On 10 October 2021, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted a virtual audience to 27 new converts from Canada Jamaat who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat over the last three years.
The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Tony Sahib who recited Surah al-Fatihah from memory. After the tilawat, Huzooraa asked when he accepted Ahmadiyyat, to which he replied that he joined Islam Ahmadiyyat in July 2020.
Next, Sergiu Sahib, who is originally from the Republic of Moldova, presented the English translation of Surah al-Fatihah. Then, Younes Sahib, who is originally from Algeria, recited a qasida of the Promised Messiahas, written in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Mark Sahib, from the Philippines, presented the English translation of the qasida.
After this, all new converts had the chance to introduce themselves to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and share their stories and journies to the true Islam.
Patrick Sahib from Canada was the first to introduce himself. He said that he had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat last year, in 2020. Whilst explaining why he accepted Ahmadiyyat, he said that he had read a few books and mentioned the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, and felt drawn in when he read it. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if he was in contact with any Ahmadi before accepting. Patrick Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he had the opportunity to ask various questions to Ahmadis and then expressed that after all his research, he was led here.
Faysal Sahib, originally from Bangladesh, stated that he accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2019. Whilst introducing himself to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, Huzooraa asked him what his profession was and where he worked, to which he responded that he had a general labour job.
Vu Sahib was next to introduce himself. He said that he was born and raised in Canada but was of Vietnamese origin. He joined Ahmadiyyat in May 2021. He added that he had many Ahmadi friends. Huzooraa asked if he was continuing his study of Ahmadiyyat, to which Vu Sahib responded in the affirmative. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then encouraged him to learn Surah al-Fatihah. Huzooraa said, “Try to memorise this surah because when you are praying, this is an essential part of the prayer”. In response, Vu Sahib said that he would.
Tony Sahib stated that he accepted Ahmadiyyat last July. He shared that he was going through a personal crisis in his life and was guided by a co-worker who did tabligh to him. Huzooraa then asked him if he was trying to learn more about Islam at home. Tony Sahib responded by saying “yes” and expressed that he was learning more and more about Islam every day. Hearing this, Huzoor said, “Masha-Allah.”
Younes Sahib, who is originally from Algeria, expressed that he accepted Ahmadiyyat after doing research. He found out that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam and has the teachings of peace and love. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “You know that Ahmadis are being persecuted in Al-Jaza‘ir [Algeria] and if you go back to Al-Jaza‘ir, you will face a lot of problems there. Are you ready to face those problems?” To this, Younes Sahib replied affirmatively.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked if his family had also accepted Ahmadiyyat, to which he replied that he, his wife and his daughter did bai‘at on the same day. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah.”
Next, Mahad Sahib, who said he was originally from Lahore and was the first convert from his family. He said his whole family was from the Sunni sect. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that he would have to face hardships and opposition now as his family was Sunni. “Are you ready for this?” Huzooraa asked.
Mahad Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that his family had cut off ties with him and added that he felt it was only himself and Allah. Whilst sharing his path to Islam Ahmadiyyat, he said that he studied many books and felt that Hazrat Ahmadas was the Mahdi who was awaited and promised. He requested Huzooraa for prayers for his mother and father who were in Pakistan.
Basel Sahib, originally from Syria, said that he accepted Ahmadiyyat in January 2021. He expressed that he was born Sunni; however, in 2001, he began fearing the terrorist groups who claimed to follow Islamic teachings. He described how he began searching and reading about Islamic sects to find the true teachings of Islam. During his research, he read about Christianity and Judaism. A year ago, he said he met an Ahmadi who explained to him the reality of jihad, the true concept of jinn, life after death etc. He was mostly attracted by the slogan “Love for all, hatred for none”.
Sergiu Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat in April 2018. Prior to accepting, he felt like a lost soul. He came to Jalsa Salana twice in a row. He expressed he was inspired by the slogan “Love for all, hatred for none”.
Mark Sahib stated that he accepted Ahmadiyyat because when he was in the Philippines, he researched a lot about various religions. He stated that he felt disconnected from Christianity. He added that when he came to Canada, he met an Ahmadi and had debates with him and later accepted Islam in July 2018.
Sadat Sahib said that he joined the Jamaat in Ramadan 2020. He stated that for the last 15 years, he was debating with some of his Ahmadi friends. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, he said that he was moving towards atheism. He added that the Islamic teachings were peaceful, but Muslims around the world were not acting upon them. Then, when he met with an Ahmadi friend in Malaysia, who many people would go to debate with, he said that he would hear the arguments presented by others which seemed to be nonsensical; however, as he heard the arguments presented by his Ahmadi friend in Malaysia, he saw that his arguments and points were more in line with logic. Then, later, when he went to Canada, he met with a missionary in Calgary and eventually joined Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Zeeshan Sahib from Pakistan said that he came to Canada in 2019. When a certain Pakistani cleric was inciting protests with regard to Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, he started watching the question and answer sessions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh available on YouTube. From there, he started searching about Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked him if his relatives knew he had accepted Ahmadiyyat. He replied that his family did not yet know; however, he said that someone was going to his family and that he would pass on the news to his family. He added that his maternal grandmother was a very pious Ahmadi who had also done Wasiyyat.
Zulfiqar Sahib said he was of Afghan origin and that he joined Ahmadiyyat a year ago, in 2020. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked him what made him join Islam Ahmadiyyat. Zulfiqar Sahib replied that he was searching for the true Islam and found that the teachings of Islam are found in Ahmadiyyat.
Next to introduce himself was Sahil Sahib who said that he joined Ahmadiyyat seven months ago. He said that he belonged to a Hindu family but was inclined towards the oneness of God.
