Friday Sermon
17 March 2023
The Promised Messiahas: Status and glory of the Holy Quran
After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:
I have been speaking about the rank, status and excellences of the Holy Quran over the last few weeks. Expounding on the status of religion according to the Holy Quran and the impact it has, and should have, on the human faculties, the Promised Messiahas says:
“How far does religion influence human nature? This is a question that has not been answered by the Gospels for they are far removed from the ways of wisdom. But the Holy Quran has answered it in great detail. It explains that it is not the function of religion to change the natural faculties of man or to turn wolves into lambs (in other words, its purpose is not to weaken those who are strong); its purpose is to guide man in the proper use of his natural faculties in keeping with the demands of time and place. Religion is not meant to change people’s faculties (those abilities that have been bestowed by God); its aim is only to guide them to their proper use. Instead of laying stress on any particular faculty, such as mercy or forgiveness, it should enjoin the use of all of one’s faculties.”
It should not only teach to show mercy and forgiveness. Rather, according to the need and situation, it should encourage the use of the appropriate faculty for the specific occasion. The ultimate objective is to bring about reformation and improvement and one should try to achieve this objective in every way possible.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“Instead of laying stress on any particular faculty, such as mercy or forgiveness, it should enjoin the use of all of one’s faculties. No human faculty is in itself evil, it is their wrong or immoderate use that makes them so. A person cannot be condemned on account of his natural faculties unless he misuses them.” (Four Questions by Mr. Sirajuddin, a Christian, and Their Answers, pp. 15-16)
One small example of this can be that if there is a physically strong man, who commits cruelties to display his strength; or if there is a person with authority who commits injustices, is not compassionate to others, and fails to utilise their faculties on the right occasion, seeking only to prove their superiority and dominance, then such a person will be deemed evil. His faculties are not evil, but their use, and his actions are.
Then, explaining that one of the objectives of his advent was to prove and establish the truthfulness of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas says:
“It is indeed true that Muslims [today] do not at all comprehend the Holy Quran. However, it is now the desire of God to manifest the correct understanding of the Holy Quran. God has appointed me for this very purpose, and I am able to understand the Holy Quran through His revelations. The teaching of the Holy Quran is such that there cannot be any objection against it, and it is filled with so much wisdom that even a philosopher cannot find an opportunity to criticise it.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 6, p. 167)
Then, whilst mentioning the grandeur of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas advised the Jamaat:
“Ponder over the Holy Quran, for it contains everything; amongst other things, it explains good and evil deeds, as well as news regarding the future. Know full well that the religion that it presents is such that no one can raise any allegations against it, because its blessings and spiritual fruits are readily and consistently found. Religion was not explained in its entirety in the Gospels. Their teachings may have suited the circumstances and conditions of that era, but they are certainly not applicable to every era and condition. (It was suitable for the time in which Prophet Jesusas came, but not anymore.) This honour belongs to the Holy Quran alone, for in it, Allah the Almighty vouchsafed the cure for every ailment, provided guidance for every faculty, and also taught the method of removing the evils that it has identified. For this reason, recite the Holy Quran often, continue to pray, and try to conduct your actions in accordance with its teachings.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 9, p. 122)
With regards to carefully pondering over the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas further states:
“One should abstain from rituals and religious innovations; otherwise, they begin to gradually influence that sharia [teachings of Islam]. Instead of spending time repeating various incantations, one should spend their time pondering over the Holy Quran.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 6, p. 266)
People desire that they should be taught a particular incantation or some brief words, so that they may spend their time reciting them. However, the Promised Messiahas has stated that this should not be the case, in fact, one ought to spend their time focusing on the Holy Quran.
There are some people who spend most of their time in “waza’if” [spiritual incantations] and those who adopt these practices do not even know the meaning of these words. They think that this is the only means of their spiritual betterment. The Promised Messiahas has stated that it would serve people better to spend their time reflecting upon the Holy Quran. It is in this way that they can achieve spiritual progress.
There are many religious innovations that have taken root amongst the non-Ahmadi Muslims due to this. However, some Ahmadis have also become influenced by this. Therefore, we must safeguard ourselves from this and pay more attention to reading the translation and commentary of the Holy Quran.
