On 5 September 2021, 60 members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Midlands Region were given the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.
The meeting commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran and its English translation by Roshan Musa. Following this, a hadith was presented by Musleh Mahmood. After this, Saqib Mahmood delivered an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas; thereafter, a poem [nazm] was recited by Khalid ud Din Ahmedi, the English translation of which was presented by Hunain Shakeel.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then turned to Attiqur Rahman, Mohtamim Tarbiyat, and asked how many khuddam were seated in the hall, to which Attiqur Rahman Sahib responded that 60 Khuddam were seated there from Midlands Region. After this, the khuddam had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions relating to contemporary issues, Islam, religion and spirituality.
The first question was with regard to Huzoor’saa personal experiences and most cherished moments as a khadim. Safeer Ahmad Suleman requested Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to share any memorable experiences from his days in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.
Huzooraa said that he cherished every memory while in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and then said:
“I cherish my every moment [that was] in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. When you get old, you cherish every moment of when you were young.
“I remember, when we used to hold our Ijtema – and that used to be in the open air – we would erect our own tents, not the properly made tent as you get here or elsewhere, but we used to use our bedsheets. So, when it rained, then drops of rain would fall inside the tent since it was not waterproof. So, we used to cherish those days and enjoy camping.
“For three days, we would stay there. It was a makeshift arrangement in an open field […] A group of 10 people would stay in one tent. So, these were the days I still remember and cherish.”
Next, Timur Bhatti stated that in today’s society, atheism was very prevalent. He asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what advice he would give to those khuddam who had doubts about the existence of Allah.
Huzooraa answered:
“You should have your personal relation with Allah the Almighty. Has Allah Almighty ever answered your prayer?” The khadim replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “So, until and unless you work hard to attain the closeness of Allah Almighty, you cannot be close to Allah Almighty.”
Huzooraa emphasised that Salat was the means of attaining and establishing a relationship with Allah.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa added, “Read the Holy Quran and find out the commandments mentioned in the Holy Quran and then follow those commandments […] Allah will accept your prayers if you follow His commandments. Allah says, ‘Become firm in your faith and pray to Me, then I will accept your prayers.’ When your prayers are accepted, then you will know that God does exist. And you can give this proof to your fellow students [classmates] or your friends that ‘I have first-hand experience of having a close relation with Allah Almighty through the acceptance of my prayers.’ So, make yourself an example for your friends. This is how you can prove Allah Almighty does exist […].”
Qasim Ahmad asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what field those waqifeen who were interested in doing medical research should specialise in.
Huzooraa said:
“In the medical field, every field is very important”. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa emphasised that all medical fields had their own importance and significance.
“Whichever [medical] field you choose, it has its own importance. We need doctors, in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, in each and every line, in each and every field of medicine,” Huzooraa emphasised.
He further said, “Anything which is beneficial for human beings, and wherein you can do something for humanity, you should try to do it. […]”
Next, Roshaan Ahmedi had the opportunity to ask a question. Recognising the young khadim, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked, “Are you Naseem Bajwa Sahib’s grandson?” To this, Roshaan Ahmedi Sahib replied in the affirmative. He stated that he had a strong desire to study but was distracted very easily. He asked Huzooraa for guidance on this matter and queried how to improve focus and stay motivated.
Huzooraa replied:
“You have a strong desire to excel and at the same time, you are distracted. Why? You are using the word ‘strong’ – and you have a strong desire, then nothing should distract you. You should focus solely on the objective you have in your mind”.
Huzooraa said that he should work hard and pray to Allah Almighty to help him. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“When you pray, recite اِهۡدِ نَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِيۡمَ [Guide us in the right path,] repeatedly so that you are not distracted and Allah Almighty keeps you on the right path. You see, the ‘right path’ does not only mean for your spiritual betterment; the ‘right path’ is also for your worldly achievements […] Keep in mind that ‘I am seeking Allah’s help for my spiritual betterment and for my worldly achievements.’”
