Islamabad, Tilford, 17 November 2025: A delegation of khuddam from the Maryland Region of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA had the blessed opportunity of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The meeting commenced as Huzooraa graced the hall with his presence and extended his salaam. Following this, each of the khuddam had the opportunity to introduce himself. After the introductions, the khuddam were graciously granted permission to ask questions for their guidance on navigating modern life while maintaining their faith.
Patience, spirituality and the ladder of success
A khadim asked how Ahmadi youth, surrounded by worldly interests and physical attractions in an age of instant gratification, can make patience, humility and steadfastness a part of their lives to stay on the straight path.
Huzooraa drew an analogy with the khuddam’s academic journey. He pointed out that to obtain a degree, one must study for many years, progressing step by step from primary school. One cannot simply demand to graduate in the first year. Similarly, spirituality is a ladder that must be climbed rung by rung. Attempting to jump straight to the top, expecting to become a saint or waliullah after a few prayers, will only lead to a fall.
Huzooraa reminded them of the Quranic command to strive hard in the way of Allah. Just as we strive for worldly success, we must strive for spiritual progress. (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.36) A relationship with Allah is not forged in a day; it requires a spiritual jihad. This begins with fulfilling the basic purpose of our creation: worship.
Huzooraa asked, “So, what does Allah desire from us? Worship Allah. Do all of you pray five times a day? Do you pray with concentration? Huzooraa then narrated an incident from the life of the Holy Prophetsa where a Companion entered the mosque, prayed quickly and came to sit down. The Holy Prophetsa told him to go back and pray again because he had not prayed correctly. This happened three or four times until the Companion admitted he did not know how to pray better. The Holy Prophetsa then taught him that prayer must be offered with patience, calmness and a deep awareness of Allah’s presence. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-adhan, Hadith 793) Huzooraa advised the khuddam to judge their own prayers against this standard.
Huzooraa said, “After that, one should offer voluntary prayers. Then, remember Allah. Furthermore, there are many commandments in the Holy Quran. Follow them. There are quite a number of commandments. Some say there are 500, 700, or 1200. Look at them. Are we fulfilling the rights of the people or not? Are we fulfilling the rights of Allah or not? So, when all of these things are fulfilled, then one can progress to new heights and then you develop a relationship with Allah.”
True spiritual progress comes from fulfilling the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation. Until these basics are met, one is still a “primary school student” in spirituality. Just as a student must wait years to earn a PhD, a believer must show patience and perseverance in religion. Huzooraa concluded by reminding them that Allah promises to listen to those who first listen to Him and strive in His path. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.187; Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.36)
Does the soul have consciousness after death?
A khadim asked if the soul of a deceased person retains consciousness and if it is aware of what happens to their loved ones.
Huzooraa first enquired if the khadim had read The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. Upon hearing that he had not, Huzooraa strongly advised him to read it carefully, as it contains the detailed answer. Huzooraa explained that after death, the soul separates from the physical body and is granted a new spiritual body by Allah, suited to the spiritual realm. This is why the Quran speaks of the dwellers of Hell being burned and given new skins; it refers to this spiritual body capable of experiencing the consequences of its actions. (Surah an-Nisa’, Ch.4: V.57) Similarly, those in Heaven will enjoy rewards in their spiritual bodies.
Regarding awareness of the living, Huzooraa explained that Allah informs the deceased of the prayers offered for them by their loved ones. These prayers elevate the status of the deceased in Paradise and Allah informs them that this elevation is due to the prayers of their relatives. This is why the Hadith instructs us to pray for the deceased. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-jana’iz, Hadith 3221)
As for being aware of worldly events, it is entirely up to Allah’s will. He may inform a soul if their loved ones are not doing good deeds, which causes them spiritual pain. Sometimes, the deceased appear in dreams to the living, warning them against wrong actions. This communication is part of the system Allah has established, not a physical return to this world.
Developing a habit of reading Jamaat literature
A khadim asked how one can inculcate the habit of reading the books of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa?
Huzooraa advised that the first habit to develop is reading the Holy Quran with its translation and commentary. Reading the Quran naturally leads to questions and to understand these, one turns to the writings of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa.
Huzooraa highlighted the ease provided by modern technology, such as the Al Islam website and app, where one can click on a verse and immediately access commentaries from the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa. This study naturally sparks an interest in reading the full books. For those who find it difficult to read entire books initially, Huzooraa recommended compilations like The Essence of Islam (in English) or Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias Apni Tahrirun Ki Ru Se (in Urdu), which organise excerpts by topic. By reading on topics of interest, one is drawn to the original books.
Huzooraa remarked that just as they find time for novels on their tablets or phones, they should dedicate time to these spiritual treasures.
Navigating misinformation in the age of AI
With the rise of AI and the internet, a khadim asked how one can protect oneself from misinformation.
Huzooraa stated that Allah has gifted humans with intellect to distinguish right from wrong. He referenced the Quranic account of Adamas and Satan. Satan vowed to incite humans using cunning methods – analogous to the attractions and misinformation of the modern age. Adamas was warned, yet he forgot and made a mistake. The lesson is that while we live in this world, we have choices.
Huzooraa acknowledged the benefits of AI, such as translation and access to information, but stressed the need to use one’s God-given intellect. We must evaluate information: is it beneficial? Is it moral? Just as we use encyclopaedias or Wikipedia but verify the facts, we must use judgement with AI. Allah has provided us with knowledge and reason; by using them correctly, we can navigate these challenges and draw closer to Him.