From next week’s Thursday, and in some places on Wednesday, the month of Ramadan is starting. Make an even greater effort in reciting, teaching and understanding the Holy Quran during this month of Ramadan.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“If someone’s heart has been hardened, then the only way to soften it is to constantly recite the Holy Quran. Wherever there is a prayer in the Holy Quran, a believer also desires to be a recipient of that divine mercy. The example of the Holy Quran is like a garden; one picks a certain flower from one place, then walks a little further and picks a different flower. Accordingly, you should derive benefit from every portion of the Holy Quran.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 6, p. 266)
The Promised Messiahas states that spiritual progress can be achieved by adhering to the commandments and prohibitions outlined in the Holy Quran. One should implement the commandments given by Allah the Almighty, and strive to abstain from whatever He has prohibited. This should be kept in mind, for these are the berry flowers that one plucks from the garden.
The Promised Messiahas further states that there are some people who believe they have excelled a great deal in their religious knowledge to the extent that they limit the attainment of blessings from certain chapters of the Holy Quran – the Promised Messiahas cites Surah Ya Sinas an example – to a particular method of recitation. (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 6, p. 266)
Making such statements is akin to claiming divinity. Thus, we should especially abstain from these sorts of practices.
There are two ways in which one can fail to act upon the Holy Quran; the first is to completely abandon it, and the second is to fail to understand its true meanings. What does this mean? Either they don’t act upon it completely, or they don’t act according to its true meanings. Whilst explaining this, the Promised Messiahas states:
“There are two ways in which one fails to act upon the Holy Quran; one is to completely abandon it and the second is to neglect its true meanings. To completely abandon the Holy Quran is to not read the Word of God at all. Just as many people are called Muslims, they are completely unaware of the text of the Holy Quran. The second way is that, though they might recite the Holy Quran, they do not believe in the blessings, spiritual light, and mercy contained therein. Thus, one should strive to avoid neglecting the Holy Quran in either of these two ways.”
The Promised Messiahas further states:
“There is a saying of Imam Jafar – and Allah knows best as to its accuracy – whereby he stated, ‘I read the Quran so much that I begin to receive revelation.’ This statement seems plausible. (The Promised Messiahas explains that Allah knows best whether he said this or not or how true it is, but it does seem that it could be true.) This is because one thing can attract another that is similar to it in nature. Now in this era, people have added countless elaborations; Shias have their own and Sunnis have their own.”
The Promised Messiahas explained by narrating an incident, “Once a Shia said to my father that ‘I will tell you a particular phrase, reciting which will preclude you from ever having to purify yourself or perform ablution.’”
In other words, the phrase alone would be sufficient and that would replace his purification and his ablution.
The Promised Messiahas states, “Disbelief, innovation, apostasy, and rejection of God, etc. have found their way into Islam because the words of a singular person were given as much importance as should have been given to the Word of God. This is why the Companionsra believed the ahadith to be secondary to the Holy Quran.”
The Promised Messiahas narrates an incident that, “Once, Hazrat Umarra was about to make a decision when an elderly woman got up and said that the matter had been mentioned in a hadith.”
In other words, she attributed her statement to the Holy Prophetsa. One ought to remember that although the ahadith were compiled later, there were some companions who, at times, would write them down in the very moment.
The Promised Messiahas continues:
“Upon this, Hazrat Umarra said, ‘I cannot abandon the Book of Allah at the behest of an elderly woman.’” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 6 pp. 266-267)
The Word of Allah the Almighty was different to what the lady was narrating. Whatever the Word of Allah says, that is the truth. Thus, this is the truth and this is what we should adopt. If this does not happen, then innovations will keep spreading; in fact, it is owing to this that innovations continue to spread among Muslims. As a result, they are pushing them further from the real teachings of the Holy Quran.
This has become prevalent among many Muslims; similar to the example that I just gave in which the Promised Messiahas stated that a Shia scholar told his father that there was a particular phrase that, if recited, would preclude him from performing ablution or having to purify himself. The majority of the Muslim Ummah is ignorant. They will follow whatever path they are led down by these so-called “scholars”, and innovations in faith keep spreading. Despite this, it is alleged that we alter the Holy Quran.
