Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 27 July 2024: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, arrived at the Lajna marquee for his address shortly after noon.
Commencing the formal session, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa invited Rubina Kashif Sahiba to recite a portion of the Holy Quran: Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.36-37, followed by its translation. Showkat Hadi Zakaria Sahiba then presented an Urdu poem written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
Huzooraa then invited Secretary Umur-e-Talibaat to announce the names of the Lajna students who achieved academic excellence over the year.
Gratitude and worship
Huzooraa came to the podium to deliver his address, and after tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatiha, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa emphasised the immense favour bestowed upon the Jamaat by Allah the Almighty, which has enabled them to accept the Imamas of the Age and witness the fulfilment of divine prophecies. Highlighting the importance of worship, he underscored that the most befitting way to show gratitude to Allah is through diligent observance of salat, which encompasses both obligatory and voluntary prayers.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:
“It is a great favour from Allah that He has granted us the ability to recognise and accept the Imamas of this age. We are fortunate to witness the fulfilment of Allah’s promises and the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa, and to be among those who affirm their truth. This should make us deeply grateful to Allah. True gratitude to Allah is expressed through His worship as prescribed by God Himself, and the best form of worship is the observance of Prayer, specifically the five obligatory prayers, along with additional voluntary prayers. This command applies to both men and women.”
Worship: Now and then
The dedication of the female Companions of the Holy Prophetsa was presented as a historical benchmark for fervent worship. Huzooraa noted that these women often endeavoured to exceed even men in their devotion, leading to concerns from the men who appealed to the Holy Prophetsa to admonish them about moderation. Huzooraa said:
“It is recorded in the ahadith that the female companions of the Holy Prophetsa, who attained Allah’s pleasure, often strove to surpass even men in their acts of worship.”
Drawing parallels, Huzooraa remarked on relatively contemporary examples within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat where women display exemplary standards of worship, illustrating a continuum of the practices from the era of the female Companions to the present times. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:
“In this era, Allah has blessed the community of the Promised Messiahas with women who are elevating their standards of worship. There are many examples of this [in our Jamaat].”
Significant influence of Hazrat Amma Janra
The spiritual stature of Hazrat Amma Janra, the blessed wife of the Promised Messiahas was discussed in detail. Huzooraa outlined her profound impact on the spiritual life of the women around her, notably during gatherings which were exclusively focused on spiritual and religious discussions. Her immediate response to azan, often leading to the cessation of all discussions, was highlighted as a testament to her prioritisation of worship over worldly matters.
Huzooraa said, “Children are gifts from God. Consider them as such. Do not make them the reason for you not worshipping. Allah the Almighty is displeased with this. It is not an excuse to say my clothes are dirty.”
Parental responsibilities in tarbiyat
The address touched upon the pivotal role of parents in the tarbiyat and spiritual nurturing of their children. Huzooraa stressed that parents’ own approach to worship and religious observance directly influences their children’s spiritual development. He articulated the necessity for parents to establish a religiously conducive home environment, enabling their children to find answers to spiritual questions within the home environment, thereby strengthening their faith from a young age.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:
“Every mother, filled with deep fear and gratitude, should pay attention after the birth of their child. Allah says that initially, both men and women pray for the child, but once Allah grants them a child, they associate [them as] partners with Him.”
“It is essential to understand that to improve our worldly life and hereafter, and to secure our children’s future and salvation, we must focus on prayers. We need to look after our prayers and instil this importance firmly in our children’s minds. This should be a defining trait of a believing Ahmadi Muslim woman. Otherwise, claims of following the Imamas of the age are entirely hollow.
“Therefore, remember the purpose of joining the Jamaat. If you have joined the Jamaat, strive to develop pure transformations within yourself and strengthen your bond with Allah. Not only must you connect yourself with Allah, but you must also connect your children with Him.”
