On Sunday, 15 October 2023, a group of khuddam and atfal from Switzerland had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. At the outset of the mulaqat, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and called upon Hafiz Tahir Idris Sahib to recite the Holy Quran. This was followed by its Urdu translation, presented by Umair Anwar Sahib. Next, Fateh Shah Kamal Sahib presented a poem composed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
Huzooraa then enquired about the programme and was informed that khuddam and atfal wished to ask some questions.
The first question was asked by a tifl, Bilal Ahmad Rehman, who stated that he had two questions he wished to ask. The first question he asked Huzooraa was when he would come to Switzerland. In response, Huzooraa said, “When Allah desires.”
Next, he asked why Satan invites people to the wrong path.
In response to the question, Huzooraa explained that Satan was Satan because of his inherent nature. He then proceeded to provide an example, asking why a thief commits theft. The reason, Huzooraa explained, is that the thief is influenced by negative thoughts, leading to such actions. Huzooraa also emphasised that proper upbringing plays a crucial role in a person’s behaviour.
Then, Huzooraa said that when Prophet Adamas was created, Satan, also known as Iblis, disobeyed Allah the Almighty. Satan declared that people would not heed or listen to Allah or do good and would be inclined towards evil deeds. Allah gave mankind intellect and guidance on what is right and wrong. Good deeds would be rewarded, but following Satan’s word would lead to punishment. Huzooraa added that Allah has provided human beings with wisdom to discern good and evil. Satan’s role is to mislead, which is why Allah the Almighty advises seeking His refuge. “Read أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ as much as possible and resist Satan’s deception,” Huzooraa said.
Then, Attaul Haq Sahib said that the situation between Israel and Palestine is very bad and asked what the effects would be on the world.
Huzooraa said:
“I have already spoken, in my Friday Sermon, on this issue. The effect on the world is quite clear that these people are trying to not only to harm themselves, but they are also trying to doom the world. The world is going towards its destruction, and as I have already said, it is not going to stop here. It will escalate and more nations will be involved in it, and [it is] quite possible that a nuclear arsenal is also used in this war.
“So, we should pray to save the world from the destruction, and we should pray that Allah the Almighty gives them wisdom and Allah the Almighty give the capability and wisdom to the big powers to use justice.”
Next, Hamza Mubashar asked if one would be able to recall worldly relations and matters in the afterlife and asked what it would be like in heaven.
Huzooraa smiled and said that, regarding how heaven will be, one will only know after going there. Huzooraa then added that the blessings in heaven shall be of such a grand nature that one will not even recall the blessings of the world.
Huzooraa then gave the example of the school, explaining that when someone passes a certain class with good grades, they tend to forget those good grades the following year after receiving better grades. Similarly, Huzooraa said that in heaven, after experiencing such incredible favours, one would not recall the favours received on earth.
Waseem Ahmad Bashir Sahib said that in all gatherings, they pledge to remain ready for the service of religion. He asked how one can fulfil this pledge in our daily lives.
Huzooraa said that we pledge to give precedence to religion over worldly pursuits. Huzooraa explained that Allah the Almighty has rights we must fulfil, and mankind also has some rights. Huzooraa said that when it is time for salat, we should leave our worldly matters and go for salat, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Allah has instructed mankind to perform good deeds. Huzooraa added that one should take time to read the Holy Quran daily instead of constantly watching TV and reading novels. Then, one should make an effort to understand the Holy Quran. Regarding fulfilling the rights owed to others, Huzooraa said that one should engage in good deeds, assist the needy, and contribute to charity. For the service of religion, one should engage in tabligh, exhibit good morals, and pray to Allah. When one exhibits good morals, people will naturally be drawn. Always speak the truth, refrain from worldly evils, and seek God’s refuge. By incorporating these practices into one’s daily lives, individuals will prioritise religion over worldly pursuits, Huzooraa said.