Whilst explaining that the progress of Muslims is dependent upon the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Until Muslims do not completely follow and adhere to the Holy Quran, they cannot progress in any way. However far they keep straying from the Quran, they are equally moving further away from the different stages and paths of progress. Acting upon the Holy Quran is the sole means of progress and guidance. Allah the Almighty has not forbidden one from lawful means of trade, farming, and acquiring livelihood, but they should not be considered the objective in itself; rather, they should be kept as a means of serving the faith. The purpose of Zakat is the same, that this wealth is in service to faith.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, pp. 29-30)
Thus, a believer should not make worldly pursuits the objective of their life, rather, the purpose of life that Allah the Almighty has outlined for mankind should be their ultimate objective, which is to strive to become true worshippers and to continue striving to act upon His commandments. The commandment to give Zakat and to spend in the way of Allah has been given so that one not only spends their wealth to fulfil their own desires, but also to spend it on the advancement of faith and to fulfil the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation. The Promised Messiahas states:
“The Quran is a repository of jewels, yet people are unaware of it.”
He states, “It is unfortunate that people do not pay attention to the Quran with fervour and diligence. Attention is not given to the Holy Quran in the same way as a worldly person focuses on their worldly pursuits, or as a poet concentrates on their poetry.”
The Promised Messiahas then states, “There was a poet in Batala; he had compiled a book of his poetic works in Persian. One of the couplets was:
صبا شرمندہ مے گردد بہ روئے گل نگہ کردن
(The gentle breeze shies away as it looks upon the countenance of a flower.)
However, he remained confounded and perplexed for six months as he searched for the second verse (he continued to search for it and ponder over it). Eventually, one day, he went to a cloth merchant’s shop to purchase some clothes. The merchant took out many bags of clothes, yet none of them was to his liking. In the end, when he stood up having not bought anything, the cloth merchant (the shopkeeper) became angry, saying, ‘You had me open so many bags and caused me undue inconvenience.’ Thereupon, the poet thought of the second verse and in this way, he was able to complete the couplet:
صبا شرمندہ مے گردد بہ روئے گل نگہ کردن
کہ رخت غنچہ را وا کرد و نتوانست تہ کردن
The gentle breeze shies away as it looks upon the countenance of a flower.
It can bring the bud to blossom, but cannot bring it back to a close.
The Promised Messiahas continues, “People do not make as much effort in order to understand a single verse of the Holy Quran, as much as that poet strove for the sake of one verse.” He states, “The Quran is a repository of jewels, yet people are unaware of it.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 2, pp. 343-344)
The Promised Messiahas states:
“The Torah and Gospels do not contain such secrets and intricacies as are replete in the Holy Quran. Furthermore, the Holy Quran doesn’t just mention all the various matters as a mere claim, as is the case in the Torah and Gospels which only make claims, rather, the Holy Quran demonstrates proof and evidence. Everything it mentions is accompanied by strong and robust proof. Just as there is an attraction to the eloquence and articulacy of the Holy Quran, and just as its teachings have rationality and an allurement, in the same way, its proofs are effective.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol 3, pp. 243-244)
Thus, no other book can compare to the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiahas further states that just as the Holy Quran is superior to all scriptures, the rank of the Holy Prophetsa is also loftier than that of all other prophets. (Malfuzat [1984], Vol 3, p. 244)
Hence, when you read something in the Holy Quran, you should seek its proofs there as well.
Whilst mentioning that no sorcery can stand against the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“We ought to remember that we are presenting the Holy Quran, in the face of which all sorcery vanishes away. No falsehood or magic can compete with it. What is it that our enemies possess and carry with them? Know for certain that the Holy Quran is that magnificent weapon, which no falsehood has any chance of challenging. For this reason, no one who follows falsehood can challenge us or our community, and they, therefore, refuse any dialogue with us. This is a heavenly weapon which can never be made dull.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 5, p. 27)
Hence, this draws our attention towards greatly pondering and reflecting over the Holy Quran so that we may improve on our spiritual and intellectual state, and in order to refute our opponents.
