Khilafat
Khidmat-e-Khalq
What guidelines has Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) outlined for Khuddamul Ahmadiyya?
The central remit of the Khidmat-e-Khalq department is serving humanity and since the inception of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Khidmat-e-Khalq activities have formed an important part of its output. Throughout the years successive Khulafa have expanded and reiterated our responsibilities to the wider society and our responsibilities towards Allah the Almighty. I would like to draw your attention to some of the addresses by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba, which have guided us on how to better fulfil this responsibility. On the specific point of our responsibilities towards Allah and humanity Huzooraba stated:
“A righteous deed is a ladder to rise towards Islam and God. The reality of a good deed needs to be borne in mind… Satan misleads people in every way and leads them astray from the path of Truth. The Promised Messiahas gave the example of a self-indulgent person, who chooses to donate left over bread to a hungry person, despite having a freshly prepared meal to hand. This does not comply with the Divine commandment that Allah the Exalted says: ‘And they feed, for love of Him, the poor, the orphan, and the prisoner.’ He did not feed the poor from what was Ta’am (means desirable food) for him, but from the left-overs. This is not a true act of virtue. To attain a true act of virtue demands a lot of self-reflection and endeavour. True virtue cannot be acquired without having absolute faith in God Almighty. True virtue is attained when one develops faith in God Almighty as All-Seeing, Who is totally aware of everything and possesses knowledge of the unseen.”
This is an essential point that we all should follow when we are performing any services to humanity. Our responsibilities are not fulfilled unless we make them true acts of virtue. To achieve that level of virtue we need to constantly look at our actions and critically reflect on our intentions and our efforts. Huzooraba further highlighted the nature of worship and how it relates to serving humanity at the inauguration of Nasir Mosque in Kent:
“When we study the details of how to worship in the Holy Qur’an… A person’s prayers will not be accepted if they do not seek to help the poor and deprived. A person’s prayers will not be accepted if they are not fulfilling the rights of orphans. A person’s prayers will not be accepted if they are not striving to end all forms of slavery. And a person’s prayers will not be accepted if they do not show mercy to one another and indeed to all forms of God’s creation.
Furthermore, and as I have said, Islam teaches Muslims to fulfil the rights of God’s creation, and so it is necessary for a Muslim to fulfil the rights of those mired in poverty and to help those who are orphaned or enslaved. That is why for the cause of social welfare the Ahmadiyya Community has opened various hospitals, orphanages and schools, both in Africa, and in other under-developed parts of the world. In places where people do not have access to water the Ahmadiyya Community is devising plans and running projects to provide them with clean drinking water by installing hand-pumps and other devices.”
Here Huzooraba highlights just how important the concept of serving humanity is in Islam, so much so that it is an essential requirement for having our prayers accepted. Each and every one of us is urged to form a living connection with God and we cannot achieve that without caring for those in need.
At the inauguration of the Nasir Hospital in Guatemala in 2018 Huzooraba further stated:
“Ever since its foundation, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always sought to be on the very front lines of serving humanity, whether it be directly through our own Community’s schemes, through Humanity First or through the support of other charities and good causes… we do not discriminate against any community or people and do not give any priority to our own members. We seek no praise and no reward for such efforts because we are merely doing what our religion has taught us to do. Our motivation and our desire to serve others is driven entirely by the teachings of Islam. The guiding light for any true Muslim is the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed to Islam’s Founder, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Time and again, the Holy Qur’an has instructed Muslims to serve mankind and to fulfil the needs of those who are suffering or are deprived in any way. It requires Muslims to be selfless and consumed by a love for others. It requires us to be ever-ready to make sacrifices for the sake of the peace and well-being of other people.”
The key takeaway here for us is that our actions always need to be selfless and never with a goal of receiving a reward other than what Allah the Almighty grants us through His mercy.
Huzooraba also elaborated on how we should provide assistance to people and referencing the Holy Qur’an said:
“The hallmark of a true Muslim is that he should care for all of God’s creation and should comfort and support those in need, whether they seek their help or not. Hence, it is not enough for a Muslim to wait until someone asks for help; rather, it is his duty to recognise the suffering of others and to make whatever sacrifices are required in order to help them overcome their challenges or troubles.”
