On Sunday 22 August 2021, student members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya were fortunate to end their two-day national ijtema through a blessed virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The khuddam were gathered in Frankfurt and were sat outside in a football field, socially distanced. A large outdoor screen display connected the khuddam with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa through MTA International.
The proceedings started with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Aneeq Ahmad Shahid, followed by its Urdu translation by Tanzil Ahmad Khan and the German translation by Danial Härter.
After Danial Sahib finished reading out the translation, Huzooraa asked, “How are your studies going?” To this Danial Sahib gave an update. Huzooraa then asked him if everything else was okay, to which Danial Sahib said it was and also requested Huzooraa for prayers. An Urdu poem was then recited by Usman Sahib.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa addressed Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany and noted that rain had started to fall where the Khuddam were seated. Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya confirmed that rain and sleet had begun; however, they would remain resolute and seated no matter the weather.
Huzooraa said that in the previous virtual meeting with Germany’s khuddam, a day prior, a khadim had requested Huzooraa to pray for the weather to cool down as it was very hot. With a smile, Huzooraa said, “That boy’s prayers have been accepted.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Let’s see now how much patience you have in this ‘good weather’.”
Huzooraa then opened the floor for any questions the students had.
The first question was by Nabeel Ahmad Khalid who asked how Ahmadi university students could preach in universities effectively.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“The [other] university students should know you are Muslims, and as Muslims, they do not need to be scared or fearful of you. Normally, it is said that ‘one should be scared and fearful of Muslims as they are terrorists’.
“You should make friendships with boys who have good values, are dedicated and good in their studies – befriend such boys. Introduce yourself and expand your contacts. And wherever there are many Ahmadi university students, establish an Ahmadi students’ association there and hold seminars with the permission of the university. Seminars can be held on various topics and at times, you can hold seminars on religious topics too; for example, on the existence of God, the need for religion etc.
“It is not that you have to only directly preach about Ahmadiyyat. You can choose secular and academic topics for seminars and people can gauge what Islamic teachings are and why God is needed.
“In this way, slowly, people get to know you and their fears are slowly removed. At that point, they will come to you, will ask questions to you and in this way, avenues for tabligh will continue to open.
“If you, at the very beginning, start saying, ‘Islam is true, believe in it! Believe, or else you will perish!’ etc. then this is not the way to preach. First, you have to develop contacts and friendships, people need to open up and the fear of Islam first needs to be removed.
“First, remove the fear [of Islam]. They will say, ‘We fear you anyway. What is the Taliban doing in Afghanistan? What is ISIS doing in Syria? What is al-Shabab doing? What is al-Qaeda doing? What is Boko Haram doing?’ The world fears all these endless [terrorist] organisations. So, slowly, you have to remove this fear [of Islam].
“In this way, you need to expand your circle of contacts in university – personal contacts and friends are good. And contacts through the Ahmadi Students’ Association […] in universities are also important to acquire through seminars etc.
“Opportunities will come, insha-Allah. Tabligh doesn’t happen in one day, nor can you create a revolution in a day. Revolutions that take place in the world take time and the spread and propagation of religion also takes time.”
The second question was by Aneeq Syed who asked what qualities were needed to develop discipline.
To this Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“The qualities are that a person should be punctual […] You see, to regulate your life, Allah the Almighty has given us a system: wake up in the morning; if you have the will, then wake up early and offer Tahajud.
“Tahajud removes laziness, and a person becomes active through it. If you cannot wake up to offer nafal [voluntary prayers] then at least make sure you wake up for Fajr prayer. This will engrain punctuality and establish discipline.”
Huzooraa said that a student should then offer prayers at their appointed time and in this way, “life is regulated, and discipline is established”. If one slept early, a habit of waking up early would also be possible, Huzooraa said.
By offering prayers at their appointed time, Allah has not only enabled us to create discipline in our lives, but this way of life is also very beneficial for the human mind, Huzooraa said. Regarding Salat, Huzooraa noted that non-Muslims said that there were physical benefits in offering Salat.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if one knew and kept in mind that Allah the Almighty was looking at every deed and that it was essential for one to show high morals in every aspect of life, then, as a result, discipline in life would be established.
Huzooraa said that a college or university student should be mindful of the purpose they are studying for. They should be good, active and serious students.
“You should have a purpose for life”, Huzooraa said. Ahmadi students should have high aspirations and should try to reach the top of their studies and professional pursuits.
