On 24 August 2024, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at Masroor Hall shortly after 10:30 GMT to address Lajna Imaillah on the occasion of Jalsa Salana Germany from Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
To commence the formal session, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa called Samina Tahir Sahiba to recite a portion of the Holy Quran: Surah al-Mu’minun, Ch.23: V.1-11, followed by its Urdu translation. An Urdu poem written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was then presented by Nida Mansoor Ali Sahiba.
Huzooraa then called Secretary Umur-e-Talibaat to announce the names of those female students who had achieved academic excellence over the year.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, began his address by expressing his appreciation for the strong attendance, despite some challenges posed by traffic. He prayed for the safety and spiritual enrichment of all participants.
In his address, Huzooraa emphasised the paramount importance of taqwa (righteousness), highlighting its frequent mention in the Holy Quran.
Addressing newlywed couples, Huzooraa stressed that taqwa should be the guiding principle in their lives. He explained that righteousness and the fear of Allah are essential for maintaining a harmonious and blessed marital relationship. This, he said, is the foundation upon which a strong, pious family is built, and it is integral to the mission of the Promised Messiahas, who aimed to instil these virtues in his followers.
Huzooraa reminded the Jamaat of their obligation to fulfil the pledge of allegiance (bai‘at) they have made to the Promised Messiahas. He urged members of the Jamaat to continuously strive to elevate their standards of taqwa, resisting the temptations of materialism and worldly desires. He stressed that the Promised Messiahas envisioned a high standard of taqwa within his Jamaat, one that would lead to both spiritual and worldly success.
Huzooraa said:
“In the Holy Quran, the importance of taqwa is emphasised in numerous places because, without it, a Muslim man or woman cannot truly follow the teachings of Islam or establish a genuine connection with Allah.
“The significance of taqwa in our personal and social lives is highlighted by the fact that at the time of nikah, when a man and woman enter into a new phase of life and two families establish relations, the verses of the Quran that the Holy Prophetsa instructed to be recited at that moment mention taqwa five times. This underscores the importance of taqwa in family life and the well-being of future generations, both in this world and the hereafter.
“Thus, righteousness is the key to improving our lives at every level. We, who claim to follow the teachings of the Promised Messiahas, must remember that he came to instill righteousness in us and to guide us to adhere to the true teachings of Islam. It is our duty to strive continually to elevate our standards of righteousness to fulfil the true essence of our commitment.”
The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, said:
“In the Holy Quran, the emphasis on taqwa and righteousness is paramount because it empowers one to avoid all evils and motivates one to pursue all virtues. The reason behind this emphasis is that righteousness serves as a safeguard for a person in every aspect of life and acts as a fortress protecting one from all kinds of tribulations.”
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of fulfilling the rights owed to both Allah and His creation, highlighting the integral role of both external and internal faculties in achieving spiritual excellence. He urged that every part of the human body – eyes, ears, hands, feet, as well as the heart and other internal faculties – must be used appropriately and in accordance with divine guidance. Misuse of these faculties not only leads to spiritual harm but also violates the principles of taqwa.
Huzooraa further explained that taqwa, often referred to as the “garment of righteousness” [libas at-taqwa] in the Holy Quran, encompasses the fulfilment of all rights due to Allah and His creation. This spiritual garment protects the believer from Satan’s attacks and fosters spiritual beauty and excellence. He stressed that taqwa is the foundation upon which all spiritual and social responsibilities are built, and it requires the believer to meticulously observe even the most subtle aspects of righteousness.
Huzooraa also noted that the foundation of society lies in the unity and harmony between man and woman within the marital relationship. When this relationship is grounded in taqwa, it not only strengthens the bond between the couple but also ensures that their children are raised with the same values. Without taqwa in the parents, it is impossible to instil taqwa in the next generation, thereby affecting the moral fabric of society.
Huzooraa highlighted the issue of incorrect statements about gender that are prevalent in society today, emphasising the harm they cause to future generations. He urged every Ahmadi to guard themselves against these misconceptions.
Citing the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa reiterated that taqwa is the key to peace and security. He explained that every woman naturally desires to live in safety, free from anxieties and difficulties. This innate desire for security, he noted, can only be fulfilled through adopting taqwa.
Huzooraa explained that the Promised Messiahas taught that the path to true peace and security lies in adopting taqwa. He assured that those who become God’s true servants will find that God, in turn, becomes theirs. Such individuals, even while they sleep, are protected by Allah. This divine protection is an impenetrable refuge that no worldly force can breach. However, the condition for attaining this peace and security, as laid out by the Quran and further explained by the Promised Messiahas, is the adoption of taqwa.