Huzooraba has also specifically highlighted that we should always keep the end goal in mind. We want to assist people to allow them to stand on their own feet. Huzooraba stated:
“In chapter 90, verses 15–17, Muslims are instructed to feed the hungry, to show empathy and love to orphans, and to help anyone in need, especially those mired in poverty or who are defenceless and weak. Muslims are taught to be the ones who comfort and love those people who have been failed by society and to carry the weight of their burdens on their own shoulders. Muslims are duty-bound to help underprivileged people, so that they can stand upon their own two feet, live with dignity, and be freed from their desperate circumstances. In return, the Qur’an states Muslims will be rewarded with increased spirituality, which in turn will take them towards God Almighty and make them recipients of His pleasure.”
In 2019, Huzooraba reiterated this at the historic address at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris. Commenting upon the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Huzooraba stated:
“He taught that spiritual advancement was intrinsically linked to serving humanity and so a Muslim could not attain the love of God Almighty just through worship and prayer, rather the love of God Almighty required Muslims to serve humanity.”
This specifically highlights some of the areas we need to think about when serving humanity and further it highlights the need to keep the dignity of people in mind whenever we help them. This process of helping will increase our spirituality and bring us closer to God. This is how we fulfil the purpose of our existence in this world. Huzooraba further highlighted the importance of keeping the dignity of those we are helping in mind:
“Even in small matters, the Holy Prophet of Islamsa paid great attention to ensuring that the feelings of underprivileged people were protected. For example, he instructed Muslims to always invite the poor and needy to their dinner parties or social gatherings. If less affluent people were exploited by the rich or powerful, the Prophet of Islamsa instructed his followers to help the weaker party attain justice.”
The eradication of suffering has wide ranging implication in society not least for the attainment of peace. Huzooraba summarised this in the following way:
“Where, out of human sympathy, we seek to eradicate poverty and destitution, we also consider it to be the key to developing sustainable peace in the world. Only if people have food to eat, water to drink, shelter, schooling for their children and healthcare will they be able to live in peace and escape the deadly clutches of frustration and resentment that lead people towards extremism.
These are all basic human rights and so until we help people flee poverty and destitution, we will not see true peace in the world.”
This shows the importance of Khidmat-e-Khalq work and why Huzooraba places such importance on it. It is central to our prayers being accepted and is itself a form of worship. Huzooraba has also highlighted how to serve humanity and what real service entails. This only scratches the surface of Huzoor’saba advice and guidance on how to serve humanity and what it means. I hope this will encourage you to dig deeper and further understand what is required of us and how to truly bring about a change in society.
Ijtema
The Path to a Spiritual & Moral Transformation
Concluding Address of National Ijtema Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya United Kingdom 2025 delivered by HAZRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V (ABA), SEPTEMBER 21 2025
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta`awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said:
‘Today, you have gathered here to participate in the National Ijtema of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. The core objective of all Ijtemas held by the auxiliary organisations within our Jama’at is to instil a love of Allah and to elevate the intellectual, moral, and spiritual standards of their members. This is the principal purpose you, as members of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Atfalul Ahmadiyya [3], should always keep at the forefront of your minds.
In terms of Atfal, the education children receive in this country has the effect of broadening their minds at a young age. I have personally seen children as young as 10 ask very insightful and perceptive religious questions that demonstrate their ability to comprehend many religious concepts at an early age.
With this in mind, today I wish to discuss how our Khuddam and Atfal can best fulfil their religious objectives in today’s world. As I have said, the core purpose of being a member of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya or Atfalul Ahmadiyya is to enhance your religious, intellectual, and spiritual standards.
At Ijtemas, alongside religious and academic programmes, you also have the opportunity to participate in sports and games, which I am sure many of you enjoy. However, your main priority should not be on the game itself or on who wins or loses. Instead, the primary objective of sports or games at the events arranged by the auxiliary organisations is to help members develop physical strength and fitness, as this will help them to fulfil the rights of Allah and their religious and educational development.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, many young people spend all their free time online streaming content, watching TV, and playing video games, instead of engaging in healthy outdoor games and activities. Thus, sports and games at our Ijtemas are designed to encourage you to be outdoors, to get fresh air, and improve your physical fitness.
