Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Alton, UK, 25 July 2026: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived at the Lajna marquee for his address shortly after noon.
Commencing the formal session, Hazrat Amirul Momineen (aa) invited Noor Odeh Sahiba to recite a portion of the Holy Quran: Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.36-37, followed by its Urdu translation by Qurat-ul-Ain Virk Sahib. Ramsha Hassan Sahiba then presented an Urdu poem written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra).
Huzoor (aa) then invited Secretary Umur-e-Talibaat to announce the names of the Lajna students who achieved academic excellence over the year.
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) then came to the podium and conveyed his salaam to all. After reciting tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Huzoor (aa) delivered his address, a brief summary of which is as follows:
By the grace of Allah, a large number of women are attending the Jalsa and this is evidence that Ahmadi women have a sincere inclination towards their faith. They desire to increase their religious knowledge, strive to attain the nearness of Allah, become those who seek His pleasure and fulfil their pledge of giving precedence to faith over worldly matters.
The Promised Messiah (as) established the Jalsa with the purpose of fostering zuhd and taqwa (righteousness) and of raising moral standards to the highest level. We should fulfil our pledge of allegiance (bai‘at) by seeking the nearness of Allah the Almighty. These objectives are not to be pursued only during these few days; rather, they require continuous and lifelong effort.
Guidance of the Promised Messiah (as)
Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah (as) in this age for the revival of the faith. This objective can only be fulfilled when we act upon the guidance he has given.
On one occasion, he addressed those who had entered his bai‘at, saying that they should become a people in whose company no one remains deprived of good fortune, whose morals are of the highest standard and who remain steadfast upon the moral qualities taught by Allah the Almighty. We should strive to attain this standard.
Once we do so, instead of looking towards the world, we will turn our attention towards our faith, towards Allah the Almighty, towards the teachings of the Holy Prophet (sa) and towards the guidance given by the Promised Messiah (as).
The importance of listening attentively
The Promised Messiah (as) said that we should listen carefully to his words and that the words of those appointed by Allah should be listened to attentively. Only by listening carefully to his words can the true purpose of bai‘at be attained. Failing to pay attention leads to very harmful consequences.
Sometimes people are misled by others, begin raising objections against the Jamaat and eventually start objecting to the Promised Messiah (as) himself. Therefore, you should increase your knowledge, listen attentively to the words of the Promised Messiah (as), carefully read and reflect upon his guidance and teachings and continue to increase your religious knowledge.
Only when both men and women increase their understanding of the faith can they reform their practical lives. If we merely take bai‘at and make no effort to increase our religious knowledge, we cannot achieve success and will gradually fall behind.
Increasing religious knowledge
At times, women and children ask very simple questions. If one pays even a little attention to increasing one’s knowledge, the answers to many of these questions can easily be found in the literature of the Jamaat.
Those who raise objections against Islam present many arguments and women also encounter such questions. If the Holy Quran is studied carefully, the answers to all these questions can be found within it.
Today, detailed explanations are also available and by studying them, many difficulties can be resolved. The Promised Messiah (as) said that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon the Holy Quran a unique intellectual character that is replete with every kind of proof. Allah the Almighty declares that the Quran is neither weak nor devoid of benefit. Its teachings are so comprehensive that no rival teaching can stand in comparison with them.
Studying the Holy Quran
It is not sufficient merely to recite the Holy Quran; attention should also be given to studying its commentaries (tafsir). Today, audio recordings of the Holy Quran and its commentaries are also available. Those who are unable to read should listen to them.
Living in Western societies today, young girls often raise questions after hearing objections made against the Holy Quran. Although answers to such objections are given from time to time, you yourselves should also make an effort to study the Holy Quran so that you are able to answer these objections independently. The Promised Messiah (as) repeatedly advised those who were connected with him that Allah had established this Jamaat to make divine truths manifest.
The Quran as the source of divine light
Divine light will enter your practical lives only when you read the Holy Quran and act upon its teachings. Read the Holy Quran with deep reflection. Do not read it merely as a collection of stories; rather, study it as a profound philosophy and as a complete system of guidance. Reflect deeply upon it and then you will see that you will be able to silence every opponent.
Women’s role in the service of faith
In this age, women should strive in the field of preaching just as men should, for this is the jihad of our time. Nowhere has the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty, the Holy Prophet (sa) or the Promised Messiah (as) stated that women should not participate in the work of preaching (tabligh).
Women do take part in this field and should continue to acquire knowledge. The example of Hazrat Aishah (ra) is frequently cited. She explained and clarified the meanings of many Quranic verses and numerous ahadith. Many matters became clear to us through her explanations.
Women should advance so greatly in knowledge and spirituality that they surpass even men. When this standard is achieved, they will be able to provide the best possible moral and spiritual training for future generations.