“When Dr [Abdus] Salam received the Nobel Prize, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh launched a scholarship and started an initiative in which academic awards were given. He said that the new century of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya should see 100 Nobel Laureates in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Ever since, apart from Dr Abdus Salam, no Nobel Laureate has been born [in the Jamaat]. Though we achieve top positions in universities; however, [after university] the purpose and aims diminish.
“It is only when someone’s life is disciplined that they can achieve the targets of their purpose.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“Then, those who were disciplined and achieved great targets, study their entire lives – how did they discipline their lives? There is a lot of literature in our Jamaat about the life of Dr Abdus Salam, read that too […] He had regulated his life.”
Huzooraa advised the khadim to make a goals chart and to review the chart at the end of each day in order to progress spiritually, academically and morally.
Muhammad Yusuf asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if Afghanistan would ever see peace, especially keeping in mind the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas in which he said that the land of Kabul had fallen in the sight of Allah after the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra.
Huzooraa responded by saying:
“There will be peace in Kabul when they turn to Allah the Almighty, listen to the one chosen by Allah the Almighty and recompense the cruelties they committed.
“And the recompense is that they accept the Imam who Allah the Almighty has sent, the servant of the Holy Prophetsa, who was sent to spread Islam once again in the world. It is then that peace will be established in the world; this condition is for Kabul too. Otherwise, in the same way, fights, wars and rebellion will continue. If you observe, this [dire] condition has overtaken the whole Muslim ummah.”
Huzooraa said that this condition of the Muslim ummah was because they did not listen to Allah the Almighty, and not only this, but they also bitterly opposed [what Allah had sent] and rejected it, and tried to spread their own faith – sometimes applying blasphemy laws and at times, apostasy laws, etc.
Talking about the Taliban, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“The revolution that happened there [in Afghanistan], they say, ‘We created a revolution like that of the Victory of Mecca’ – but what disbelievers were present there [in Afghanistan]? They were Muslims, who you have occupied. How is that similar to the Victory of Mecca?
“And they are also carrying out cruelties by shooting people. Though the media is not covering this as much, the reality is that they kill anyone who opposes them.
“Peace is not created in this way […] You must listen to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. If the commandments of Allah are adhered to, peace will be established. If they end the opposition of the one sent by Allah the Almighty, there will be peace.”
Huzooraa said we should pray that these people change and at least end their cruelties and atrocities.
Ata-ul-Wakil Ahmad, a PhD student of immunology, was next to speak with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. On hearing his area of study, Huzooraa asked Ata-ul-Wakil what he was doing to end the pandemic. To this, he said that his laboratory was working on developing better vaccines.
Ata-ul-Wakil asked Huzooraa what the “mindset of an Ahmadi researcher should be”.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa advised:
“The mindset should be that Allah the Almighty has said to ‘carry out research’ and Allah the Almighty has opened avenues for research. So firstly, for research, hard work is required. Non-Ahmadi, non-Muslim researchers also carry out research and are always reflecting, pondering and thinking; however, they do not ask for help from Allah the Almighty. An Ahmadi researcher should ponder and reflect just like every scientist and researcher does and along with this, by fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty, where they worship Him, they should also ask for help from Him for their research and work. They should ask, ‘Whatever research I am carrying out, make it beneficial for mankind, and so the world benefits from it and the unity of Allah the Almighty is established’.”
Huzooraa said that Dr Abdus Salam Sahib’s quest in his research was to establish the unity of Allah the Almighty, and this was what he achieved in the end.
Tanzil Ahmad Khan, a final year medical student, spoke next with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Lovingly, Huzooraa enquired about the future plans of Tanzil Ahmad in terms of his education.
Tanzil Ahmad then asked Huzooraa, “How can an Ahmadi doctor fulfil the rights of their patients and what difference should there be between an Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi doctor?”
To this Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“You see, a non-Ahmadi doctor should serve – they should see a patient as a patient – and an Ahmadi doctor should serve in the same way too. In the capacity of a doctor, there should be no difference.
“However, it is obligatory on an Ahmadi doctor that while treating their patients, they should solely depend on Allah the Almighty [for the cure]. Some years back, I delivered a sermon too and said that when Ahmadi doctors write their prescriptions, they should write هُوَ الشَّافِيْ [‘He is the Healer’] too.”
Huzooraa said Ahmadi doctors should realise that all cures were in the hands of Allah the Almighty and they should rely solely on His power. They should only depend on Allah and not on themselves. At the same time, they should use all their knowledge to treat patients. Ahmadi doctors should pray for their patients and treat them with respect, patience and show high morals.