Furthermore, the purpose of getting fit should not be vanity or a desire to assert physical dominance over others; rather, a fit and healthy person has a greater capacity to fulfil their life’s objectives.
And as Ahmadis, our primary objective is fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty.
Further, sports and outdoor games offer a positive way to relax and refresh one’s mind, which in turn helps individuals to study and learn more effectively by enhancing focus and mental aptitude. Hence, taking time out for games and sports helps young people in their pursuit of secular education and religious knowledge.
As I said, the real objective of our sports events or competitions is not to win or lose the match or tournament. We should not act like those worldly people who often consider sports as a matter of life or death and who get into heated arguments, brawls, or resort to foul play to gain an advantage.
Regrettably, even among Ahmadis, personal interests or ego can sometimes lead to poor behaviour. For example, earlier this year, I instructed that the Masroor cricket tournament be cancelled because it became apparent that personal interests and inflated egos had overtaken the hearts and minds of some of those involved. Instead of fostering brotherhood, it was causing friction and grudges to develop.
When something leads to bitterness or ill will, it is better to stop it in order to avoid further disputes. Hopefully, those who have deviated from the true objectives may reform and improve themselves.
As Ahmadis, when you play any sport or game, you must exhibit a true spirit of sportsmanship. Indeed, an exceptional standard of manners, tolerance, and respect for others should distinguish our Ahmadi youth from others.
Otherwise, if we do not manifest higher moral standards, then what is the benefit of being an Ahmadi?
Thus, I reiterate that sports programmes are organised to enhance the physical and mental well-being of our Khuddam and Atfal, so they can fulfil their duties to Allah, to humanity, and serve the Jama’at in an excellent way. Conversely, idly watching TV or scrolling endlessly on electronic devices can damage your physical and mental health.
Moreover, the Internet is replete with dangerous and immoral content, freely available, that serve to erode moral values and fuel hate. Now, AI is adding a new dimension. This is something I have warned about for many years, and now we are seeing the horrifying results on a near-daily basis.
In recent times, there have been horrific reports of teenagers committing suicide due to cyberbullying, all-consuming, appalling online content that causes serious mental harm. For example, recently, it was reported in the media that a teenager in the United States committed suicide with the help and encouragement of ChatGPT.
Moreover, violent videos or extremist ideologies promoting hate have flooded the internet and are causing immense harm to the individuals who view them and the wider society. Just a few days ago, after a prominent political activist was killed in America, the state governor publicly urged young people to switch off their devices, to go outside to spend time with their families and serve their communities.
With the grace of Allah, Ahmadis, under the guidance of Khilafat, are warned from a young age about the dangers and perils that exist in contemporary society. For example, if we look back to the time of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra), we observe that he paid very close attention to the moral training of different groups of people, according to their needs, capabilities and environment. With great wisdom, he outlined their responsibilities and objectives.
As part of this, he established Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and directed Ahmadi youth according to their age and potential. As I am sure most of you will be aware, he bestowed upon you, upon Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, a momentous and profound slogan that
This slogan was and remains an immense and profound challenge for all Khuddam to rise to. These words bear witness to the fact that it lies upon you as Khuddam to spiritually and morally reform your nations. It lies upon you to guide the world towards true peace and prosperity. It lies upon you to strive tirelessly to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiah (as) until your last breath.
However, before you turn to others, you must look inwards at your own state. It is the inner and personal reformation of every Ahmadi youth that shall lay the foundation, brick by brick, for a glorious spiritual, moral and intellectual revolution in the world. This is what the slogan given to you by Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) truly represents.
As I have said, being physically fit and well will help you achieve these objectives. Various studies and reports prove that people who are physically fit and who are intellectually disciplined and hardworking are better able to control their emotions and make sound judgments. This not only benefits them but also enables them to contribute positively to the wider world, as they tend to have a more mature and insightful thought process.
Ultimately, when they think deeply and intelligently, especially as members of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, who have pledged to prioritise their faith over all worldly matters, they are drawn towards the existence of God. Therefore, the core philosophy underpinning the profound slogan given to you by Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) is that
if our Khuddam and Atfal diligently seek to develop their characters and conduct, then every Ahmadi youth has the potential to become a shining star of Ahmadiyyat.