Reflecting upon creed
The Promised Messiah (as) said that La ilaha illAllah is such an exalted declaration that had the Jews and Christians been given and adhered to this very declaration, they would never have gone astray in matters of faith. If you wish to remain steadfast upon your religion, then reflect deeply upon it and strive to understand its true meaning.
Seeking Allah’s nearness in an age of constant challenges
Today, the attacks of Satan have become intense, continuous and relentless. Whether through the media, social media, print media or television, countless influences are diverting people’s attention away from religion and drawing them towards Satan. Many new avenues have emerged that were previously unimaginable, all designed to divert people’s attention away from faith.
In such circumstances, we should strive even more than before to attain the nearness of Allah, to walk upon His path, to study His Book – the Holy Quran and to accept the one whom He has sent.
Allah the Almighty has sent the Promised Messiah (as) in this age for our training and guidance. We should study his teachings and pay careful attention to them.
Establishing the unity and love of Allah
The Promised Messiah (as) said that your fundamental objective should be to establish the Unity of Allah (Tawhid). Develop the love of Allah within yourselves. Let it not remain a mere verbal claim; rather, remain constantly at the threshold of Allah and raise the standards of your worship. When you do so, love for Allah will naturally develop.
Raising the standard of worship
What does it mean to raise the standard of worship and to love Allah?
It means that the love of Allah should become dearer to you than every worldly relationship. Love Allah more than even your parents. When you attain this state, Allah the Almighty will guide you, deliver you from trials, accept your prayers, resolve your domestic difficulties and remove the worries you have regarding the upbringing of your children, because even under ordinary circumstances you remain humble before Him out of love for Allah.
Demonstrating love for Allah through obedience
To fulfil the practical requirements of loving Allah means to act upon His commandments. In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty has given countless commandments, including instructions for women, guidance regarding modesty, directions concerning dress, the importance of increasing religious knowledge and the upbringing of children. Only when a person becomes a practical embodiment of all these teachings can it truly be said that they love Allah.
Taqwa as the foundation of honour and family Life
The Promised Messiah (as) said that it is essential for a person to become righteous (muttaqi), for only the righteous are honoured and esteemed in the sight of Allah the Almighty. This is an instruction that every member of the Jamaat – both men and women – should always remember.
In worldly society, marriages are often based upon beauty, family background, wealth or social status. These are usually the factors that are considered when arranging marriages. Many people ask what qualities should be sought in a marriage proposal. The Holy Prophet (sa) and the Promised Messiah (as) have clearly explained this. If successful marriages are desired, then both men and women must raise their standards of taqwa. We must fulfil our pledge of giving precedence to faith over worldly matters; only then will marriages be truly successful.
The true meaning of bai‘at
Everyone who has entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat must bring about a genuine transformation within themselves. Otherwise, merely claiming to have accepted the Promised Messiah (as) is of no benefit.
If we fail to bring about spiritual, intellectual and moral reformation; if we do not treat others with kindness; if our morals are not such that people become distressed or fearful because of our behaviour, then such bai‘at serves no purpose.
Self-reflection and true reformation
Each of us should examine ourselves and ask whether our condition is such that, purely for the sake of Allah the Almighty, we strive to distance ourselves from every satanic whisper, every evil thought that displeases Allah and every action from which He has forbidden us. If this is not our condition, then true reformation cannot be achieved.
In that case, whether we belong to Ahmadiyyat or not becomes of no consequence. Nor should we complain that our prayers are not accepted or that we prayed for a particular purpose but our supplication was not answered. Allah indeed accepts prayers, but before that, He requires us to reform our own condition and fulfil the pledge of bai‘at that we have made. Our very being should become entirely transformed and we should no longer remain what we once were.
Seeking guidance from the Holy Quran
Those who are born Ahmadis but may have gone astray should, once they come to their senses and begin to use the intellect that Allah the Almighty has granted them, seek guidance from the Holy Quran and strive to act upon its teachings.
Allah the Almighty has not prohibited the acquisition of knowledge. The list of Lajna members that was read out also reflected the worldly education they have attained. However, we should not pursue knowledge that distances us from Allah, nor should we follow it.
Likewise, we must not adopt practices that lead us away from Allah, nor should we associate with environments that distance us from Him. This should be our mindset.
You should never think that by avoiding excessive association with worldly people, you will be deprived of certain opportunities. If you hold firmly to Allah, you will never see dark days, you will never become dependent upon anyone and even if the entire world becomes your enemy, it shall not concern you.
Holding firmly to Allah
The Promised Messiah (as) said that no one who holds firmly to Allah can ultimately suffer loss. Allah protects His true servants during times of hardship in such extraordinary ways that the world is left astonished. The example of Prophet Abraham (as) is that although his enemies cast him into the fire, Allah saved him. Likewise, Prophet Noah (as) was saved from the flood.
These are not merely stories of the past. Allah is Living today as well and, even today, He can manifest His signs of power. If today you establish a true relationship with Him and fulfil His rights, He will still show you manifestations of His power.