“On seeing the smile of a doctor, half the illness of a patient is removed”, Huzooraa highlighted. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that no matter how much a patient complained and annoyed them, an Ahmadi doctor should treat them with a smile and respect.
Some doctors have the habit of being very strict and rigid in their treatments; they don’t want to hear a second opinion and just force their treatments. Other doctors did not pay enough attention to the illness either, Huzooraa said. So with prayers and showing good morals and respect, Ahmadi doctors should treat their patients.
“Ahmadi doctors should always show good morals” and also use prayers to treat their patients, Huzooraa urged. By adopting these two qualities, “you will become a successful doctor, insha-Allah.”
Next, Ghulam Syed Shahzad Ahmad, who was doing a PhD in clinical pharmacy, asked Huzooraa,“What social illness should khuddam steer clear of in particular.”
To this Huzooraa smiled and said:
“Well, medicines certainly don’t have the cure for this. Your pharmacy will fail in this regard! Even if a khadim goes to the pharmacy, you will not be able to cure him.”
Huzooraa then said:
“The commandment that Allah the Almighty has given: عَنِ اللَّغۡوِ مُعۡرِضُوۡنَ, meaning, [believers] should stay away from all that is vain, should be followed […]
“In today’s environment, there are vain and immoral things everywhere. There is good too in society, but immorality is spreading rampantly, all in the name of ‘freedom’ […]
“For this reason, an Ahmadi youth, who should be a true Muslim, must stay clear from these immoralities and vain pursuits and listen to the commandment of Allah the Almighty in this regard. They should analyse and see that if there is a television in their house, then they should not be watching such programmes that negatively affect morals. When they go out, then Allah the Almighty has said to keep gazes low […] so that your sight doesn’t fall on wrong things.
“Then, whatever is good in society, seek that out. It is not that we are to hate all of society and nations; there is good too. There are plenty of pure-natured people here who don’t act on religion, but at least their morals are good. If they begin to act on religion, then they become complete and better humans.
“If an Ahmadi Muslim claims to act on Islam, but offers their five daily prayers in a rush and does not have good morals, then such a person is not a good Ahmadi Muslim.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that one ought to protect themselves from all immorality and vanity that clouds society, whether outside or online.
Sohaib Ahmad, a waqif-e-nau, asked Huzooraa about the political changes that could occur in the upcoming elections in Germany. Huzooraa said that though there were anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments in Germany, he believed far-right parties would not win the elections. Right-wing parties might gain some influence in some areas; however, the current situation showed that they most likely would not win a majority.
Huzooraa said that though Germany would most likely be saved from right-wing parties in the coming elections; however, this would only last if Ahmadis also played their role in removing misconceptions about Islam.
Another khadim, Marvin Sahib, who was a German convert to Islam Ahmadiyyat, asked Huzooraa how an Ahmadi could combine work, studies and raising children who were waqifeen-e-nau, in the best way.
At this point, the rain in Germany became quite intense. Huzooraa noted that the khadim was not wearing a raincoat and asked, “Do you not feel cold?” To this, Marvin Sahib replied that he was okay.
Addressing his question, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“Allocate your time to your studies – you spend six to seven hours at university; sometimes it is less. So, you should give due time to your studies because this is also your main purpose.
“Domestic affairs should run amicably with the consent of both partners, both sides, husband and wife. So, make your wife realise that since you are involved in studies and that is also going to be very much beneficial for your family and the Jamaat and the nation at large, you will spend more time on studies to complete your studies. And those matters that are domestic matters, should be tackled by your wife mostly. And at the weekend, you should give one full day to your family so that they can also enjoy your company.
“At least one day in a week should be given to your family and the other five to six days to your studies. But make your wife understand that […] it is going to be beneficial in the future for both of you and for your family as well.”
Samar Ahmad Mahmud, a waqif-e-nau, said to Huzooraa that he was about to start a PhD in Islamic banking; however, there were many branches within the subject. He wanted to know what area to explore in Islamic banking.
Huzooraa said:
“Up until now, a clear and accurate concept of Islamic banking has not come to the surface.”
Huzooraa said true Islamic banking was interest-free and could be based on profits from business; however, these days, so-called Islamic banking was based on interest, disguised in various ways.
Huzooraa said:
“Do research on this and if you come across some research, then I have an interest too; do send it to me and I will review it. Up until now, I have read and reviewed the research of people and it all seems like misplaced theories; there’s no reality to them.”
Samar Ahmad Sahib said he would do research in this regard, to which Huzooraa said, “Yes, and if you do it, inform me about it too.”
