On Sunday, 29 October 2023, Ahmadis from Kosovo had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. At the outset of the mulaqat, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and called upon Alban Zeqiraj Sahib to recite the Holy Quran. This was followed by its Albanian and English translation, presented by Shkëlqim Bytyçi. Next, Artan Mavraj Sahib presented a poem of the Promised Messiahas in the Albanian language.
Next, a video was presented to Huzooraa, showcasing various footage of the Jamaat in Kosovo. This included scenes of the mission house, libraries, gardens, prayer halls, and various other aspects.
Huzooraa then enquired Jinahuddin Saif Sahib, President & missionary of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo, about the programme. Jinahuddin Saif Sahib said that members of Jamaat Kosovo wished to ask some questions.
The first question was asked by a tifl, Amar Zeqiraj, who is 9 years old. He asked Huzooraa why it is necessary to read the Holy Quran.
Huzooraa responded, “Allah the Almighty revealed the Noble Quran as the final sharia.” Within it, we are taught what is necessary to be a good human being, a devout Muslim, the ways to worship Allah, and what it takes to become a true worshipper of Allah. It also contains guidance on various matters concerning life and the good morals one must adopt. This is the final sharia that Allah revealed to the Holy Prophetsa. Allah the Almighty has emphasised the importance of reading, understanding, and earnestly striving to implement its teachings. This is the reason we read the Holy Quran, Huzooraa explained.
Huzooraa emphasised that merely reading the Arabic text without implementing its teachings in one’s life holds no benefit. True benefit can only be derived from reading it when one actively puts into practice what they have learned from it and worships Allah.
Next, a Lajna member, Arbëreshë Sahiti Yvejsi Sahiba, shared with Huzooraa that she works as a saleswoman and has scheduled shifts at her job. She also mentioned that, as a result of her work, she often finds herself rushing through her prayers. She expressed concern that this has become a habit and asked Huzooraa for guidance on how to address this issue.
Huzooraa replied that Allah has made the five daily prayers obligatory, to be offered at different times throughout the day, with the purpose of reminding people to remember God and fulfil their duty of worshipping Allah. Huzooraa explained that, as a saleswoman, she doesn’t work around the clock; her shifts typically last between 6 to 8 hours. He pointed out that during these shifts, only one or two prayers would coincide with her working hours. Huzooraa, referring to the prayers that don’t align with her work schedule, emphasised the importance of offering them attentively and with sufficient time.
Secondly, Huzooraa mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa also encouraged us to engage in nafl prayers, where individuals can fervently pray to Allah. Huzooraa also emphasised that she should not use this situation as an excuse to rush through the rest of the prayers.
Besmir Yvejsi Sahib mentioned that he entered into the bai‘t and became an Ahmadi Muslim in 2015 and was a student of Islamic studies. He expressed that some of his fellow students would accuse him of converting solely to gain financial benefits from the Jamaat. He enquired how he should respond to such an accusation.
Huzooraa explained that the response to such an accusation is quite straightforward. Since the Jamaat has never provided him with any financial support, he can confidently assert that he has received no money from the Jamaat. In fact, it’s the opposite; he contributes chanda as financial sacrifice. Thus, he can convey that he has not compromised his faith, but rather, he has adhered to the teachings of Allah and His Messengersa. He has willingly accepted the Imam Mahdi and Messiah of the age. He can further clarify that he believes in the same One Allah worshipped by all Muslims, the same Messengersa recognised as Khatam-un-Nabiyeen, and the same Quran, which is the final Book of sharia.
It was the commandment of the Messenger that a Messiah and Mahdi would appear in the Latter Days. Regarding chanda, Huzooraa explained that he contributes to it so that the Jamaat can utilise the funds for purposes such as tabligh, publishing literature, the Holy Quran, and translating it into various languages for wider dissemination.
Next, Rron Zeqiraj Sahib mentioned that Allah has blessed Huzooraa with profound insight into various matters and enquired about his perspective on the future of humanity.
Huzooraa responded by emphasising that Allah the Almighty has bestowed wisdom upon humanity. He explained that by using this wisdom to analyse global events and by taking into account historical perspectives, the current conditions and future prospects become evident. Huzooraa further indicated that the future of humanity is intricately tied to following God’s commands. He referenced God’s promise that those who adhere to His guidance will receive His blessings and find relief from their difficulties. Conversely, those who disregard His guidance will experience loss both in this world and in the Hereafter.
