From 27-29 September 2024, Majlis Ansarullah UK held their annual ijtema in Kingsley, Hampshire. On the final day, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the occasion and delivered an address to formally conclude the event.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa arrived at the ijtema gah shortly after 4:15 pm. Huzooraa invited Mahmud Vardi Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. He recited verses 107–113 of Surah al-Anbiya’, after which Dr Azher Siddiq Sahib presented their English translation.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then proceeded to the podium, where he led all present in the Majlis Ansarullah pledge.
Following this, Huzooraa invited Munir Odeh Sahib to present an Arabic qasidah composed by the Promised Messiahas, along with its English translation. Saikou Gassama Sahib then recited an Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiahas, and Javaid Haidar Hameed Sahib provided the English translation of the couplets.
Huzooraa then called upon Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah UK, to deliver the ijtema report. Sadr Sahib presented a brief account, highlighting key aspects of this year’s ijtema. Next, Qaid Amoomi Majlis Ansarullah UK was invited to announce the Alam-e-Inami prize for the winning qiadat of the year, which Huzooraa awarded to the said qiadat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then returned to the podium to deliver his concluding address. Huzooraa began by saying that Majlis Ansarullah Belgium is also holding its annual ijtema simultaneously and prayed for the attendees.
Responsibilities of Ansarullah in modern society
Huzooraa highlighted the challenges posed by modern society, where inappropriate liberalism and vain pursuits are increasingly promoted under the guise of freedom and progress. In such a context, the responsibilities of Majlis Ansarullah – comprising mature and experienced members of the Jamaat – have increased significantly. He reminded the audience that members of Ansarullah must serve as role models, not only for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat but also for wider society. Huzooraa stressed that the atmosphere in their homes should reflect Islamic values, setting an example for their wives, children, and neighbours.
Huzooraa emphasised that the Promised Messiahas had high expectations of the Jamaat, and through their pledge of allegiance, members had committed to fulfilling these expectations. He urged them to reflect deeply on whether this commitment was visible in their everyday actions and warned that without this, they would fail to discharge the true purpose of their pledge of bai‘at.
Creating harmonious homes and good treatment of women
Huzooraa spoke at length about the importance of creating homes filled with love, affection, and peace, explaining that these virtues would flow from the home into society. He shared the guidance of the Promised Messiahas on the respectful and kind treatment of women, reminding the ansar of an incident where the Promised Messiahas had raised his voice slightly to his wife and then spent a long time in prayer, seeking forgiveness and offering charity. This anecdote served to highlight the high standard of conduct expected from ansar, particularly in their homes.
Huzooraa urged that their behaviour towards their wives must be exemplary, as this would have a profound impact not only within the home but also on the children and wider family. The Promised Messiah’sas teachings about household harmony were essential in creating a strong, moral Community.
The role of fathers and the impact on children
Fathers, Huzooraa explained, bear a great responsibility in the upbringing of their children. He stressed that their conduct and behaviour, particularly towards their wives and relatives, would leave a lasting impression on their children. If children witness conflict or harshness in the home, it could drive them away from the values of faith, leading them to seek comfort elsewhere, which might expose them to negative influences. A father’s role is not just as a disciplinarian but also as a spiritual guide who instils love for Allah and faith in the hearts of his children. Huzooraa said this is also the responsibility of the khuddam.
He reminded the ansar that the upbringing of children was a sacred responsibility placed upon them by the Promised Messiahas, and it was through their actions and prayers that their children would remain connected to the religion and the Jamaat. Fathers, therefore, must be patient, kind, and forgiving, offering their children a positive, nurturing environment.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“Guidance and upbringing, in essence, is in the hands of God. Nagging incessantly and persisting on a matter beyond reasonable bounds, i.e., to prohibit and rebuke children on every little thing, demonstrates that we are, as if, the masters of guidance, and will be able to bring our children on the path that accords with our own will. This is a hidden form of associating partners with God. My community ought to refrain from such a practice […]
“I pray for my children, and see to it that they follow broad principles, etiquette and teachings; this is all, nothing more. Then, I place my entire trust in Allah the Exalted. The seed of goodness that is present in each of them, according to their nature, will flourish when the time comes.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 181-182)
Patience, forgiveness, and mutual love
In his address, Huzooraa emphasised the need for patience and forgiveness within the Jamaat. He cited the teachings of the Promised Messiahas on the importance of developing tolerance and letting go of grievances. Huzooraa noted that holding grudges or escalating minor disagreements could lead to wider social discord and damage the unity of the Jamaat. Forgiveness, he explained, is a virtue that strengthens bonds and helps create a peaceful, harmonious environment, both within the family and in society at large.
