On Monday, 10 February 2025, a group of 63 field missionaries from Germany had the blessed opportunity to seek guidance from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vᵃᵃ, during a mulaqat at Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
Upon entering, Huzoorᵃᵃ greeted all present and led them in silent prayer. Abdullah Uwe Wagishauser Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany, then informed Huzoorᵃᵃ that there were 67 field missionaries in total, of whom 63 were present that day.
Advice for missionaries
Following the brief introduction, Hazrat Amirul Momineenᵃᵃ offered words of advice to the field missionaries, acknowledging their varied levels of experience. He remarked that many missionaries were well-versed and seasoned, with some serving for several decades, while others were relatively new.
Huzoorᵃᵃ highlighted a well-known observation: “If a person is asleep, it is easy to wake him up; but how can one awaken someone who is already awake?” He remarked that the same applied to the missionaries: “How can one awaken those who are already awake?” He emphasised that while the uneducated could be taught, those who were already educated needed no such instruction.
He further acknowledged the collective experience of the missionaries, noting that many had spent years in Jamia Ahmadiyya and then in the field – some with a year of experience and others up to 30 years. He expressed that there should therefore be no need for elaborate explanations, as the essential understanding and awareness should naturally be present in those who had dedicated their lives to this noble mission.
Huzoorᵃᵃ further said:
“You deliver speeches whilst standing on stages and present references from the Holy Quran, the Hadith, the Promised Messiahᵃˢ and incidents of saintly people. So, before you do this, you should ponder the extent to which you act on all the matters you are about to mention.
“Allah the Exalted says:
“‘Why do you say what you do not do? Most hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.’ [Surah as-Saff, Ch.61: V.4-5]
“That is why you have to analyse yourself. […]
“The main thing is the relationship with Allah the Exalted and to elevate the standards of your worship, increase your knowledge and treat people with love and compassion. Consider yourself to be a role model before people. A missionary should be a role model for the [members of the] Jamaat whether he is a young man of 25 years of age or an elderly man of 70 years old. Whichever missionary is in the field, should be an example. This is something that you should be mindful of.
“And if this is the case, then the Jamaat will progress and you will have the opportunity to reform the [members of the] Jamaat and yourselves. You should analyse yourselves at all times. At all times, you should think, ‘I have dedicated my life, so what are the demands for waqf-e-zindagi and what was the reason why I studied at Jamia? It was for acquiring religious knowledge and to be in a position to impart it to others and to spread it, to undertake the tarbiyat of my own people and to preach the message to others.’ And you should formulate your programmes according to this.
“You should calculate how many hours are spent on addressing local matters. How many hours do you give for the tarbiyat of the Jamaat? How many hours do you spend on tabligh? How many hours do you spend increasing your knowledge? How many hours do you give for worship? I am talking about hours – I have purposefully not said ‘time’ because you should set your standards in hours.
“‘Time’ can be said as x amount of minutes, or half an hour, or 40 or 50 minutes. Everyone renders their own definition regarding the word ‘time,’ saying, ‘I have spent x amount of time.’ When you break it down into hours, then it would mean that it would be over one hour. So you will develop this feeling as to how you must dedicate time to different tasks.”
Continuing his guidance, Hazrat Amirul Momineenᵃᵃ asked the missionaries how many of them had a structured schedule in place – a proper timetable for their daily activities. He enquired whether they had assigned specific times for waking up, offering Tahajjud, performing prayers, increasing knowledge or studying, reciting the Holy Quran, engaging in tarbiyat efforts, office work and tabligh.
Huzoorᵃᵃ also asked a couple of the missionaries how much of their prepared schedule they had actually followed.
One missionary admitted that while he made efforts to adhere to a schedule, his implementation varied. Acknowledging this shortcoming, he expressed his desire to improve.
Huzoorᵃᵃ then asked another missionary about his schedule and whether it was merely written down or actively followed. Huzoorᵃᵃ added that if the schedule is properly followed, Jamaat members would notice an improvement in the missionary.
