Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 17 May 2025: A delegation of 23 khuddam from the Northeast Region of the United States of America had the honour of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The meeting commenced as Huzooraa graced the room, extending greetings to all present before taking his seat. Huzooraa first addressed Yusuf Malik Sahib, the amir-e-qafilah, who briefly introduced the group. Subsequently, each of the 23 khuddam had the opportunity to introduce themselves, sharing details about their family backgrounds, their service within the Jamaat and their academic and professional pursuits.
Following the introductions, the khuddam sought permission to ask questions, which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously granted.
Navigating Western socio-political climates
A khadim enquired about Huzoor’saa perspective on the current trajectory of American politics, particularly in light of recent global events. He also sought guidance on how Ahmadi Muslims should respond to the rise of ultra-right-wing nationalist and fascist ideologies that contribute to division and oppression.
Huzooraa observed that anti-immigrant sentiment and right-wing attitudes are now apparent across many Western nations. However, he highlighted that countries like America and Canada are inherently multinational. It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that American identity is exclusively white, especially considering the significant population of African descent, many of whom were originally brought as slaves or immigrated later.
Huzooraa noted the increasing prevalence of nationalist ideologies, which foster intolerance towards immigrants and could potentially lead to measures aimed at expelling non-native-born citizens. In response, Huzooraa advised that Ahmadi Muslims should actively demonstrate their sincerity as citizens and their love for their country. He stressed the importance of conveying that Ahmadi Muslims, as Americans, are committed to serving the nation. The exclusionary mindset, Huzooraa explained, seeks to create rifts among people of different ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.
You should tell them, Huzooraa said, that “now, since we have come to this country, we have been given citizenship of this country, so politicians and those people who are right-wing activists should not disturb the peace of the country and absorb us as well into the country and we are ready to serve the country.” He counselled the khuddam to actively promote the true concept of sincerity and patriotism. Alongside preaching the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat, they should also work to make others understand the genuine meaning of love for one’s country. This approach, Huzooraa suggested, could at least mitigate the severity of such divisive ideologies.
Maintaining humility after answered prayers
Another khadim asked for guidance on how an individual can maintain humility and continue to pray with the same sincerity and intensity after Allah the Exalted has answered their fervent prayers, such as for admission into graduate school.
Huzooraa advised that if one understands and acknowledges that their prayer has been accepted by Allah the Exalted and the success, like gaining admission, is a result of that prayer and not solely due to personal effort, then one should engage more in istighfar, bow before Allah with increased gratitude and strive to be more humble than before.
“Always realise and keep it in mind that all these things you are getting are through the blessing of Allah the Exalted,” Huzooraa counselled. He explained that if it is firmly in one’s heart and mind that all achievements are due to Allah’s blessings, combined with prayer, humility and hard work made fruitful by Divine grace, then one will naturally remain humble. Huzooraa further reminded the khuddam of the Divine promise mentioned in the Holy Quran: “Allah the Exalted says that if you are grateful to me and thankful all the time, [believing] that I have done this thing for you, then I will reward you more.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.8) Huzooraa concluded by reiterating that if one remains humble, they will receive even greater blessings from Allah.
Counsel on mortgages and business ethics
A khadim noted that Huzooraa had previously elaborated on the mortgage system and interest, permitting mortgages for residential properties to live in but not for business purposes. He observed that, despite this guidance, some individuals in Canada and America were acquiring additional mortgages to finance businesses with interest-based funds to accumulate wealth. The khadim sought Huzoor’saa advice on how to effectively convey to members the disadvantages of such practices and the necessity of abstaining from them.
Huzooraa observed that the contemporary economic system is profoundly convoluted and predominantly based on interest, as it is controlled by those whose businesses are intrinsically linked to interest. Allah the Exalted has forbidden interest and any transaction manifesting it is impermissible. However, Huzooraa noted that in the current economic framework, interest has become deeply intertwined with routine systems and its definition has also somewhat evolved. Consequently, the Promised Messiahas had remarked that the modern system of interest is not akin to the historical practice where amounts would multiply to 100% or more within a year.
This situation, Huzooraa explained, necessitates new ijtihad and scholarly reasoning. He stated that scholars must convene to deliberate on how an Islamic economic system can be formulated. Efforts in this direction are underway, with committees and experts assigned to this task. (Al Badr, Nos. 41-42, Vol. 3, 1-8 November 1904, p. 8)
Huzooraa then reiterated the definition of interest provided by the Promised Messiahas: when one takes money or engages in work solely for a predetermined profit or lends money with a fixed percentage of return stipulated for a specific period, that constitutes interest, from which one must abstain. (Al Badr, No. 10, Vol. 2, 27 March 1903, p. 75)
Acknowledging the deeply embedded nature of interest in the current system, which warrants re-examination, Huzooraa emphasised the importance of avoiding clear and unambiguous forms of interest.
The matter, Huzooraa said, requires careful consideration due to the subtle distinctions in the current interest rate and mortgage systems. Huzooraa concluded that while a definitive stance awaits the Jamaat’s comprehensive report, the guiding principle remains that any arrangement where profit or return is fixed is considered interest and should be avoided.
