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany, responded, “Yes Huzooraa, this is the regional amila of Hessen South Region, and along with them are the qaideen of the majalis of the same region.”
After leading silent prayer, Huzooraa invited them to present their questions.
Ensuring proper use of Jamaat funds
Abrar Ahmad Javed Sahib, serving as the Regional Nazim Maal, asked how they could ensure the Jamaat’s funds are spent properly, and what actions to take if they witness any misuse.
Huzooraa explained that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has an established system for financial matters. Budgets – whether they are for the Jamaat or the auxiliary organisations – are prepared and reviewed at the local level before being examined by the amila. At the Jamaat level, a finance committee further reviews the budgets, which are then presented in the Majlis-e-Shura for discussion and allocation to various departments and expenditure heads. This comprehensive system is designed to safeguard against improper expenditure.
He emphasised that funds do not go into the hands of a single individual but remain centrally controlled. For instance, in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, funds allocated for mohtamimeen or their respective departments are disbursed accordingly and spent with the Sadr’s approval. Any excess expenditure requires further approval from the amila and the Centre.
Huzooraa acknowledged that despite these measures, if someone intends to misuse funds, they might attempt to do so, but their matter is with Allah. If any wrongdoing is detected, it should be reported immediately. If the issue can be resolved within the local amila and majlis, it can be addressed there; otherwise, it should be reported to the Centre for further action.
He noted that the Jamaat has strict rules regarding financial irregularities. If someone misuses funds, they must repay the amount, are removed from their position, and may face expulsion if the amount is significant and not repaid promptly. Even after repaying and completing any punishment, they are usually barred from holding any office in the Jamaat for three years.
Huzooraa highlighted that the Promised Messiahas expressed concern not about where funds would come from – since Allah had promised to provide – but about future generations potentially developing greed upon seeing wealth. The Promised Messiahas worried whether funds would be spent appropriately and whether those entrusted with them would use them properly. (The Will [Al Wasiyyat], 2005, p. 28)
He urged that the focus should be on safeguarding one’s faith, especially for those handling financial matters. They should possess such fear of Allah that the thought of misusing Jamaat funds never arises. He reminded that all office-bearers are, in reality, servants of the Faith, entrusted with responsibilities, and they should consider their service as a divine favour, utilising their abilities to fulfil their duties.
Huzooraa reiterated that every task within the Jamaat—be it managing funds, tabligh, tarbiyat, or any other department – is a trust (amanat), and individuals will be questioned about it by Allah. (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch. 17: V. 35) The Holy Prophetsa taught that those appointed as guardians are responsible and will be held accountable if they fail in their duties. (Sahih al-Bukahri, Kitab an-nikah, Hadith 5200)
He concluded by stating that when financial misconduct comes to light, the Jamaat takes appropriate action, including removal from office and other penalties. Even after restitution, individuals are usually prohibited from holding any office for three years to maintain the integrity of the Jamaat’s system.
Addressing khuddam distanced due to the wrong attitudes of some office-bearers
Zeeshan Ahmad Mahmood Sahib, Qaid Majlis of Seligenstadt, asked about khuddam who have become distant from the Jamaat due to the wrong conduct or attitude of office-bearers. He enquired about how they could reconnect such individuals with the Jamaat.
Huzooraa emphasised that such individuals should be informed that they have taken the bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas, not of any office-bearer. He reminded them that they have accepted the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa as the Seal of the Prophets who brought the final and perfect sharia. According to his prophecy and Allah’s promise, the Promised Messiahas was to appear in the Latter Days to revive the Faith.
He explained that the Promised Messiahas came to revive the Faith and teach true Islam. Those who accept him but do not act upon the faith are not fulfilling the ten conditions of bai‘at that he established. Huzooraa said that the Promised Messiahas stated that if one fulfils these conditions, they are considered a true Ahmadi; otherwise, even if they claim to be Ahmadi, they are not regarded as such in the sight of Allah and the Promised Messiahas.
Huzooraa stressed that the Promised Messiahas urged his followers not to disgrace him after associating with him, highlighting the responsibility of each individual to strive for good deeds. (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, 2022, UK, pp. 126-128) He advised that office-bearers should set positive examples through their conduct.
Reiterating the teaching of the Holy Prophetsa, he said that every guardian is responsible for their charge and will be questioned about it. (Sahih al-Bukahri, Kitab an-nikah, Hadith 5200) Hence, if an office-bearer, such as Secretary Tarbiyat or Secretary Tabligh, fails in their duties and causes others to stumble, Allah will hold them accountable, asking, “Because of you, a person was ruined.”
