March 2020 announced the start of national lockdown in the UK and various other countries. With it brought great sorrow to Ahmadis around the world due to them not being able to meet Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V^aba anymore. The Khuddam from Muqami region, who had recently been bestowed the privilege of doing regular duties since Huzoor^aba had shifted to Islamabad, were brought even more sorrow. They were informed that they would not be able to conduct duties in Masjid Mubarak. Nevertheless, whilst adhering to government guidelines Islamabad was closed to visitors. However, since the protection of the residence of the Khalifa-e-Waqt is still the responsibility of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, by adhering to social distancing guidelines, duties were conducted during the lockdown. What is unique about these duties is that many of our Khuddam experienced numerous blessed and joyful encounters. Here are a few of the incidents Khuddam from Muqami region have experienced. I should point out that, in order to demonstrate the love that Khuddam have for our beloved Huzoor^aba, I have passed on these occurrences to be published as were received.

One Khadim narrates, “I am a Pharmacist by profession, and sometimes I travel further away from home to work in different pharmacies. One day after travelling a long distance, I came straight to Islamabad for my four-hour shift in the evening. When I arrived, I was famished and was shy to ask for any food from my shift in-charge. I prayed to Allah that I am in your holy land, so please relieve me from my hunger. After a short moment, I noticed that a Khadim was approaching my car. When I looked out, he answered: “Huzoor^aba has sent some refreshments for Khuddam, and this refreshment is for you, so please take some.” For a moment, there were tears in my eyes as I had just observed Allah’s love. There and then, I was convinced that this is purely the work of Allah who blessed and rewarded me for coming here to do duty.”

Another Khadim narrates, “I remember Jamia Ahmadiyya UK had the blessed opportunity of offering duties as soon as Huzoor-e-Aqdas^aba had moved to Islamabad. It was Ramadan – a blessed and holy time and it was a Friday. Myself and my classmate were doing duty from 11am to 10pm at Qitta-e-Khas [inner compound]. I remember finding it particularly difficult to fast whilst offering duties; and every hour we would countdown to the moment of Iftar.

There was around an hour until Iftar, and we were particularly struggling at this point but all of a sudden, another Jamia student – who was offering his duty at scanning – needed a replacement so that he could offer his prayers. I volunteered, and walked to scanning whilst he went and offered his prayers.

I was only at scanning for a few minutes, and I knew I had to get back to Qitta-e-Khas soon; but right then and there, lo and behold, Huzoor-e-Aqdas^aba opened the door of the Private Secretary’s office and looked outside. In that surreal moment, it felt like it was just me and my Khalifah. I hesitantly waved, not knowing that Huzoor^aba had even seen me. However, I saw my Beloved Khalifah smile at me, and wave at me before heading back inside his office. At that moment I realised the immense blessing of not only being in Islamabad offering duties for Huzoor^aba, but the sheer blessings of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Another Khadim narrates, “once Hazrat Ameerul Mumineen^aba  came to inspect the field of Islamabad and to my good fortune I was outside having a drink of water. I was very fortunate to be one of the few that were accompanying His Holiness^aba through the grass. During this 10-15 minute walk he turned towards me and asked whether my wife and daughter had arrived in the UK. To this I replied as of yet they have not but InshaAllah they would be joining me soon. It was a surprise for me as Huzoor^aba was very busy and interested in this inspection and the fact that he took time to ask about my family personally left me speechless and ever more thankful at  having the opportunity to serve so close to Huzoor^aba.”

Another Khadim narrates, “After Eid Prayers Huzoor^aba came out of the mosque and walked over to my class fellows and inquired about each of them, I was one of the few that were not there as I was on duty around the perimeter of Islamabad. When I found out Huzoor^aba had come to see our class, I was happy for those who were present there, however, a slight part of me wished I had been there as well. Soon after I saw a car approaching from which a young man came out and said Huzoor^aba has sent this for those who are on duty. It was Huzoor’s^aba Kahwah [traditional green tea] that Huzoor^aba had drank after the Eid Sermon and was a source of blessing for me and my colleagues. This reminded me straight away that however far I or anyone maybe, we are always in Huzoor’s^aba thoughts and prayers.”

Eid-ul-Adha was one of the most joyful days for Khuddam conducting duties in Islamabad. Not only because it was Eid, but that each Khadim received a precious gift from beloved Huzoor^aba that they will never forget. The gift bags had the Khadim’s name written on them and they contained various different items such as a tie, toppi, pair of socks and scarves.

One Khadim, upon picking up the gift pack from myself, became very emotional and could not express his gratitude. He said this motivated him even more to come and do Amoomi duties.

Another Khadim, when receiving the gift, excitedly sent an audio message to his Qiadat group, expressing his emotions and how blessed he was feeling. He said he wanted to share his feelings with his fellow Khuddam in the Qiadat so that those who are not taking part in the duties may listen and come forward.

In June and July 2020, I learnt that Huzoor^aba had graciously sent mangoes for all Khuddam who have been conducting duties in Islamabad. Sadr sahib instructed that they must be distributed immediately. As a result, a list of Khuddam was made and each one was contacted so they could collect the mangoes. Within the same day, almost all Khuddam on the list came delightfully and collected the Tabaruk [blessing]. I could personally see the joy on everyone’s faces when they came to collect the mangoes that Huzoor^aba had graciously sent for them. All were excited to go home and share this blessing with their families.

Duties in Islamabad have been blessed for every Khadim who participated. We hope and pray that this pandemic ends quickly so Khuddam can continue serving the Jama’at.