Monday, 20 January 2025, Islamabad, UK: 31 members of the USA’s Muqami Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya were blessed with an in-person mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa at Islamabad, UK.
As Huzooraa entered the room, he greeted everyone and first spoke to Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA, Abdullah Dibba Sahib, and Mohtamim Sahib Muqami. They informed Huzooraa about their delegation of khuddam visiting from America.
Introductions
Each khadim then had the opportunity to introduce himself. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about their family backgrounds, fields of study, and career paths. During these introductions, Huzooraa kindly guided one khadim to learn the language of his ancestors, while lovingly reminding another, who described himself a waqif-e-zindagi working “9 to 5,” that dedicating one’s life actually means being available 24/7. A cardiologist shared his aspiration to volunteer more frequently in Pakistan and eventually dedicate his life fully to the service of the Jamaat. Another khadim expressed his desire to enrol in Jamia Ahmadiyya; in response, Huzooraa noted that if Jamia Canada could not accommodate students from outside the country, the khadim said he would be happy to enrol in Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana.
Observing that the group was almost entirely of Pakistani origin, Huzooraa asked if there were no Ahmadis in their area from African American or other American backgrounds, and enquired whether they were doing enough tabligh. Sadr Sahib responded that they would strive to do more, insha-Allah. Following this, Sadr Sahib requested permission for the khuddam to ask questions, which Huzooraa graciously granted.
Permissibility of working in defence companies
A khadim raised the question of living in a region where many defence companies supply weapons to various countries and sought guidance on the permissibility of working for such firms.
Huzooraa explained that, in cases of necessity where a person has no other viable options, allowances may exist under certain constraints. He referred to the principle outlined in the Holy Quran, which permits consuming forbidden items like swine in extreme situations of helplessness to preserve life. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.174) Similarly, working for such companies may be permissible in cases of compulsion.
Huzooraa emphasised that the intention behind manufacturing arms is generally to supply them for a country’s defence. However, these products are often distributed globally, including to regions affected by conflict.
At the same time, he highlighted that individual employees do not necessarily bear direct responsibility for the ultimate use of the products. In a lighter vein, Huzooraa commented that Ahmadis could open their own factories or companies. If an Ahmadi were to do so, they would likely choose to manufacture products to assist law enforcement agencies only, as Ahmadis strive to promote peace.
Perspective on the newly-elected US President
Another khadim sought Huzoor’saa view on the newly-elected President of the United States.
Huzooraa responded by saying that it was uncertain what policies the new President might pursue or how they might impact the American people. However, he observed that during the President’s previous tenure, he had refrained from engaging in significant warfare, which brought some relief to the rest of the world.
Referring to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Huzooraa noted that while there are claims of a permanent ceasefire being established, such a resolution is unlikely to last. He remarked that it is possible the ceasefire was accompanied by secret agreements, allowing Israel to occupy additional areas of Palestinian land in the future.
Huzooraa further observed that leadership in America is unlikely to embody truly moral or saintly qualities under the current political climate. He noted that meaningful and positive change could become feasible if Ahmadis with high moral standards and a commitment to justice, attain positions of influence in politics, bureaucracy, or business.
Muqami Majlis: Name and responsibilities
A khadim enquired about the difference between Muqami and other majalis, as well as the wisdom behind appointing a Muhtamim Muqami without an election.
Huzooraa explained that the Muqami Majlis is like all other majalis, with no fundamental differences in responsibilities. The term “Muqami” simply indicates that the majlis is based near the Jamaat’s headquarters. According to the Constitution, the leader of this majlis is called “Mohtamim Muqami” instead of “Qaid,” but their responsibilities remain the same as those of a qaid in any other majlis.
Huzooraa further clarified that while qaideen in most majalis are either elected, selected, or nominated, the Muhtamim Muqami is not elected. As a member of the Sadr’s amila, the Mohtamim Muqami is appointed by the Sadr; he directly nominates the individual or recommends their name to the Khalifa of the Time for approval. This method of appointment is the only distinction; otherwise, there is no difference in the duties or expectations of the role.