Huzooraa suggested that people should be reminded they have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas, not to any office-bearer who is elected for a limited term and may be removed tomorrow. Stepping back from the Jamaat due to an individual’s wrong conduct would harm one’s own faith. Therefore, he encouraged praying to Allah for protection from such negative influences.
He advised making people understand that they should always pray to Allah for excellent office-bearers – those who work with loyalty, sincerity, and compassion. By bringing them close with love, they can be helped to keep their faith secure.
If an office-bearer’s conduct is causing significant harm, Huzooraa noted that other responsible individuals, such as the Sadr Jamaat or Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, can report that the person is not performing their duties properly. Such office-bearers can be replaced before their term ends if necessary.
He emphasised not to let one’s faith be affected by the shortcomings of others. Losing faith would be a personal loss, whereas protecting oneself from negative influences benefits both oneself and others.
Huzooraa shared an anecdote about a Naib Nazir of Islah-o-Irshad, who recounted advice from Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, the youngest son of the Promised Messiahas. He had said that it is easy to drive someone away from the Jamaat due to one’s own behaviour, but bringing someone into the Jamaat or strengthening their faith is a very difficult task. Therefore, efforts should focus on reinforcing people’s faith and integrating them better into the system.
Huzooraa concluded by encouraging them to explain matters to people, pray for them, and encourage them to pray as well.
Strengthening relationship with Allah in turbulent times
Luqman Ahmad Sahib, the Qaid Majlis of Neu-Isenburg, asked Huzooraa about ways in which khuddam can strengthen their relationship with Allah the Almighty, especially in light of the worsening state of the world, as mentioned in Huzoor’saa recent sermon. (@AlHakamWeekly, x.com)
Huzooraa referred to the Promised Messiahas, who stated that he came with two primary purposes: first, to bring mankind closer to Allah the Almighty and make them His true servants [‘ibad]; and second, for humans to fulfil the rights of one another.
To become a true servant of Allah, one must develop a relationship with Him by fulfilling the due of worship and striving to follow His commandments. Huzooraa quoted an Urdu couplet of the Promised Messiahas:
آگ ہے پر آگ سے وہ سب بچائے جائیں گے
جو کہ رکھتے ہیں خدائے ذوالعجائب سے پیار
“There is a fire, but all those shall be saved from this fire, who possess love for the God of Great Wonders.” (Durr-e-Samin, Qadian, 2002, p. 97)
He emphasised that if one has love for Allah the Almighty, they will continue to do good deeds, avoid going astray, and not wander aimlessly. The foremost among these deeds is prayer and supplication. Allah has made the five daily prayers obligatory; thus, one should perform them earnestly, praying with tears for guidance on the right path.
Huzooraa highlighted the importance of Surah al-Fatihah, which is recited in every rak‘ah of the prayer, where we repeatedly beseech Allah: “Guide us on the right path – the path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure or gone astray.”
He advised reciting this thoughtfully and engaging in the supplications regarding which he recently launched an appeal, i.e., Durud Sharif (sending blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa), istighfar, and the prayer “Rabbi kulla shay’in khadimuka”. Huzooraa mentioned that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was told in a dream that continuous recitation of Durud Sharif would protect one like a secure fortress.
He concluded by stating that by engaging in these practices and doing good deeds, we become closer to Allah. When we are close to Allah, He listens to our prayers and will save us from the turmoil engulfing the world.
Preparing for the mass acceptance of Ahmadiyyat
Fawad Dawood Cheema Sahib, Qaid Majlis of Rödermark, asked about the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas that a time would come when people would enter Ahmadiyyat in large numbers. He enquired what they could do now to prepare for that time.
Huzooraa advised that they should make every effort within their capacity and pray that Allah the Almighty brings that promised time during their lives. He said that when victory comes, people will enter the faith in multitudes.
He referred to the Promised Messiah’sas comparison with the Mosaic Messiah (Jesusas) and his followers, who faced great hardships for over three hundred years, often hiding and preaching in secret. The Promised Messiahas assured that such a prolonged period would not pass over his followers before they witness a large portion of the world entering Islam Ahmadiyyat. (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 67)
Given that 130 years have passed since the inception of Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa emphasised that it is not necessary to wait for 290 years for its widespread acceptance. He encouraged making efforts, keeping deeds righteous, praying to Allah, developing a relationship with Him, enhancing spirituality, and fulfilling the rights of worship and of neighbours and others – for which the Promised Messiahas came.
By elevating the standards of worship and setting personal examples, Allah can bring about that day even before the promised time. However, it requires active participation and sacrifice.