Turning to another matter, Huzoorᵃᵃ remarked that missionaries should not be harsh in their dealings with people but should instead guide them with kindness, love and wisdom. He said:
“You should not be harsh; rather, be gentle with people. When you have to explain something to them, reason with them with love and compassion. The real matter is the missionary’s own example and the field missionaries have to set an example; otherwise, there will be no use.”
Huzoorᵃᵃ also reminded the missionaries that simply placing them in the field without yielding any benefit would be a burden on the Jamaat. He urged them to reflect on the significant investment made in their education and subsequent placement in the field. The Jamaat had dedicated years and considerable resources to their training and it was imperative that this sacrifice be met with a sincere and diligent effort in their service.
Huzoorᵃᵃ then addressed the matter of missionaries’ allowances and explained that when factoring in housing costs, transportation, facilities and other allowances, the overall financial support provided to missionaries was substantial in relative terms. He remarked that even if only this one aspect was considered objectively, it should lead to a natural realisation of how much the Jamaat was investing in them and the responsibilities they carried as a result.
Huzoorᵃᵃ emphasised the importance of self-reflection, stating that there should be no need for others to remind missionaries of their responsibilities. He pointed out that they were mature individuals, not children who needed to be instructed at every step.
“You are among those who guide others,” Huzoorᵃᵃ said. “What is there to explain to you? It should simply be an intrinsic awareness within you.”
Huzoorᵃᵃ then invited the missionaries to ask any questions they had.
Friday sermon series on the Holy Prophetˢᵃ and his Companions
A missionary enquired whether the recent series of Friday sermons on the Holy Prophetˢᵃ and his Companions was based on specific divine guidance and whether, in the future, a similar series would be delivered on the Promised Messiahᵃˢ and his Companions.
Huzoorᵃᵃ explained:
“It is not necessary to openly disclose every matter. When the Khalifa of the Time begins an initiative, it always has a purpose. The purpose for which I started this series and I have also mentioned this previously many times, stems from a revelation of the Promised Messiahᵃˢ I quoted from Tadhkirah, which is, “Do not forget the event of the Battle of Badr.” [Tadhkirah [2004], p. 668]
“This began the sermons on the Companions of Badr. Initially, I had thought I would mention all the prominent Companions. They held a special rank. Hence, Allah the Almighty put into my heart to speak about the Companions of Badr. Among the Companions of Badr, the Holy Prophetˢᵃ holds the highest rank – not as a companion, but in his capacity as the Prophet and their leader.
“For this reason, once I completed the mention of the Companions, I started to speak on the life of the Holy Prophetˢᵃ. This includes aspects of his life such as his actions in battles, how he responded to attacks by the enemies, how he treated his opponents and what example he set. We find many lessons from this.
“And so, with regard to whether a series will begin on the Promised Messiah’sᵃˢ era and his Companions – Allah knows best. Act upon these sermons and extract points and advice from them. Many people, whether it is for their moral training, reformation, or to respond to others, extract points from these very sermons and use them.”
Huzoorᵃᵃ then asked the missionary whether he extracted points from the sermons. The missionary responded affirmatively. Huzoorᵃᵃ then enquired further, asking what exactly he had taken from the last sermon. The missionary mentioned that in the last sermon, there was a reference to a caravan in which a Companion was walking ahead and the Holy Prophetˢᵃ called him back, emphasising the need for discipline, i.e., that one should not try to go ahead of the Imam.
Huzoorᵃᵃ then advised:
“Some field missionaries should especially bear this in mind. They should act in accordance with the instructions of the Khalifa of the Time and interpret those instructions in light of what is established in the Jamaat and what the Khalifa himself has explained.
“If a point comes into mind, you should send it to the Khalifa of the Time and seek clarification and permission on whether you can mention it, especially if it differs from what they have stated. Then, you can proceed with permission. Otherwise, it will be as though you’ve chosen another path, or you’ve deviated from the caravan and system and you’re trying to go ahead on your own.