Next, Khakan Ahmad said that after listening to Huzoor’saa Friday Sermon about Syed Taalay Ahmed Sahib, he was very inspired and asked how one could become Huzoor’saa beloved.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I already told you in my sermon. Listen to my sermon again, then you would know.
“Try to achieve the love of Allah. And if you try to achieve the love of Allah, then you will also be from among those whom Khalifatul Masih also loves”.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then mentioned the following verse of the Holy Quran:
“Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.32)
Huzooraa then told the khadim to study the life of the Holy Prophetsa and his conduct and practice. In this way, if one followed the Holy Prophetsa, one would achieve the love of Allah. Huzooraa added, “So, when you achieve the love of Allah, then you will be loved by Khalifatul Masih”.
Owais Ahmad Sahib stated that Afghanistan had not been at peace since the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latifra. He asked if there would be peace in Pakistan after all the people who were martyred and the cruelties perpetrated against the Jamaat over the past many years.
Huzooraa said:
“If Pakistanis, the ulema – or the so-called maulvis, clerics – do not change their attitude, there will never be peace in Pakistan. Until and unless they behave well, they practice good morals, and they change their attitude and try to be humane […] if they are doing inhumane activities, Pakistan can never be at peace”.
Upon being asked by Labeed Buttar how one could attain true love of God, Huzooraa said:
“Make it a point to remember that Allah Almighty watches over you. Your every deed and action is being watched by Allah Almighty. If you think that you can hide something from people, but you cannot hide anything from Allah Almighty and Allah is always watching over you, then you will not do bad things. And if you do not do bad things, you will keep yourself away from sin. This is the only way. Read the Holy Quran, find out the commandments mentioned in the Holy Quran – the dos and don’ts of the Holy Quran – and then follow them”.
Fariduddin Ahmedi stated that the coronavirus pandemic had had a massive impact on mental health issues. He asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how a khadim should deal with such issues.
Huzooraa said:
“Allah Almighty says, اَلَا بِذِكۡرِ اللّٰهِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ الۡقُلُوۡبُ [meaning that] ‘My remembrance, and My zikr will satisfy your hearts.’ (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.30) So, during these days, we should try to get closer to Allah Almighty. [We should try to] offer our prayers fervently five times [a day], if possible, in congregation; and also do some zikr, say durood sharif, istighfar and seek Allah’s guidance and help. Then Allah Almighty will give you comfort and strengthen your heart.
“During this coronavirus those who are living close to me, and even myself, didn’t feel anything wrong [mentally]. I don’t think it has left a bad effect on us. We are okay, and you are also okay. You seem to be okay. Are you not okay?” The khadim smiled and answered in affirmative. Huzooraa added that those who have been mentally impacted by social changes caused by the coronavirus should “seek Allah’s help.”
Next, Muhammad Huzaifa asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa how one could increase concentration and remain focused in Salat.
Huzooraa answered:
“When you recite Surah al-Fatihah, you should often recite اِهۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِيۡمَ […] If you are offering prayer in congregation, then say اعوذ باللّٰه and focus on what the Imam is saying. When you are offering your own prayer – offering sunnah [prayer] or offering Salat at home – then recite: اَسْتَغْفِرُاللّٰه - لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ - اَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ[…] Seek Allah’s help in this regard and then Allah Almighty will help you. It is a continuous process”.
Following this, Ansar Iqbal stated that when one went to university, one gained more independence. He asked how one could keep away from the temptations of society.
Answering, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“The gist of it, as I have already said, is to always remember that whatever you are doing, Allah is watching. And you cannot hide anything from Allah Almighty. […] You should know the purpose of your life. Allah has told us that the purpose of man’s life is to bow before Allah Almighty, seek Allah’s help. So, if you are doing this, you will never go astray, you will not follow the vices of the world or your environment”.
