Islamabad, Tilford, UK, 18 May 2025: A delegation of the members of Majlis Ansarullah Finland had the honour of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Upon arrival, Huzooraa graciously greeted all present and took his seat. Huzooraa first addressed Sadr Sahib Majlis Ansarullah Finland. Following this, each nasir had the opportunity to introduce himself, sharing details of his family background, services to the Jamaat and professional career. Speaking to one of the ansar during the introductions, Huzooraa reminded him that the term “Ansarullah” signifies “helpers of Allah,” and thus, they should actively help in teaching the Holy Quran to children.
After the round of introductions, the ansar requested permission to ask questions, which Huzooraa graciously granted.
Overcoming sin and the essence of true repentance
A nasir enquired that, given human fallibility, after sincerely repenting from a sin, what practical steps can an individual adopt to ensure they do not repeat that sin for the rest of their life?
Huzooraa explained that he had, on numerous occasions in his sermons, elucidated the principles outlined by the Promised Messiahas regarding this matter. These principles encompass developing an abhorrence for sin, making a firm resolve not to commit the sin again and consistently engaging in prayer and istighfar. Huzooraa questioned how repentance could be considered sincere if the individual subsequently repeated the same sin, asserting that true repentance is characterised by the non-repetition of the transgression.
He advised the questioner to keep the three conditions of repentance, as expounded by the Promised Messiahas, constantly in view. (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, 2022, pp. 119-120) Huzooraa suggested writing them down and displaying them prominently in one’s room and also at the mosque or local salat centre, so that others too might benefit and be reminded, thereby helping to prevent sin. Persistent istighfar, Huzooraa emphasised, is essential for every individual, and this is the prescribed method.
Instilling faith in children amidst secularism
Another nasir sought guidance on how parents in Finland and other Western countries, where irreligiousness is widespread, can effectively instil the importance of prayer and cultivate a strong connection with the living God in the hearts of their children, both young and older.
Huzooraa responded by first questioning how they could instil these qualities in others if they themselves lacked them. He urged them to first cultivate these attributes within themselves. He recalled an incident where Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent someone on a mission with counsel, stating that he offered the advice partly so he too might share in the reward, for if a person disobeys God, whose counsel they already know, they are unlikely to heed his.
Huzooraa noted that he had spoken about matters pertaining to God countless times. He stressed that it was their duty, as ansar, to listen to every sermon and speech, to extract key points, note them in their diaries, and use this knowledge to guide other ansar, rather than repeatedly asking the same questions. These matters, Huzooraa stated, he had explained hundreds of times, as had previous Khulafa, and they themselves also read about them.
He admonished them to set a personal example. When their own examples are established, the same values will become ingrained in their children, and only then would they be truly qualified to advise them. If parents do not set a good example, their children are unlikely to follow. Similarly, those under their supervision or influence will question their counsel, urging them to first rectify their own conduct. Therefore, Huzooraa advised, they must first correct themselves, and then everything else will fall into place. He reiterated the importance of listening attentively and taking notes, not merely listening for enjoyment. Huzooraa pointed out that his sermons, including his discourses on the history of the Companionsra and the life of the Holy Prophetsa, contain many valuable points, if one is inclined to seek them.
Counsel on maintaining good health for ansar
A nasir enquired about the methods by which ansar can maintain good physical health.
Huzooraa advised the ansar to keep their stomachs in check, engage in exercise and walk regularly. He humorously suggested that instead of buying looser trousers, adjusting belt buckles, or loosening their shalwars as their waistlines expand, they should strive to fit into their existing clothes. He encouraged them to wake up for Tahajjud and Fajr prayers. Huzooraa noted that at the age of ansar, especially up to 60 or 65 years, these practices are quite manageable. Beyond that age, some might cite old age, other constraints, difficulty waking up, or fatigue, but until then, it is feasible.
Huzooraa stressed the importance of walking. He advised waking early, offering prayers, and then exercising or walking for at least half an hour. He particularly recommended cycling for ansar in saff-e-daum. Addressing one nasir, he noted that though he had now moved from saff-e-daum to saff-e-awwal (the senior-most group), he had not cycled for 15 years, despite having a bicycle at home which he merely looked at with satisfaction. Huzooraa urged him to use it at least three or four days a week. If not cycling, then walking four to five miles daily, which would take about 45 minutes to an hour, would improve health.
Regarding diet, Huzooraa cautioned against overeating. He advised a careful breakfast, a light lunch, and an early dinner. He reminded them of the Hadith of the Holy Prophetsa to stop eating while still feeling some hunger. (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab az-zuhd, Hadith 2380) One should not, he said, consume four plates of biryani just because it is delicious or keep eating qormah while praising one’s wife’s cooking. Diet must be controlled. This does not mean starving or extreme dieting, but rather, in accordance with the Hadith, leaving some appetite unsatisfied, alongside walking and regular exercise. This is how one stays fit. Only then, Huzooraa said, can Ansarullah truly be helpers; otherwise, they will age quickly and depart from this world.
The importance of acting on existing guidance
A nasir then requested Huzooraa to impart some advice that could serve as a guiding light for them.
Huzooraa responded by pointing out the abundance of counsel already given: at Khuddam ijtemas, Ansar ijtemas, Lajna ijtemas, in Eid sermons and recently during his address to missionaries at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, besides countless other pieces of advice. He questioned whether they had implemented all this existing counsel before seeking new advice.