“Thus, it is very important for you to follow behind the Imam. This is the most important thing for missionaries. If they act upon this themselves, then they can get others to do the same.”
Navigating challenges as a newly-appointed missionary
A missionary asked Huzoorᵃᵃ about the challenges young field missionaries face when appointed to jamaats that have not had a missionary before or have only seen older ones. He reported that these missionaries sometimes struggle to have their views accepted, resulting in arguments with local office-bearers and leading to disrespect because of their limited experience.
Huzoorᵃᵃ advised that a missionary’s responsibility is not to insist on personal opinions but to convey the teachings of Islam. He said:
“Where is it written that a missionary is sent so that he can impose his own viewpoint? He is not a dictator. A missionary is sent so that he may teach the precepts of Islam.” If a statement aligns with the Quran, Hadith, the Promised Messiah’sᵃᵃ pronouncements and the guidance of the Khulafa, the missionary should simply present this evidence. Most people, Huzoorᵃᵃ said, readily accept well-supported advice, making debate unnecessary.
He further explained that if someone cites a previous, more senior missionary who held a different position, the matter may be referred to the Centre for clarity rather than argued. Huzoorᵃᵃ observed that disputes often arise from personal ego, whereas the true purpose of missionaries is to nurture people and undertake their tarbiyat through kindness and prayers. Huzoorᵃᵃ said:
“Mistakes happen when the ‘ego’ comes into play and that should never occur. The real objective is to train people and to bring them close through love.”
Highlighting the importance of maintaining unity, Huzoorᵃᵃ reminded the missionary that Allah the Exalted has established a system, so if issues cannot be resolved locally with the help of the Amir Jamaat, they should be taken to the Khalifa of the Time. He noted that wisdom and humility in communication disarm undue opposition.
Finally, Huzoorᵃᵃ emphasised that a missionary’s focus must remain on imparting knowledge, referring to Quranic and Prophetic teachings and praying for those who raise objections. By persisting in these efforts with patience and love, he added, people eventually recognise the correct ways.
Huzoorᵃᵃ said:
“A missionary’s job is not to argue, but to do tarbiyat. Likewise, it is the responsibility of the Tarbiyat Department to nurture people. The Missionary-in-Charge should visit, advise and explain matters to the people too. The Amir Jamaat should also visit and provide tarbiyat. Our main objective is to do tarbiyat and train, and moral training happens through kindness and affection. If this continues consistently, everything will be set right.”
Guidance on voting in elections
A missionary sought Huzoor’sᵃᵃ guidance regarding the upcoming federal elections in Germany, asking whether Ahmadi Muslims should vote for a particular party.
Huzoorᵃᵃ explained:
“Everyone has their own political opinion. If there is someone who is very close to the Jamaat, who openly favours and supports the Jamaat and who has been previously known to assist the Jamaat at different times, you can tell members that this individual is in favour of the Jamaat and has helped the Jamaat in a certain way and that it is better to vote for them.
“You cannot force anyone because everyone has their own opinion. The real objective is to develop a spirit in the people, as is the commandment of Allah the Almighty, to use their right to vote for someone whom they truly consider to be trustworthy and who serves their country and nation.” [Surah an-Nisa’, Ch.4: V.59]
Such candidates, Huzooraa said, may hail from any of the parties, and people may vote for them if they deem them to be aligned with this principle. Huzoorᵃᵃ added that if an Ahmadi was standing in an election, they could seek votes by pledging to uphold people’s rights, promote true peace, and oppose certain laws and policies. However, he emphasised that if this was not the case, everyone was free to vote as they wished, without any compulsion. He said:
“If you can do this, then you can say that such an individual is very useful and deserving of votes. If this is not the case, then everyone is free to vote for whoever they wish. There is no need for compulsion.