Ghalib Nasir Sahib asked Huzooraa if one should marry during studies or not. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised that this would be possible if the girl first accepted she would be able to live with her in-laws while the husband was studying. Huzooraa elaborated by saying:
“Obviously, if the marriage takes place during studies, then you cannot afford to get a separate house, nor can you afford running a house. So, if the girl accepts that she will be able to live with her in-laws for two, four, five or for however many years the studies are, then definitely marry if you want to and if you find a good match.”
Huzooraa said one should also look at oneself and if they would even concentrate on studies after marriage. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“For this reason, I do not allow Jamia students to marry for at least the first five years […] When there is one year left of studies, I usually give them permission for marriage – apart from exceptional cases.”
Huzooraa said:
“I have observed that often, when some marriages do take place during studies, then issues arise with the in-laws.”
Each person would need to look at their own situation and no hard and fast rule could be made, Huzooraa said.
Danial Azhar Tariq, who studied religious science, said that at times, Jamaat work and deadlines at university collided. He wanted to know what to do in such a situation.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised:
“At that time, inform whoever your superior is in the Jamaat that ‘my assignment has arrived and I need to submit it within this deadline; I am busy. For this reason, give me temporary leave from this work or give this work to someone else for some time, or appoint someone to assist me so that he may help with Jamaat work’ and you can then complete your university assignment.
“When you complete university, when you attain your degree and become something, after that, when you come to serve the Jamaat, you will be able to serve the Jamaat better.”
Huzooraa said one should give as much time to the Jamaat as possible, but studies should not be hindered. It was essential that everyone desired to serve the Jamaat and should pray too that Allah enabled them to do this after studies were completed.
“Deeds are determined on intentions alone”, Huzooraa said. If intentions were pure and one truly wanted to serve the Jamaat, then even studies would become service to the Jamaat, Huzooraa explained.
Another khadim who was a waqif-e-nau and pursuing religious studies asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what place he would visit first if one day he were able to visit Rabwah, Pakistan again.
Huzooraa smiled and said:
“Create an opportunity for me and I will take you with me [to Rabwah] and you can then see for yourself.
“Obviously, when one first goes to Rabwah, the elders who we left there, who lived there and who populated Rabwah, their memories are intertwined with Rabwah. And so, most often when one goes to Rabwah first, they visit the graves of those elders there and prays for them and then prays for the whole town […]
“Just like we go to Qadian, we first try to visit the tomb of the Promised Messiahas. If we go to Mecca and Medina, it is our desire try to go to the blessed tomb of the Holy Prophetsa. Similarly, we visit the area where elders are buried, those who populated and built Rabwah – their memories are attached [with Rabwah].
“So, to refresh memories of our elders and to pray for them, commonly one tries to go there [first].”
Huzooraa lovingly said to the khadim that if such an opportunity arose, “If you get a chance, you may come with me [to Rabwah].”
Labeed Ahmad, who studied mechanical engineering, asked if a dream could be said to be a true dream if one saw a Khalifa in the dream.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if the dream was positive and pure, then it could be a true dream. However, many factors of the dream played a role, Huzooraa said. Even thoughts have effects on dreams, Huzooraa noted. The nature of the dream mattered too; it could not be that if the Khalifa who was seen in the dream said something against Islamic principles, that dream be deemed true.
Another khadim, Muhammad Umair Fateh, who was pursuing a master’s in industrial engineering, said that in today’s age, mankind relied on artificial intelligence a lot; however, some of this was immoral. He wanted to know how to navigate in such an environment.
Huzooraa said that one should look at technology and assess whether it was going against Islamic teachings, negatively affecting mankind or ruining morals. If it was doing any of these things, then we needed to raise barriers ourselves against using them.
At this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said to Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany that the time had finished and, “I have seen that, masha-Allah, your khuddam have patience and courage. They at least have the strength and have shown they can endure the rain.
“May Allah the Almighty increase their will and strength; may they truly become servants of religion; may they achieve the purpose set by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, and the oath they take, that they will keep faith above the world, may they act on this, and may they be protectors of Khilafat.
“And with all their abilities, may they strive for this too and increase their religious knowledge and spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in their country. May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to do this.”
Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany then made a request to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for Huzooraa to bless the khuddam who had won the alam-e-ina‘mi prize by looking at them. Huzooraa graciously agreed and asked MTA International to show those khuddam. Huzooraa also asked who had won the alam-e-ina‘mi for both Khuddam and Atfal.
At this Huzooraa, said that khuddam should continue to progress and serve to spread the message of Islam and then conveyed his salaam to which the meeting came to an end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)