Therefore, Huzooraa added, humanity finds safety in adhering to God’s commandments and acknowledging His Messengersa. Huzooraa emphasised our belief that in this era, the Holy Prophetsa is the final law-bearing Prophet, and the law with which he was sent will endure until the Day of Judgment, with no new sharia to be revealed. Moreover, in accordance with the Holy Prophet’ssa teachings, the Messiah and Mahdi was destined to come, and he instructed that when this promised figure arrived, he should be accepted.
Therefore, Huzooraa said, if the world commences to acknowledge their Creator – as Huzooraa said that he had repeatedly emphasised – and if they endeavour to fulfil both His rights and the rights of their fellow human beings, showing compassion, then the future of humanity is promising. Then, Huzooraa stated that if humanity disregards God’s commandments, neglects the rights owed to Him, denies the rights of others, and acts cruelly, then the future of humanity appears quite bleak.
“At present, it appears that humanity is unwilling to heed the Words of Allah or His Messenger, and they also seem unprepared to fulfil the obligations owed to Allah and His people,” Huzooraa said.
With regard to the current situation of the world, Huzooraa said, “If this persists, blocs will widen, and, as I have warned previously, the situation will evolve into a Third World War, with grave consequences.”
Huzooraa emphasised that we should pray for Allah to bestow wisdom upon humanity, enabling them to fulfil both His rights and the rights of one another. When this occurs, humanity will be safeguarded. Conversely, if this doesn’t happen, there will be nothing but a bleak future filled with destruction.
Rina Zeqiraj Sahiba enquired about how we can instil the habit of performing namaz in children.
Huzooraa answered that when one prays before their children and the children observe their elders praying with such fervour, they are likely to follow suit. Additionally, one should pray for their children, asking Allah to keep them on the path of righteousness, to maintain their commitment to prayer, and to uphold good moral values. The Holy Prophetsa has emphasised that a mother’s prayers for her child are indeed answered.
Shkëlqim Bytyçi Sahib said that starting next year, Kosovo citizens will have the opportunity to travel to the Schengen area without requiring a visa. He then enquired about Huzoor’saa guidance for Ahmadis in light of this development.
Huzooraa responded that if there were no significant challenges for people residing in that region, they should stay in their country and actively promote Islam Ahmadiyyat. However, if the conditions are marked by poverty, those who have the means may consider relocating. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a connection with their home country and visit it regularly.
Ajan Zeqiraj Sahib, 6, asked if we can hug Allah the Almighty. Huzooraa replied:
“You cannot hug Allah the Almighty since He does not possess a physical body.” However, Allah does choose to manifest Himself in a manner of His own choosing to His chosen ones. One should pray that “may Allah shroud us in His mercy.”
Diellza Demaj Sahiba enquired Huzooraa about the key factors to consider in order to achieve success in business.
Huzooraa emphasised that a believer should prioritise the growth of their faith and their connection with Allah. Once this connection is firmly established, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, provides for those who uphold taqwa [righteousness].
Furthermore, Huzooraa pointed out that the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa were also engaged in business and achieved remarkable success because they never forsook their devotion to God. Huzooraa mentioned that the Promised Messiahas wrote that their hands were engaged in worldly endeavours, yet their hearts remained devoted to Allah.
Huzooras emphasised that one should share a portion of their earnings in the way of Allah, contribute to chanda and sadaqah, take care of those in need, and by doing so, Allah bestows His blessings upon their earnings. Additionally, one should make diligent and honest efforts in their work.
In the end, Huzooraa said, always remember Allah, work with integrity, shun deceit, contribute a portion of your earnings in the path of Allah, and put in earnest effort.
Alban Zeqiraj Sahib enquired from Huzooraa about the appropriate response when a child engages in undesirable behaviour, seeking guidance on the appropriate action or punishment to help the child understand.
Huzooraa replied that if a child has misbehaved for the first time, it is best not to administer punishment initially. Expressing anger or punishing a child is not effective, as children are still learning. Therefore, it is advisable to teach them with kindness and compassion.
Huzooraa stated that the Promised Messiahas has explained that rather than resorting to punishment and anger, if parents pray for their children, it can positively influence their upbringing. Furthermore, Huzooraa added, that if parents set a good example and ensure their children understand the difference between good and bad deeds, the child is less likely to engage in misbehaviour from the outset.
Nysret Ismajli Sahib expressed their desire for Huzooraa to visit Kosovo and enquired about the potential timing of such a visit.
Huzooraa advised that they should pray for Allah to grant and fulfil this desire.
Huzooraa mentioned that Allah has enabled all of them to accept the Messiah and Mahdi, as foretold by the Holy Prophetsa. Now, Huzooraa encouraged them to also promote Islam Ahmadiyyat in their region, emphasising the importance of prayer, good deeds, and religious knowledge in this endeavour.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)