“Besides, what is the need to engross yourself in such matters? You should teach them about the path that leads to God and His Messengerˢᵃ and all other matters will be resolved themselves.
“Remember, whether it is one party or the other, their policies will hinder immigrants in one way or another and put up a barrier. They will prevent asylum seekers from entering. They have begun writing columns to this effect. This will happen both in America and Europe and the reason they cite is that their economy is being negatively impacted.
“When the economy suffers, they will try to get rid of those of you who have been living there for 20, 25 or even 30 years, or anyone who is of foreign ethnicity. Then, they will begin to remove you as well. It is your misconception that if you side with one party, they will become your sympathisers or that if you side with the other, they will not. […]
“For this reason, try to instil in the minds of people who have come into the country that they have become a part of it. You should have good relations with any party that comes into power. […] Why must you force anyone to vote for someone in particular? This is not your task. Your task is to guide others about the positive and negative aspects of the candidates.
“Allah the Almighty commands us to appoint good people as our leaders. For this reason, [you can say] you believe a certain candidate to be more suitable; however, everyone should make their own informed decision.”
Encouraging capable Ahmadis to serve the Jamaat
A missionary sought guidance on how to motivate well-educated and capable Ahmadis to actively participate in Jamaat work, as some were hesitant to take up responsibilities despite having the ability to serve in an excellent manner.
Huzoorᵃᵃ advised:
“Your duty is to explain to them – you cannot do anything by force. Involve them in your work bit by bit and keep them close to you. Even if they do not serve in any official capacity, get them to help in some task to an extent and if they have expertise or knowledge in a particular field, then they should help if they can.
“You can get help from them and you can tell the respective secretaries that so-and-so is a good person and gives good advice, so we should seek counsel from him. A local missionary is a member of the local amila. You can give advice in this capacity that we can use the help of such and such person. There is no question of ego or expressing a lack of knowledge. You should take wisdom wherever you find it – this is mentioned in the Hadith. [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al‘ilmi ‘an rasulillahiˢᵃ, Hadith 2687]
“Explain these things and continue to do the tarbiyat of the people. What is the duty of a missionary? It is to do tarbiyat. […] Therefore, it is the duty of a missionary to expand their plan for tarbiyat. You cannot get things done by only attaching two or four people with you. Those who are good, offer their prayers, give chanda, maintain a connection, and attend jalsas and ijtemas – 80% of their tarbiyat is done already. The real task of tarbiyat is to bring those closer who have distanced themselves. Missionaries should make an effort in this matter.
“As for those who do Jamaat work, they should remove this from their minds, that there is no one else aside from them who can carry this responsibility. Tell them that Allah Almighty has granted everyone capabilities. It is not just a question of official positions. If one is serving in any official capacity, there is no harm in taking advice. The powerful governments of the world have advisers for this very reason – they seek advice.
“Allah Almighty instructed the Holy Prophetˢᵃ to take counsel and then He also guides. [Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.160] So, Allah has commanded us to certainly consult the people. We should not speak to them in a harsh manner. But thereafter, one should pray and make one’s decision. Therefore, the people who are serving in an official capacity should bear in mind that there is no harm in taking counsel and they should do so.
“Missionaries are included in the amilas so that they can do the tarbiyat alongside this. You will need to make an extensive and lasting plan for tarbiyat. The more the Jamaat grows, the more tarbiyat will be required and the more you will need to lead by your own example.
“It does not mean anything to only read books about pious elders and to present their example. It will be of real benefit when you present your own example – that I did this and Allah accepted my prayers in this way and this is the result that came about. Or that we did such and such work and Allah Almighty granted us such and such blessings and this was purely Allah Almighty’s grace, not due to my own efforts.
“When people start to realise that the missionary has a truly strong connection with Allah and that he gives them sincere advice, then people will listen.”
Attaining true love for the Holy Prophetˢᵃ
A missionary enquired whether true love for the Holy Prophetˢᵃ is something that must be actively cultivated through effort or if it is purely a blessing granted by Allah the Almighty.