The Promised Messiah’sas said:
“Take heed and remember that God does not like such behaviour. You who hold a relationship with me—and who do so only for the sake of God—ought to do good to those who do good and forgive those who do evil.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 201)
The Promised Messiah’sas mission, Huzooraa reminded the ansar, was based on two overarching principles: the Oneness of Allah and living with kindness and sympathy for others. If members of the Jamaat adhered to these values, they would set an example for the wider world, showcasing the true teachings of Islam.
The Promised Messiah’sas said:
“I have spoken many times before about the mutual concord and love that ought to prevail within our community. I have stated that you all ought to remain reconciled and united. This is the teaching that God Almighty gave to the Muslims that you must all remain as one being, or you will lose your stature. The reason that Muslims have been instructed to stand together in Prayer with their shoulders touching one another is to foster unity. The goodness in one person will flow into the next like an electric current. If you are divided and disunited, you shall be deprived.
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said that you ought to love one another and pray for each other even without the other’s knowledge. If an individual prays for someone without their knowledge, an angel says: ‘May it be so for you as well.’ What an outstanding thing indeed! If someone were to suggest that man’s prayers are not heard, at least they will agree that the prayers of an angel are accepted. I would like to advise you and say that there should be no discord amongst you.
“I have only brought you two teachings: firstly, to believe in the Oneness of God; secondly, to show one another love and sympathy. Show an example that serves as a miracle for others. This was what developed amongst the companions and it served as an argument to others. Allah the Exalted states:
کُنۡتُمۡ اَعۡدَآءً فَاَلَّفَ بَیۡنَ قُلُوۡبِکُمۡ فَاَصۡبَحۡتُمۡ بِنِعۡمَتِہٖۤ اِخۡوَانًا
‘You were enemies and He united your hearts in love.’ [Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch. 3: V. 104]
“Remember! Unity is a miracle. Remember! Until each and every one of you likes for your brother what you prefer for yourselves, you are not from among my community. Such a one suffers misfortune and trial. He shall not meet a good end. I am about to prepare a book in which all those people who cannot control their emotions will be separated. People fight over trivial matters. For example, one person says that a certain performer jumped ten yards and another person will begin arguing on this point, and this then leads to malice.
“Bear in mind that a sign of the Mahdi is that hatred would be dispelled. Now will this sign not be fulfilled? Indeed it will. So why do you not show forbearance? It is a fact in medicine that sometimes a disease cannot be cured until various other ailments are treated. Through my person, a righteous community will be established, God-willing.
“What is the cause of mutual enmity? It is miserliness, pride, self-conceit, and emotional impulses. I have mentioned that I will soon write a book in which I shall remove all those from my community who do not have a grasp over their emotions, and who cannot coexist with mutual love and brotherhood. Those who act in this manner ought to remember that they are guests for a few days, unless they show an excellent example. I do not wish to be a target for objection on account of others. An individual who joins my community and does not act in line with my objective is a dry branch. If a gardener does not cut it off, what is he to do? A dry branch that is attached to a flourishing one sucks water but cannot become verdant itself. In fact, the dry branch causes the green branch to wither away as well. So have fear. One who does not cure themselves will not remain with me. Since I will provide a detailed explanation of all this in my book, now I shall say a few words in Arabic to fulfil my obligation.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 220-222)
The dangers of worldly attachment and greed
Huzooraa addressed the dangers of becoming overly attached to material wealth and worldly pursuits. He shared the Promised Messiah’sas teachings on how greed and worldly desires can create a metaphorical hell in this life. Huzooraa cautioned that the pursuit of wealth often leaves a person dissatisfied, as materialism can never truly bring inner peace or fulfilment. Instead, it creates an unquenchable thirst for more, which ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.
He reminded the ansar that while striving for worldly success is permissible, it must always remain subservient to the goals of faith and service to Allah. Wealth, family, and status are all trials that must be navigated carefully to avoid becoming veils between man and God. True peace, he explained, can only be achieved by living for the sake of Allah and prioritising the spiritual over the material.
The Promised Messiah’sas said:
“Now, one ought to understand what hell is exactly. One hell is that which Allah Almighty has promised after death. Secondly, this life also, if not devoted to God Almighty, is also a hell. Allah the Exalted does not concern Himself to save such people from pain and give them comfort. Do not think that a large share of worldly riches, authority, wealth, honour and children can give a person any pleasure, comfort and tranquillity, and that these things constitute an early paradise in this world. Not at all. That comfort, that satisfaction, and that tranquillity which are from among the rewards of paradise cannot be attained through such means. This can only be attained by living and dying in complete devotion to God.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 273-274)
The importance of the Holy Quran
Huzooraa placed great emphasis on the importance of adhering to the Holy Quran, advising members of Majlis Ansarullah to make it their constant source of guidance. He echoed the Promised Messiah’sas teaching that the Holy Quran is the ultimate tool for spiritual success and that other religious texts, while important, should not overshadow it. The Holy Quran, Huzooraa said, contains within it all the knowledge and guidance required for living a righteous life, and it is only through acting upon its teachings that one can attain true success.