Huzooraa cautioned against spending time idly, such as watching programmes on the internet, playing games, or engaging in frivolous activities on social media, and then questioning why victory has not come. He stated that victory will come by humbling ourselves before Allah and conveying His message.
He suggested utilising social media for tabligh and informing others about the true teachings of Islam. If all khuddam unite – twelve thousand in number – and inundate social media with the message of fulfilling the rights of people, worshipping Allah, and the means of salvation, they can cover all of Germany. This proactive approach ensures that no one can complain that the message did not reach them.
Huzooraa affirmed that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will indeed spread, but emphasised the importance of making efforts and praying to be part of this expansion during their time. Otherwise, divine punishment may come in the form of a great war or other calamities, which would incline people towards Allah and lead them to listen to the message of the Promised Messiahas, resulting in rapid progress of the Jamaat.
He concluded by reminding that Allah’s promise will, insha-Allah, be fulfilled without doubt, but for it to happen in their time, they must make earnest efforts. Revolutions do not occur while people are idle. He drew parallels with the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa, who sacrificed greatly, enduring hunger and hardship. Despite severe trials, Allah assured them of victory, and eventually, people entered Islam in hosts.
Similarly, the Promised Messiahas came as the most ardent servant of the Holy Prophetsa to spread his religion, and Allah’s promise to him will be fulfilled. Huzooraa urged them to decide how much they want to contribute, emphasising that the more they participate, the more they will benefit.
Dealing with khuddam with outstanding chanda
Mabroor Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, Qaid Majlis of Bait al-Baqi, asked about khuddam who have outstanding chanda for several years and express that if their arrears are forgiven, they would start contributing from now on. He sought guidance on how to deal with such brothers.
Huzooraa commended these individuals for their honesty and suggested they should be respected for openly sharing their situation – that they cannot pay the previous arrears and wish for them to be forgiven.
He explained that the Sadr Majlis has the authority to write off their chanda arrears. They should be encouraged to contribute regularly from now on according to their income. Regarding the past dues, their valid excuses should be accepted.
Huzooraa mentioned that he has addressed this issue in his sermons multiple times, noting that this approach is not limited to Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya’s chanda but applies to Jamaat chandas as well. If someone feels they cannot pay and wishes for their dues to be forgiven, it can be granted. However, a condition may be set that, since the person’s standard of chanda is not excellent, they may not be eligible to become an office-bearer for a certain period, such as two or three years.
He emphasised that if a person’s condition is such – due to poverty – that they cannot contribute, Allah the Almighty does not command us to extract chanda from the poor by causing them hardship. Instead, Allah instructs those who have the means to support the needy. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is compassionate and would not compel someone who is poverty-stricken to still give chanda.
For those who cannot give, it is acceptable; they should honestly inform the Jamaat that they cannot pay, or that they can contribute at a lower rate. Even regarding Jamaat chanda, if someone says they cannot pay the prescribed rate and wishes to give less, they can do so with permission.
If they wish to have previous arrears forgiven, it can be granted, and they should then continue to contribute regularly. If they lack the capacity to give the standard rate – even if they cannot give the 1% chanda of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya – they can give half a percent. The Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya can obtain permission for this and inform accordingly.
For obligatory chanda, the Khalifa of the time can grant permission for adjustments, except for the Wasiyyat chanda, because in that scheme, the individual has made a personal covenant to contribute a specific amount, and it is obligatory to fulfil it.
Huzooraa encouraged bringing such people closer, emphasising that an Ahmadi’s faith should not be lost over chanda issues. As their faith strengthens, the habit of giving chanda will develop naturally. He shared that many people write to him requesting their chanda arrears to be forgiven, and he grants it, advising them to start contributing from now on. However, some later write back expressing regret for having their chanda arrears forgiven, noting that they felt a lack of blessings in their affairs and wish to resume full contributions.
He concluded by affirming that Ahmadis’ faith is very strong, provided that it is not undermined by discouraging office-bearers or negative influences. If someone seeks respite, it should be granted to them.
Adopting effective tabligh methods amid rising Islamophobia
Saqib Mahmood Asif Sahib, the Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq, asked about the appropriate means of tabligh that khuddam should adopt in the current climate, where hatred against Islam is spreading in Western society. He enquired how they could incline people towards Islam under such circumstances.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of setting personal examples to convey the true teachings of Islam. He explained that if Muslims demonstrate love, affection, and peace, and fulfil the rights of Allah alongside the rights of His creation – as the Jamaat continually strives to do – people will recognise that oppression has never been permissible in Islam.