The importance of praying before times of difficulty
Many people write to Huzoor (aa) saying that they have prayed repeatedly, yet their prayers are not accepted. Prayers offered during times of hardship are, to a certain extent, appropriate. The anguish they contain is valuable, but whether Allah chooses to accept them rests with His wisdom.
However, one should pray before difficulties arise and establish a true relationship with Allah beforehand. It is then that Allah the Almighty accepts prayers. During times of hardship, it will be the prayers you offered in times of ease that will protect you. It should not be that you remember Allah only when you fall into difficulty.
Many of today’s questions are of this nature. Such people should examine themselves and ask whether, during times of comfort, they prayed with the same sincerity and anguish that they now display in hardship. If they did not, then they have failed to fulfil their duty. Do not merely remember to seek your rights from Allah; rather, fulfil His rights as well.
Rights and responsibilities
Huzoor (aa) said that he had previously explained the rights of women, but women should also remember that they have many responsibilities to fulfil. Only when these responsibilities are discharged will their rights also be properly established.
Reforming moral conduct
The Promised Messiah (as) said that you should reform your morals, control your tongue, treat everyone with gentleness and kindness and even respond with gentleness to those who speak harshly. Avoid quarrels and disputes and avoid arrogance. When you act in this manner, Allah the Almighty will reward you by granting you His nearness.
Today, even within some homes, disagreements often arise between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law. A minor grievance can quickly lead to the harshest words being spoken or to attempts to cause one another distress and suffering.
If this is our condition, it is not the conduct of a true believer. Such behaviour neither leads to the nearness of Allah nor fulfils the pledge of bai‘at.
Becoming a true Ahmadi
If one wishes to become a true Ahmadi and attain the nearness of Allah, then the standards of worship must be raised, moral conduct must be improved and practical conduct must be reformed. We should not become influenced merely because worldly people behave in a particular way. Rather, we are meant to reform them, guide them and bring them onto the right path. We are to help them attain the nearness of Allah and draw them towards faith.
Today, the world is increasingly distancing itself from religion, while atheism continues to spread. Through our actions, we must call the world towards Allah and make people realise that their survival lies in turning to Him. Otherwise, the world is moving towards immense destruction, although people fail to realise it. Gradually, it will either perish or face severe destruction beyond human imagination.
We have the responsibility of striving to save the world and we should make every possible effort to fulfil this duty.
Faith requires action
The Promised Messiah (as) said that it is not enough to profess faith with the tongue while failing to act upon it. The Jamaat that Allah wishes to establish cannot remain alive without righteous deeds. This is a magnificent Jamaat whose preparation began from the time of Prophet Adam (as). There has been no prophet who did not foretell the coming of this Jamaat. Therefore, value it and its true value lies in proving through your actions that you are the people of truth, whether you are a man or a woman, a child, a young person, or an elder.
Nurturing future generations
You are the ones who must nurture the coming generations, keep them attached to the Jamaat and make them aware of the importance of fulfilling the pledge of bai‘at to the Promised Messiah (as). They must understand what it means to give precedence to faith over worldly matters.
Therefore, do not become absorbed in worldly splendour and luxury. Instead, turn to Allah more than ever before. As we move further away from the time when the Promised Messiah (as) was alive, our weaknesses continue to increase.
Today, the only way to remain close to Allah is to raise the standards of our worship and increase our religious knowledge, so that we are able to answer the questions of our children and future generations and also fulfil our responsibilities in the field of preaching.
Many children ask questions and parents should be able to answer them. This will only be possible when they increase their religious knowledge and act upon the commandments of Allah.
Safeguarding Islamic teachings
Do not become trapped in the deceptive schemes of the dajjal that seek to raise doubts about the rights of women in Islam. The rights that Islam has granted women have been given by no other religion and by no government. In this age, the True Servant of the Holy Prophet (sa), i.e., the Promised Messiah (as), has explained with complete clarity the rights of women, the status that Islam has granted them and the honourable position they occupy.
An Ahmadi Muslim woman should always remember that she is a follower of Islam, one who seeks a living relationship with Allah and a true servant of Islam. Therefore, she should strive earnestly to strengthen her relationship with Allah, increase her knowledge and reasoning so that she can silence the objections of critics, advance in the field of preaching and not only continue her own progress but also help future generations to advance.
Only then will we be able to play our proper role in spreading the teachings of Islam to every corner of the world.
Acting upon the advice of the Promised Messiah (as)
If you remain faithful to your pledge of bai‘at and act upon the advice of the Promised Messiah (as), you will secure your own future and also safeguard the religious and worldly well-being of your future generations. May Allah grant all of you the ability to do so.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) then led everyone in silent prayer, after which some choral poems were presented. Thereafter, Huzoor (aa) announced that the attendance of Lajna was 19,695 and took leave, bringing the session to a close.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)