After recently finishing the exams and interviews for our Shahid Degree, we were at home due to the pandemic. But that all changed one day as we were called to be COVID tested and told we would be quarantining in Jamia Ahmadiyya UK so that we could do duties in Islamabad. (This was in June 2020).

A few weeks passed and another call came. This time the message was to pack our bags and move to Islamabad. Little did we know that this was the place we would now call home. Being at the doorstep of Khilafat was a blessing in itself, but knowing that out of millions of Ahmadis, we were a select few that were able to pray behind Huzoor-e-Anwar^aba, to see him and to be blessed with his greetings was quite extraordinary.

Our duties were spread throughout the day to give us time to rest, ensuring we were vigilant for the next shift. Some of us were very fortunate to be on duty whilst Huzoor-e-Anwar^aba would come out to inspect Islamabad and there would often be interactions with Huzoor^aba also. Once Huzoor^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 Huzoor^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 that as of yet they have not but Insha’Allah 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.

At the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, myself and another Khadim were on the outer perimeter of Islamabad for our shift. After Eid prayers we saw on MTA that Huzoor^aba had made his way to see and give his blessings to those standing outside the Mosque. I was very happy for my fellows as they had the opportunity of being spoken to by Huzoor^aba, but there was also a piece of me wishing I could have been there. It was not too long after when we saw a car approaching our post. A Khadim came out with a cup in his hand and said “This is Huzoor’s^aba herbal tea, he said to give it to those who were on duty outside.” Words cannot describe the emotions that we went through.

Alhamdulillah, we were very fortunate to be able to set up for, attend and help wind up Jalsa Salana 2020 that was held inside Islamabad. I was also blessed with the opportunity to recite the Holy Qur’an in the concluding session. A chance that I would not have had if it was not for the situation we were in.

It should be known to all that we were not just there on our own terms, rather Huzoor^aba had kept us there and personally was looking after even our smallest needs. On a few occasions, Huzoor^aba would come to our accommodation after Namaz and bless us with his presence. He would inquire where we slept and how we were living and would even give advice on how to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. He made sure that we had everything we needed.

Another evening, I was on duty on the walkway towards the mosque. It was just before Isha’a and to my amazement I saw Huzoor^aba holding the banister of his staircase and looking in my direction out of his window. I was in awe and panicking. After Namaz I remember a member of the security team knocked on my cabin and handed me a plate, he said “This plate of aloo mattar (potatoes and peas) has been sent from Huzoor’s^aba house”. Again, words will not do justice to the feelings of the moment.

It had now been three months that we were living inside Islamabad and a message came through from the office of the private secretary that you will be having a meeting with Huzoor^aba. Everyone broke into a state of excitement and were also confused as to what this could be about. Many previous graduates from Jamia gave the suggestion that this may be the meeting they all had before leaving for Africa and Pakistan.

The day of the meeting came and the location that was chosen was the main Mosque. As we entered there were cameras set up. We all took our seats and waited patiently for Huzoor^aba. As Huzoor^aba walked in, an awe overtook the entire hall and Huzoor^aba instructed straight away that the cameras be turned off and that no one should be in the mosque except our class. Little did we know that the king of this age had planned something for us that our future generations will Insha’Allah hold dear to their hearts. This was the start of the series of classes in which we were personally led by Huzoor^aba. Till date we have read Haqeeqatul Wahi [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation], Paigham-e-Sulh [Message of Peace], Taqdeer-e-Ilahi [Divine Predetermination] and Malaikatullah [Angels of Allah].

Since September, we have had 1 or 2 sittings with Huzoor^aba every week in which most of the time would be studying and understanding the book in question followed by some time Huzoor^aba gave us to ask questions and speak to Huzoor^aba about anything.

In these sittings we have had first-hand guidance from Huzoor^aba in regards to bettering ourselves first and then focusing on others. Huzoor^aba checks on our Tahajjud, our routines and what we do in our free time. Also, he keeps check on our diets and in our sittings, discusses a possible menu and has instructed that we discuss a menu and then show him. This menu was implemented within the same week.

I had been blessed with a baby daughter who was born in Canada and after 10 months, in December 2020 my family was given the all clear to come over. Huzoor^aba had also graciously approved for my posting to be in Wakalat Maal Islamabad. As my family were coming soon, I was also blessed with a small bungalow 3 minutes away from Islamabad.

The purpose of the article was not to show how lucky we are staying so close to Huzoor^aba, rather, it is to highlight Huzoor’s^aba compassion, love and care for each and every individual of the Jama’at. If it was not me, there would be someone else in my place and Huzoor^aba would not treat him any differently. We are so lucky. We can only do justice to this blessing of God by praying in our Namaz that may Allah always protect His Khalifah and may He give him a long and healthy life. Ameen.