He recounted how the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa himself endured oppression without retaliation for thirteen years. It was only when the persecution became unbearable and even after migration, the oppressors did not desist, that Allah granted permission to defend themselves. Even then, Allah cautioned in the Holy Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Hajj, that while permission to fight back was granted due to oppression, Muslims must not transgress limits. Moreover, it was emphasised that if oppression was not stopped, all places of worship – churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques – would be in jeopardy, and those who worship Allah would be at risk. Therefore, Islam teaches the protection of every religion.
Huzooraa noted that he has frequently mentioned these points during mosque inauguration ceremonies in Germany and at the peace symposia, which have been well received.
He advised conveying Islam’s teachings of peace, love, and reconciliation, and addressing misconceptions that defame Islam. He clarified that Islam never initiated offensives or acted unjustly, and even in war, strict ethical guidelines were established: not to harm women, priests, children, or non-combatants, not to destroy property or nature, and to avoid any form of oppression.
In contrast, Huzooraa said, “What is Israel doing? They have killed some fifteen or sixteen thousand children through bombardment. This is oppression. We raise our voice against oppression, no matter who commits it. If Muslims are committing oppression, we also say they are acting wrongly because they are going against the teachings of Islam. And if someone else is doing it, then we must restrain their hand as well.”
He referred to a saying of the Holy Prophetsa: “Help both the oppressor and the oppressed.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-ikrah, Hadith 6952) When the Companions asked how to help the oppressor, the Prophetsa replied, “By restraining his hand.” If one cannot physically stop the oppressor or speak out against him, then at least pray for the cessation of his wrongdoing. By sharing this teaching, people will understand that Islam advocates for love and compassion, which can reduce hatred.
Huzooraa urged that the primary task is to convey the message of peace to as many people as possible. He suggested informing others that Allah has sent the Promised Messiahas to guide both Muslims and followers of other religions towards peace and love. Retaliation and seeking revenge achieve nothing.
He addressed misconceptions about Jihad, explaining that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is not against Jihad when understood correctly. The Holy Prophetsa, upon returning from a battle, spoke of transitioning from the lesser Jihad to the greater Jihad – the struggle to propagate Islam through the Holy Quran and personal betterment, rather than through physical warfare. (Al Zuhd Al Kabir by Al-Bayhaqi, 1987, Al Moasasa Al Kotob Al Thaqafia, p. 165) The use of the sword was only permitted in self-defence.
Huzooraa recounted historical instances during the time of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs where defensive actions were taken to stop oppression, leading to many accepting Islam willingly, while others were allowed to live under Islamic governance without coercion.
He pointed out that throughout history, Muslim societies have included people of other faiths in positions of authority, demonstrating Islam’s teachings of peace and coexistence. Islam advocates stopping oppression wherever it occurs.
In conclusion, Huzooraa encouraged preaching with a focus on peace, as the Promised Messiahas was sent specifically to teach this. He quoted the Promised Messiahas:
’’دیں کے لئے حرام ہے اب جنگ اور قتال‘‘
“Now war and fighting are forbidden for the sake of religion.” (Tohfa-e-Golarwiya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p. 77)
He explained that wars for religious purposes have ended, and the Promised Messiahas came to put an end to such conflicts, as mentioned in Hadith, that the Messiah will put off wars. (Fath-ul-Bari, Part 7, 2019, Beirut: Dar Al Fikr, p. 133)
Therefore, the emphasis is on the peaceful propagation of Faith.
Huzooraa motivated the khuddam by highlighting that with their membership of twelve thousand, if each one takes responsibility to convey the message to a hundred people, they can reach 1.2 million individuals in a year. This effort can create a significant impact. He urged them to plan accordingly, stating that this is the work of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya – to be true servants of Ahmadiyyat. Huzooraa said:
“As I have mentioned, your membership is twelve thousand. If twelve thousand individuals begin preaching, they have the potential to spark a revolution. If you commit to this revolutionary effort, it can indeed be accomplished. If each person takes responsibility for reaching a hundred individuals, then in just one year… that amounts to 1.2 million people. You will have conveyed the message to 1.2 million individuals in a year. And as you convey this message to 1.2 million in a widespread area, those 1.2 million will go on to multiply, reaching 5.8 million. So, plan accordingly. This is the task of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. You call yourselves ‘Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya’, meaning ‘servants of Ahmadiyyat’; therefore, make yourselves true servants of the Faith.”
Conclusion
The session concluded with Huzooraa kindly granting permission for a group photograph with the khuddam.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)