Facing surgical complications: Advice for doctors
Guidance was requested regarding situations where medical procedures sometimes lead to complications or fatalities, which can induce fear and stress in both patients and doctors.
Huzooraa explained that doctors must possess strong nerves and resilience to manage such situations effectively. He emphasised that a doctor should not view themselves as the provider of healing but should recognise that healing comes from Allah. By being mindful of the prayer ‘هو الشّافي’ (‘Allah is the Healer’), and relying on supplication, doctors can alleviate stress and perform procedures with greater focus and composure.
Huzooraa highlighted that the act of obtaining consent from patients or their families before medical procedures underscores the understanding that the outcomes are not entirely within the doctor’s control. Recognising this can reduce the burden of stress on medical practitioners.
He further encouraged doctors to adopt the supplication ‘هو الشّافي’ in their practice, drawing inspiration from the prayer of Hazrat Ibrahimas mentioned in the Holy Quran: “And when I am ill, it is He Who restores me to health.” (Surah ash-Shu‘ara, Ch.26: V.81). “Then the responsibility is placed in the hands of Allah the Exalted,” Huzooraa said.
Considering state schools vs. homeschooling
One khadim, father to a two-year-old daughter, enquired about whether to enrol her in a state school or opt for homeschooling.
Huzooraa explained that this decision could depend on the circumstances and the concerns parents may have about the curriculum taught in state schools. He noted that topics such as sex education and gender education are sometimes introduced at an early age. If the intent behind homeschooling is to shield children from these subjects, parents could consider enrolling their child in a state school during the early years and moving to homeschooling when such subjects are typically introduced in later years.
Huzooraa pointed out that attending school in the early years can be beneficial for children, as it helps them develop social skills. However, if parents choose homeschooling, they must take on the responsibility of organising activities like hikes, outings, excursions, or boating themselves to ensure their child does not miss out on these experiences.
He further explained that sex education and gender education are not taught consistently throughout all grades. Parents can monitor the situation and make decisions accordingly, either continuing with homeschooling or re-enrolling their children in a state school based on the circumstances. Ultimately, it depends on local laws and the parents’ ability to provide the necessary support and oversight to meet the child’s educational and social needs.
Significance of dreams and interpreting them
Someone asked about understanding the nature of dreams and discerning when a dream holds divine guidance.
Huzooraa explained that not all dreams have spiritual significance; some are divine, others are from Satan, and many merely reflect daily thoughts. If uncertain, consulting someone knowledgeable in dream interpretation or giving alms [sadaqah] is recommended. Huzooraa said:
“Not everyone is able to know the science of interpreting dreams. Therefore, if you see a dream, then you should ask someone who knows how to interpret dreams to find out whether it is a good or bad dream. If you are not able to understand the meaning of the dream yourself and are not comfortable in sharing your dreams and feel embarrassed to ask someone, then regardless of whether it is a good or a bad dream, you should give sadaqah, so that Allah the Exalted may bring out its virtuous results.
“Some dreams are in fact from Allah the Exalted and are truthful dreams, whilst there can also be satanic-influenced dreams, and some are just a product of one’s thoughts; whatever one has experienced in the day can appear in the dreams as well. Psychiatrists say that generally, a person experiences four to five dreams in the night. Some we can recall and others we can’t. Sometimes a person wakes up and thinks he did not have any dreams when, in fact, they did and had been journeying to different places in their dreams.
“The dreams that you can recall, assess and analyse as to what message they contained. If you are able to understand it, then that’s fine; otherwise, you can ask someone. During the time of Hazrat Yusufas, the king had a dream, and those who he had to interpret dreams deemed it to be merely a product of his thoughts. However, Hazrat Yusufas interpreted the dream and understood what the seven green ears of corn meant and what it meant by seven fat cattle that were eaten [by seven lean ones] and the meaning of the lush vegetation and withered crops and the drought, etc. It is all mentioned there. [Surah Yusuf, Ch.12: V.44-50]
“Some people are not able to understand their dreams, so if you are not able to understand it either then just give some sadaqah. This is the simple solution. If you have had a dream which contains a message and one is being exhorted towards virtue and goodness, then that means that this is something Allah the Exalted wills for you, and it is a dream from Allah the Exalted. However, if you have a dream in which you are being encouraged to do a bad deed, then consider that to be a satanic dream.