Huzooraa emphasised that achieving peace requires the fear of Allah, the avoidance of immoral acts, and the consistent practice of virtuous deeds. He urged every Ahmadi man and woman to make it their goal to find God and secure His protection by walking steadfastly on the path of taqwa. This involves saving oneself from all forms of evil and embracing all that is good.
Quoting the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa stressed that taqwa is the strength that enables one to avoid bad and immoral deeds. Once a person attains this strength, they possess the vital ingredient needed to enter the impenetrable fortress guarded by Allah. In this state, Satan cannot penetrate, and the person is safeguarded from all forms of immorality.
Huzooraa said, in his book, Noah’s Ark, the Promised Messiahas said:
“If you become devoted to God, then rest assured that God is truly yours. While you sleep, He will remain awake for your sake.”
Huzooraa said:
“This should be the mindset of every Ahmadi man and woman—that they must strive earnestly to tread the path of righteousness in order to attain Allah’s pleasure and enter the fortress of His protection. They must avoid every evil and embrace every virtue, keeping in mind the words of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, that taqwa provides the strength to avoid all forms of wrongdoing. When this strength is acquired, a person gains a priceless ‘amulet’, a guarantee of safety. It is as if they enter a fortified stronghold guarded by God Himself, into which no evil can penetrate. Within this protection, a person can be safeguarded from many trials.
“This is why yesterday I advised the recitation of durood sharif (سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ وَبِحَمْدِہ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ الْعَظِیْمِ اَللّٰھُمّ صَلِّ عَلیٰ مُحَمّدٍ و اٰلِ مُحَمّدٍ) and istighfar (اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰہَ رَبِّىْ مِنْ کل ذَنبٍ وَّاَتُوْبُ اِلَیْہِ), and it is something everyone should make a habit of reciting.”
Huzooraa explained that people, especially women, appreciate beauty and strive for it through makeup and beautiful attire. However, he pointed out that many women, particularly in Western society, remain unaware of their true inner beauty. Huzooraa emphasised that an Ahmadi woman must recognise and embody this true beauty, not just for herself but also to demonstrate it to society at large.
Huzooraa explained that true beauty cannot be attained through external means such as makeup or inappropriate clothing, as often promoted by Western norms. He asserted that this superficial ‘beauty’ does not truly represent a person’s excellence or worth. True beauty, he stated, comes from within and is aligned with spiritual and moral values.
Huzooraa emphasised that it is the duty of an Ahmadi woman to reform herself and to initiate a broader reformation within society. Central to this reformation is adhering to the teachings of Allah, which include observing hijab and maintaining modesty in dress. Huzooraa stressed that a woman’s beauty is not diminished by wearing the hijab; in fact, true beauty is expressed through the modesty and chastity that the hijab represents.
Huzooraa acknowledged the pressures from Western society that often encourage women to forsake modesty in favour of so-called ‘freedom’ and ‘beauty’. He cautioned that true beauty emerges not from exposing oneself, but rather, comes from following the divine commandments. Ahmadi women must strive to excel in virtues, performing good deeds, and avoiding immorality, despite societal pressures.
Huzooraa said:
“Therefore, an Ahmadi woman today should not only embrace her true adornment but also help others in the society understand what a woman’s true beauty and adornment really are. Once this is understood, a woman’s beauty and dignity will be greatly enhanced […].
“An Ahmadi woman has the responsibility to not only reform herself but also to actively work towards the betterment of others. It is essential for Ahmadi women to always remember that their true adornment comes from following the commandments of God. When Allah has commanded that women observe purdah, maintain modesty, and dress with decency, these practices must be adhered to because they are divine commands.
“True adornment is not achieved by abandoning purdah and modesty, as influenced by Western culture, which is increasingly affecting some of our women today. Real beauty is found in wearing the garment of righteousness, not in exposing oneself. This garment of taqwa is granted only to those who strive to fulfil their religious commitments and responsibilities with all their abilities and strengths.”
Huzooraa likened the immoralities of society to thorny plants that can tear at a person’s spiritual clothing and harm their true beauty. He urged continuous engagement in istighfar, prayer, and supplication to protect oneself from these societal temptations. By doing so, Huzooraa advised, one can remain within the impenetrable fortress of Allah’s protection, safe from the dangers that lie in wait on the path of life.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of always wearing the garb of taqwa, or the covering of righteousness, as a distinctive quality of Ahmadi women and girls. He urged that this be attained by all, highlighting that the Promised Messiahas has instructed the proper use of all body parts—such as the ears, eyes, and tongue—in accordance with the pleasure of Allah.
