On 15 February 2026, a delegation of Waqf-e-Nau khuddam from France had the blessed opportunity to meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The group, led by Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya France, met with Huzooraa at Islamabad, Tilford, UK.
Huzooraa arrived at the meeting and conveyed his salaam to the attendees. Upon taking his seat, Huzooraa asked the group where they had come from, to which they replied that they were from France.
The members then had the opportunity to introduce themselves individually. Following the introductions, the khuddam were granted permission to ask questions.
The essence of loyalty for Waqf-e-Nau
A question was asked regarding how to teach the concept of loyalty [wafa] to waqifeen-e-nau.
Huzooraa addressed the members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme, reminding them of the sanctity of their written bond and the grave responsibility of upholding their pledge of loyalty to faith and of giving precedence to it above the world. He said:
“Tell them, ‘You are waqifeen-e-nau. Fulfil your Waqf-e-Nau pledge; otherwise, leave the waqf. If you have entered into waqf, then uphold it with loyalty and faithfulness; otherwise, it becomes a double standard, doesn’t it – two-faced conduct – indeed, it becomes hypocrisy. Then there is no loyalty left. Loyalty is simply this: we have pledged that we will give precedence to faith over the world.
“Therefore, waqifeen-e-nau should bind themselves to this pledge more than anyone else: that we are to give precedence to faith over the world, more than others. Only then can we make sacrifices; and those who do this with faithfulness, Allah the Almighty will also be pleased with them and it also reflects a person’s lofty morals.
“Look, even an ordinary person in the world – if they make a promise, they fulfil it. If they do not fulfil that promise, people turn against them. If a case goes to court, the court calls them to account: ‘You made a promise, [but failed to honour it].’ And if that promise is written down, it becomes even more binding.
“Here, in this case, [the waqifeen-e-nau] have even given a written bond – first the parents wrote it, then their children wrote a bond at the age of 15 and then they wrote a bond at the age of 21. Yet if they still do not do so, then they will be breaking their own pledge. A court even punishes. We do not punish as such, but Allah the Almighty will certainly question them.”
The Big Bang and the creation of the universe
A khadim asked what existed before the Big Bang, whether other worlds existed previously and about the continuity of Allah’s creation.
Huzooraa remarked that if humans possessed knowledge of everything, they would share in the attribute of knowing the Unseen (Alim-ul-Ghayb), which belongs solely to Allah. However, regarding the physical universe, Huzooraa referred to the Holy Quran, which states that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass [ratqan] before Allah opened them out [fa-fataqnahuma] – a process describing the Big Bang. (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.31)
Huzooraa explained that this specific universe did not exist before that event, but there are many other universes. He referenced the Quranic verse stating that Allah will eventually roll up the heavens like a scroll and bring forth a new creation. (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.105) Huzooraa advised the khadim to study the commentary of Surah al-Anbiya for a deeper understanding of this subject.
Preserving dignity when giving charity
A question was raised about whether one must inform a recipient that the money being given is sadaqah, especially in cases where doing so may compromise the dignity of a respectable person or a Syed who might find it difficult to accept.
Huzooraa advised that if a person does not like to receive sadaqah, the giver should change their intention from sadaqah to a gift. Huzooraa explained that Syeds traditionally do not accept sadaqah. In such cases, one should help them with the pure intention of giving a gift, just as one would help a sibling or relative. However, if the intention remains sadaqah, it is generally appropriate to disclose it so the recipient is aware of what they are accepting.
Spiritual fluctuations
A khadim asked about the “ups and downs” in one’s spiritual journey and how to identify true spiritual progress. He mentioned experiencing times of intense focus in Tahajjud, followed by periods of lesser concentration.
Huzooraa reassured him that such fluctuations are natural for human beings. He explained that moments of tenderness [riqqat], where prayers flow from the heart, are times of acceptance and should be cherished. However, when one experiences a state of spiritual constriction [qabz], one must not abandon worship. Instead, one should strive to offer the obligatory prayers and Tahajjud, praying to Allah to open the heart once more.
Huzooraa referred to his recent Friday sermon, wherein he mentioned an incident related by the Promised Messiahas regarding the development of attentiveness in prayer. It so happened that once, the Promised Messiahas sought to develop greater attentiveness in prayer. Consequently, he went out to find a secluded place to offer his supplications. Along the way, he encountered a drunkard who was saying that he had started drinking but had not yet become intoxicated, so he would continue drinking until he finally got drunk. The Promised Messiahas reflected that, in a similar manner, he would continue offering voluntary prayers until he developed the desired attentiveness and fervour. Huzooraa advised the khadim to adopt this persistence and recommended repeatedly reciting the prayer for guidance to the straight path (i.e., ihdina s-sirat l-mustaqim) during nawafil to rejuvenate spiritual focus.
Salvation and Divine judgement
An attendee raised a question about the fate of non-Ahmadis and non-Muslims, noting that some people assert that only Muslims will enter Paradise and that all others – despite being kind, honest and helpful – are destined for Hell.
