Islamabad, Tilford, 9 November 2025: A delegation of khuddam from Sweden, representing the three large majalis of Malmo, Stockholm and Gothenburg, 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. The amir-e-qafilah introduced the delegation, noting that many of the attendees were meeting Huzooraa after a long time. Huzooraa remarked that Sweden is not very far from the UK. 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 spiritual guidance.
Huzoor’saa childhood inspirations
A khadim asked Huzooraa if, during his childhood or youth, he had any particular teacher who was a special source of spiritual guidance or inspiration for him.
Huzooraa replied that his entire environment in Rabwah served as a teacher. He explained that the atmosphere of Rabwah at that time was unique; everyone was engaged in moral training and tarbiyat. The teachers were pious and religious and within the Jamaat’s system – in Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya and Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya – everyone offered sincere counsel. Huzooraa noted that, unlike the city life the khuddam might be accustomed to, the environment of Rabwah was spiritually enriching and everyone he encountered was a source of inspiration.
The impact of dual-income households on children’s tarbiyat
A khadim sought guidance on the modern trend where both husband and wife work to meet household expenses and whether this negatively impacts the upbringing of children.
Huzooraa stated that every individual knows their own circumstances best regarding their expenses and needs. However, his advice would be to adopt contentment or qana‘at if basic expenses can be met. The moral training of children is the primary duty and responsibility of parents given by Allah and this should not be compromised for the sake of work.
Huzooraa clarified that if a mother is in a profession that benefits humanity, such as a doctor or a teacher, it is good for her to work. However, she must organise her time effectively. While young children require time, once they start school, it is crucial that at least one parent is present at home when they return. Otherwise, children will come home to an empty house, find something to eat on their own and without supervision, may wander out and fall into bad company.
Therefore, if both parents must work, they should organise their schedules so that one of them is available for the children after school. Huzooraa advised cutting down expenses rather than letting worldly desires grow without limit. He quoted the hadith, which teaches that in worldly matters, one should look at those less fortunate to be grateful, but in spiritual matters, one should look at those above to be inspired to progress. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ar-riqaq, Hadith 6490) This mindset helps keep worldly desires in check.
Service as a missionary or a scientist?
A young man asked what a khadim should do if he has to choose between serving the Jamaat as a missionary or serving humanity as a scientist.
Huzooraa explained that one can serve the Jamaat as a scientist and serve humanity as a missionary; both paths offer opportunities for service. He advised the khadim to pursue whichever field he has a greater interest in. If he has a passion for science, he should become a scientist and strive to excel in that field until he reaches a level where people are influenced by him. At that height, opportunities for tabligh will open up, allowing him to serve the Jamaat and humanity simultaneously. However, he must continue to acquire religious knowledge alongside his secular studies.
Similarly, a missionary serves humanity by conveying the true message of Islam and training the Jamaat members. Huzooraa emphasised that whether one becomes a scientist or a missionary, the core motivation for a true Ahmadi should be to act upon Allah’s commands and serve the faith with passion. He gave the example of Dr Abdus Salam, the only scientist of such stature the Jamaat has produced so far, who was a deeply religious man, regular in Tahajjud and who found guidance for his scientific work in the Holy Quran. Both a missionary and a scientist must read the Quran and maintain a relationship with Allah.
When to dedicate one’s life (waqf)
A khadim asked at what stage in life a person should take the step of doing waqf, i.e., dedicating one’s life.
Huzooraa advised that one should do so whenever they feel ready to offer their life as a life-devotee (waqif-e-zindagi). He mentioned that he advises waqifeen-e-nau to renew their bond at the age of 15, when they have some maturity and again after completing their education. This ensures they make the decision with full understanding and personal desire.
Huzooraa shared that he himself offered his life after completing his education. There is no specific age limit; one can do it at 16 if they are mature enough, or later, after finishing their studies. The decision depends on when one’s heart is truly ready to accept the responsibilities and sacrifices of waqf.
Metaphorical language in the Holy Quran
A khadim asked why certain parts of the Holy Quran were revealed in metaphorical language.
