On Monday, 14 April 2025, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, met with a delegation of khuddam from the New York Region of the USA at Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
As the mulaqat commenced, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa greeted the attendees. The khuddam then had the opportunity to introduce themselves individually. Following the introductions, they sought guidance from Huzoor-e-Anwaraa on a range of issues.
Seeking forgiveness after wronging someone
A khadim asked about the etiquette of seeking forgiveness if one has wronged another person, enquiring when one should cease seeking forgiveness from the individual and focus solely on seeking forgiveness from Allah the Exalted.
Huzooraa counselled:
“Why should you speak wrongly or unjustly with somebody? You should show good morals. Being an Ahmadi, you should behave like a gentle, kind person. It is not the behaviour of an Ahmadi to speak wrongly or unjustly to somebody. But whenever you come to realise that you have done something wrong and you were not right, or even you have gone beyond your limits, then you should immediately ask for forgiveness. That pleases Allah and that is what Allah wants from us.”
Dealing with spiritual doubt
Another khadim asked for guidance on how to cope with spiritual doubt or weakness.
Huzooraa advised:
“The first thing is that you offer five daily prayers and pray to Allah Ta‘ala that Allah Ta‘ala removes all your doubts – whatever comes into your mind. […] You [should] bow before Allah and [when] you are in sajdah position or in ruku‘, ask for forgiveness from Allah Ta‘ala and ask Allah Ta‘ala that He should guide you on the right path. Whenever you are reciting Surah al-Fatihah, you should repeatedly recite اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ , i.e., ‘O Allah! Guide me on the right path.’ And, apart from that, you [should] try to increase your religious knowledge. Read the Holy Quran and try to know the meaning of the Holy Quran. And if possible, read the commentary of the Holy Quran. Then you will know what the teachings of Islam are and how you can come closer to Allah Ta‘ala. Then, apart from that, you should also try to read some religious books, especially the books of the Promised Messiahas and, from that, [find out] how you can be a good person, a religious person. The Promised Messiahas says, I have written a book, Kashti-e-Nuh (Noah’s Ark). You [should] read that one – that will also guide you. So, it all depends on your own effort.”
Overcoming procrastination
Guidance was sought by a khadim on overcoming the habit of leaving tasks until the last minute.
Huzooraa noted that this tendency is common, even culturally ingrained for some, leading to tasks not being completed with proper planning. He mentioned a common Punjabi saying reflecting this habit of doing things hastily at the end, describing it as a “very bad habit.”
Huzooraa advised:
“You should try to get your work done early. You should first know the work that you are required to complete. Write them down in an order of preference so that you know that these are the tasks that need to be completed at such and such time. Once you get into the habit of doing this, then you will naturally get into the habit of completing any necessary tasks on time.”
Balancing spiritual duties and family relationships
A young, unmarried khadim asked how to maintain harmony in family relationships while fulfilling spiritual responsibilities.
Huzooraa advised the khadim that he should offer his five daily prayers regularly and remember others in those prayers. He explained that praying for others helps develop a softer and more compassionate attitude towards them, including one’s siblings and it also fosters a deeper respect for one’s parents. Therefore, he emphasised the importance of praying for such sentiments during one’s supplications.
Huzooraa reminded him that his foremost responsibility was his education. He clarified that pursuing education was not a favour to anyone else, but rather a step towards building a better future for himself. He further advised that if, while studying, his younger siblings disturbed him, he should not become upset; instead, he should quietly move to another room and continue his studies in peace. Huzooraa highlighted that all of this ultimately depended on how well one could manage and control their emotions.
Huzooraa stated:
“Maintaining a balance means that it is clear to you what your responsibilities are. (You ought to know that) these are your responsibilities pertaining to your studies, these are your responsibilities pertaining to Allah the Exalted, these are your responsibilities pertaining to respecting your parents and these are your responsibilities in dealing with your siblings. Everyone has their due rights, which ought to be fulfilled and you ought to fulfil your due responsibilities.”
Why do some people continue to commit sins despite praying?
A question was raised about why some people continue to commit sins despite praying regularly, even though salat is meant to prevent indecency.
Huzooraa explained that Allah the Exalted also warns in the Holy Quran that prayers offered improperly, without fulfilling duties to God and fellow beings, will not be accepted and can even take one to hell.
Huzooraa stated that Allah the Exalted requires two key elements for salat to be accepted. Firstly, one must have firm faith that Allah is always watching – that He sees all actions and deeds at all times. Secondly, a person must fulfil the duties owed to their fellow human beings. Huzooraa said that if someone offers salat but behaves unjustly or does not treat others properly, then Allah declares that such prayers will not be accepted because the person is failing in their responsibilities toward others.
He emphasised that Allah the Exalted says that if one is truly offering prayer, they must obey all of His commandments and discharge their duties to fellow human beings. Only then will Allah accept their prayers and respond to their supplications.