He encouraged members to dedicate themselves to studying the Quran and to ensure that their children also form a strong connection with it. Ansarullah, as mature members of the Jamaat, have a special responsibility to lead by example in their commitment to the Quran, ensuring that future generations uphold its teachings.
The Promised Messiah’sas said:
“If we did not have the Quran, and if these collections of Hadith had been the crowning glory of our faith and belief, we would not even have been able to show our faces to other nations out of shame. I reflected over the word Quran and then it became evident to me that this blessed word in itself contains a magnificent prophecy. The prophecy is that this book alone is the Quran, i.e. a book that is worthy of being recited, and there will be a time when this will be the case even more so than before. In the era when other books will also be recited alongside the Quran, the Quran alone shall be worthy of being recited so that the honour of Islam may be saved and falsehood may be uprooted; other books will deserve to be forsaken completely. This is also the meaning of Furqan (distinction). In other words, this book alone shall stand to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and no other compilation of Hadith, or any other book for that matter, shall be equal in value or stature.
“Now forsake all other books and read the Book of Allah day and night. Truly devoid of faith is the one who does not turn to the Quran and who remains, day and night, engaged in studying other books. Our community ought to become absorbed with heart and soul in studying and reflecting on the Holy Quran and should not let themselves become overly preoccupied in studying the Hadith. It is most regrettable that the Holy Quran is not given the same attention, nor studied, as are the Hadith. At this time, if you employ the weapon known as the Holy Quran, you shall be victorious. No darkness will be able to stand in the face of this light.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, pp. 9-10)
The necessity of spiritual transformation
In his address, Huzooraa stressed that the pledge of allegiance (bai‘at) is not merely an outward declaration but a commitment to undergo a profound inner transformation. He warned that without this internal change, the bai‘at would be nothing more than a hollow shell. The essence of the pledge lies in developing a deep love for Allah and showing kindness and sympathy to His creation. Without these qualities, a person cannot truly claim to follow the Promised Messiahas.
Huzooraa urged ansar to reflect on whether they had undergone this transformation and whether their actions reflected the essence of their pledge. The real success of their allegiance, he explained, would be evident in their behaviour and character, as they strive to live by the high standards set by the Promised Messiahas.
The Promised Messiah’sas said:
“Observe the state of the wor ld today. Our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrated through his own actions that his death and his life were all for the sake of Allah Almighty alone, but then, there are the Muslims of today. If someone is asked whether they are a Muslim, they will respond in the affirmative by saying: ‘All praise belongs to Allah.’ But the man whose creed they recite was one whose entire life was based on the guiding principle of devotion to God. Yet the Muslim of today lives for the world and dies for the world. Until they finally begin to breathe their last, it is the world that is their objective, the object of their love and desire. How then can such a one say that they follow the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him?
“This is an instance for contemplation; do not consider this to be an ordinary matter. It is not easy to be a Muslim. Do not rest until you develop obedience for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and inculcate a true image of Islam within yourselves.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, pp. 79-80)
Unity and the role of ansar as Helpers of Allah
Concluding his address, Huzooraa emphasised the importance of unity within the Jamaat. He reminded the ansar that the success of the Jamaat’s mission depends on the collective effort of its members. Only through mutual cooperation, teamwork, and shared commitment to the cause can the Jamaat achieve its goals. Huzooraa urged ansar to live up to their title of نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللّٰهِ (We are the helpers of Allah) by working together with dedication and a spirit of service. Huzooraa said:
“When we have called ourselves Ansarullah and have raised the slogan ‘نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللّٰهِ’ (We are the helpers of Allah), then we must make every possible effort to fulfil the rights of being part of the Community of the Promised Messiahas and being the Ansarullah [i.e., Helpers of Allah].”
He concluded by praying for the success of the Jamaat, for their ability to fulfil the pledge of allegiance, and for the spread of peace and harmony within society. “May Allah the Almighty grant us the ability to transform our own conditions, to strive to bring about a change in the conditions of our children, to keep the environment of our homes peaceful, and to maintain peace in our society. We should be the bearers of peace and security for the world. We should strive to turn this world towards recognising God, to raise the banner of the Holy Prophetsa in this world, and to bring the world under the shade of his flag. May Allah enable us to always remain such ansar. Amin.”
Huzooraa then led the audience in silent prayer.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)