On 3 January 2021, a group of 25 newly converted Lajna members of the Germany Jamaat gathered in the Baitul Subuh complex in Frankfurt and were fortunate to have an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.
The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its translation. Following this, a nazm, composed by the Promised Messiahas, was read out, after which its translation was presented.
During the mulaqat, all converts had the opportunity to introduce themselves and ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions about Islam and other matters relating to everyday life. Some also had the opportunity to narrate their journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat.
One of the converts, whilst narrating her story and journey to Ahmadiyyat, expressed her gratitude to Huzooraa for the mulaqat and further stated that she was from a Russian Christian family. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, she said that she felt as though something was missing in her life and didn’t feel complete. Then, when she came to learn about the Jamaat, she fell in love with the Jamaat and its teachings. She added that it was a long and arduous journey as her family was against her decision and expressed that she had to face many trials and obstacles.
She added that she had formally become part of the Jamaat only a week ago.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked, “When did you come to know about Ahmadiyyat and Islam?”
The new Ahmadi sister responded by saying that she had learnt about Islam Ahmadiyyat three years ago. Huzooraa then asked her to continue narrating her story.
She went on to say that she was torn between her religion and family, but she decided to eventually choose the Jamaat and said that “it was the best decision of my life.”
Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked a member of the mulaqat, who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat six months ago, what drew her towards Ahmadiyyat.
The young lady said that she was from a Christian family but never felt a sense of belonging. Then, one year ago, she said that when she came to know about the Jamaat, she started watching videos of MTA on YouTube and began visiting the local Jamaat mosque. There, she found her true self.
Hearing this, Huzooraa asked her if she had studied or read any of the Jamaat’s literature, upon which she replied that she had read some books online on the Jamaat website.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further said to all those in the mulaqat, “All of you, who are new converts, should try to memorise Surah al-Fatihah.”
Whilst conversing with a Turkish convert who accepted Ahmadiyyat two months ago, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that as her family was Muslim, she may have to bear hardships and religious opposition.
Upon this, she replied that though her parents were not in favour of her decision, she still decided to accept Ahmadiyyat because she felt that she belonged with the Jamaat.
Upon hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Then, you will have to face a hard time; are you ready for this?” She replied that for this beautiful path, she was ready to do anything.
Following this, a convert of Sikh background expressed that her family did not agree with her decision of accepting Ahmadiyyat and disliked her wearing a headscarf or even practice Islam.
She further asked Huzooraa for guidance and what she should do in such a situation.
Whilst offering direction, Huzooraa said:
“Tell them, ‘As far as my religion is concerned, I will practice my religion, since I accepted my religion as a true religion.’ But never try to argue or quarrel with them or fight with them in any way. Respect them, give them their due respect – especially to your parents – and be polite to your siblings as well. But, never compromise the teachings of Islam.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added, “Pray to Allah the Almighty that He changes their minds and hearts.”
Addressing a convert from Pakistan who accepted Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa asked why she had accepted Ahmadiyyat and whether she was prepared to never return to Pakistan, having appeared on MTA. This, Huzooraa said, could put her life in jeopardy as the killing of innocent Ahmadi Muslims was considered a “sacred work” in the view of maulvis in Pakistan.
Upon this, the Ahmadi sister stated that she had been struggling for the past six years and faced many hardships. She further added that she had seen the Promised Messiahas in a dream and felt that it was the right time for Bai‘at but could not do so in Pakistan. She had left her family and further asked Huzooraa to pray for them as she was the only person in her family who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Additionally, she expressed her desire to see her daughter in the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. She then added that she felt maybe there was some deficiency within her as she was not a born Ahmadi and was not like other born Ahmadi women.
Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained, “Every Ahmadi has shortcomings and deficiencies. Don’t feel that you are lacking something; you might even be better than some of the born Ahmadis.”
Huzooraa was then asked how one can increase their concentration during Namaz. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained:
“When you are reciting Surah al-Fatihah, repeatedly recite:
اِھْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ
“[Guide us in the right path] and:
اِیَّاکَ نَعۡبُدُ وَ اِیَّاکَ نَسۡتَعِیۡنُ
“[Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help]. Then you will see its results, insha-Allah.”
A lady asked Huzooraa a question relating to dreams and enquired how one may know if a dream was a product of one’s fantasy or whether there were deeper meanings to it.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“I have explained this on many occasions that every person sees at least 4-5 dreams during the night and most of them are just the views or things seen during the day. But there are some dreams which have very deep meanings and require some interpretation. So, the dream itself tells you that it has some meaning. For that, either you should ask somebody who can better interpret dreams, or read the book of interpretation of dreams, or you can write to me.
“Whenever you see a dream and you feel it is quite serious, then write to me and I will give you the interpretation of it.”
Following this, a convert, who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat during the Germany Jalsa Salana in 2019, asked for Huzoor’saa opinion on the Covid-19 vaccine.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained:
“If it is available, then you should take it. But I think they have made an order of preference to whom they are going to give the vaccine first … First, they are going to give it to the elderly, people who are very sick, ill and fragile, and then the paramedic staff and medical staff.
“If it is available in your country and the government asks you to take the vaccine, then yes, you can take it. There shouldn’t be any problem. That is what the government says.”
A new convert, whilst narrating her dream to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, stated that about a month ago, her grandmother passed away in Turkey. Two days later, she saw her grandfather, who passed away 10 years ago, in a dream sitting with Huzooraa, dressed in white. Then, two days after that, she saw the same dream in which her grandfather said to Huzooraa that he had now completed his task and that she (referring to herself) needed Huzoor’saa prayers.
Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if her grandparents were Ahmadis, to which she replied that they were not. Thereafter, whilst explaining the dream, Huzooraa said:
“When they have reached Heaven, they know that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam. So this is why they have sent you the message. Now that you have accepted and you are in the right place, you should practice the true Islam and keep in touch with Khilafat. This is the meaning of this dream. Allah bless you!”
Following this, a convert who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat requested Huzooraa to pray that her family may also accept Ahmadiyyat.
Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “You accepted Ahmadiyyat because you know that it is the best way to live a pious life and please Allah … Apart from preaching [to your family], you should pray for them regularly.”
Another newly converted Ahmadi sister explained that due to the current pandemic, some mosques were closed, making it a challenge to maintain an Islamic environment at home, especially when one’s parents oppose the teachings of Islam. She asked how one could continue to grow spiritually during such a time.
Huzooraa replied, “Do you have an iPad, iPhone, Internet connection, computer or TV? If so, then you can attach yourself to MTA and to the Jamaat’s websites. Keep in touch with your Ahmadi friends who are very good in their religious knowledge.”
Following this, an Ahmadi sister, who performed Bai‘at in 2017, requested Huzooraa to pray that her husband accepted her religious choice and that Allah enabled him to find the truth and also join Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Upon this, Huzooraa said, “You should also pray for him. May Allah the Almighty accept your prayers and bless your husband to accept the true teachings of Islam.”
As the mulaqat drew to a close, Huzooraa was asked how one could raise their child in the best manner and ensure that they grew up to be faithful Ahmadi Muslims.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa replied by saying:
“If you become a good Ahmadi and show a good example, your daughter will naturally be good … When your child reaches the age of 7, make them offer Namaz with you and tell her to recite the Holy Quran. Educate your child about Islam, explain to her that the Holy Prophetsa was the last law-bearing prophet and in accordance with his prophecy, the Promised Messiahas was sent.”
Huzooraa further said, “Explain to her those teachings of Islam which are easily comprehensible. Teach her prayers, the Kalima and show her your own example. Treat her with tenderness and kindness.”