Huzooraa reiterated the importance of repeatedly praying اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ [“Guide us on the right path”] with concentration and understanding its meaning, fervently asking Allah for guidance towards righteousness.
How to achieve the state of ihsan in worship
Another khadim asked how to practically achieve the level of worship described by the Holy Prophetsa – worshipping Allah as if seeing Him, or at least knowing He sees us.
Regarding achieving sincerity and focus [ihsan], Huzooraa referenced the Promised Messiahas, who explained that “establishing prayer” means re-establishing focus whenever the mind wanders during salat. One should continue to repeat the Arabic words and phrases of salat and also supplicate for the ability to offer salat properly.
Huzooraa elaborated on the concept of Allah watching over us: “Allah the Exalted states, ‘My manifestation can be witnessed in that which is visible, ‘which is above, which is below and in the unseen. Thus, I am present everywhere.’ So, if this level of faith has not yet been developed whereby one perceives that Allah the Exalted is everywhere or whereby one perceives that they can see God, one should at the very least believe that Allah the Exalted is watching me. […] Always think that Allah the Exalted is watching every action of yours. And if Allah the Exalted is watching all of your actions, then this thought naturally comes into one’s mind: that I should not commit such a mistake which displeases Allah the Exalted, whereby I am punished. […] If one knew that there were ‘CCTV cameras’ [monitoring them], they would not do anything that is wrong. […] So whilst offering salat, always bear in mind that the ‘CCTV cameras’ of Allah the Exalted are Exalted and operating everywhere. And when this is the case, you will know that this ‘closed circuit’ can catch you at any time. So, always bear this in mind. This is the true essence of [perceiving to] see God.”
How Huzooraa selects letters for personal reply
A khadim enquired how Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa decides which letters to reply to personally and which are answered by the Private Secretary.
Huzooraa explained that common letters requesting prayers [du‘a], without specific issues, are often delegated to the Private Secretary for a reply. However, letters requiring specific guidance or discussing particular issues are typically answered by Huzooraa himself. Given the volume of mail (30,000-40,000 letters a month), it’s impossible to personally reply to all. Huzooraa mentioned reading hundreds of letters daily himself, while others are summarised by office staff.
Purifying intentions
Referencing the hadith that deeds are judged by intentions, a khadim asked how to ensure one’s intentions are pure and solely for Allah’s pleasure before undertaking any virtuous act.
Huzooraa noted that even non-believers can possess good morals driven by virtuous intentions, for which they may be rewarded in their own way. However, for a believer, the intention is crucial.
If one attempts to reform someone (a good act) but with the intention of exposing their faults publicly, the intention is flawed and the act becomes sinful.
Huzooraa stated:
“If one has good intentions, then they think before they speak. This means that one should do such things that are solely for the pleasure of Allah the Exalted and are done with pure intentions and for the purpose of helping to reform others. […] As for purifying intentions, why does a person have bad intentions? Only such a person has bad intentions whose heart has been infiltrated by Satan. Hence, you should first recite أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّـيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ [‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed’] before every matter.”
Huzooraa also mentioned the guidance of the Promised Messiahas to pray for someone for 40 days before complaining about them, allowing time for prayer to potentially bring reformation. Ultimately, one must examine their own heart to discern their true intention, seeking a verdict from within rather than always relying on external fatwas.
Investing in stocks
A question was asked about the permissibility of investing in the shares of banking, credit card and entertainment/media companies, considering that banks deal in interest and media companies may host profane content alongside good content.
Huzooraa responded by explaining that in today’s world, it is extremely difficult to find businesses completely free from any form of wrongdoing, as indecency and vulgarity are prevalent even in advertising. He stated that while intentions play a significant role in judging one’s actions, it is still preferable to invest in businesses that are free from clear vices, if such options are available.
He clarified that investors are not compelled to invest in companies involved in interest-based operations or those promoting inappropriate content. Therefore, if one has the means and alternatives, it is better to avoid such investments, particularly when there is certainty that unethical practices are taking place.
Huzooraa added that if someone does invest in such companies, it should be with the intention of supporting their legitimate and beneficial activities, rather than their inappropriate aspects. He emphasised that this is a nuanced matter that each individual must reflect upon carefully and personally expressed that he himself would avoid investing in such companies if he had the means to do so.
Reciting longer Surahs in the Fajr prayer
Finally, a khadim noted that Huzooraa often recites longer Surahs of the Holy Quran during the Fajr prayer and asked about the reasoning behind this.
Huzooraa explained simply: “That is the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa used to recite long Surahs during Fajr prayer and that was the practice of all the Khulafa-e-Rashideen and other Khulafa of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. That is why – to follow the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa.”
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the mulaqat, the khuddam were graciously granted the opportunity to have a group photograph taken with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Huzooraa then took his leave, bringing the blessed session to an end.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)