Whilst mentioning that adhering to the Holy Quran leads to attaining God Almighty, providing one shows complete obedience to the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“We have only one Messengersa, and only one Holy Quran was revealed to him, by following which one can attain God. Nowadays, the self-concocted methods of the so-called saints, and the Saifis of the saints. (“Saifis” refer to the incantations that are recited for 40 consecutive days to cause harm to a person; all of these evil charms, prayers and incantations are tools to lead one astray from the right path. Hence, one must safeguard against them. These people wish to break the seal of the Khatamul Anbiya [Seal of the Prophets], and it is as though they have created their own sharia [law]. Bear in mind that without following the Holy Quran, the directives of the Holy Prophetsa, prayer, fasting, etc., which are the prescribed ways, there is no other key to opening the doors to the grace and blessings of God Almighty. Misguided is one who abandons these paths and chooses a new one for themselves. One who fails to follow the commands of Allah and His Messengersa, and instead treads other paths in search of Him will die unsuccessful.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 5, p. 185), (Jahangir Urdu Dictionary, Jahangir Books Lahore, p. 923,)
One of the qualities of the Holy Quran mentioned by the Promised Messiahas is that it has made it obligatory to believe in the prophets of every nation. Hence, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The Quran is that revered book that laid the foundation of peace between nations and acknowledged the truth of all Prophets belonging to all the different nations. It is the Holy Quran that enjoys the unique distinction of teaching us with regard to the Prophets of the entire world that:
لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنۡہُمۡ ۫ وَنَحۡنُ لَہٗ مُسۡلِمُوۡنَ
“Therefore, O Muslims, you should declare: We believe in all the Prophets of God belonging to this world and we do not discriminate between them so as to reject one and accept the others. (The Promised Messiahas challenged:) Name one book like the Holy Quran which is so dedicated to the cause of peace.” (A Message of Peace, p. 31)
Another quality of the Holy Quran is its sequence and order. Regarding this, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran has greatly taken into consideration the order and sequence. A large part of the eloquence of the Quran is related to this. This is because orderliness is an element of eloquent expression. In fact, the highest order of expression is that which exhibits wisdom [in its order and sequence]. He whose speech is bereft of, or lacks structure and sequence cannot be considered eloquent and articulate.”
In other words, an eloquent writer or speaker is one whose words appear at an appropriate time and place and comprehensively encapsulate the subject matter. Furthermore, such eloquence should be expressed in beautiful words that not only conveys brilliant meanings but also maintains sentence structure. Thus, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Such a person can never be considered eloquent and articulate, particularly one who completely neglects order and sequence. Such a person is surely mad because one whose speech is unstructured cannot have their senses intact. (If there is no structure and organisation, it means that they are mad or senseless.) Thus, how is it possible that the miraculous and pure Word of God, which is eloquent, articulate and claims to call toward all kinds of truths, is lacking in order and sequence, which is necessary for it to be considered eloquent?” (Tiryaqul Quloob, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, pp. 456-457 [footnote])
The Holy Quran is the Word of Allah the Almighty and is filled with eloquence and articulacy. It is impossible for it to lack order and sequence, as claimed by those who raise allegations.
Whilst mentioning two miracles of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“There is no other means to receive heavenly light except through the Holy Quran. In order to distinguish truth from falsehood forever, and so that falsehood may never be able to prevail over truth, God has blessed the ummah of Muhammad with these two miracles for all times to come – that of the Holy Quran’s content and its effect – (In other words, the first miracle is the words of the Quran and the second is its impact and effectiveness. These are the two miracles) that all false religions have failed to match throughout the ages. Had the Quran possessed the miracle of content only and not that of effect, what superiority would the blessed Muslim ummah have achieved over others in terms of progress in receiving its effects and achieving spiritual enlightenment. Mere asceticism and chastity can never be categorised as miraculous.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part III, Sub-Footnote Number One, pp. 229-230)
The teachings of the Holy Quran can be practically impactful if one truly adheres to them.
Adhering to the Holy Quran also brings about signs of salvation during one’s life. In this regard, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran, around which revolves the obedience to the Holy Prophetsa, is such a book that by following it, the signs of salvation are manifested in this very world. This is the only book that, through overt and covert means, perfects defective souls and delivers them from doubts and suspicions.”
“Defective souls” refers to those who are weak and lacking. The Holy Quran not only removes their weaknesses but elevates them to a higher state. The Promised Messiahas further states:
“The overt way is that its statements are so comprehensive of verities and fine points that it refutes, through rational arguments, all of the doubts that prevent people from reaching God and because of which hundreds of false sects are flourishing and hundreds of false doctrines are occupying the hearts of misguided people.”
The Holy Quran clearly elucidates through arguments and verities that remove doubt in all shape and form. Indeed, the condition is that one must understand [the Holy Quran], and to understand it, one must derive benefit from the words of those who teach it. The Promised Messiahas further states:
“All the light of the true and perfect teaching needed to dispel the darkness of the present age, shines forth from it like the sun […].”
