A group of Waqf-e-Nau boys and girls from the UK were blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat on 5 February 2023.
The children assembled in the Tahir Hall at the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in Morden, Surrey.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam and on seeing the hall full of children, said: “It seems like you have arranged a Jalsa.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then called Sabeehul Rehman to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. Najma Tayyab read out the English translation. Bariya Rahman presented a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa and Qurat-ul-Ain read out the Urdu translation. Thereafter, Jaahiz Haque had the opportunity to present a nazm, composed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. After Jaahiz had completed the nazm, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how old he was, to which he said he was 11. Huzooraa said to Jaahiz to tell his mother to give him more training in reciting nazms, saying, “read it in the same manner your mother does.” Huzooraa then asked him, “You’re Laiq Tahir Sahib’s maternal grandson?” Jaahiz replied in the affirmative.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then called Mansoor-ul-Haq to read the English translation of the nazm. Huzooraa asked him how old he was, to which he replied that he was 10. Huzooraa smiled and encouraged him to eat more, as he appeared to be very slim.
Attaul Baqi then presented a short speech about the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud, the Promised Son. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked him who his father is and where he is from; Attaul Baqi replied that his father is Abdul Muqtadir and that he lives in Tooting.
Afan and Samreen Mansoor then read the transcript of an interview with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa that was published in Al Hakam (on 15 February 2019) about Huzoor’saa personal memories and recollections of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Afan was called first to read the first part. Addressing Afan, Huzooraa asked what class he was in, to which Afan replied that he was in year 5. Samreen Mansoor then read the remaining part of the interview.
Thereafter, the children had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa various questions on an array of matters.
Bariya Shams, 10, from Guildford Jamaat, shared that upon entering secondary school, she intends to wear a hijab. She expressed her apprehension about the reaction of fellow students and sought guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on this matter.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked her if she has firm faith in Islam as the true religion, to which she replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa then stated that Allah the Almighty has commanded women to wear a hijab on reaching maturity. He emphasised that it is important to follow Allah’s commands and not be afraid of others. Huzooraa asked Bariya Shams, “Do you want to please Allah or your friends?” Bariya replied that she wants to please Allah. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa reassured her by saying, “If you want to please Allah, then there is no need to fear other people.” Huzooraa added, “We are truthful, our religion is true, and our faith is unwavering.” Huzooraa then mentioned that he is intentionally speaking in Urdu to encourage the Waqf-e-Nau boys and girls to learn the language.
Mian Labeed Ahmad from Southall Jamaat asked Huzooraa for advice on how a Waqf-e-Nau boy or girl could engage in tabligh.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said he emphasised several times in various classes and meetings that a Waqf-e-Nau boy or girl should lead by example. They should take care of their salat, interact with fellow students in a friendly and non-argumentative manner, focus on their studies, and listen to their teachers. By exhibiting good morals and speaking positively, Huzooraa said, people will naturally ask about their identity. “When people see that your morals and ethics are good, and you say good things, they will ask you ‘who are you?’. Then you can tell them that you are an Ahmadi Muslim,” which will provide a chance to do tabligh and explain that the Holy Prophetsa prophesied the arrival of the Promised Messiahas to revive the teachings of Islam at a time when Muslims were to have forgotten its principles.
Reeha Shehzad, of Central Croydon Jamaat, asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to explain how the formation of 73 sects of Muslims were formed.
Huzooraa explained that the Holy Prophetsa prophesied that a time would come when the Muslim Ummah would forget the teachings of Islam, neglect the guidance of the Holy Quran, and have leaders who promote their personal perspectives, leading to the formation of sects. At that time, the Promised Messiahas would arrive to unite the various sects and the Holy Prophetsa declared that those who believe in the Promised Messiahas will be true Muslims. Hence, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that upon the arrival of the Promised Messiahas, one should convey his salaam to him and accept him. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa continued by addressing the incorrect belief among some Muslims today that Prophet Jesusas is still alive and will return, and he and the Mahdi will forcibly convert people to Islam. Huzooraa stated that this notion is incorrect.