“There is a funny incident of a very well-known family in Sargodha, who were involved in politics and were landowners as well. An elderly member of their family became Ahmadi in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. He did not have any children; however, he had a son when he was quite old through the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. This happened in the very early days of Rabwah when there were not even proper roads made in Rabwah and very few houses.
“He brought him there and enrolled him in the school. Since he belonged to a wealthy family, he would come to school in a motor vehicle, while people in Rabwah at the time did not even own broken cycles. Everyone was very poor and the entire town had perhaps one to three cars. In any case, it was their desire that since he had the child at an old age, he attain an education and become virtuous and not become involved in politics or any vices […]
“And so, while he was alive, he would always encourage him to pray and also bring him to the Mubarak Mosque. […] His wife had already passed away and it was just him and his son. Although they had a large house, they both used to sleep in one room.
“One day, having become tired of his father always telling him to offer salat – just as you also sometimes express your frustration that the Qaid or Sadr Sahib or your parents are always telling you to pray – and he too was the same. One morning, he woke up and said, ‘O father, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra came into my dream last night and said that I shouldn’t offer salat anymore.’
“His father was very shrewd, and he said, ‘Look, we stay in this room, and my bed is close to the door, while your bed is on the other side next to the wall. So, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra jumped over my bed to tell you this, how come he didn’t just tell me? He could’ve told me as well to not pray and I too would’ve become exempt from praying. So, stop making up false dreams.’
“Thus, people can also make up dreams like this as well. The Holy Prophetsa has also stated that one should not make up dreams and especially one who attributes a false dream to the Holy Prophetsa takes on the curse of Allah. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-ta‘bir, Bab mun kadhaba fi hulimih, Hadith 7042; & Kitab al-‘ilm, Hadith 109]
“Haqiqat-ul-Wahi [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation] is a book of the Promised Messiahas. If you read the first 50 to 60 pages, I believe it has been translated into English; it explains the concept of dreams and their significance and reality. You are quite mature and go to college or university, so you should read it. You should have enough knowledge about it. If you just read the initial 50 to 60 pages, you will be able to understand the concept of dreams and what is a good dream or a bad dream.”
Huzoor’saa memory of his visit to the blessed grave of the Promised Messiahas
A khadim wanted to know Huzoor’saa feelings when visiting Qadian in 2005 and praying at the Promised Messiah’sas blessed grave.
Huzooraa reflected that his emotions were similar to those felt by any Ahmadi upon reaching such a sacred site, with a heartfelt desire to offer prayers. He recalled that his first visit to Qadian in 1991 evoked the same feelings, and during both visits, his prayers focused on asking Allah the Exalted to elevate the status of the Promised Messiahas, grant success to the Jamaat he established, and enable members of the Jamaat to serve it in the best manner.
Huzooraa noted that such moments bring deeply personal emotions that are often indescribable. He also remarked that two decades have passed since that memorable visit in 2005.
Conclusion
Before bringing the mulaqat to a close, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously granted permission for a group photograph with the khuddam and presented each of them with a pen.
During this time, Huzooraa engaged in light-hearted discussions, asking where they were staying, whether they were able to attend prayers at Mubarak Mosque, how they were travelling, and whether their meals, including breakfast, were to their liking. Huzooraa also enquired about their plans for the remainder of their visit.
The khuddam shared details of a packed itinerary, which included visits to Fazl Mosque, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, and MTA International; meeting elders of the Jamaat; and offering Jumuah and other congregational prayers behind Huzooraa. Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK was kindly hosting their transport arrangements.
After some further interactions with the khuddam, Huzooraa said salaam and took leave, bringing the mulaqat to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)