Huzooraa observed that if they claim to be “trying” to follow advice, then even if he were to offer new counsel that day, their response would likely be the same – that they would “try.” He urged them to first fully implement the advice already given. Once all previous counsel has been thoroughly acted upon, if they then find a specific deficiency that the existing guidance does not address, they should identify that gap to him, and he would then provide advice to fill that specific need. Huzooraa reiterated the importance of offering prayers and setting a personal example. When they set a good example, the importance of faith will be established both within their homes and in their wider environment.
Global tariffs, economic realities, and the rise of AI
A nasir enquired about Huzoor’saa views on the economic problems arising from global tariffs.
Huzooraa remarked that the US had, in a sense, already lost half the tariff war; they had reduced tariffs for China and other places, and in return, China had also reduced its tariffs on US goods. It appeared their initial aim was merely to threaten, thinking that an aggressive stance would intimidate others. However, when they reciprocated with similar toughness, the US quietly relented, much like the employee in an anecdote who, when pushed to demand a raise “or else…”, meekly replied to his employer’s challenge of “Or else what?” with, “Or else I will continue working on the same salary.” Huzooraa likened the US government’s situation to this.
Huzooraa continued that tariffs aside, the global economic situation is generally deteriorating. President Trump had attempted to improve the US economy through these measures, but improving an economy requires adherence to certain principles, rules and regulations. For instance, imposing tariffs on agricultural produce that cannot be grown in the US due to specific climatic requirements or soil fertility – conditions met in tropical countries – is impractical. He illustrated this with the example of rice in Pakistan, where rice grown in the Gujranwala region has a superior aroma and taste compared to the same variety grown in other parts of Punjab, even if the yield is matched elsewhere. This is because Allah the Almighty has endowed different lands with specific properties.
Regarding industry, Huzooraa acknowledged that factories can be established anywhere. However, industrialists will naturally consider where labour is cheapest. If forced to produce in more expensive locations, their costs would multiply. It was to offset this that President Trump imposed tariffs. As for China, they often produce goods in multiple quality categories to compete, and if tariffs are imposed, they could simply export lower-grade goods at a similar price point. In any case, Huzooraa noted, the matter of tariffs seemed to be somewhat settled. He stressed the need for wisdom, rather than acting impulsively for personal recognition. The US president sought publicity, which he achieved, but in a way, also conceded defeat, an observation shared by economists.
Huzooraa then spoke about rising global inflation, driven by a growing population, increased demand, and heightened desires for modern goods due to greater global connectivity. He contrasted this with his time in Africa when modern amenities were scarce. As global interconnectedness increases, so do desires and demands, leading producers to raise prices when supply is limited. This trend, Huzooraa opined, will likely continue unless, for instance, some catastrophic events reduce the world population. If the population grows and desires persist, inflation will rise, making it hard to control, and only those who can compete will fare better.
Adding to this, Huzooraa noted the increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is eroding existing skills. He cautioned that if this reliance continues, millions of jobs could be lost within the next 10 years, a concern voiced by IT professionals themselves. He advised acquiring alternative job skills.
Upon this, the nasir asked what skills they should teach their children. Huzooraa responded that as they are in the field themselves, they should explore and identify these skills. He emphasised teaching children the value of work, hard work, and diligence, so it became a habit.
Confronting opposition in Pakistan with prayer, self-reformation, and awareness
Finally, a nasir enquired about the opposition faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Pakistan.
Huzooraa stated that when anything reaches its extreme, a divine law comes into operation, and its decline begins. This, insha-Allah, will happen concerning the opposition. He emphasised that members need to pray, improve their own spiritual states, and develop a strong connection with Allah the Almighty. If they do so, they will witness better conditions sooner. He gave the example of the people of Prophet Mosesas, who, upon transgression, were made to wander for forty years. Thus, self-reformation is key to expediting better times.
It is certain, Huzooraa affirmed, that the Jamaat is spreading globally. The Promised Messiahas prophesied that a period of 300 years would not pass before the Jamaat achieves significant progress. Approximately 130 years have passed, and Huzooraa urged Ahmadis to hasten this progress by continuously reforming themselves and their future generations, instilling in them the spirit of faith.
Regarding worldly means of raising a voice against opposition, Huzooraa said the Jamaat does whatever is possible. He instructed the ansar to do the same in their spheres of influence. Every Ahmadi has a circle of acquaintances – politicians, councillors, journalists – whom they should approach and inform. The more awareness created, the greater the impact.
Huzooraa cited Israel as an example; previously, few would speak against its actions, but recently, some media outlets and politicians have begun to condemn its treatment of Palestinians, even clearly terming it genocide. Sometimes, Huzooraa remarked, Allah the Almighty can cause even “stones” to speak, softening hard hearts. Nevertheless, opponents will continue their actions, fulfilling a Hadith about Muslims in the era of the Imam Mahdi, emulating the Jews. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-‘ilm, Hadith 2669a) Allah the Almighty has an appointed time for a remedy; swift self-reformation can hasten it.
Conclusion
At the end of the mulaqat, the attendees had the honour of a group photograph with Huzooraa. Huzooraa also graciously enquired about their accommodation and food arrangements during their stay and whether they were able to offer their prayers at the Mubarak Mosque. Following this, Huzooraa took his leave.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)