In this age, where darkness is spreading, where people are becoming far removed from religion, where indecency and immorality is prevalent and where people are becoming increasingly distant from God – in a state of such darkness – we must hearken to the Holy Quran that contains all that is necessary to repel this darkness and attain the light. The Promised Messiahas further says that all of these things shine brightly in the Quran like the sun and states:
“[…] And the remedy for all the ills of the soul is set out in it, and the exposition of all true insights is contained in it. There is no subtlety of the knowledge of the Divine that can possibly be disclosed at any time in the future, which has been left out of it. The covert way is that by truly following it, man, being purified wholly of inner vices (the condition being complete obedience to the Holy Quran) establishes a relationship with the Lord on High, and the light of his acceptance by God begins to descend upon him. He is so encircled by divine favours that when he supplicates to God in times of difficulty, God Almighty responds to him through His perfect mercy and compassion (in other words, Allah the Almighty shows immense kindness, mercy, and beneficence). Sometimes it happens that, when he is surrounded by his difficulties and sorrows, even if he supplicates a thousand times, he receives a loving response from his Gracious Lord every time in eloquent, sweet, and blessed words. Divine revelation descends upon him like rain and he finds his heart so filled with the love of God as a transparent glass phial is filled with a delicate perfume. He is bestowed such pure delight of affection and zeal that, by breaking the strong chains of his ego, pulls him out of this hazy condition (he is withdrawn from the polluted air and smoke) and bestows new life upon him every moment with the cool and comforting breezes of the True Beloved.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part III, Sub-Footnote Number Two, pp. 250-251)
Then, the Promised Messiahas states that the Holy Quran is a message that is certain and indisputable. The Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran is the Book of God and there is no word available to us that is as absolute and certain. It is the Word of God and is untainted by doubt and speculation.” (A Review of the Debate Between Batalavi and Chakrhalvi, p. 6)
Whilst elaborating on the fact that the Holy Quran has come to unite the nations of the world, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Initially, God sent a code of conduct to each nation individually. Thereafter, He desired that, in light of the Unity of God, the people should also be united. Thus, he sent the Holy Quran to unite all people, thereby informing them that a time is coming when God will bring all nations under one single nation; all countries will be united and all languages will be united.” (Naseem-e-Da’wat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p. 428)
Some people wonder why there are many different faiths; they exist because, in their respective eras, people’s reason and understanding were limited, and the teachings were within their means. In the past, religion came to individual nations. Now, is a time when everyone can come together, thus, a perfect sharia was sent to us in the form of the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiahas states, “All countries will be united and all languages will be united.” These days, the term “global village” is used to show how the world has united and taken the form of a single community. Nonetheless, despite there being different languages spoken across the globe, the Holy Quran is unique in that it is recited in Arabic by all Muslims, no matter where they are in the world or to which nation they belong. Similarly, it is also used in the five daily prayers.
Then, whilst mentioning that the Holy Quran has bestowed a favour upon the earlier prophets and books, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran has bestowed a great favour upon the prophets and scriptures of the past in that it has given authentic knowledge about those incidents mentioned previously as mere stories. I tell you truly that a person cannot break free from these fables until they read the Holy Quran; because it behoves only the grandeur of the Holy Quran as it states:
اِنَّہٗ لَقَوۡلٌ فَصۡلٌ وَّمَا ہُوَ بِالۡہَزۡلِ
[“Surely, it is a decisive word. Surely it is not a vain talk.”] (Surah at-Tariq 86:14-15)
“It is the Scale, the Light, a Cure and a Mercy. Whosoever recites the Holy Quran and considers it to be mere tales has not read the Holy Quran, rather, they have dishonoured it.
“Why have our opponents become so active in their enmity against us? Is it because we wish to portray the Quran to be completely filled with light, wisdom and insight – just as Allah the Almighty has commanded? Our opponents wish to show that the Quran is nothing more than a collection of fables, but this is completely unacceptable to us. Through His grace, Allah the Almighty has revealed to us that the Holy Quran is a living book full of radiance. Therefore, why should we worry about their opposition?” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 3, p. 155)
With regards to the grandeur of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas says:
“Among the clear proofs of the Holy Quran’s greatness, one such proof is that it contains extraordinary knowledge; finding the like thereof in the Torah or Gospels is a futile task. (It is a pointless task as it cannot be compared) Irrespective of whether a person is among the elite or ordinary, each one can benefit from the knowledge in the Quran according to their own understanding and capacity.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 4, p. 381)
Thus, every person ought to develop the habit of pondering over the meanings and significance of the Quran, so that we can learn about the beauty of the word of God Almighty.