Huzooraa explained that Allah states in the Holy Quran that there are verses which are decisive (muhkamat) and others which are allegorical and susceptible to different interpretations (mutashabihat). (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.8) The priority should be to act upon the clear, decisive commandments: prayer, fasting, good morals, caring for orphans and the poor, obeying the law of the land and obedience in religious matters.
Huzooraa narrated the incident of a man who came to the Holy Prophetsa and asked about the obligatory duties. After hearing them, he swore he would do no more and no less. The Holy Prophetsa remarked that if he fulfilled these obligations truly, he would enter Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab az-Zakat, Bab wujubi z-zakat, Hadith 1397) Therefore, Huzooraa advised not to worry excessively about why metaphors exist, as understanding them comes with advanced knowledge. The focus should be on fulfilling the clear duties: “Am I offering my prayers properly? Am I fasting? Am I giving charity? Am I treating my family with kindness?”
Huzooraa explained that as one’s spirituality and knowledge grow, the understanding of the metaphorical verses naturally follows. However, he warned against using allegorical verses to create wrong interpretations that suit one’s own desires or to evade religious obligations, as some sects have done. The fundamental path to salvation lies in the clear commandments; Allah has not made salvation conditional on understanding every metaphor.
Attaining khushu‘ in salat
A khadim asked how he could attain khushu‘, i.e., humility and focus in his daily prayers.
Huzooraa explained that when one stands for prayer, they should reflect on the fact that everything they have is from Allah, the Lord of all worlds (Rabb-ul-Alamin). He has provided everything and given humans a fertile mind to seek His love. If one counts the countless blessings of Allah upon them, they will naturally feel immense gratitude. This gratitude and praise for the Benefactor will evoke emotions, making one reflect deeper on His existence and leading to humility. When these emotions arise, one will naturally cry and seek Allah’s help to increase this state. This state of heartfelt gratitude and humility, Huzooraa explained, is khushu‘.
The impact of AI on jobs and the future
A khadim raised the concern that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might replace many jobs in the next 5 to 10 years and asked for advice.
Huzooraa acknowledged that this is a widely discussed issue, with concerns that governments may face economic collapse due to a lack of tax revenue from employment, potentially leading to a backlash against AI. When asked by the khadim which fields young people should pursue in this scenario, Huzooraa remarked that AI will likely permeate every field.
His advice was to cultivate contentment or qana‘at. With a gentle smile, he warned that if the current trend continues, humanity might be forced back to a primitive state of ploughing fields for survival, while a few wealthy individuals control everything until economies collapse. Behind his calm tone was a clear warning: this path leads to ruin unless humanity turns to Allah and recognises its Creator.
Balancing humility and self-respect
A khadim asked how Ahmadis can maintain a balance between humility and self-respect, especially to avoid damaging the Jamaat’s name in situations of conflict.
Huzooraa clarified that dignity is different from arrogance. Allah forbids boasting and arrogance, but He does not forbid maintaining one’s dignity. A person can be extremely humble and yet command great respect; in fact, humility often earns respect.
Huzooraa advised that, where appropriate, one should state the truth for the sake of Allah without getting into a quarrel. However, being stubborn, showing arrogance and challenging others with a sense of superiority contradicts humility and does not grant self-respect; rather, it drives people away.
He cited the example of the Promised Messiahas, who was praised by Allah for his humble ways because he avoided disputes for the sake of Allah. (Tadhkirah [English], Qadian, 2019, p.961; Life of Ahmad, UK, 2008, pp. 54-55) Yet, he had immense self-respect. When it came to defending the honour of Islam against Aryas, Christians, or atheists, he spoke openly and powerfully. Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa showed the utmost humility to children and the poor, but when the honour of Islam was challenged, he was fearless. True self-respect lies in defending the truth with dignity, not in arrogance.
Some of the biggest moral challenges facing humanity
The final questioner asked what the biggest moral challenge facing humanity is today.
Huzooraa identified social media, TV shows and the misuse of technologies like AI as the primary challenges fuelling immorality. The solution, he guided, is not to abandon these tools but to use them correctly and lawfully. Ahmadis should use these very platforms to promote morality, discuss religion and convey the message of Allah. By filling these spaces with goodness and Islamic teachings, one can counter the flood of immorality. This, Huzooraa stated, is the only way to break the force of these challenges: to use the same tools to spread righteousness and create awareness.
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)