Zamreez Ahmad stated that due to Covid-19, people were quite hesitant in coming to the mosque for Salat in congregation. He asked how to motivate people to come to the mosque.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that the reward of offering Salat in congregation was 27 times greater than the prayer one offered at home. Huzooraa said that it was due to the restrictions imposed by the government that people were offering at home; however, as the restrictions had been lifted, members should be asked to come for congregational prayers. Huzooraa said, “Even then we should be very much careful,”
Huzoor added:
“It is the commandment and it is the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa. They should gather together in congregation for our five daily prayers. […] You have to be very much persuasive.”
Sameer Qureshi, who is a waqif-e-nau, said that he was going to university and studying computer science. He asked Huzooraa how he could serve the Jamaat when he graduated.
Hearing this, Huzooraa said:
“When you complete your studies, then tell me. Then I will let you know how you can serve the Jamaat. If we need you at that time, we shall ask you to come and join the regular service of the Jamaat. If not, we shall ask you to gain some experience by working somewhere else, and then later come to help the Jamaat”.
Next, Musleh Mahmood asked what younger khuddam could do to impact all khuddam in a positive manner.
Huzooraa said that if the older khuddam were shameless, then one should tell them about the true teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat. “If you are a practicing, good Muslim, set your own example before the elder ones [khuddam]. Religion is not the property of any person. Even being young, you can be an example for others, even elders. Not only khuddam, but ansar as well […]
“The day before yesterday [on 3 September], when I was talking about the late Taalay Shaheed, I told people that he was an example for older people as well. So, try to be that example. He [Syed Taalay Ahmed] didn’t ask anybody to ‘Follow me’, but the way he was living his life, that was an example for everybody. This is how you can set your own example. Then you will become a good asset for the Jamaat as well […]”
Kashif Mahmood asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if it was permissible to give money to needy people instead of sacrificing an animal on Eid-ul-Adha. He further asked if this method could be considered as qurbani [sacrifice].
Upon hearing the question, Huzooraa asked:
“Should we introduce our own Shariah, or follow what the Holy Prophetsa did?” Kashif Mahmood responded by saying that we should follow the Holy Prophetsa.
“He [the Holy Prophetsa] used to do qurbani. You see, there are quite a number of people in the world who do not even get meat. Here, in Europe, you cannot even realise this thing. People living here in Europe – or Western countries or rich countries – can do their sacrifice in less privileged countries like Africa, Pakistan, India, or elsewhere in South American countries”, Huzooraa said.
Following this, Hunain Shakeel asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if a pious person who did good deeds but did not believe in God, would still go to Heaven.
Answering this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“You can say that a person is morally good, he is doing good things. [However] you cannot say he is pious. Pious is one who believes in God and follows His commandments. Allah Almighty says, ‘I will reward every person according to his deeds. As long as he has done good things – morally good things – and helped poor and needy people in this world, then Allah may send him to Heaven. We do not know anything [about God’s decision of the Hereafter], and we are not here to decide who is going to Hell and who is going to Heaven. […]”
Next, Burhan Ahmad Butt had the opportunity to ask a question. As he proceeded towards the mic, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Masha-Allah, I am happy that every khadim has kept a beard”.
Burhan Ahmad Butt, asking his question, stated that the Promised Messiahas mentioned the success of Ahmadiyyat and stated the majority would accept the Imam of the age. He asked Huzooraa when the majority of the world would accept the Imam of the age.
Answering this, Huzooraa said:
“The Promised Messiahas has also said that the acceptance of the Messiah of the Mosaic dispensation took almost 300 years or more when the Roman King accepted Christianity. The Promised Messiahas has also said that 300 years would not have passed or come to an end before the majority of the people would accept Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam; but all these things are dependent on our other deeds and actions. If we are good in our deeds and actions, if we are following the commandment of Allah Almighty, if we are praying to Allah Almighty, if we are true Muslims, then it [the success of Ahmadiyyat] can happen earlier than that”.
After this, the series of questions came to an end. Huzoor asked Attiqur Rahman, Mohtamim Tarbiyat, “Are the khuddam happy? I cannot see their faces because the masks are covering their faces. Anyway, I hope they are happy.”
In the end, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)