Change, as described by the Oxford Dictionary, is “the act or result of something becoming different”. It is evident now, more so than ever, that the world and life itself has taken a shift .
As we continue to make alterations in our lives whilst adjusting to the “new normal”, one thing is for certain, that the strong, true, unique and unwavering bond between the Khalifa and the Jamaat will never diminish.
In such circumstances, while members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat yearn to meet their beloved Imamaa once again, the national amila of Canada were fortunate to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, on Saturday, 3 October 2020.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa began the mulaqat with a silent prayer, after which the amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their respective roles and departments. Every department had the opportunity to present their reports.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about the plans, targets and achievements of every department, while providing valuable advice, guidance and direction.
Amir Jamaat Canada, Malik Lal Khan Sahib, expressed his gratitude to Huzooraa for his time and presented a brief report on the success and growth of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada since 2016. Amir Sahib stated that this was solely due to the blessings of Khilafat.
Addressing the missionary-in-charge, Abdul Rashid Anwar Sahib, Huzooraa asked how many meetings had been conducted with missionaries in the past month. Huzooraa said that it was absolutely vital and pivotal that missionaries played an active role in tabligh programmes and activities. Huzooraa added that missionaries should regularly attend their offices and continue to convey the message of Islam to the public and remain in touch with Ahmadi youth through online means.
Huzooraa further said that missionaries should also keep in touch with the secretary of tarbiyat and tabligh so that the important task of spreading the true message of Islam Ahmadiyyat can be executed in the best possible manner.
Following this, addressing the naib amir for tarbiyat and secretary wasaya, Kaleem Ahmad Malik Sahib, Huzooraa asked how many members of Wasiyyat in Canada were earning and currently employed. Huzooraa said, “It should be made clear that the scheme of Wasiyyat is not simply to just collect chanda. One of the main reasons behind Wasiyyat is to increase the level of taqwa among Ahmadis.”
Huzooraa further emphasised, “Those who have entered the system of Wasiyyat should be among those who are continuously excelling in their relationship with Allah, offering prayers with great humility and reciting the Holy Quran whilst pondering over its meanings.”
Thus, Huzooraa stated, “A musi [member of the Al-Wasiyyat scheme] must exhibit a high level of taqwa.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added that the Promised Messiahas once stated that he was not worried about how the Jamaat would function financially; however, he was concerned about increasing the level of taqwa of Jamaat members. Thus, Huzooraa stated that attaining high standards of taqwa should be the purpose and goal. This reality, Huzooraa said, should be made clear to members of the Jamaat.
Furthermore, the naib amir of Western Canada, Abdul Bari Sahib, presented a report of his department and expressed that prior to Covid-19, home visits were frequently conducted. However, now, due to Covid-19, this had come to a halt. Upon this, Huzooraa very beautifully highlighted, “Due to Covid-19 and the restrictions that have come about, many are now working from home or staying indoors. Thus, it is now even easier to conduct your work as you can now call people from home.”
Huzooraa added, “Many who have been at home have fallen into depression not knowing what to do. Thus, you should contact them, keep in touch with them and focus on their tarbiyat.”
Further, whilst addressing the general secretary, Sabih Nasir Sahib, Huzooraa asked how many jamaats were regular in submitting reports and how replies and feedbacks were given to the respective jamaats. Huzooraa added, “It is important, as the general secretary, to keep a personal contact between sadrs and secretaries as this will improve the level of work.”
Addressing the secretary tabligh and sadr Ansarullah, Abdul Hameed Waraich Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about the target for this year. Huzooraa said, “Once a person has accepted Ahmadiyyat, a plan must be made to increase them in their religious knowledge.”
Huzooraa further added, “Data should be collected to see the percentage of people who have accepted Ahmadiyyat due to reading our literature, through marriages or other reasons.”
Whilst alluding to the target mentioned before, Huzooraa said to keep the target of 300 but also show the results.
Speaking to the secretary tarbiyat, Shahid Mansoor Sahib, Huzooraa, whilst mentioning the prominence of this department, detailed, “If your work is conducted fully, then many other issues relating to other departments such as rishta nata, umur-e-ama, mal and many others can be resolved.”
Huzooraa then enquired from the secretary tarbiyat about the plans of the department and how it was implemented. Addressing the national amila, Huzooraa stated, “It is imperative that all departments understand their work and exercise and conduct their work effectively at a grass root level. The structure of the Jamaat is extremely exceptional in that it can cater for the Jamaat and Jamaat members at all levels. While it is true that the Jamaat is peerless when it comes to emergency work and projects, yet more effort should be made on systematic work, as I see that there is still plenty of room for improvement.”
Addressing the secretary ishaat, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Sahib, Huzooraa asked if they had ordered the new, recently printed edition of the Holy Quran and enquired about their thoughts on its quality and print. Huzooraa added, “Insha-Allah, Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib’sra English translation of the Holy Quran, along with the split-word Urdu translation by Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra will soon be prepared and printed in the same style.”
Addressing the additional secretary mal, Rahman Masood Sahib, whilst explaining the importance of financial sacrifice, Huzooraa stated, “It is imperative that all members understand that spending in the way of Allah is the commandment of God and His messenger and it cannot be likened to any sort of tax.”
Further, addressing the secretary Waqf-e-Nau, Zahid Masood Sahib, Huzooraa, alluding to the Friday Sermon delivered in Canada on 28 October 2016 regarding the essence of Waqf-e-Nau, enquired about what had been done to instill the true essence of waqf within the waqifeen.
Huzooraa stated, “Waqf-e-Nau boys should be encouraged to join Jamia Ahmadiyya. Emphasis should also be paid to go into other fields such as medicine and teaching as these are fields that we require [waqifeen in]. We do not require Waqf-e-Nau who are only interested in keeping the title and do not wish to serve at any capacity.”
In the end, Huzooraa encouraged the amila to act in accordance with the guidance they had received and to conduct their work in the best manner. Upon this, the mulaqat came to close.