Huzooraa expressed concern over the increasing domestic disputes within society, often arising from the improper use of these faculties. He pointed out that men have been commanded to lower their gazes and avoid looking at unrelated [non-mahram] women, a command that is often neglected. Similarly, women have been advised to maintain modest and chaste clothing, which is sometimes overlooked.
Huzooraa stressed that if both men and women adhere to these guidelines and utilise their eyes, tongues, and ears in a modest and appropriate manner, many of the immoral sins that lead to distrust and discord in the home would not even arise. By doing so, the atmosphere of trust within the home can be preserved, and societal harmony can be maintained.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“Ensure that all parts of your body, i.e., the apparent organs, fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them. It is the duty of every man and woman to align the use of their ears, eyes, tongue, and every other organ with the pleasure of Allah the Almighty and to use them according to His guidance.”
Huzooraa explained that if couples use these faculties with care and consideration for one another, it would prevent quarrels and arguments from arising, thereby fostering an atmosphere of trust. This trust is foundational, as it leads to an environment of love and compassion, which is essential for strengthening marital bonds and beautifying society as a whole.
Huzooraa further highlighted the importance of caring for each other’s relations, particularly in-laws. He stated that Allah has commanded, with reference to taqwa, that husbands and wives should care for each other’s relationships and avoid speaking ill of one another’s families. Doing so only increases grudges and leads to conflicts. Improving relations with in-laws is critical not only for the peace of the household but also for the overall beautification of society.
Huzooraa reiterated that trust is the bedrock of a marital relationship. If trust is compromised, the relationship—originally built on love—can quickly disintegrate. He advised that couples should not allow their hearts to harbour wrongful thoughts but should instead fill them with thoughts of God. This approach would prevent problems from arising and keep Satan from sowing discord in the home.
Huzooraa stressed that a true believer must strive to fulfil both their bond with God and their bond with one another. He reminded us that the Promised Messiahas taught that one cannot fulfil the rights of God without first fulfilling the rights of humanity. Until one fulfils the rights due to God’s creation, they cannot truly fulfill the rights of God, nor will their supplications be accepted.
In the context of fulfilling the rights due to God’s creation, Huzooraa emphasised that the marital relationship holds the utmost importance. The mutual rights of husband and wife form the foundational unit for the next generation. Trust and fulfilling each other’s rights are critical responsibilities that every true believer must discharge. Allah the Almighty has given special emphasis to these rights in the context of marital relationships, as highlighted in the verses recited during the nikah ceremony, which repeatedly draw attention to the path of taqwa.
Huzooraa said that fulfilling these marital rights, as taught by the Promised Messiahas, is essential for fulfilling the rights due to God and society. Every believing man and woman must remember that their pledges will only be truly fulfilled when they strengthen their marital relationships, becoming as if one united spirit, and maintain complete confidence and trust in one another. A pure marital bond is meant to bring purity, peace, and tranquillity, and it is the responsibility of every believer to ensure that these rights are fulfilled.
Huzooraa emphasised that the proper upbringing of children requires the parents to first reform themselves. A pious attitude and commitment to taqwa are essential for parents to raise their children in the right manner. The mere act of having children does not elevate one to the status of being the best of creation; rather, it is the conscious effort to train and guide children in righteousness that does. One must tread on the path of taqwa, fulfil mutual rights, and recognise the purpose of creation, which is to become a true servant of God. This not only means worshipping God but also fully obeying His commands and fulfilling the rights due to both God and humanity.
Huzooraa explained that by adopting taqwa, believers can achieve peace and security in their lives and the lives of their children. When a household is built on these principles, it becomes an impenetrable fortress where God’s refuge and protection are assured. Children raised in such an environment will not only be born but will also grow into pious individuals who pray for their parents and bring honour to their families. On the other hand, neglecting these principles can lead to children becoming lost in the world, potentially ruining society and bringing humiliation to their parents and the Jamaat.
Huzooraa urged every Ahmadi man and woman to strive for self-reformation, to become exemplary role models, and to foster a strong connection with God. This, in turn, will help them raise their children in a manner that fulfils the rights of God and increases spirituality. Huzooraa said that even one righteous person can bring about the salvation of an entire city. Therefore, Huzooraa advised against being influenced by the world and instead urged everyone to emulate taqwa, which will result in their children becoming a source of goodness and honour.
