On Sunday, 16 February 2025, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, met with a delegation of khuddam from the Northwest Region of the USA at Islamabad, Tilford, UK. The group comprised 26 khuddam.
As Huzooraa arrived and greeted the attendees, he took his seat and addressed the amir-e-qafilah, enquiring about the group. Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA, Ibtisar Ahmad Malhi Sahib, introduced them briefly.
Introductions
Huzooraa then engaged with each khadim individually, allowing them to introduce themselves and share their family backgrounds, fields of study, and careers. Given that many khuddam in the region reside around Silicon Valley, a significant number work in the tech industry. Among the attendees was also a convert to Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Following the introductions, the khuddam requested permission to ask questions, which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously granted.
Maintaining harmony within families
A khadim asked Huzooraa how Ahmadi Muslims could resolve conflicts within their families and prevent disputes that may harm relationships or create distance among relatives.
Huzooraa responded by stating that as Ahmadi Muslims, there should be no quarrelling or conflicts among family members. If disagreements arise, they should be resolved amicably. He questioned why there should be any conflict in the first place, encouraging khuddam to adopt a mindset of humility and understanding.
Quoting an Urdu couplet from the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa emphasised:
بدتر بنو ہر ایک سے اپنے خیال میں
شاید اسی سے دخل ہو دارُالوصال میں
“Think of yourself as inferior to everyone else; Perchance, thereby, you may enter the Place of Union.” [Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, UK, 2018, p. 26]
Huzooraa explained that developing humility in one’s heart and mind helps a person draw closer to Allah. The ultimate objective of a believer should be to attain closeness to God, and petty quarrels and disputes should cease. He reiterated that family conflicts are often based on minor issues and that there is no significant reason for such disputes.
Huzooraa then referenced a Quranic principle that fosters harmony:
رُحَمَآءُ بَیۡنَہُمۡ
[“Tender among themselves.” (Surah al-Fath, Ch. 48, V. 30)]
He emphasised that if Ahmadis truly believe in this teaching and implement it in their daily lives, conflicts would naturally diminish. Mutual love, care, and humility should define relationships among family members.
Balancing mosque proximity and family time
Another khadim sought Huzoor’saa guidance on whether it was better to live closer to the mosque, even if it meant being unable to give enough time to one’s children due to high living costs, or to live further away and dedicate more time to their upbringing.
Huzooraa first asked what was meant by “far away” and whether the khadim was referring to living in the wilderness. The khadim clarified that he meant a distance of about an hour from the mosque.
Huzooraa explained that if one could reasonably afford to travel to the mosque for Friday prayers and attend classes or other Jamaat events on weekends, then living further away may be acceptable. However, he advised that other factors should also be considered, such as job location and commuting costs.
He further stated that if one could afford to live further away while maintaining strong ties with the mosque, then that would be fine. On the other hand, if living closer to the mosque meant being constantly preoccupied with work, leaving no time for one’s children and family, then that would not be ideal. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on individual circumstances.
Huzooraa emphasised:
“The primary objective should be that we ourselves and our children, remain connected to the centre, the Markaz, and the mosque.”
Holding a different opinion from the Khalifa of the Time
A khadim asked whether it would be considered disobedience to have a different opinion from the Khalifa of the Time.
Huzooraa explained that differences in opinion often arise due to variations in sources and perspectives. One person may develop a viewpoint based on a particular historical account, while another may reach a different conclusion after reading a separate source. Such differences may exist regarding historical matters or some theoretical discussions.
However, he clarified that if the Khalifa of the Time issues a definitive decision on a matter, stating that a particular position is correct and leaving no room for dissent, then it is better to adhere to that decision.
He further explained that if someone holds a differing opinion and has supporting proof, they should submit their viewpoint directly to the Khalifa of the Time rather than spreading their opinion within the Jamaat. This prevents discord and maintains unity.
“One should therefore write to the Khalifa of the Time, stating, ‘This is my view, and here is my evidence.’ If he replies, saying, ‘Yes, your perspective is valid and could also be a reasonable point of view,’ then all is well. But if he says, ‘No, you are mistaken, and I have these specific proofs,’ then you should quietly accept his decision.”
Huzooraa then narrated an example from the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra, an esteemed historian and son of the Promised Messiahas. He explained that Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra sometimes held differing views from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. On such occasions, he would write to him presenting his arguments. In response, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra would provide his reasoning. If the difference persisted, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra would send another letter presenting a further argument. However, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra finally stated, “No, my view stands, and yours is not acceptable,” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra would completely discard his own opinion from his mind.
“At that point, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra relates that he would completely discard his opinion from his mind, saying that whatever Khalifatul Masih had concluded was now his conclusion as well, and he would then find peace. He never raised any further objection; indeed, he no longer even recalled what his own view had been. Whatever is the view of Khalifatul Masih is also my point of view.”
Huzooraa concluded by stating that this mindset preserves the unity of the Jamaat and ensures harmony.
The importance of starting a family without delay
A khadim asked Huzooraa how long a new couple should wait before having children after marriage.
Huzooraa stated that he was against the idea of delaying children unnecessarily. He explained that as soon as a couple gets married, they should strive to build a family, as this helps them understand their responsibilities. Becoming a father brings a sense of duty and accountability, making one realise the obligations that come with parenthood.