Addressing the educational and moral development of boys
A khadim raised the concern that boys often mature more slowly than girls, yet in Western countries, they are typically educated in the same classes, leading to boys sometimes falling behind. He asked how one might seek the grace of Allah to ensure that boys do not lag in their education and tarbiyat.
Huzooraa explained that boys tend to fall behind because they deviate from their primary purpose of acquiring education and striving to be good students, whereas girls generally concentrate more on their studies. “It is not that girls have more fertile brains than boys; they both do,” Huzooraa remarked. “However, girls are hard-working; they concentrate more on their education, while boys do not.” He emphasised that superior results are achieved by those who work hard, while laziness inevitably leads to falling behind.
Huzooraa advised that boys should concentrate on their education instead of being distracted by pursuits such as chasing girls or forming inappropriate friendships. As an Ahmadi and a true Muslim, one’s sole purpose should be to remember Allah and fear Him. If the fear of Allah is present, it will deter one from engaging in wrongdoing. Huzooraa pointed out that boys often become distracted because they fail to control their emotions and lose focus on their studies, forgetting the purpose of their schooling. For this, he recommended engaging in istighfar, concentrating on studies, offering the five daily prayers and supplicating to Allah the Exalted to prevent deviation from His commandments and the pursuit of piety. Through such efforts, Allah would guide them onto the right path.
Integrating Ahmadi immigrants into Western societies
A khadim enquired about the measures Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya could implement for the effective integration of recent immigrants arriving in Western countries.
Huzooraa noted that these immigrants are largely arriving from countries like Pakistan, not from some polytheistic nations. He advised the khuddam to remind these newcomers that they emigrated due to the adversities faced in their homelands – restrictions on performing salat, denial of access to mosques, inability to worship or express their faith freely and persecution for being Ahmadi Muslims.
Therefore, Huzooraa emphasised, the fundamental reason for their migration is religion. If religion is the impetus, then upon arrival in their new countries, they must not forsake it but rather cherish and remember it. The paramount method prescribed by Allah the Exalted for honouring faith, Huzooraa continued, is to worship Him, perform the five obligatory daily prayers, engage in istighfar and avoid becoming ensnared by the superficial allure and attractions of Western societies. They must remain mindful of their core purpose.
Huzooraa cautioned that a failure to adhere to these principles and to remember the objective could lead to their own ruin and that of their future generations. He urged the khuddam to counsel both youth and elders with affection and wisdom, helping them understand not to be solely consumed by the pursuit of wealth.
Acknowledging the impact of current inflation as a factor driving the desire to earn more, Huzooraa mentioned that many have entered professions like trucking, leading to prolonged absences from home and a lack of paternal attention for children, who may then become difficult for mothers to manage. In such circumstances, Huzooraa directed Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya to take responsibility for these youth, maintain regular contact with them and guide them to prevent them from straying.
Huzoor’saa connection with Jamaat members
A khadim expressed admiration for Huzoor’saa remarkable ability to recall details and names of numerous individuals from across the global Jamaat. He sought guidance for the khuddam on how they might also cultivate this, further asking if reading books would help keep their minds sharp.
Huzooraa explained that memory is linked to connection; one naturally remembers those with whom a bond exists. “The connection I have with you,” Huzooraa stated, “is why I remember you. Similarly, if you foster a connection with one another, you too will remember each other. For instance, you remember your own brother, do you not? In the same manner, remember all these other brothers as your own and then you will remember them. It is a matter of the connection you cultivate.”
Responding to the subsequent query about reading books to keep the mind sharp, Huzooraa affirmed, “Yes, read books. First and foremost, read the Holy Quran and understand its meanings. Offer your prayers and supplicate earnestly within them.”
Encouragement for careers in science and research
A student pursuing studies in science asked Huzoor’saa advice for those aiming for careers in science and research.
Huzooraa recalled that he has spoken on this matter numerous times, emphasising that Ahmadi students should enter the field of research. He reminded the khadim that when Dr Abdus Salam was awarded the Nobel Prize, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh expressed his desire to see at least one hundred Ahmadi Nobel Laureates by the end of the first century of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. “We could not achieve that target,” Huzooraa noted, “so that target is still before you. You have to achieve that target.”
He strongly encouraged the pursuit of careers in research and academia, especially for the youth with their “fertile brains.” “If you want, you can do it,” Huzooraa affirmed. Upon learning the khadim was studying physics, Huzooraa mentioned that physics and mathematics were the subjects of Dr Abdus Salam. He advised the khadim to “try to make a goal, set a target and then try to achieve it,” adding that the student should himself reflect on how to accomplish this.
Concluding remarks
Towards the end of the mulaqat, Huzooraa enquired about the khuddam’s accommodation and food arrangements and whether they were able to attend prayers at the Mubarak Mosque. The khuddam responded that they usually attended prayers from Fajr until Isha daily and that their accommodation and food were excellent. Huzooraa also spoke particularly with a couple of khuddam of Gambian heritage.
Before taking his leave, Huzooraa graciously distributed pens as gifts to all the khuddam and they had the honour of a group photograph with their beloved Imam.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)