Allah has bestowed upon us through the Holy Prophet (sa) the Holy Qur’an, as a source of everlasting spiritual sustenance to nourish our souls. Consequently, it was to emphasise to all of you the indispensable nature of the Qur’an and its limitless blessings that I chose “The Holy Qur’an, a Casket of Jewels” as the theme for this year’s Ijtema.
Often, when children reach the age of seven or eight and complete the first reading of the Holy Qur’an, they or their parents write to me requesting their Ameen. [4] It should not be that they consider the Ameen as the final step or objective; rather, completing the Qur’an for the first time should mark just the beginning of a lifelong, ever-deepening bond with the words of God.
So, all Khuddam and Atfal should recite the Holy Qur’an daily, understand its meaning, and sincerely strive to act upon its teachings. Instead of wasting time, watching inappropriate films or programmes, or wasting countless hours on the internet and social media, make it your firm objective to increase your knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and its teachings.
Consider the Qur’an to be the means of your reformation and of forging a close bond with Allah the Almighty. It will guide and direct you towards contributing positively to society. So, read and cherish every word. As a believer, this should always be your objective.
Sometimes the translation can be difficult to understand, and so, in addition, you should read the Qur’anic commentaries published by the Jama’at. Yours is the prime age to acquire knowledge, as your brains are fertile and able to absorb and retain new information far more easily than when a person becomes older.
Apart from studying the Qur’an, you must also study the blessed life and character of the Holy Prophet (sa), because his entire life is a timeless example for us to learn from and emulate. Indeed, Allah the Almighty has stated that if a person wishes to gain His nearness, they should strive to tread upon the path of the Holy Prophet (sa).
It is narrated that a person asked Hazrat A’ishah (ra) about the Holy Prophet’s (sa) morals. In reply, she asked, “Have you not read the Holy Qur’an? The Holy Prophet’s (sa) character was the Holy Qur’an”
By this, she meant that every word and deed of the Holy Prophet (sa) was in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. So, it is the noble example of the Holy Prophet (sa) that we should always try to follow. Only then can we live as true Ahmadi Muslims. Only then can we fulfil our pledge to give precedence to faith over worldly matters. Only then can we assist in the divine mission of the Promised Messiah (as).
Furthermore, only if you sincerely commit to applying what you have learned here in your daily life will there be a lasting benefit of having participated in the Ijtema. It is not enough to merely try to build your connection with God just over these two or three days. Rather, you must prioritise developing your relationship and bond with God every single day. You should set aside a specific time each day for reciting the Holy Qur’an and studying it.
If you sincerely strive for this, you will, Insha’Allah, witness a magnificent spiritual and moral transformation in your life. Your hearts and minds will naturally turn towards Allah, and He will protect you from the pitfalls and traps that lie at every corner and turn of modern society. He will save you from the superficial and deceptive attractions of today’s world.
In terms of worship, once a person asked Hazrat A’ishah (ra) to describe how the Holy Prophet (sa) would offer namaz and worship. In reply, Hazrat A’ishah (ra) said it was better not to ask about the length, quality, and beauty of his worship.
By this, she meant that it was impossible to do justice in words to how the Holy Prophet (sa) would pray for incredibly long periods with intense fervour and concentration, and how he would remain utterly immersed and engulfed by the love of Allah, the Almighty. Of course, we cannot match His unique and supreme standards of worship, but we must constantly try to follow his example as Allah has proclaimed him the ultimate role model and best example for all mankind.
Essentially, the foremost principle the Holy Prophet (sa) taught and exemplified was that we must remember Allah and fulfil the rights of His worship at all times and in all circumstances.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty testifies to how the Holy Prophet (sa) was immersed in His remembrance and worship. Thus, Allah says in the Holy Qur’an,
قُلۡ اِنَّ صَلَاتِیۡ وَنُسُکِیۡ وَمَحۡیَایَ وَمَمَاتِیۡ لِلّٰہِ رَبِّ الۡعٰلَمِیۡنَ
“Say my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
Here, Allah Himself testifies to the fact that the Prophet’s (sa) every breath, every act and every word were all purely for the sake of Allah, the Lord of All the Worlds. Moreover, Allah the Almighty commanded the Holy Prophet (sa) to proclaim his complete and utter devotion to Him before the world in order to establish a perfect example for all people in all times.