Navigating modern challenges
Huzooraa expressed concern over the distractions and potential moral pitfalls presented by modern technologies such as the internet and television. He called for vigilant parental oversight to safeguard children from harmful influences that are pervasive online and in media. The emphasis was on utilising these technologies in ways that are beneficial and morally aligned with Islamic values. Huzooraa said:
“By purifying the environment of your home, you will ensure that the frivolities and innovations of the times do not influence your household. These are the things that undermine efforts for pure transformation and consume them like a pest. This [modern] day society is considered civilised, but not everything in these developed countries is truly civilised. Some things are taught under the guise of freedom that lead away from civilisation, morals, and towards corruption. Those who are regarded as highly developed are often engrossed in frivolities and evil, considering these as freedoms. Under the names of freedom of thought and freedom of conscience, obscene behaviours are displayed in streets, alleys, and markets.”
“Some among us, due to a sense of inferiority, consider these behaviours as civilised and try to adopt them. They try to learn these behaviours under the name of freedom. If our homes have a religious environment and we focus on prayers, we will avoid these pitfalls.
“In today’s environment, pay special attention to the fact that these frivolities have entered our homes through the internet and TV. Now, everyone has an iPhone, iPad, or tablet, through which they can watch indecent films and see inappropriate pictures. These are the deceitful tactics of the Dajjal that lead people away from God and religion.
“Ahmadi girls should avoid these things to maintain their chastity, honour, family dignity, and the sanctity of the Jamaat, striving to gain Allah’s pleasure. Similarly, every Ahmadi man and boy should avoid these pitfalls.”
Practical guidance on modesty and hijab
The discourse on modesty and hijab was particularly emphatic, with Huzooraa providing practical guidance on observing hijab in accordance with Islamic precepts. He addressed contemporary challenges related to fashion, urging adherence to the principles of modesty even when contemporary styles might suggest otherwise. The importance of hijab was reinforced as a protective measure that also signifies a woman’s commitment to her faith.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:
“The concept of modesty and decency is fading away. Parents often dismiss concerns, saying that if girls have a desire for fashion, let them do it, what’s the harm? While it’s acceptable to follow fashion, it must be limited when it leads to immodesty.
“For example, sometimes fashion under the guise of religion is also wrong. For instance, wearing a tight coat as a burqa is not appropriate for appearing before men. Such fashion is prohibited. The coat should be loose, not tightly clinging to the body. If not, it won’t be religiously appropriate, and it won’t preserve the modesty of women. Eventually, all veils will be lifted. Islam commands modesty. So, take care of your modesty and hijab.”
Guidelines for social and family Life
Guidance was also extended on maintaining decorum in social interactions and family life, advocating for a harmonious domestic environment conducive to spiritual growth. Huzooraa underscored the importance of upholding appropriate purdah between genders, as ordained in Islamic teachings.
Empowering women and girls
In concluding the address, Huzooraa inspired women to assume active roles in leading tarbiyat initiatives. He encouraged them to embody piety and contribute constructively to the overall welfare of the Jamaat, positioning Ahmadi women as exemplars of Islamic virtues in the broader societal context.
Call to action
In his closing remarks, Huzooraa prayed for Allah’s support for all women to achieve the high spiritual and moral standards discussed. He reinforced the notion that true empowerment and societal respect for Ahmadi women come from their unwavering commitment to Islamic values, their role in nurturing future generations, and their efforts to promote the true teachings of Islam globally.
Huzooraa said, “We have to bring about a revolution in the world. We have to show the world the right path. We have to make the world such that they prostrate and submit to God. We have to bring the world under the banner and the flag of the Holy Prophetsa. For this, we would have to reform our states, and reform the states of our children and future generations. When this occurs, it will bring about a revolution in the world. Ahmadi women and Ahmadi girls, in particular, have to pay special attention towards this because it is you who can also become the means of reforming the boys. Remember, this is the objective for which the Promised Messiahas came. It is this objective for which we have done the bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas. Otherwise, there is absolutely no point in doing the bai‘at.”
Huzooraa then prayed, “May Allah enable all of you to fulfil the right of this bai‘at. May you all be those who reform yourselves. And may you be those who give precedence to their faith over worldly matters. May all of you bring about a revolution in the world, while acting upon the commands of Allah the Exalted. May Allah enable this to be so.” Amin.
In the end, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, after which the girls presented some choral poems. Huzooraa then took leave and the session came to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)