Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 23 November 2024: A second group of khuddam from the Gulf Region of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA were honoured with an in-person mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
Huzooraa greeted the khuddam and first addressed Syed Adil Ahmad Sahib, the amir-e-qafila, who informed Huzooraa that 23 khuddam were part of the delegation.
During the introductions, Huzooraa engaged with each khadim individually, enquiring about their studies, work, and family backgrounds. A few khuddam also shared their intentions to pursue further studies at Jamia Ahmadiyya or dedicate their lives to the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat upon completing university studies.
Upon completion of introductions, the amir-e-qafila requested Huzoor’saa permission for the khuddam to ask their questions, which Huzooraa graciously allowed.
Difference between Ahmadis and other Muslims
A khadim asked how to convey to people the difference between Ahmadis and other Muslims. Huzooraa explained that Muslims believe in the prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa regarding the advent of the Messiah and Mahdi. However, Ahmadi Muslims believe this prophecy has been fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, who claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.
Huzooraa highlighted the signs foretold by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that affirm this claim, including the well-documented eclipse of the sun and moon during Ramadan in 1894 and 1895, which occurred in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, respectively. He noted that numerous other prophecies, such as advancements in transportation, have also been fulfilled, further validating the claim of the Promised Messiahas. “So, we believe that all the signs foretold by the Holy Prophetsa in quite a number of traditions and ahadith have been fulfilled while a claimant was there,” Huzooraa said.
Huzooraa clarified that the Promised Messiahas appeared as a subordinate and assistant of the Holy Prophet Muhamamdsa to spread the message of Islam according to the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa without introducing a new sharia. Hence, “this does not break the Seal of Prophethood.”
He acknowledged that other Muslims are still awaiting the return of Hazrat Isa ibn Maryam, peace be on him. However, he stated, “When a person dies, then no person can live for such a long time, for 2,000 or more years. Jesusas has died, and he is not coming again.” Huzooraa further explained that this misunderstanding leads to their rejection of the Promised Messiah’sas claim.
Huzooraa expressed that “ultimately they will also have to accept it.” He noted that the Promised Messiahas likened his mission to that of Prophet Jesusas, predicting that within a shorter period than Christianity’s early spread, the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat would reach every corner of the world. Huzooraa said:
“The Promised Messiahas has said that, ‘I have come in the footsteps of Jesusasas Christ and I am spreading the message of Islam as Jesusas came as the Messiah of Mosesas. He said that it would not take 300 years before you will see the spread of the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. You will see that the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat will have spread all across the world. The teaching of Jesusas Christ took almost 300 years before Christianity spread throughout the world when the Roman Empire accepted Christianity. So, what he says is that you will see that that time will not last as long before you see the spread of Islam and Ahmadiyyat.
Huzooraa concluded that Ahmadis should explain the differences to others in this manner.
Bridging cultural divides
Addressing a concern about the divide between khuddam born in the United States and those who have immigrated from other countries, Huzooraa emphasised the importance of unity and shared beliefs. He explained that all Ahmadis believe in one God, one Holy Book—the Holy Quran—and one Prophet, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. “We believe that the Promised Messiahas has appeared, and after his demise, the system of Khilafat has continued. So what is the difference?” he asked.
Huzooraa highlighted that differences arise primarily from language or place of birth, not from faith or teachings. He said, “As far as religion is concerned, there should not be any difference because there is no deviation in your teaching. The only different thing is the language.”
Huzooraa remarked that immigrants often learn the local language over time, which bridges gaps. He encouraged the khuddam to foster unity by focusing on their shared faith and striving to build stronger connections despite cultural or linguistic differences.
Duty to one’s nation in times of conflict
When asked about the role of American Ahmadis if Russia were to attack the United States, Huzooraa explained that defending one’s country is the duty of its citizens. He stated that Ahmadis living in the United States are nationals of the country, and if it were attacked by any country, defending it would be their responsibility. For those in the armed forces, fighting to protect the nation would also become their duty.
Huzooraa further advised that if one is not in the military, they should pray for their country, asking Allah to grant wisdom and prevent cruelty. He remarked, “The love of your country and nation is part of your faith,” and stressed the importance of practically demonstrating this principle.