Naripandeep Sahib, originally from the Indian Punjab, stated that he joined Ahmadiyyat in January 2021. He said that when he came to Canada, he made friends and most of his friends were Ahmadi, and it was through them that he came to know about Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Kabir Sahib said that he was from India, raised in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2018. He accepted Ahmadiyyat two days prior, on 8 October. He stated that before accepting Ahmadiyyat, he was an atheist and did not believe in God; however, he said that he believed that there was a power that controlled the universe. Then, in 2018, when he came to complete his master’s, his professor, who was an Ahmadi, explained to him that everything in the universe was controlled by a Power and that Power was God. He added that the peaceful teachings of Islam were what was needed in the world. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Masha-Allah, Allah give you strength to be steadfast in Ahmadiyyat.”
Rahul, who was from India, stated he joined Ahmadiyyat three months ago after learning about the philosophy of love and peace. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah, if you see any Ahmadi acting against these things [you have mentioned], do not think that it is the teaching of Ahmadiyyat. It is his personal action”.
Jaspreet Sahib, originally from the Indian Punjab, stated that he did bai‘at in 2019 during Jalsa Salana Canada. He said he accepted Ahmadiyyat after converting from Sikhism. Huzooraa asked him if he was satisfied, to which he replied in the affirmative and said he was definitely satisfied. He shared that when he was young, he wasn’t religious and felt that something was missing in his life. He said that he went to a school where there were many Ahmadis.
Mahfooz Sahib said that he was originally from India and moved to Canada in 2018. He stated that he joined the Jamaat in 2019 and felt blessed to be an Ahmadi.
Next, Tarin Sahib said he was born and raised in Canada and accepted Islam in 2020. He said that he related a lot to the positive philosophy of the Jamaat.
Sagar Sahib said that he accepted Ahmadiyyat in July 2020. He said that he loved the Jamaat and its dedication to help others.
Aubrey Sahib stated that he accepted Ahmadiyyat three months ago. He said that he was originally born in Karachi, Pakistan, and moved to Abu Dhabi two years after his birth. He was raised in a Catholic family and stated that though the Catholic Church spoke about love and acceptance, he felt that he wasn’t treated as such there. He added that he even went to a convent school and said that the nuns’ and the priests’ practice there was against their own teachings. He said that in 2005, his family converted to another denomination of Christianity, but even then he didn’t feel drawn to it. Aubrey Sahib further said that when he came to Canada in 2015, he had left faith and didn’t believe in anything. Then, when he met with Ahmadis, he felt true faith and acceptance in Ahmadiyyat.
Humayoun Sahib, who is originally from Pakistan, stated that he joined the Jamaat in 2019. He was researching Ahmadiyyat for a long time. Huzooraa asked him where he planned on staying, in Pakistan, Canada, or Australia. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that it would be difficult to go to Pakistan after accepting Ahmadiyyat. Humayoun Sahib replied that he was ready to face hardships for the sake of his faith no matter if it was Australia, Canada, or Pakistan.
Next, Adeel Sahib said that he and his family accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2018. His brother, Waleed Sahib, said he was studying in college, and his brother, Saad Ahmad, stated that he was studying in high school.
After this, Huzooraa was asked two questions. Humayoun Sahib asked about Khilafat and the status of Khilafat in line with religion and politics.
Answering, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “The Khilafat that was to begin with the coming of the Imam Mahdi is a spiritual Khilafat and a religious Khilafat”.
Huzooraa said that some prophets were given a state and some were not. For example, Hazrat Jesusas was not given any state to run. So, “the Ahmadiyya Khilafat is a spiritual Khilafat”, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further explained that the prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas that “kings will seek blessings from your garments” meant that the spiritual leadership of the Imam Mahdi will continue, and worldly kings will seek blessing from him.
The second question Huzooraa was asked was about the status of mainstream Muslims around the world in the eyes of the Jamaat and if what was happening to them around the world was a punishment.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa answered that the Holy Prophetsa said that whoever said لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ was a Muslim. And, “Whoever says لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ, we declare them to be Muslims.” Thus, Huzooraa said, they were Muslims under the wider definition of being a Muslim on account of their professing this Kalima. However, Huzoor added, they had not accepted the Promised Messiahas who was promised to come in Surah al-Jumu‘ah of the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophetsa himself.
With regard to what is happening around the world, Huzooraa said that it was God’s promise that when Muslims fought against the disbelievers, they would be victorious, and this had been established in the history of Islam and during the time of the Rightly Guided Khulafa.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “The point is that if Muslims were fighting for Allah, then they should have been victorious. But this is not the case; this is the first point. The second point is that Muslims are not even fighting against disbelievers. Muslims are in fact fighting other Muslims”.
If we analyse the world, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, we would see that one Islamic sect was fighting another sect, Muslims were fighting other Muslims; and the Holy Quran was clear that if a Muslim took another Muslim’s life unjustly, he would be sent to Hell.
Huzooraa cited the narration of a companion who killed a person in battle who had declared and recited the Kalima. When the companion narrated this incident to the Holy Prophetsa, he became extremely dissapointed and asked the companion if he killed him after he had professed the Kalima. The companion replied that he had only recited the Kalima out of fear. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa asked, “Did you tear his heart to find out whether he actually uttered it for this or not?”
Thus, Huzooraa said, this narration explains that the killing of another Muslim is prohibited.
Seeing the Muslims today, we can only pray for them, said Huzooraa.
With this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa conveyed his salaam to all members and the meeting drew to a close.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)