On Sunday, 27 January, a group of Lajna Imaillah travelled from Switzerland for the first time to have an audience with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V^aa.

During the year, many groups of Lajna, Ansar and Khuddam come to visit Huzoor^aa from around the world to strengthen their bond with Khilafat and to further seek guidance from Huzoor^aa on various matters.

At the start of the mulaqat, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa asked the Lajna group what their purpose was for travelling to the markaz (headquarters). A Lajna member said that they had come to seek Huzoor’s guidance on various matters and added that it was their first time travelling to the markaz. 

Huzoor^aa then commenced the mulaqat with silent prayer and asked each Lajna member about their role and duty.   

During the mulaqat, Huzoor^aa asked what the tarbiyat department had planned for this year and what tasks and goals they had set for themselves. The Lajna replied that a monthly syllabus had been sent to all Lajna to follow. 

Huzoor^aa enquired about the number of members offering Salat and those who regularly listened to the Friday Sermons. Huzoor^aa said, “The tarbiyat department should pay emphasis to these things.”

Regarding purdah, Huzoor^aa stated, “The philosophy of purdah should be explained to all Lajna as to why we do it and what the importance of it is.”

A member from the tabligh department said to Huzoor^aa that they often held tabligh sessions and school visits for tabligh. Huzoor^aa asked, “What kind of questions are usually asked?” upon which the Lajna replied that mostly questions were raised on the status of women in Islam. 

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih^aa then said, “In the 2017 Jalsa Salana Germany, I delivered a speech with regard to this very topic, and many of the women in Germany said that they had now understood the true status of women in Islam.” Huzoor^aa further stated, “Extract all the points I have mentioned in my speeches and you will then have a book that you can give to others, who, upon reading, will be convinced Insha-Allah.” 

One of the Lajna members said to Huzoor^aa that some areas in Switzerland were very rigid and did not wish to hear anything regarding Islam or religion. Huzoor^aa replied, “The Holy Prophet^sa was told to convey the message that was revealed to him. First convince them that there is a God and then move towards religion.”

Addressing the department responsible for the Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid departments, Huzoor^aa said, “The amount of funds collected is not what matters. What really matters is that all members of Lajna, Nasirat and children should know the importance of financial sacrifice, even if they participate by giving 1 franc.” 

On Sunday, 27 January 2019, a group of Ansar travelled from Switzerland for a mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V^aa.

The importance of meeting with Huzoor^aa is not only to seek guidance in official matters, but also to establish a firm and unique bond with our beloved Imam and to progress in our spiritual journey. 

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa commenced the mulaqat with silent prayer and then turned to the Ansar and enquired about the total number of Ansar and majalis in Switzerland. Upon this, a member answered that in total there were 159 Ansar, 14 majalis and 3 regions. 

Huzoor^aa individually asked each member of Ansar what duty and task they had been assigned and what efforts they were making to achieve their goals.

Whilst talking to the tarbiyat department, the secretary explained that the main task set for their department was to focus on was congregational Salat and listening to Huzoor’s^aa live Friday Sermons.

Huzoor^aa turned to the missionary that had travelled with the group and asked if any centre or place had been allocated for those living far away from mosques to offer Salat in congregation. 

Upon this, the missionary replied affirmatively and said that in every Jamaat, where there was no mosque or Salat centre, a place had been allocated where people could gather for prayers.

Huzoor^aa spoke to the qaid talim-ul-Quran about the programmes they had made and further asked, “How many Ansar, in the past year, have gone for Waqf-e-Arzi?” The qaid replied that three Ansar had gone, but for less than two weeks. Hearing this, Huzoor^aa stated, “They should go for at least two weeks”.

Speaking to the Zaeem Ansarullah of Geneva Jamaat, Huzoor^aa emphasised that Salat centres should be functional for all five daily prayers, especially Fajr prayer, which is often one of the prayers that is observed at home. 

Alongside seeking guidance from Huzoor^aa, the Ansar also had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa questions regarding various issues. Among such questions, one Nasir (member of Ansarullah) asked what the main focus for Switzerland Ansarullah should be. Huzoor gave a comprehensive outline to the Ansar by saying that they should pay attention to Salat, watching programmes of MTA, listening to Friday Sermons and showing a good example to children.

Speaking with one of the members of the amila, the subject of the hatred people had for Islam arose. Huzoor^aa stated, “Ansarullah should go for leafleting, and should hold seminars and symposia to remove misconceptions people have concerning Islam.” 

Whilst discussing issues related to challenges the youth face, especially concerning Waqf-e-Nau, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih^aa stated that their proper upbringing was the responsibility of the parents. Huzoor^aa said, “After reaching the age of 15, Waqf-e-Nau should write to the concerned department if they wish to remain Waqf-e-Nau. Then, when they reach the stage of university, they should write again. They should do the same [for a third time] upon completion of their studies.”

A member of the Ansar mentioned to Huzoor^aa that they had been doing tabligh and setting up bookstalls. He asked for further guidance on what else could be done to propagate the message of Islam. Huzoor^aa explained that this task could not be achieved with little effort and said, “It is your duty to do tabligh and it is up to God to guide people.”

As the Ansar sought guidance, they also felt a deep connection with their Imam. The zaeem Ansarullah of Geneva Jamaat asked Huzoor, “Please pardon me for asking a personal question; I’m just interested in knowing how you relax?” 

Huzoor affectionately replied, “I am relaxing right now.” 

In recent weeks and months, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa has been delivering a series of Friday Sermons on the noble Companions^ra of the Holy Prophet^sa who took part in the Battle of Badr. One person asked about this, to which Huzoor^aa stated, “I started this series so that we may remember the sacrifices made by the Companions^ra of the Holy Prophet^sa. Though it had not crossed my mind before, but just a few days ago, someone reminded me about a revelation the Promised Messiah^as received [in Urdu] ‘Do not forget the event of the Battle of Badr.’” 

Referring to this series of sermons, Huzoor^aa said, “Through this, we are able to gauge the level of righteousness of the Companions^ra, their services to the Holy Prophet^sa and his love for his Companions^ra. By means of these sermons, they will be recorded in our history.” 

Huzoor^aa then added, “If we try to adopt the excellent character that the Companions^ra possessed in our lives, then a great change can come about within us.”

Towards the end of the mulaqat, the group of Majlis Ansarullah were fortunate to have a group photograph with Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa.