True spirit of service: Khuddam from USA’s Midwest Region meet Huzoor

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True spirit of service: Khuddam from USA’s Midwest Region meet Huzoor

Islamabad, Tilford, 13 September 2025: A delegation from the Midwest Region of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA had the honour of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

The mulaqat began as Huzooraa arrived and graciously extended his salaam to the attendees. The amir-e-qafilah was invited to introduce the region, which he explained spans nine American states. He noted that Chicago is the largest majlis, with the region also comprising the majalis of Zion, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Saint Louis and Kansas City, etc.

Following the introduction, each of the khuddam had the opportunity to introduce himself to Huzooraa, mentioning his family, studies or profession and any service he was rendering for the Jamaat.

After the round of introductions concluded, the khuddam were granted permission to ask questions on a range of matters.

On loyalty to a nation that persecutes

The first questioner asked for guidance regarding the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya pledge, which calls for the sacrifice of one’s life, wealth and honour for one’s nation and country. He asked how this applied in the context of a country like Pakistan, where the state actively curtails the civil and religious rights of Ahmadis.

Huzooraa explained that as long as Ahmadis reside in any country, they must obey the law of the land, provided it does not interfere with their fundamental religious duties. Huzooraa clarified that where a law restricts a core religious belief, it cannot be followed. For instance, if the law forbids the five daily prayers, Ahmadis will still offer them. If it forbids the recitation of the declaration of faith, they will still recite it. If it forbids them from identifying as Muslims, they will continue to hold fast to their identity as Muslims.

However, Huzooraa stated, in all other matters, Ahmadis are and must be law-abiding. They do not disrupt the peace, harm any person, or usurp the rights of others. In this manner, they abide by the laws of the land. Huzooraa further explained that if the country requires the sacrifice of their lives for its defence, Ahmadis are ready to offer it. He noted that there are many Ahmadis currently serving Pakistan in various capacities and, historically, they have fought in wars on behalf of their country, thereby fulfilling their pledge.

On inviting guests to Jamaat events

Next, a khadim enquired about the policy of inviting external guests to Jamaat functions, particularly if those individuals are not known to advocate for justice and peace.

Huzooraa advised that if one has a close relationship with such a person, one can explain to them that our Jamaat’s teaching and practice is to help the needy and to establish peace and harmony in the world. This is not a mere slogan but a principle we strive to apply. If the person in question is not aligned with these values, they should not be invited.

Huzooraa stated that the Jamaat does not require any worldly help from such people. If someone is known to speak against Muslims or to disrespect the rights of others, they should not be invited to Jamaat functions and the administration should be informed. Huzooraa added that this policy is followed here in the UK; if he comes to know of an individual who disturbs the peace of society, he instructs the administration not to invite them. There have been several occasions where invitations have been withdrawn on this principle.

Teaching Urdu in English-speaking households

A khadim asked for the best way to teach Urdu to children in households where English is the primary language and the parents themselves may not be fluent in Urdu.

Huzooraa guided that parents should make a consistent effort to speak Urdu with their children, even if the children reply in English. He acknowledged the challenge in the Western world, where the environment, schooling and literature are all in English. Nonetheless, a persistent effort from parents will allow children to gradually learn the language. He also noted that language acquisition varies based on an individual’s capability.

For children who are part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme, Huzooraa advised that the Waqf-e-Nau Department should arrange dedicated Urdu classes for them. He observed that sometimes people are merely hesitant, even if they possess some ability to speak. Huzooraa added with a smile that just as non-native speakers make an effort to speak English, so too should others make an effort to speak Urdu.

Holy Prophet Muhammadsa: The most excellent model

A khadim requested Huzooraa to share a fond incident from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

In his response, Huzooraa explained that there are countless such incidents and every single event from the life of the Holy Prophetsa contains a profound lesson for humanity. This, he noted, is why Allah the Almighty has declared his life to be the uswah-e-hasanah or most excellent model for all to follow. Huzooraa mentioned that he regularly narrates such incidents in his sermons, including in his most recent Friday sermon. He advised the khuddam to read about the Holy Prophet’ssa life, as every event is exemplary and singling out just one would not do justice to his blessed character.

The true spirit of the ‘alam-e-in‘ami competition

A khadim noted that some people view the ‘alam-e-in‘ami as merely a “game of numbers”. He asked how it could be ensured that the true purpose of the spiritual development of the youth is not lost.

Huzooraa affirmed that, in some cases, this observation is correct, as some people do treat it as a game of numbers and thus stray onto the wrong path. Recounting his own experience, Huzooraa stated that he was once a member of the committee that recommended the winner for the ‘alam-e-in‘ami. He suspected that the performance numbers submitted by one majlis were not accurate. Upon reviewing their report from the previous year, he discovered that they had reset their data to zero for the current year, instead of continuing from where they had left off, in order to show an artificially inflated level of improvement.

Huzooraa stated that he recommended to the committee that this majlis be disqualified from the competition for their attempt to deceive. The foremost principle, Huzooraa stressed, is that all work should be done to please Allah the Almighty, not to score points or impress people with false slogans. Allah has no need for deceitful claims and they bring no benefit to those who make them. If a majlis has made a genuine effort and shown real improvement, that is commendable. However, to reset one’s data to show false progress is deception. 

Huzooraa concluded by advising all khuddam to ensure that their actions are motivated solely by the desire to attain the love and pleasure of Allah.

On performing Hajj while in debt

A young man asked if he could perform the Hajj while having educational, home and car loans.

Huzooraa explained that the Hajj has certain conditions for it to be obligatory, such as a state of peace, safe travel, good health and the financial means to undertake it. This is why, unlike the five daily prayers or the annual fasts of Ramadan, Hajj is obligatory only once in a lifetime upon those who meet these requirements.

Huzooraa advised that if one is certain they can manage their loan repayments alongside the Hajj expenses without incurring any further financial burden, then it is permissible. However, it is always better to first clear one’s debts before proceeding for Hajj or ‘umrah.

Huzooraa then narrated an incident about the importance of niyyah or intention. A poor man saved money for many years to perform Hajj. As he was about to leave, he smelled meat cooking from his neighbour’s house and sent his child to ask for some. The neighbours refused, saying the food was not permissible for them. The man went himself to enquire why. The neighbour explained that his family had been starving for seven days and he had found a dead donkey, the meat of which is forbidden but becomes permissible for one in a state of near-starvation. It was permissible for his family, but not for the man who had food.

Hearing this, the man who had saved for Hajj was deeply moved that his neighbour was starving while he had been eating. He gave all the money he had saved for Hajj to his neighbour, telling him to discard the unclean meat and buy fresh, wholesome food for his family. It was later revealed to a righteous man of that era that of all the pilgrims who had gone for Hajj that year, Allah had not accepted their Hajj, but had accepted the Hajj of that one man who stayed home, on account of his sincere intention and selfless deed.

Huzooraa concluded that if one performs good deeds, cares for the poor, offers their salat properly and has a sincere intention to perform Hajj, Allah may grant them the opportunity. But even before that, if the intention is pure, Allah can accept one’s Hajj without it even being physically performed.

The most difficult time of his Khilafat

The final questioner asked Huzooraa what the most difficult time of his Khilafat had been and how Allah had helped him during it.

Huzooraa replied that the most difficult moment was the very moment he was elected as the Khalifatul Masih. After that point, Huzooraa stated, Allah the Almighty Himself made everything easy and has been running all affairs Himself.

The mulaqat concluded with the khuddam having the honour of a group photograph with Huzooraa.

(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)

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