Huzooraa responded that such categorical verdicts are not supported by the Holy Quran or the Hadith. He remarked that those who make these claims may say so as though they have been informed by God, whereas, in reality, neither the Quran nor the Hadith states that every non-Muslim – regardless of their deeds – will inevitably go to Hell. Rather, Allah has clearly declared that He rewards goodness and that whoever does righteous deeds will be granted recompense. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.63)
Huzooraa explained that punishment is for those who knowingly reject the truth and then go beyond mere denial – actively opposing the Prophets, opposing their communities, committing cruelty and injustice and exceeding all bounds in enmity. Even then, Huzooraa stated, if such a person has performed genuine acts of goodness, Allah will not leave those good deeds unrewarded; Allah grants recompense for virtue in some form. He further pointed out the Divine principle that good deeds are multiplied, while wrongdoing is repaid only to its due measure: Allah says that a person who brings a good deed will receive many times over, whereas the one who brings an evil deed is recompensed only in proportion to it. (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.161)
Huzooraa pointed to the example of Hilf al-Fudul – the pre-Islamic pact formed to support the oppressed – explaining that the Holy Prophetsa valued righteous collective action, even when it was undertaken by those who were not Muslims. He recalled the Holy Prophetsa saying that if he were called to such a pact again in the time of Islam, he would respond. (Sunan al-Kubra, Hadith 12114)
Huzooraa stressed that the final decision of salvation and punishment lies with Allah alone. No group has the right to issue “certificates” of Heaven or Hell for others. He emphasised that Allah’s mercy is vast and that He may lessen punishment for whom He wills. In this regard, Huzooraa reminded that Allah’s mercy encompasses all things (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.157) and cited the hadith in which the Holy Prophetsa said that, [before creating creation, Allah inscribed]: “My mercy has preceded My anger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-tawhid, Hadith 7553)
To illustrate the believer’s plea and hope in Divine forgiveness, Huzooraa referred to two couplets from Durr-e-Adan:
نہ روک راہ میں مولا شتاب جانے دے
کھلا تو ہے تری ’’جنت کا باب‘‘ جانے دے
مرے گناہ تیری بخشش سے بڑھ نہیں سکتے
ترے نثار! حساب و کتاب جانے دے
[“Do not block my path, O Master, let me go in haste, Thy gate of Paradise is open, let me pass. My sins can never exceed the extent of Thy forgiveness, I am a sacrifice for Thee! Let go of the reckoning.”]
Huzooraa also narrated the well-known incident of the man from the Israelites who had killed 100 people, yet, when sincere repentance took root within him and he set out to reform, Allah accepted his turning back. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadithi l-’anbiya’, Hadith 3470)
In the same vein, Huzooraa related the hadith of two men among the Israelites: one was devoted to worship, while the other lived sinfully. The “devout” man repeatedly looked down upon the sinner and eventually swore that Allah would not forgive him. When they died and stood before God, Allah rebuked the one who presumed to limit Divine mercy and He forgave the sinner by His mercy. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-adab, Hadith 6069)
Huzooraa further reminded that even the Holy Prophetsa taught that entry into Paradise is not achieved by one’s deeds alone, but by Allah’s grace and mercy. When some Companions asked, “Not even you, O Allah’s Messengersa”, the Holy Prophetsa replied, “Not even me, unless Allah bestows His favour and mercy upon me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Marda, Hadith 5673)
On the other hand, Huzooraa drew attention to a grave contradiction: some who call themselves Muslim and commit bloodshed, terrorism and cruelty, yet still claim Paradise is guaranteed for them. He observed that such people are not walking the path that leads to Paradise.
Huzooraa concluded by outlining what a believer should focus on: rectifying one’s own actions, fulfilling the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation – establishing prayer and worship, adopting good morals, caring for the poor and vulnerable, honouring the young and the old and dealing with all people respectfully. Alongside this, a believer should remain in a state of humility, turning to Allah with repentance and istighfar and constantly praying for a good end – leaving the final judgement, in every case, to Allah alone.
Restoring motivation
A khadim asked how to deal with a temporary lack of motivation in serving the Jamaat.
Huzooraa advised him to recall the example of Prophet Abrahamas, regarding whom the Holy Quran testifies in the following words:
وَإِبۡرَٰهِيمَ ٱلَّذِي وَفَّىٰٓ
[“And of Abraham the Faithful.” (Surah an-Najm, Ch.53: V.38)]
Huzooraa said that waqifeen-e-nau must constantly remind themselves of their covenant. When one remembers their pledge, the question of a lack of motivation does not arise. If laziness occurs, the remedy lies in istighfar and praying for guidance by reciting “اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ” to restart with renewed vigour.
International training for students
A civil engineering student asked for advice on which country to choose for a three-month training placement to improve his professional skills and English.
