On 20 January, a group of 21 Waqifeen-e-Nau from all over Australia had a mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, where they all had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa various types of questions and sought advice for their future professions. The mulaqat commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Following this, a young man from Brisbane, whose parents are originally from Ghana, asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa about his experience in Ghana and his fondest moments. Answering the young boy, Huzooraa said, “The entire time I spent there was my favourite experience. Everyday, I would see new things. When I was there, Ghana was economically totally crippled. To buy loaf of bread in the village, a van would come and you would have to line up outside [to purchase bread].”
Due to the large amount of people waiting for bread and not knowing if you would get it or not, Huzooraa said, “Those who wouldn’t get the bread would then simply leave.”
Alluding to the patience shown by the Ghanaians at such times, Huzooraa said, “I like the level of patience of Ghanaians.”
A young boy, whilst conveying his desire of fulfilling his waqf, asked Huzooraa what other fields one could enter apart from Jamia, whereby they can still fulfil their waqf. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that one can fulfil their waqf in other fields too. Huzooraa asked if he was interested in science and being a doctor, to which the boy replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa further said that once you have become a doctor, then you can see which field you wish to specialise in.
A young gentleman asked what Huzoor’saa most precious and memorable moment was with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Answering this, Huzooraa said, “In 1993, when I came to the UK, I went with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh for a walk, up north in Yorkshire. We walked in the rain and walked up a steep hill. I recall that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and I found no difficulty in it, but many others who were present did.”
Alluding to Huzoor’saa imprisonment in 1999, one person asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa how he felt during that time. Answering the question, Huzooraa stated, “The sanction raised against me was of such nature that they would have either hanged me or I would have received life in prison. Thus, I was mentally prepared to stay there and serve the rest of my life in prison. However, Allah had other plans for me and now I am here.”
A young gentleman asked Huzooraa if he preferred the Fazl Mosque or Islamabad. Addressing the question, Huzooraa answered, “They both have their own unique beauty. Due to the vast amount of work and offices, the Fazl Mosque lacked space.”
Huzooraa added, “The Fazl Mosque has its own status and significance as four of the Khulafa have offered their prayers there.”
Further adding to this, Huzooraa said, “The land is more open here and more facilities are available. Now we can say that the Jamaat has attained a place where we have more facilities, the Khalifa’s residence, a mosque, residence for workers and places for meetings. Thus, it has its own identity now.”
One boy asked about the nature of taqdir (divine destiny). Answering the question, Huzooraa explained that there are two types of taqdir. The first type is which can be altered and the second is that which cannot be evaded. For example, it is destined that every human being shall perish and die, this type of taqdir cannot be evaded. And there is also a tadqir that can be evaded by prayer and good deeds.
A question was asked about trials and tribulations and how we know whether a trial is a punishment from God or a trial. Answering the question, Huzooraa said that all prophets went through trials and tribulations. The Holy Prophetsa and the Companionsra also went through many hardships. Huzooraa further gave his own example and said, “When I was in jail, I had no worry as I knew that it was a trial from God. However, at the same time, there were many others also in prison who would cry and hope they would survive somehow. Thus, if a person’s intentions are pure, they themselves will know within the heart of their hearts whether it is a trial or punishment from God.”
A Waqf-e-Nau gentleman asked Huzooraa how one can improve concentration during Salat. Huzooraa answered, “This is very common with everyone. For this, whenever you lose concentration you should repeatedly recite ‘Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqim’ [Guide us on the right path] and keep trying. With the passage of time, you will become experienced and be able to focus and concentrate.”
Huzooraa further stated, “You should focus upon the words of Surah al-Fatihah and the words you utter during Salat. This is what is meant by aqimus-Salah [observe prayer].”
A question was asked about the importance and significance of wearing a turban. Upon this, Huzooraa stated that there is no significance in wearing a turban. Huzooraa further stated that the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and Hazrat Khailfatul Masih IIra used to wear turbans. At that time, it was customary to wear turbans. Now, Huzooraa said, it has become a tradition of Khulafa. A Waqf-e-Nau expressed his desire of joining Jamia and asked what he could do to prepare and ensure that he was ready. Huzooraa said, “You should learn the translation of Salat, memorise some chapters of the Holy Quran and read the books and different excerpts of the Promised Messiahas.”
A khadim asked Huzooraa how he, as well as those who do not live in UK and do not have the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa regularly, could increase their relationship with Khilafat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa answered by saying, “There are many people in Africa who have not yet met me. They are only able to listen to the sermons I deliver as other content is not yet available in there languages. Even people who travel from here to Africa see that many people there, even in villages, express their relationship with Khilafat. Thus, this is a matter of the heart and you should ask your heart in regard to this.”
Thus, the mulaqat came to close with a group photo with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.