Huzooraa added that the reason for the plight of Muslims today is their failure to accept the Promised Messiahas.
“Today, by the grace of Allah, Ahmadiyyat has spread throughout the world,” the number of people accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat is increasing daily, fulfilling Allah’s promise. The existence of multiple sects was foretold by the Holy Prophetsa. Ahmadiyyat aligns with the Holy Prophet’sas prophecies and God’s promises, making it the true manifestation of Islam.
Baseerat Ahmad, from Balham Jamaat, asked if Satan had submitted to Allah’s command to prostrate, would it mean there would only have been heaven and all of us would only do good deeds.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that Satan was never going to prostrate, because Allah did not create him in the same manner as He created man. When commanded to prostrate, Satan declared himself superior because he was created from fire, and man was created from clay. Prostrating was not in Satan’s nature, and Allah already knew this.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that if Satan had not existed, man would not have the ability to distinguish between good and evil. Allah has given humans the choice and laid bare the consequences of good and bad deeds. Those who choose to do good deeds will be rewarded by Allah.
Nabeeha Sheikh, of Wolverhampton Jamaat, asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa how one can, along with prayer, ensure the safety of the Jamaat and its mosques from opposition and negative forces, referencing the recent martyrs in Burkina Faso.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that security arrangements and maintaining a heightened awareness of our surroundings can assist in preventing similar incidents from occurring. He also referred to the tragic event in Burkina Faso and how the poor Burkinabe Ahmadis, living in a remote village, were caught by surprise.
Rayan Ahmad Mirza, from Gillingham Jamaat, said that Huzoor’saa mother, Syeda Nasira Begum Sahiba as well as his sister have composed poems. He asked Huzooraa if he had also written any poem.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa smiled and answered, “I have never written any poems. I am not a poet.”
Anabiya Asif, from Nottingham Jamaat, asked why it was so important for girls to wear the hijab and not boys.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa replied, “I recently answered this question.” According to Allah’s commands, girls should start wearing hijabs once they reach the age of maturity, as it brings them safety and security. Modest dress promotes pure thoughts and morals, Huzooraa added. Huzooraa said that the young questioner will understand the importance of hijab better as she grows older and realises that some people exhibit immoral behaviour. Women wear hijabs to protect themselves from such individuals.
Mashood Ahmad, of West Croydon Jamaat, asked Huzooraa if it is permissible for Waqf-e-Nau boys to become football players.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered that playing football is permissible, but added that unless one becomes an exceptional player, it is unlikely to be of great material benefit for them personally. Instead, Huzooraa suggested pursuing a good profession and excelling in studies, while still playing football. “Waqf-e-Nau should strive to benefit the world,” Huzooraa emphasised, suggesting that one’s focus should be on how they can be of service to others.
Atiyatul Sabuh, of Clapham Junction Jamaat, said to Huzooraa that he had visited various countries in the world and asked Huzooraa which country was his favourite and why.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa responded by saying that every country has its own unique beauty. Huzooraa said that every place where sincere Ahmadis reside holds a special significance. The presence of good Ahmadis makes a country good, whether it is the UK, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Africa. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa particularly mentioned that the children and elders in Africa are very devoted, and then went on to pay tribute to the martyrs of Burkina Faso who were martyred solely for their faith as Ahmadis. Huzooraa stressed that a country where there are good Ahmadis who are making sacrifices for the sake of Allah the Exalted is a great country.
Mahid Khan, from Farnham Jamaat, asked why Allah created “bad people” in the world and why He didn’t make everyone good and righteous.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained, “Allah the Almighty did not create bad people.” According to the Holy Prophetsa, every child is born with a pure nature, and it is their environment that shapes them to be good or bad. If every child were raised in a positive environment, everyone would be good and nobody would be bad. A child raised in a Christian household, an atheist household, or a pagan household will adopt the characteristics of their surroundings, as it takes a village to raise a child.