Azim Ahmad Kamal Sahib stated that there are glad tidings about the global spread of Ahmadiyyat, as foretold by the Promised Messiahas and his khulafa. He then asked about Huzoor’saa vision for the future of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Switzerland and what steps should be taken to achieve it.
Huzooraa said that it is their task to “improve your [spiritual] condition, exalt your status of worship, pay attention to salat, supplicate to Allah, seek His help, make efforts to learn and study His religion, read the Holy Quran, and act upon its commandments.” These are things that khuddam and everyone else should do.
Huzooraa then reminded everyone about the pledge he took from khuddam and ansar during the ijtemas in the UK. Huzooraa said that they should focus on the pledge.
Huzooraa added that Allah has said that one should continue to make efforts, pray, and do what they can to spread Islam Ahmadiyya and do tabligh. Then, it is up to God to accept. At this moment, the world is moving away from religion. But if we remain firm in our faith and continuously tell people, Huzooraa said, then a time will come when people shall pay attention to it, and a time will come when “there shall be a breakthrough”, and people will turn back to religion.
Salam Mubarak asked Huzooraa whether hell existed before Iblis’ disobedience to God.
Huzooraa stated that hell indeed existed even before. The story of Prophet Adamas is in front of us, and prior to the Adamas we are familiar with, many Adams existed, as Huzooraa explained. Huzooraa said that we are aware of the Adamas of our time, who appeared around 6,000 years ago. Huzooraa went on to explain that hell can be likened to a hospital or a jail, where people are treated, and when they are better, they will leave it.
Mubarak Idris Sahib asked about accounts of individuals who claim to have seen Allah in the clouds or perceived signs in various materials. He asked Huzoor’saa opinion if these experiences were from Allah or products of one’s imagination.
Huzooraa said:
“Allah cannot be in a physical shape. If Allah the Almighty is [seen] in a physical shape, then it would be one “shape”. Different people see Allah the Almighty in different “shapes”. So, that means that it is only a metaphorical view of Allah the Almighty. You cannot see Allah the Almighty in a physical shape. And that is what Allah the Almighty tells us. So, it is the way Allah the Almighty wants to give the message to certain people. And to different people, Allah the Almighty is seen in different “shapes” as the angels; to some people, angels appear in the form of a dove or pigeon; to others, they appear in a bodily shape, i.e., as a human being.
“It was related that when the Holy Prophetsa was sitting with his Companions in the mosque, a person came and sat down very close to the Holy Prophetsa and asked different questions and the Holy Prophetsa answered his questions and he said, ‘Yes! You are right!’ And when he left, the Holy Prophetsa said that he was Jibra’ilas. Then, some of the Companions went out and tried to see whether the person was walking along the street or not, but they could not see him.”
Huzooraa added, “It is also narrated that somebody saw a dream in a town in India, where people were very corrupt and involved in so much evil. And he saw in a dream that a person totally disabled and having so many diseases and illnesses – leprosy and all sorts of things – and the person asked him, ‘Who are you?’ That sick man and the person in bad shape said, ‘I am Allah.’ So the person asked him, ‘How can you be Allah? Allah is not like this.’ He said, ‘I am the Allah of the people of this town because they think that Allah has no power and they do whatever they like. They do evil, have left the good things, and are indulged in so many bad things. So, for them, this is the shape of Allah, i.e., the concept of Allah for them. But for the pious people, Allah is different.’”
Thus, Huzooraa explained that it is just a metaphor. Huzooraa added that one cannot physically see Allah. Anyone who claims to have seen Allah in any specific form; has in fact seen a metaphorical representation.
A young boy asked Huzooraa if the Holy Quran possesses healing, why do people then rely on medicines?
Huzooraa explained that Allah has instructed humans to pray, and prayer has a profound impact. God is the ultimate Healer, as He is al-Shafi. However, Allah has also emphasised the utilisation of the means He has created. In the Holy Quran, God states that He provides sustenance. Huzooraa, as an example and to explain to the questioner, asked why, if God is the ultimate provider of sustenance, do people still work to earn money? If it is indeed God who provides, why do humans engage in these activities?