Trial or punishment?
A khadim asked how one can differentiate between a hardship that is a trial from Allah and one that is a punishment.
Huzooraa explained that hardships are a natural part of human life; illness and pain affect everyone. He narrated an incident where a Companion found the Holy Prophetsa suffering from a high fever. The Holy Prophetsa explained that he experiences pain more intensely than others but is given the strength to endure it and remains constantly grateful to Allah. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-marda, Hadith 5667)
Huzooraa guided that a believer should always be grateful and recite اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ (Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return) during difficulties. If a person is righteous, prays, gives charity and fulfils rights, yet faces prolonged hardship, it is a trial from Allah intended to elevate their status or answer their prayers more fully. The Promised Messiahas explained that sometimes the acceptance of prayer is delayed to allow the supplicant to pray more and achieve a higher station. (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, 2003, p. 149)
However, if a person is engrossed in sin, neglects prayers and violates the rights of others, then hardship is likely a punishment. Sometimes, Allah punishes a person in this world to cleanse them of sins, so they face no punishment in the Hereafter. The key response in every situation is gratitude, prayer and istighfar.
Huzooraa said:
“For this reason, be grateful to Allah the Almighty in every state, beg of Him and pray that your trial does not increase. This is the prayer taught by Allah the Exalted and you should frequently recite it, saying, ‘Do not put me in a trial so protracted that I am unable to endure it,’ or, ‘Do not put me through a trial that people before me were not put through.’ […] The last verse of the Surah I recited during the Fajr prayer this morning is also a prayer for seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty. ‘Do not hold us to account, do not prolong our trial and show us mercy.’ This is the prayer we recite, right?
“I repeatedly recite such verses and chapters so that people remember them. If you remember them, you will also uncover the message therein. Then, you will pass through your trials easily. Okay? And do not become overwhelmed with small, insignificant matters and consider them to be great trials. As a human living in this world, you will encounter small difficulties and you must endure them.”
Remaining hopeful amidst global suffering
A khadim asked how to maintain hope and trust in Allah when seeing pain and suffering everywhere.
Huzooraa reiterated that suffering is a universal human experience, affecting atheists and believers alike. The difference is that a believer has the refuge of prayer and trust in Allah. A believer knows that their patience and prayers will be rewarded, either in this world or the Hereafter.
Huzooraa shared a story of a saint who prayed for the resolution of a problem for 30 years. A follower, hearing Allah reject the prayer, asked why he persisted. The saint replied that he had nowhere else to go and had absolute faith in Allah. Immediately, Allah revealed that He had accepted all the prayers offered over those 30 years. This, Huzooraa said, is the level of trust required: knowing there is no other door to knock on but Allah’s.
Steadfastness in a secular society
A khadim asked how an Ahmadi can remain steadfast when facing opposition and isolation for upholding Islamic morals in a secular society.
Huzooraa identified the societal pressures: the push to drink, date, or act immorally. The protection against this is istighfar, the remembrance of Allah and the constant awareness that Allah is watching. Huzooraa said, “Recite Lahawl, recite istighfar and remember Allah. Always consider the fact that Allah the Almighty is watching over you; He is observing every action and deed of yours. Knowing that He is watching, then a person avoids any wrongdoing.”
Huzooraa used the analogy of CCTV cameras: people fear committing crimes where cameras are present, yet they forget that Allah’s “cameras” see everything, even in the dark.
If one maintains this taqwa or the fear of Allah, societal pressures lose their power. Huzooraa reminded them of Satan’s vow to incite people through various evils. To counter this, one must keep good company and avoid vain things or laghw. True good morals begin with the worship of Allah, which then leads to fulfilling the rights of His creation.
Huzooraa said, “Allah the Exalted has instructed us to recite istighfar and as a result, He will protect you against committing future sins and He will forgive the sins of the past.”
Overcoming feelings of unworthiness
A khadim confessed that he sometimes feels unworthy of offering Salat or reading the Quran due to his sins.
Huzooraa gently corrected this line of thinking. He explained that no one can claim to be “worthy” of worshipping Allah by their own merit. The Holy Quran is the Word of God and reading it is the very cure for sins. If one has a headache, one takes medicine; one does not refuse it because one is in pain. Similarly, if one feels sinful, the remedy is to turn to Allah.
The feeling of unworthiness stems from a fear of Allah, which is good, but it should lead to prayer for purification, not despair. Worship and the remembrance of Allah are what purify a person. Huzooraa said, “When you develop the fear of Allah in your heart, it means you will then pray to Allah the Almighty to cleanse you and purify you. The method which Allah has taught for this is for you to worship Allah and remember Him. The remembrance of Allah purifies one from evil thoughts and deeds. When you do not carry out the virtuous acts, then how will you become purified?”
Huzooraa gave the example of a difficult subject like mathematics: a student does not give up because it is hard; they seek a teacher’s help and strive to learn. Similarly, one must strive and undertake jihad to understand and read the Quran. The specific remedy for feelings of sinfulness is abundant istighfar. Huzooraa encouraged the khadim to strive, pray and study the Quran’s meanings to effect self-reformation, rather than letting Satan deceive him into abandoning the very means of his salvation.
The mulaqat concluded with the khuddam having the honour of a group photograph with Huzooraa and each attendee was graciously gifted a pen.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)