Regarding the commands and prohibitions mentioned in the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas says:
“From the beginning to the end, the Quran is replete with commands, prohibitions and divine injunctions. There are several hundred branches of these divine injunctions.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, p. 374)
In another instance, the Promised Messiahas has said that, whilst reciting the Quran one ought to search for these and make them a part of their lives. Only then will we truly benefit from the Word of God. (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, p. 376)
Mentioning the beauties of the Holy Quran, at one instance the Promised Messiahas says, “It ought to be made clear that the Holy Quran is the definitive Word of God, in which there is no doubt; there is not even an iota that has been added by man. Its words and meanings are the Word of God and no sect within Islam can survive without this belief (i.e., without accepting this, they cannot survive). Each verse contains an outstanding sequence and is something to be often recited (in other words, it is a revelation that is to be recited again and again) and each and every letter is in its appropriate place. Owing to its miraculous nature, it is free from change and interpolation.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 384)
Even the arrangement and order in itself is a miracle and it cannot be altered. Thus, how can one even claim that the Quran has been altered, for were this to happen, the Quran would become distorted from its original form. It would no longer remain in its pristine condition, nor would it cover the same subject matter.
Then, whilst mentioning the depth and profound meanings of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas says:
“The intricacies and wisdom of the Holy Quran and the truths and verities that lie latent within it are revealed according to the need of the time. For example, in the current time through which we are passing, the Quranic verities revealed are in contrast to the Antichrist that are in existence today, whereas the people before did not face the challenges of the Antichrist. That is why the Quranic verities pertaining to it remained obscure from them but have been revealed to us.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 451)
One can learn about the subject matter within the Quran according to the need of the time. In earlier times, the need was different. And so, the commentaries written in the past were for their own respective times. The commentaries of the Quran being compiled today are for the current era. All of this [knowledge] is derived from the Holy Quran itself. Only by pondering over the words of the Holy Quran will its meanings become apparent. Thus, only a book such as this can remain until the end of times, in that one can derive the meanings according to the conditions of the time.
Then, mentioning the beauty of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The hidden verities of the Quran, which are supported by authentic ahadith and clear and unambiguous verses of the Quran, can never be redundant in meaning. Rather, the outstanding miracle, which is the Quran, manifests its hidden verities at times when there is a crucial need to demonstrate its spiritual power.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 465)
One can learn of its hidden verities and also infer based upon authentic ahadith as well as the clear and unambiguous verses of the Quran.
The Promised Messiahas further says:
“The Holy Quran contains everything, but until one possesses insight, nothing can be derived from it (the condition is for a person to possess insight). When a person who studies the Holy Quran progresses from one year to the next and looks back in retrospect, they feel as though they were a student at the elementary level, because this is the Word of God Almighty and so it develops a person accordingly as well.”
It is not the case that a person reads it once and learns everything there is to learn from it. Rather, when one person moves on from one year to the next and then begins contemplating over the Quran again, they understand that what they learnt before was akin to elementary study and were basic things that they grasped, and now they have reached a higher level. In this way, a person continuously progresses each year.
The Promised Messiahas continues:
“I disapprove of people who state that the Holy Quran is a book of varying interpretations, for they dishonour the Holy Quran. One ought to say that the Holy Quran encompasses diverse insights (it should be deemed as containing an array of insights). Every part of it is full of countless insights, and one point of wisdom does not contradict the other. However, personalities that are predisposed to impatience, enmity and anger have no affinity with the Holy Quran, nor are the [meanings of the] Holy Quran opened to such people.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 2, p. 221)
The hidden verities of the Quran are revealed to those who ponder over its meanings, purify themselves and seek the protection of Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, it is bestowed upon those who pray to be taught its meanings.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“Without a shadow of a doubt, the Holy Quran is a compendium of all verities and knowledge and it contends with the innovations of each era. The heart of this humble one is a first-hand witness to these blessings and verities.”
In our era, it is the Promised Messiahas alone who has expounded upon the wisdom and intricacies of the Quran. One can learn more about this from his writings. If one were to study his books carefully, one could learn more about the beautiful teachings and intricacies found within the Quran.