Huzooraa elaborated on the spiritual healing properties of the Holy Quran. He emphasised that by following Allah’s commandments and fulfilling the rights due to Man, one can achieve spiritual well-being and become a virtuous individual worthy of Heaven. This is what the Holy Quran means by spiritual healing properties. Furthermore, it is documented in the Hadith that Surah al-Fatihah possesses healing qualities.
In summary, Huzooraa said that Allah has instructed us to pray and utilise the means He has created for our needs.
Usama Mahmood Sahib asked Huzooraa what, in addition to salat and qurbani [sacrifices], Huzooraa emphasises in his daily life.
Huzooraa emphasised that Allah has commanded the practice of Zikr-e-Ilahi. It is imperative to fulfil both the rights owed to Allah and those owed to fellow humans; both should be prioritised. Huzooraa further said that the ultimate objective is to seek the pleasure of Allah. Huzooraa said that Allah has stated that even if a person performs salat but neglects the rights owed to fellow humans, He does not accept such a person’s namaz.
A tifl, Attaul Haye Mushtaq, asked Huzooraa how he spends time with his family. Huzooraa smiled and responded that he spent his time the same way and in the same manner as he was spending it now with them.
Umair Anwar Sahib enquired about the status of the 12 imams, as mentioned by the Shia, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
Huzooraa stated that they were imams. According to their belief, the Promised Imam Mahdi was also expected to arrive. The Promised Messiahas has indeed come as the Messiah and Mahdi. Huzooraa said that Shias should be among the first to accept him. Regarding the imams, Huzooraa said they lived in their respective eras, and they were righteous men.
A young tifl, Adil Mushtaq, asked about Huzoor’saa aspirations when he was a youth.
Huzooraa smiled and responded that he did not become what he had desired; instead, he was made to become what Allah had destined him to be.
Muawwiz Tahir Sahib asked Huzooraa if one can wear rings and bracelets [kara].
Huzooraa stated that wearing rings is permissible and added that when it comes to bracelets, they are typically worn for adornment, primarily by women, and occasionally as amulets. It’s important to note that amulets are not permissible in Islam. Huzooraa explained that if someone wishes to wear a bracelet temporarily and then remove it, that is acceptable. However, it is not permissible to wear gold in Islam.
Next, Mahid Ahmad Mujahid asked how to genuinely engage with a Jamaat book.
Huzooraa emphasised that individuals should pray to Allah, seeking His guidance to enable them to comprehend the books as they encompass difficult topics, matters of righteousness, Allah and His Messengersa. Huzooraa added that one should seek Allah’s help and pray to Him. Furthermore, Huzooraa pointed out that there are certain Jamaat books tailored to his age group.
Fahad Ahmad Sahib mentioned that the Holy Quran references the existence of seven skies and enquired whether these skies inhabited beings similar to us.
Huzooraa explained that the concept of the seven skies signifies seven protective layers created by Allah for the benefit of humanity. Concerning the possibility of other creatures, Huzooraa added that the Promised Messiahas has mentioned the possibility of numerous universes, each potentially inhabited by various life forms. Achieving contact with these beings remains uncertain and is known only to Allah.
Zahid But Sahib informed Huzooraa that, starting next year, he was to become a member of Majlis Ansarullah. He sought guidance from Huzooraa on how best to prepare himself for this.
Huzooraa smiled and asked Zahid But Sahib if, even after 39 years, he did not know how to prepare himself. Huzooraa then advised that he should attentively listen to his address made at the Majlis Ansarullah UK ijtema, gain an understanding of our purpose, and align his life accordingly. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of making sincere efforts to fulfil both the rights of Allah and the rights of fellow human beings.
In the end, Huzooraa addressed Sadr Sahib and conveyed that the allotted time had concluded. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)