Having presented the example of the Holy Prophet (sa), Having presented the example of the Holy Prophet (sa), Having presented the example of the Holy Prophet (sa), Allah the Almighty says that
those who claim to accept the Prophet of Islam (sa) must strive to follow his example with a firm conviction that Allah is their Lord, their Creator and the Source of all that is good in their lives.
Therefore, today, if you are fortunate enough to excel in your studies or achieve a high rank in your profession, never attribute your success to your own qualities or virtues. Instead,
Without a shadow of doubt, if a person truthfully reflects upon their own weaknesses, they will soon recognise Allah’s immense favour and mercy, and they will bow down before Him with ever greater humility and gratitude. Their worship will be purely for His sake, and He will be their priority at all times. Otherwise, if you let your careers or professions or worldly activities become your idol and permit them to lead you away from fulfilling the rights of Allah, it will be an extremely grave matter.
For example, if a person neglects or unduly delays namaz because of worldly pursuits, it shows that he gives priority to such things over God Almighty. The Holy Prophet (sa) expressed great displeasure and anger at such people by stating that neglecting namaz takes a person towards shirk and towards a state of disbelief.
Thus, every Ahmadi must prioritise their five daily prayers and worship and seek to follow the example of the Holy Prophet (sa) about whom Allah the Almighty testified that His prayers, sacrifices and everything were for the sake of Allah alone. So, you must never let work or worldly matters interfere with this sacred duty. Otherwise, raising slogans of Allahu Akbar or claiming to love the Messenger of Allah (sa) are rendered empty and meaningless words. We can only follow his blessed example if we truly consider Allah to be our Lord, the Sole Provider and Sustainer of all mankind and the One Who alone can fulfil all our needs. Furthermore, another fundamental virtue instructed by the Holy Qur’an is truth.
We must hold fast to the truth in every situation, no matter how difficult or challenging.
The Holy Prophet (sa) was so utterly flawless that even his enemies could not accuse him of falsehood. Even Abu Jahl, his biggest opponent, admitted he could not call the Holy Prophet (sa) a liar because he had never heard or seen him speak a false word.
Despite this, Abu Jahl could not be rightly guided as he was motivated by extreme enmity and consumed by stubbornness and a love of idol worship. Thus, he would say that while the Holy Prophet (sa) was not a liar, he considered his teachings to be false. Yet it is a matter of common sense that a person known for the highest standards of honesty and integrity would not present a false teaching to the world.
Nonetheless, those bent on rejecting the truth will always find ways to remain in a state of disbelief. Many further incidents demonstrate how, even before his claim to prophethood, the Holy Prophet’s (sa) standard of truth was immaculate. Thereafter, upon his claim of prophethood and spreading Islam’s teachings, he desired for his followers to uphold the highest standards of truth and honesty.
It is narrated that on one occasion, while sitting with some of his companions, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Shall I inform you about the most grievous and grave sins?” Firstly, he mentioned shirk, associating partners with Allah. Then he mentioned disobeying one’s parents. Next, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that to kill someone unjustly was a grave sin. Of course, it is obvious to all of us that murder is a heinous crime and is something we all understand. Finally, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated that making a false oath or promise is also a very major sin.
The fact that it was listed alongside shirk and unjustly taking a life proves just how much falsehood is detested by God Almighty. The Holy Prophet (sa) explained that if a person lies or makes promises that they do not intend to fulfil, it is because they seek to unjustly seize the rights of others. They are driven to falsehood in order to serve their own interests at the expense of others. Thus, every Ahmadi, young or old, must ensure that in business, financial, or other dealings, they maintain the highest standards of truth and integrity.
The Holy Prophet (sa) desired to instil the virtue of truth to such an extent that once, when he overheard a woman call her son by promising to give him something, he called her and said that if she had not actually given the child something, it would have counted as a lie. Moreover, she would have taught her son to deceive others. Hence, never engage in any falsehood, even as a joke, and no matter how trivial it may seem. Absolute honesty ought to be the hallmark of every Ahmadi. Only then will our Jama’at, underpinned by a pillar of countless truthful souls, be in a position to enlighten the world and guide them toward bowing down before Allah the Almighty and worshipping Him.