He also addressed the situation where one’s own country might engage in oppression or injustice, suggesting that if possible, in such a case, one should emigrate. However, if unable to leave, it remains the duty of citizens to work for the interests of their nation while praying for peace and justice.
The role of angels
A khadim enquired why angels record human deeds when Allah is All-Seeing and All-Knowing. Huzooraa explained “Allah is All-Knowing, and He is watching over everything [but] Allah the Almighty has created angels and appointed and given them some assignments. That is Allah’s system.”
He added that angels are commanded to collect information and present it to Allah, fulfilling their assigned roles. On the Day of Judgement, these records will serve as testimony, with Allah declaring the angels as witnesses to people’s deeds and rendering His judgement accordingly.
Huzooraa concluded that this system is part of Allah’s creation and believers should accept it without concern.
Balancing duties as a husband and son
A khadim sought advice on balancing responsibilities as a good son and husband, particularly when marrying at a young age. Huzooraa advised that one should marry when ready to take on such responsibilities. He said, “This is a bond between you and a girl, and you have to fulfil this bond. And you are making Allah the Almighty a Witness on this bond.”
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in fulfilling obligations toward both one’s wife and parents. He noted, “These are the responsibilities you have to discharge towards your wife, and these are the duties you owe to your parents. Fulfil your duties on both sides. That is the [way of a] balanced person. A believer should be balanced.”
Belief about jinn
In response to a question about the Islamic belief regarding jinn and their powers, Huzooraa clarified that the term ‘jinn’ in Arabic refers to hidden things and can have various meanings, including bacteria, unseen entities, or even people who remain out of public view. He further explained that strong individuals living in remote areas, such as caves or the wilderness, or those working in servitude for others, are also referred to as jinn. He explained that the notion of jinn overpowering or controlling humans is a misconception, often held by the uneducated.
Huzooraa advised that if someone still feels ‘afflicted’, they should pray and recite لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ (laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah [‘There is no power or strength except with Allah’]) and أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ (a‘oodhu billahi minash shaitaanir rajeem [‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed’]). He also suggested that such conditions might be illnesses requiring medical attention from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Guiding loved ones who deviate from the right path
When asked how to guide family members who deviate from the true path, Huzooraa counselled that one should earnestly try to help them understand the true teachings of Islam. “If they are willing to listen, then preach to them. Try to make them understand,” he advised.
He suggested involving the local murabbi to address their questions. If they refuse to listen, then one can only pray for their guidance.
The khadim also requested Huzooraa for prayers for his connection with Allah, to which Huzooraa replied:
“Never leave the five daily prayers. If possible, offer some nawafil daily and increase in istighfar and durood. As I have already instructed [the Jamaat], recite durood, istighfar, and and رَبِّ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ خَادِمُكَ… [(Rabbi kullu shay’in khadimuka, rabbi fahfazna wa-nsurna wa-rhamna) ‘My Lord, everything is Your servant. So, my Lord, protect us, help us, and have mercy on us.’] for your personal betterment and for the Jamaat as well.”
Living far from Jamaat members
Finally, a khadim asked what advice Huzooraa would give to Ahmadi Muslims living far from the Jamaat or other Ahmadis.
Huzooraa suggested that if there are a few Ahmadis nearby, they should gather for Jumuah prayers. If only family members are present, he advised offering Jumuah and the five daily prayers together in congregation and reading the Holy Quran daily with translation, “so that you, your wife, and your children can understand the meaning of the Holy Quran. When you are reading the Quran, doing tilawat, you should also do some translation of a few verses, so they can understand what is in the Quran.”
Huzooraa shared his experience from Ghana, where there were areas with few or no Ahmadis, but he ensured Jumuah prayers were consistently held. Even with a small group that sometimes included a family member, a worker, or a local student, arrangements were made to observe Jumuah prayers. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of coming together, regardless of numbers, to uphold the practice of Jumuah and daily prayers.
Huzooraa also encouraged the khadim to spread the message of Islam and bring more people into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. “If you are alone, strive to spread the message of Islam and get more people into the fold of Ahmadiyyat,” he said.
Conclusion
At the end of the mulaqat, Huzooraa graciously allowed the khuddam to take a group photo with him. He also distributed pens among them, kindly asked about their stay and food arrangements, and then took leave. With this, the mulaqat came to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)