Allah has not created bad people. He has given man a brain and understanding and has explained what is good and what is bad. Therefore, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, we should strive to educate the world that Allah created us to do good deeds and to save the world from damnation, freeing people from the grip of Satan and bringing them closer to Allah. Huzooraa said this can be achieved by offering prayers, doing good deeds, praying to Allah, and encouraging people to do good and follow the right path.
Inaya Jazibah, from Aldershot North Jamaat, asked if it was permissible to hold the Quran after simply washing one’s hands or if it was necessary to perform ablution first.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that if one has done wudu, then it is very good; however, if one wanted to read the Holy Quran one could simply pick it up and read. Even if one had not done ablution, they could still read the Holy Quran, however, if one does wudu then it is a very good thing. “Wudu is [only] necessary for salat,” Huzooraa said.
Elijah Hasham Malik, of Scunthorpe Jamaat, said that if one was in the army and had to go to war with another country and had to kill someone, does it count as a sin.
Huzooraa said if someone was in an army and attacked a country without a just reason, then it is wrong. Allah has forbidden us to do bad things. In such a case, either the person should resign from the army, or if an attack is carried out at that moment, under the binding order of a superior, one should then leave the army thereafter.
Huzooraa explained that Islam is against cruelty and that whoever is cruel and acts with brutality is considered a sinner who can come under God’s wrath.
Sabiqa Khurram, from Tooting Jamaat, asked if Allah already knows what is to happen in the future, why does He try His servants.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained that while Allah knows the future, He has given man the choice to act freely. Huzooraa stated, “It is not Allah who places one in difficulty, in fact, one does that to themselves.” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa related a story from the hadith about a man who committed many sins and murdered many people. He was troubled by his actions and wondered if God would forgive him. He was advised to seek the advice of an elder. However, before he could reach the elder, he died. The angels of mercy and the angels of punishment then argued over his fate. The angel of mercy argued that he was on the path of repentance and so should be taken to heaven, while the angel of punishment contended that he had committed too many bad deeds and should be taken to hell. It was decided to measure the distance between his body and the two villages – the one he had left and the one he was headed to. He was found to be closer to the village he was headed to, and so he was forgiven.
After relating this story, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa highlighted that Allah is Gracious and Merciful. Allah has clearly defined good and bad deeds and will reward those who choose to do good. Although Allah knows what choices Man will make, He has given them the free will to act as they see fit.
Qanita Sadaf, of Hayes Jamaat, asked why other Muslims kiss the Holy Quran after they read and close it and if it was permissible to kiss the Holy Quran.
Huzooraa answered, “You are allowed to kiss the Holy Quran, there is no harm in it. Rather, it is good.” As long as it is done with true sincerity and love for the revealed book. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa warned that merely kissing the Quran for show is of no use.
Mir Aarafin, of Farnham Jamaat, said that in school he was asked who in his family eats first and why it was not permissible to sketch pictures of humans and animals.
Huzooraa said that the entire family should eat together. One should recite the prayer before eating and eat together with the family. Huzooraa said that children are taught to let elders start first to inculcate good morals in them. On the other hand, it is also a good gesture by the parents, if they serve the children first, before partaking of the meal themselves. Thus, Huzooraa said, there should be no question as to who eats first.
Regarding the issue of sketching animals and humans, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that it is permissible to sketch an imaginary person or animal, but not to create a sketch of a particular real human being. This is because hand-drawn sketches cannot, Huzooraa said, accurately capture the expressions and emotions of a human being, as a camera can.
Bazil Ayan Bajwa, of Walton-on-Thames Jamaat, asked what the best prayer is, that he can recite for his parents.
Huzooraa said, “Allah the Almighty has taught the prayer:
رَّبِّ ارۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيٰنِيۡ صَغِيۡرًا
[Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.26].”
It means my Lord, have mercy on them even, as they nourished me in my childhood and raised me. Huzooraa enumerated various acts of care parents do when raising a child and explained to the child that he should pray for his parents and listen to them.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)