Another immoral practice that has developed among some of our people is spreading gossip, exaggerating the truth, betraying confidences, and revelling in the distress of others, all for the sake of their cheap amusement or to provoke conflict. In this age of social media, it is easier than ever to spread disinformation and rumours.
People often excuse this behaviour by labelling it as a joke, but such vindictive actions can cause grudges, malice and hatred to ignite. It can even lead to fighting and the breakdown of social order. Hence, you must never engage in such things. Instead, if you are to use social media, use it for spreading positivity and truth. Use it to convey the commands of Allah the Almighty, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the moral and spiritual lessons of the Promised Messiah (as). Do not use it as a means of vulgar entertainment or to spread vain and immoral things. Do not use it to distress others or to fuel hatred and deviance. Use social media for good and righteous things alone.
During my recent address to Lajna [8] during the Germany Jalsa Salana, I mentioned that while taunting or gossiping behaviour was traditionally associated with women, regrettably, now, due to the effect of social media or partaking in improper gatherings, men are often the worst offenders.
The Holy Prophet (sa) strictly prohibited such conduct, stating that the worst of mankind is a person who has two faces, meaning a person who says one thing to one person and another thing to someone else, either for their amusement, to satisfy their ego or to cause hatred and social unrest.
Save yourselves from such shameful conduct, as these are the traits of a hypocrite. Only by avoiding this behaviour can we act upon the commandment to excel in righteousness. Otherwise, our claim and stated ambition to bring forth a spiritual revolution in the world shall be rendered meaningless.
If we wish to change the world for the better, we should first ask ourselves how the Holy Prophet (sa) ignited a spiritual revolution in his companions’ hearts. Those same people who once were mired in a pit of ignorance, immorality and illiteracy transformed into the most noble and moral people on the face of the earth and soared to such spiritual heights that those armed with worldly knowledge alone could never reach. This transformation was a direct result of their unwavering dedication to seeking the Holy Prophet’s (sa) guidance at every turn.
For example, once a person asked the Holy Prophet (sa) how to ensure that he would go to heaven – people now commonly ask this question. In reply, the Holy Prophet (sa) said he must worship Allah alone and never associate partners with Him,– one thing. He told him to perform Salat in congregation and to give Zakat, to spend in the way of Allah. Further, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed him to show love and mercy to his relatives. If he did all this, he would enter paradise.
In terms of showing love to one’s relatives, it includes all of one’s relations. It is a cause of deep regret that some young Ahmadi women write to me expressing their grief because their husbands or in-laws forbid them from seeing their own families. Such behaviour is a direct violation of the teachings of Islam, and so those guilty of such cruelties should reform themselves and treat their wives and daughters-in-law with love and compassion. If the husband’s parents are the cause of such distress, then they should be reminded that Allah and His Prophet (sa) have given the glad tidings of paradise for those who care for their relatives, and so why do they try to stop their daughters-in-law from doing so?
Recently, a Khadim asked me, to what extent must a person listen to his parents? I advised him to honour and obey them unless what they said violated the command of Allah and the teachings of Islam. In such circumstances, a child can and indeed should stand for the sake of his faith and reject what his parents say. However, even then, they should try to guide their parents with love and kindness.
Now, as we reach the end of this Ijtema, I wish to reiterate the importance of studying the Holy Qur’an.
Unquestionably, when you read the Qur’an carefully, you will find a wealth of divine wisdom within it, guiding you on what to embrace and what to avoid.
I have only touched upon a fraction of its teachings. Only if we collectively, as a Jama’at, our youth, children and elders alike, truly live by its teachings, can we spark a genuine spiritual and moral revolution in the world. Otherwise, without an inner transformation, our claims of changing the world shall amount to nothing but empty words.
We are incredibly fortunate to be Ahmadis, but we can only fulfil our true purpose, strengthen our bond with the Jama’at and benefit from these Ijtemas if we understand and act on the commands of Allah, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Promised Messiah (as).
it is our duty and mission to embrace every single teaching of Islam to the best of our ability and to forever seek to walk upon a path of virtue and righteousness.
if you, as young Ahmadis, achieve this, you will be those sincere and devoted youth who live up to their religious pledges and stand at the vanguard of reforming others and bringing about a spiritual awakening in the world. Otherwise, merely raising the slogan that “nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of their youth” is meaningless and fulfils no purpose.
