On 16 February, Lajna Waqifaat-e-Nau from the UK had a sitting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.
The class commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran from Surah Aal-e-Imran. This was followed by a hadith and an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas.
Next, a speech was delivered on the promise Hazrat Maryam’s mother made regarding sacrificing her child to serve God. After this, the Waqifaat-e-Nau had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa questions.
The first question asked was on the topic of black magic, the Lajna member asked Huzooraa about his perception of it and how we can explain it to a non-Ahmadi who believes black magic to be true. Upon this, Huzooraa stated that you should tell them to attempt to cast magic over you and you’ll see that it will have no effect. Huzooraa added, “Such magic has no effect on me. People have only created this concept for weak minded people to scare and influence them.”
One Lajna member asked a question with regard to adoption in Islam and if the child who is adopted has any right to inheritance. Answering the question, Huzooraa stated, “Adoption is allowed. However, the child does not receive any inheritance.” Huzooraa added that the Holy Prophetsa said that when the adopted child is older, it is the parent’s duty to tell the child about his real parents. With regard to inheritance, Huzooraa said, “For an adopted child, the parents are permitted to leave a will in the child’s name.”
Following this, a Lajna member asked about the co-existence of being weak in prayers and worship and on the other hand, at the same time, having success in Jamaat work, exams and personal matters. Responding to the question, Huzooraa said, “Worship is necessary as well as service to the Jamaat. Fulfilling the rights owed to Allah and His creation are also both necessary.”
Huzooraa further said that service to the Jamaat is to attain God’s pleasure and also falls under the category of Haququllah. Huzooraa said, “True taqwa is that we fulfil all rights.” A true believer must fulfil the rights of God and His creation. Huzooraa said “For men, God has ordered them to offer their prayers in the mosque and women have the permission to offer their prayers at home. Do not feel that your service to the Jammat is enough and that you don’t need to off er your salat; there is no blessings in this.”
Huzooraa added, “The Holy Prophetsa was promised victory at the Battle of Badr, yet, we find in the narrations, he still prayed to God. Thus, the main thing is to remember it is only through God’s help that we can attain anything.”
The next question was with regard to praying for those who have passed away. The Lajna member asked if God increases the status of a deceased person through our prayers or through his or her pious deeds. Huzooraa said, “Their deeds are still accounted for. However, when people pray for the deceased, then, through prayers, God bestows mercy upon them.”
One member asked about Waqifaat-e-Nau mothers who experience postnatal depression and how one should cope. In response, Huzooraa said, “Firstly, you should tell your husbands to take good care of their wives. Secondly, you should remember and pray to God. Will power also plays a huge role in this.” Huzooraa further said, “If you are still suffering from depression, then you may write to me and I will tell you what to do further as each individual case is different; though the issue is the same, the treatment will vary.”
One Waqifa-e-Nau asked if it is permissible to recite Dua-e-Istikhara upon facing difficulty. Huzooraa said, “Dua-e-Istikhara is recited when you have a difficult decision, or you are in the dark about a certain matter and require guidance from God to help you choose or make the better decision.” With regard to asking for God’s help during difficult situations, Huzooraa said, “You should pray to God, seek His forgiveness, recite the Darood Sharif, that may He create distance between you and these difficulties.”