The Promised Messiahas further says:
“Undoubtedly, we have been bestowed with the Quran for our prosperity, progress and eternal victory. Its hidden verities and subtleties are limitless, and these are revealed to a person after they have completely purified their inner selves and illumined their minds. Whichever nation Allah the Almighty has put us up against, we have gained victory over them through the means of the Quran. It is agreeable to an unlettered Bedouin just as much as it can fulfil the intellectual needs of a philosopher (the Quran was not only revealed for a single faction of people while others remained deprived of it.) Unquestionably, it contains the solution for every person, every era, and every level of capability. Aside from those people who are backwards, or who have an imperfect disposition, everyone will have no choice but to believe the greatness of the Quran.” (Al-Haq Mubahisa Ludhiana, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 4, p. 110)
In other words, the Quran will not benefit those who are heedless of why they were created, are ignorant, or who, instead of progressing spiritually, regress due to their ignorance.
However, if they are not like this, then it is imperative to believe in the greatness of the Holy Quran and it is these people who benefit from the light of the Quran.
The Promised Messiahas says:
“I have been informed (Allah the Almighty addressed the Promised Messiahas saying):
“‘Only the guidance found in the Holy Quran is absolutely perfect and free from all human intervention’”
The Promised Messiahas further states, “My belief is that the more the natural sciences progress and practically come to the fore, the more the greatness of the Holy Quran will become clear to the world.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 2, p. 87)
Thus, those who are involved in secular research should also seek help from the Holy Quran and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, there are many who do so. They also write papers on it. One ought to prove the superiority of the Quran and show how there are verities hidden within it. Dr Abdus Salam Sahib always adopted this principle as well.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran, without a shadow of a doubt, is filled with limitless verities and is sufficient to meet the needs of every era.” (Izala-e-Auham, Part 1, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 261)
The Promised Messiahas further states:
“The kind and quality of truths and verities it contains and the surpassing beauty, cadence and eloquence of its style and diction are found in the Holy Quran alone. No other book can come anywhere near it.” (Elucidation of Objectives, p. 56)
The Promised Messiahas continues:
“The Holy Quran has been referred to by God as ‘Khair’ [good]. For example, it states:
وَمَنۡ ىُّؤۡتَ الۡحِکۡمَۃَ فَقَدۡ اُوۡتِىَ خَیْرًا کَثِیْرًا
“[(…) And whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted abundant good] (2:270).
“Thus, the Holy Quran is a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. God Almighty has described wisdom and knowledge as wealth. The blessings in this world are also attained through this.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 2, p. 328)
Then, whilst giving a warning, the Promised Messiahas stated:
“Keep in mind that one who does not abstain from sin shall eventually die, and this shall most certainly be the case. Allah the Almighty sent His Messengers and Prophets and His final book, the Holy Quran, so that the world would not be destroyed owing to the poison [of sin]. Rather, they should save themselves by becoming aware of its ill effects.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 7, p. 185)
Thus, it is the duty of every Ahmadi that while they transform their conditions in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran, they should also inform the world about this teaching and save them from their spiritual and material destruction.
The Promised Messiahas further states:
“The Holy Prophetsa is the Seal of the Prophets, and the Holy Quran is the Seal of the Books. Now, there can be no other word, nor any other [method of] prayer. One cannot attain salvation by abandoning that which was stated by the Holy Prophetsa or what he demonstrated and whatever has been mentioned in the Holy Quran. Whoever abandons this shall be cast into hell. This is our faith and belief.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, p. 252)
How can one who holds such views be guilty of dishonouring the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa? If only the general Muslim population could understand this and escape from the clutches of the evil scholars and come to recognise the Imam of this age.
The Promised Messiahsa further states:
“[…] the certain, perfect and easy means of finding the true principles [of salvation] and their supporting arguments with absolute certainty… is the Holy Quran.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Parts I & II, p. 92)
The Promised Messiahas further states:
“God Almighty states:
اِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا الذِّکۡرَ وَاِنَّا لَہٗ لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ
“‘Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.’
“In other words, when wrong interpretations emerge, then, in order to rectify them, those who have been appointed by Allah the Almighty shall appear.”
Thus, in accordance with His promise, Allah the Almighty has sent Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian as the appointed one in this age.
The Promised Messiahas states that one should ponder upon this declaration of Allah the Almighty and assess the conditions of this era. The people of other faiths are pulling you away from your faith through their deceitful ploys. However, you are labelling the Messiah and Mahdi as a Dajjal [antichrist] and trying to draw the Muslims away from him.
The Promised Messiahas states that they should not just look at the fact that the Promised Messiahas has appeared and made a claim, in fact, people should also look at the conditions of the era.