Our true objective will only be realised when, alongside raising this slogan, we strive with every fibre of our being to reform ourselves and, in turn, to reform mankind.
So, as you leave today, ask yourselves whether you will be amongst those Khuddam and Atfal who truly reform themselves and who lead the world towards Allah the Almighty and towards peace and truth.
With all my heart, I hope and pray that Allah the Almighty may grant you the ability to do so and may you all become true shining stars of Ahmadiyyat. Ameen.
Now, join me in silent prayer.’
[Originally published in The Review of Religions]اللهم قو امامنا بروح القدس وبارك لنا في طول عمره وامره.
O Allah! Strengthen our Imam with the Holy Spirit and bless us through his long life and command.
Khilafat
The greatest honour of my life
By the Grace of Allah, I have had the fortune of devoting my life, as a Waqf, in MTA and this is truly the greatest honour of my life. Along with the ample blessings of Waqf, one such blessing is the many opportunities to join Huzoor on his international trips. One of my favourites is Huzoor’s trip to Japan in 2013. During this trip, beloved Huzoor (aba) would often have personal moments, which he would film on his personal camera. Once on a drive, we made a stop at a restaurant which had an overlooking view of Mount Fuji from its balcony.
Huzoor (aba) took out his camera to film the beholding view in front of us. I was already on the balcony before Huzoor (aba), but as soon as he came forward, I stood back to not disrupt his space. There at that moment, right in front of me was our beloved Khalifa filming and capturing the Mount Fuji, which to this day, is the most unreal shot I had seen. Of course I took this opportunity to capture this once in a lifetime view. As soon as Huzoor (aba) started to film, he realized that due to the hazy weather, Mount Fuji was not visible on his camera. To which, in my fortune, Huzoor asked me what I can see in my camera, which he could not see in his. He then took my camera in his blessed hands, as I tried to adjust the settings of my camera for Huzoor (aba) to enable a better view of Mount Fuji though the lens. To my great luck, there are some unbelievable shots capturing that moment.
There are many moments I’ve witnessed through a lens both with our beloved Imam and without, and I hope many more will come Insha’Allah. There has not been a time when I have not enjoyed
holding the camera. As I gain more experience, I come to the conclusion that things do become simpler as you get older. The simplest of cameras, with the simplest of views, become more meaningful, than maybe a click of the great, tall buildings in the world. Photography and pictures are my way of expressing myself, but also to understand the world and its history.
Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano located on the Japanese island of Honshu, with a summit elevation of 3,776.24 m (12,389 ft 3 in). It is the tallest mountain in Japan The mountain is located
about 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Tokyo and is visible from the Japanese capital on clear days. Mount Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical cone, which is covered in snow for about five months of
the year, is commonly used as a cultural icon of Japan and is frequently depicted in art and photography, as well as visited by sightseers, hikers and mountain climbers.
Video highlights of Huzoor (aba) tour in Japan can be found below:
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Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V Inaugurates Islamabad Convenience Store
On the 1st of April 2022, after Asr Namaz, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) inaugurated the MKA Tuck Shop in Islamabad. Huzoor (aba) opened the Homeopathic Dispensary adjacent to the Tuck Shop before gracing the Khuddam store. Huzoor (aba) unveiled a plaque and led everyone in silent prayer after which Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Abdul Quddus Arif, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat, Umar Hassan, and Motamid Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Nassar Bhatti, had the opportunity to show Huzoor (aba) the store and its wares.
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) unveils the plaque outside the Convenience Store.
Huzoor (aba) leading Silent Prayer after opening the Store.
Sadr Sahib MKA UK and Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat have the blessed opportunity to present the Store to Huzoor (aba).
Huzoor (aba) graced Khuddam with his precious time and distributed sweets to children who had gathered outside.
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) graces Naib Mohtamim Isha’at, Mudabbir Din, with his attention.
Immediately after Huzoor (aba) stepped outside the store, Huzoor (aba) was informed by Sadr Sahib about the Khuddam present with Huzoor (aba) speaking to a few as well. All those who had gathered were greatly moved by Huzoor’s presence.
This tuck shop will Insha’Allah serve as a small convenience store for the residents of Islamabad and visitors. The Homeopathy Dispensary has also opened alongside the MKA Tuck Shop.
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