Huzooraa advised him to prioritise professional development over English proficiency, as language skills can be acquired anywhere. Huzooraa suggested considering countries where significant construction and development projects are underway.
Islam as a ‘stranger’
A question was asked regarding the hadith: “Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-iman, Hadith 200)
Huzooraa explained that Islam was “strange” to the Arabs at its inception because they were immersed in ignorance and unaware of the Oneness of God. The Holy Prophetsa transformed them from a savage state into Godly people. Similarly, the hadith prophesied a time in the Latter Days when people would again forget the true teachings of Islam and return to a state of moral decay. (Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab al-iman, Hadith 276) Huzooraa referenced the poetic description of this era:
رہا دین باقی نہ اسلام باقی
اک اسلام کا رہ گیا نام باقی
[“Neither faith remains, nor Islam remains; Only the name of Islam remains.”]
Huzooraa stated that the “glad tidings” are for those who, in such a time of spiritual darkness, accept the Promised Messiahas and hold fast to the true teachings of Islam. While the world – and even many Muslims – may view the Ahmadiyya teachings as “strange” or unfamiliar due to the prevalence of extremist ideologies and the distortion of faith by clerics, Ahmadis are the fortunate ones who have recognised the truth and revived the original spirit of Islam. This explanation, Huzooraa said, is one interpretation and the hadith inherently encompasses several aspects.
Engaging khuddam
A khadim asked how to engage members who only attend sports events but avoid other Jamaat programmes.
Huzooraa advised creating a personal bond of friendship with such members. He suggested inviting them to informal get-togethers rather than formal meetings initially. When they attend sports, they should be encouraged to offer salat in congregation. Through friendship and gradual explanation of the importance of religion in the contemporary world, they can be brought closer to the Jamaat.
Prohibition of fasting on Eid
An attendee asked why fasting is prohibited on the day of Eid.
Huzooraa explained that fasting is a form of worship because it is a command of Allah. Worship is defined by obedience to Allah’s specific instructions. Allah has commanded believers to fast for the month of Ramadan and has designated Eid as a day of reward and celebration.
Huzooraa elaborated that Satan is distressed during Ramadan as believers strive to improve their spirituality. On Eid, when believers are commanded to celebrate and eat, Satan attempts to deceive people into fasting to prevent them from obeying Allah’s command to rejoice. Therefore, fasting on Eid would be contrary to the divine command. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab as-siyam, Hadith 1911) Huzooraa added that obeying the command to eat is just as much an act of worship as obeying the command to fast.
Balancing busy careers and service
A khadim asked how waqifeen-e-nau working in demanding fields, such as research or medicine, can serve the Jamaat if they have limited time.
Huzooraa instructed that regardless of one’s career, the obligatory prayers must never be neglected. He advised starting the day with the recitation and study of the Holy Quran. Huzooraa suggested utilising weekends for Jamaat service. Furthermore, he explained that tabligh and preaching within one’s own professional circle is a significant form of service. He cited the example of Dr Abdus Salam, who, despite his immense busyness, always found time to explain Quranic insights and his faith to his colleagues.
Increasing love for the Holy Prophetsa
A question was asked about how to increase the love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in one’s heart.
Huzooraa advised reciting durood with deep reflection and sincerity. He explained that when durood comes from the heart, love for the Holy Prophetsa increases naturally. This love, in turn, compels a believer to study his sirah or his life and character and follow his sunnah. Huzooraa concluded that invoking durood upon the Holy Prophetsa and following his footsteps leads to the love of Allah, thereby granting the believer a twofold benefit – the love of the Prophetsa and the love of Allah, as the Holy Quran states:
قُلۡ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ تُحِبُّوۡنَ اللّٰہَ فَاتَّبِعُوۡنِیۡ یُحۡبِبۡکُمُ اللّٰہُ
[“Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you.’” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.32)]
Marriage and self-discipline
A khadim asked at what stage in life one should consider marriage.
Huzooraa replied that Islam recommends marriage upon reaching maturity. He noted that the primary purpose of marriage in Islam is to safeguard oneself from sin. Huzooraa advised the youth to practise ghadd-e-basar or lowering the gaze and avoid inappropriate mixing of genders. If one feels they cannot maintain their chastity without marriage, they should ask their parents to arrange it. To protect against sin, Huzooraa recommended istighfar and fasting, noting that fasting also has health benefits.
Integrating new converts
The final question was regarding how to help new converts attach themselves to the Jamaat.
Huzooraa emphasised the need for genuine friendship. He advised khuddam to bring new converts closer by speaking to them in their own language and making them feel like family. Huzooraa warned against the tendency of some members to sit together and speak Urdu in the presence of those who do not understand it. He stated that converts must feel they are part of a family that genuinely cares for them, rather than just collecting chanda or inviting them to meetings.
Conclusion
The mulaqat concluded with a group photograph. Huzooraa distributed pens to the attendees and then took his leave.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)