Huzoorᵃᵃ explained that Allah the Almighty has already provided guidance on this matter in the Holy Quran:
فَاتَّبِعُوۡنِیۡ یُحۡبِبۡکُمُ اللّٰہُ
“Follow me, then will Allah love you.” [Surah Al-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.32]
Expounding on this, Huzoorᵃᵃ stated that the Holy Prophetˢᵃ himself emphasised that true love for him is attained by following his example – by listening to his commands, obeying him and emulating his noble character. The ultimate goal, he said, is to attain the love of Allah the Almighty and this requires effort and striving.
Huzoorᵃᵃ then referenced another Quranic principle:
وَالَّذِیۡنَ جَاہَدُوۡا فِیۡنَا لَنَہۡدِیَنَّہُمۡ سُبُلَنَا
“And [as for] those who strive in Our path – We will surely guide them in Our ways.” [Surah al-‘Ankabut, Ch.29: V.70]
This, he explained, means that those who make an effort and struggle to walk on the right path are the ones to whom Allah the Almighty grants His guidance. Therefore, personal striving is essential in developing a love for the Holy Prophetˢᵃ.
At the same time, Huzoorᵃᵃ acknowledged that Allah the Almighty bestows His special blessings upon certain individuals, shaping their hearts in a unique way. However, this is not the case for everyone, which is why it is necessary to actively strive towards this love.
He further pointed out that if love for the Holy Prophetˢᵃ were automatically placed in everyone’s hearts, there would be no need for tabligh, tarbiyat or divine commandments. The very existence of such guidance proves that human effort is an essential part of the process.
Freedom or peace?
A member of the amila sought Huzoor’sᵃᵃ guidance regarding a politician’s statement that “freedom is more important than peace.”
Huzoorᵃᵃ emphasised that peace and freedom are interdependent – one cannot exist without the other. He questioned the rationale behind prioritising one over the other and advised responding by highlighting their inseparable nature.
The amila member shared that he had attempted to explain the Islamic perspective, referencing the Promised Messiah’sᵃᵃ teachings, which define true freedom as submission to God.
Reflecting on the amila member’s discussions with the politician, Huzoorᵃᵃ noted that many of them claim religious affiliation but lack true belief in God. He explained that true understanding of divine power comes only through faith in the Omnipotent God. Huzoorᵃᵃ said:
“Although they say that they believe in Christianity or this and that, they don’t believe in any of the religions. In practice, they don’t know the power of God Almighty. They have not experienced it. And there is nobody there to explain to them what the powers of God Almighty are. So unless they believe in the One God, the Omnipotent God, they would never come to know what the powers of Allah the Almighty are and how they work.”
The amila member remarked that many among the general public still respond positively to discussions about faith. To this, Huzoorᵃᵃ encouraged them to continue to engage with them and added that The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam provides comprehensive guidance on such matters.
Arrangements for iftar during Ramadhan
A missionary sought guidance from Huzoorᵃᵃ regarding the arrangements for iftar in the month of Ramadhan and whether it was appropriate for families to host elaborate iftar gatherings at home.
Huzoorᵃᵃ noted that families often spend the entire day preparing for an iftar dinner, which disrupts their worship and leads them to delay or combine prayers unnecessarily.
Huzoorᵃᵃ also remarked that it is permissible for a mosque to provide basic iftar items such as dates and samosas or pakoras so people can break their fast and offer the Maghrib prayer, but there should not be a major commotion involving the entire administrative team. In this way, Huzoorᵃᵃ encouraged a focus on worship and simplicity, recalling the example of the Holy Prophetsa, who would customarily break his fast with dates.
Conclusion
Following the session, a group photo was taken. As the meeting came to a close, Huzoorᵃᵃ graciously presented gifts to the attendees before taking leave, thus bringing the mulaqat to an end.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)