Huzooraa again addressed common domestic and marital issues, particularly the complaints that arise when husbands and wives do not respect each other’s parents. He emphasised that disrespecting in-laws can spread disorder in society, and therefore, it is an Islamic injunction to care for one’s partner’s relations. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa understood human nature best and thus admonished husbands and wives to take special care of their mutual relations. By developing love between families, societal peace is achieved.
Huzooraa advised that from the first day of marriage, both husband and wife must develop the mentality that their relationship is not just between two individuals but also between their respective families. Mutual respect and reverence for each other’s relations are crucial. If this approach is embedded in society, arguments and disputes would not arise, and the instances of divorce within the Jamaat would decrease.
Huzooraa stressed that to establish trust in relationships, one must never lie. He highlighted the importance of honesty, especially in the context of marriage. The verses recited during the nikah ceremony emphasise speaking the straightforward and right word [qawl–e-sadid], which is the essence of taqwa. By sharing everything openly between husband and wife, and by removing misunderstandings and doubts, trust is maintained, and the marital bond is strengthened.
Huzooraa advised that even before a marriage proposal, any weaknesses in the prospective husband or wife should be clearly and transparently communicated. This ensures that no problems arise after marriage. Upholding honesty and truthfulness is essential for maintaining peace in society and for building strong marital relationships.
Huzooraa reminded Ahamdis that fulfilling pledges and promises is a basic and foundational requirement in all relationships, particularly in marital matters. Ahmadi men and women should lead their lives in a way that they are always following the path of taqwa, fulfilling their pledges and promises. This foundation is also crucial for fulfilling the pledge of bai‘at with the Promised Messiahas, which requires taking care of one another, upholding the truth, and fostering love, harmony, and brotherhood.
Huzooraa emphasised that the primary objective of every Ahmadi should be to follow taqwa and to please Allah. By doing so, they will always uphold the truth, take care of their in-laws, and fulfil their pledges. This focus on faith over materialism is essential for creating a beautiful society, which was the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and the pledge of allegiance made at his hand.
Huzooraa urged that by striving to perform good and virtuous deeds, boys and girls will prioritise faith and religion over materialistic pursuits. Relationships formed on the basis of faith are permanent and are built on the fear of God, rather than on external beauty and wealth. These relationships are made for the sake of pleasing God and will contribute to the creation of a beautiful society.
Huzooraa cautioned against emulating the world, which has fallen into the trap of materialism. Instead, he called for special attention towards self-reformation, as the weaknesses observed in society and relationships are increasing. To counter this trend, every effort must be made to follow the path of taqwa and to prioritise faith over worldly interests.
Huzooraa concluded his address with a prayer. He prayed that Allah the Almighty may grant the strength and guidance necessary to prevent Ahmadis from falling into immorality and to consistently walk on the path of taqwa. He prayed that Allah enables them to attain Allah’s pleasure and to focus on continuous self-reformation, seeking protection from all kinds of sins.
Huzooraa emphasised that achieving these goals would lead to the establishment of a beautiful and pure society, the very society for which the Promised Messiahas came into the world. He reminded the attendees that their commitment to the bai‘at to the Promised Messiahas was made willingly, and with it comes the responsibility to act upon the teachings of the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and the expectations of the Promised Messiahas.
By adhering to these teachings, Huzooraa assured that Ahmadis will contribute to a global revolution, bringing the world closer to God and under the banner of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He prayed that Allah may enable Ahmadis to prioritise faith over worldly desires, to resist the allure of materialism, fulfilling the true purpose of the Promised Messiah’sas mission.
Huzooraa prayed:
“May Allah enable us to stay away from all evils, to take firm steps on the path of righteousness, and to continuously strive for His pleasure by focusing on self-improvement. Let us make every effort to protect ourselves from sins, both great and small.
“If we do this, we will be able to establish that pure and beautiful society for which the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, came and for which we have willingly pledged our allegiance to him. We were not compelled to join his fold; we did so by our own choice. Now that we have taken this pledge, it is imperative that we act upon the teachings that Allah has commanded us, those that the Promised Messiahas expected from us, those that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, repeatedly advised, and those that Allah has emphasised countless times in the Holy Quran, as I mentioned at the beginning.”
In the end, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, after which nasirat presented some choral poems. Huzooraa then took leave and the session came to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)