Consider the fact that it is the beginning of the century, there are external attacks [on Islam] and then look at the conduct of the Muslims, then ponder as to whether in such circumstances there is a need for the Dajjal or the Mahdi and Messiah.
The Promised Messiahas states that prejudice is a great evil, and it was owing to this that people rejected the prophets. (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 7, p. 230)
May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom and understanding to the Muslims. Then, whilst mentioning the qualities of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The Holy Quran, from beginning to end, provides two kinds of testimonies – the testimony of reason and the testimony of revelation. In the Holy Quran these two are like two great streams running in parallel and influencing each other continuously.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Parts I & II, Footnote Number 4, p. 94)
This means that they are flowing concurrently, are aligned with one another and also influence each other.
The Promised Messiahas also states:
“The purpose of the Holy Quran was to elevate savages into men, and then to equip them with moral qualities, and finally raise them to the level of godly persons.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. 23)
We find that this purpose was achieved in the most excellent manner among the Arabs.
A few years ago, a person belonging to the Jewish faith said to me that, although he was not a Muslim, he believed that the Holy Prophetsa was indeed a prophet because the revolutionary transformation that was brought about among the Arab Bedouins could only have been achieved by a prophet. No ordinary person could do such a thing. It can only be achieved by one who has the support of Allah the Almighty.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“When a person reads the Holy Quran, it is astonishing to note that this very unlettered person not only informed us of the Book and Wisdom, but enlightened us as to the ways that one can purify the soul, elevating people to the rank expressed in the following verse:
وَاَیَّدَہُمۡ بِرُوۡحٍ مِّنۡہُ
‘Whom He has strengthened with inspiration from Himself.’ (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch. 58: V. 23)
Observe and reflect deeply over the fact that the Holy Quran conveys a seeker of any disposition to their objective and satiates all those who are thirsty for virtue and truth.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 118)
The Promised Messiahas further states:
“[…] all divine revelations were meant to bestow certainty on man, but the certainty for which the holy Quran has laid the foundations surpasses all past revelations.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Parts I & II, p. 94)
In order to ensure that the members of his Jamaat completely adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas included this in the conditions of Bai‘at. The sixth condition reads:
“That he/she shall refrain from following un-Islamic customs and lustful inclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of the Holy Quran; and that he/she shall make the Word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa his/her guiding principles in every walk of his/her life.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 564)
However, the evil scholars, who are completely bereft of any understanding, still allege that we have altered the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiahas states:
“We are not permitted to change, alter, rearrange, or add any words from ourselves to any verse of the Holy Quran (in other words, neither can we make any change, nor add or remove anything). We are not permitted to add anything except if it is proven to have been done by the practice of the Holy Prophetsa (if it can be substantiated that the Holy Prophetsa himself made any changes then the evidence for this should be brought forth), however, until it is proven, we cannot make even an iota of a change to the order and sequence of the Holy Quran, nor can we add any words from ourselves. If we did commit such an act, then we would be guilty of a wrongdoing in the sight of Allah and worthy of punishment.” (Itmam-ul-Hujjah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 291)
The Promised Messiahas has explained that this is not even possible for him, therefore, how can people allege that he is guilty of this? And if he did do such a thing, then he would be deemed guilty in the sight of Allah the Almighty. Thus, the Promised Messiahas himself has openly declared that it is not permissible to make any kind of change or alteration to the Holy Quran. Moreover, he stated that if he were guilty of such an act, he would be guilty of a wrongdoing and would be held accountable in the sight of Allah the Almighty. However, despite this, those who level allegations against us consider themselves even superior to God Almighty because, even though He has not declared us guilty of such an act, they still have and they raise a commotion about this and want to punish us. May Allah the Almighty protect every Ahmadi from their evil and turn their evil ploys against them. May He enable us to understand the true meanings of the Holy Quran and act upon it.
Pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan and the general condition of the country. Also, pray for the Ahmadis in Burkina Faso and the general condition of the country. Pray for the Ahmadis in Bangladesh; may Allah the Almighty keep them under His protection. Even today, the Maulvis had planned to create disorder. Pray for all the Ahmadis in every country. As I mentioned, the month of Ramadan is starting and just as you pay particular attention to reciting and understanding the Holy Quran, you should also pay particular attention to prayers. May Allah the Almighty grant us all the ability to do this and enable us to partake in the benefits of Ramadan.
(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 7 April 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)