He further remarked that if the intention behind delaying children was simply to prolong a carefree lifestyle, then he did not support such an approach. Huzooraa emphasised that this was also the teaching of Islam – that after marriage, one should focus on building a family and raising children as good Ahmadi Muslims.
The role of AI in enhancing human intelligence
A khadim asked Huzooraa about advancements in artificial intelligence and neuroscience, mentioning that artificial limbs and computer-controlled devices were being developed to help disabled individuals operate machines through their thoughts. He further inquired whether, from an Islamic perspective, it would be permissible to use AI in the future to enhance human intelligence.
Huzooraa explained that if AI is helping people in their work and daily functions, then there is no harm in using it. However, if it begins to divert individuals away from fundamental religious teachings, then it should be avoided.
He stated that AI could be beneficial for people with cognitive difficulties, much like how individuals seek help from others in different areas of life. AI, in essence, only processes and outputs information based on what has been fed into it. However, he warned that many people blindly accept AI-generated responses without verifying their accuracy, even when the output is incorrect.
Huzooraa further shared that on Alislam.org, efforts had been made to ensure that when AI is asked a religious question, it does not generate a wrong response but instead directs users to the relevant Jamaat literature. If AI is used in this controlled manner, where it simply guides people towards authentic sources, then it is acceptable.
However, Huzooraa cautioned that if AI leads people away from religion, then there is no need to follow it. Ultimately, if AI is employed for the betterment of humanity, then its use is permissible.
The use of steroids in bodybuilding
A khadim asked Huzooraa whether it was permissible to take steroids for bodybuilding, mentioning that many young people today engage in weight training and use protein supplements and steroids to enhance their physique.
Huzooraa responded that illegal steroids should not be taken, as they are generally prohibited. He pointed out that in professional sports competitions, such as the Olympics, athletes are tested for steroid use, and those who are found to have taken them are disqualified. Even if the violation is discovered later, their titles and prizes are revoked, and all results are altered accordingly. Huzooraa stated that if something is universally considered illegal, it should be treated as such.
He explained that bodybuilding should be done naturally, based on one’s own physical strength. Steroids, rather than strengthening the body, actually weaken it over time. Their side effects start appearing as a person ages, negatively affecting their health.
Huzooraa advised that instead of relying on substances, one should train progressively. If a person regularly exercises and gradually increases their weightlifting capacity, such as moving from 1 kg to 10 kg over time, this is acceptable because the body is naturally adjusting to it.
However, Huzooraa questioned the logic behind taking steroids or medications just to lift heavier weights and said:
“But to say that I cannot feel anything and I should take medicines in order to lift [weights]. What is the benefit of that? You are not participating in the Olympics. You’re not going to win any prize from there. To do so only to impress those around you, you will end up damaging your health in the long term. What is the benefit of that?”
The impact of AI and robotics on cognition
A khadim asked Huzooraa for his perspective on technologies such as robotics and AI, their impact on society, and which fields of technology would have the most positive effect on humanity.
Huzooraa stated that any technology that benefits humanity is good. Whether it is AI or robotics, if it helps people, it is useful. He mentioned that robots are already assisting doctors in performing surgeries.
However, Huzooraa cautioned that while AI and robotics can be helpful, they may also reduce mental capability if people become overly reliant on them. He noted that depending too much on AI could lower intelligence levels.
He said:
“I can see that although your robots or AI is helping you, it can also decrease the mental capability and capacity of your mind. The level of intelligence can become low because you are relying on AI. Thus, you can take help from AI or robots, but do not completely rely on them.”
Balancing effort and trust in Allah
Finally, a khadim asked Huzooraa how one can balance making efforts with due diligence while also trusting in Allah and leaving matters to Him.
Huzooraa explained that Allah commands people to utilise their abilities, resources, and efforts in the best possible way. Only after doing so should they leave the outcome to Allah.
He gave the example of a student, stating that a student must study, strive to understand, and use their capabilities to the fullest. Simply completing half the coursework or less and then claiming to rely on Allah is not true trust in Him.
Huzooraa then narrated an incident from the life of the Holy Prophetaa to illustrate the correct concept of trust in Allah. A man once came to Masjid Nabawi on a camel. He left his camel untied outside and entered the mosque to meet the Holy Prophetaa After the conversation, when he returned, he found that his camel was gone. He expressed his distress, wondering where it had gone.
The Holy Prophetaa asked him whether he had tied the camel. The man replied that he had not tied it, believing that trust in Allah meant leaving it open. The Holy Prophetaa corrected him, saying that this was not true trust. He explained that real trust [i.e., tawakkul] is when one takes all necessary precautions and makes every possible effort, and then leaves the matter to Allah. [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517]
Huzooraa concluded by stating that true trust in Allah requires a person to use their intelligence, skills, and all available means before leaving the outcome in Allah’s hands. Simply doing half the work and expecting Allah to take care of the rest is not the correct approach.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the mulaqat, the khuddam requested a group photo with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, which he graciously granted. After the photograph, Huzooraa took leave, bringing the mulaqat to an end.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)
