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Quebec’s Bill 21 is not neutral – It targets Muslim women like me

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Irsa Ghazal, Ontario, Canada
Quebec’s Bill 21 is not neutral – It targets Muslim women like me

As a Muslim woman who proudly wears the hijab, I watch with deep concern as Quebec continues to expand Law 21 – a law that began by banning religious symbols for teachers and other public servants and has now grown to include banning face coverings for all school staff and even students.

Although it claims to promote “secularism”, its impact is anything but neutral. It places Muslim women directly in the line of fire, using our identities as political tools masked as policy.

Let us be honest: this latest expansion is a thinly veiled attack on the niqab – a style of covering observed by some Muslim women – and marks a dangerous shift from regulating public servants to policing the bodies and beliefs of students.

When a government tells a woman what she cannot wear because of her faith, that is not secularism. It is coercion. And it runs directly against the Charter values Canadians hold dear: freedom of religion, equality, dignity, and personal autonomy.

Too often, the hijab is misunderstood or framed as a symbol of oppression. But for countless Muslim women, including myself, it is an expression of faith, modesty and identity. It is chosen, not imposed. It empowers us to define our relationship with God and to move through society with confidence.

The irony is painful – while many parts of the world celebrate women’s right to dress as they choose, Quebec seeks to take that choice away.

Law 21 tells women like me that our qualifications and dedication matter less than our appearance. It shuts doors, blocks careers and signals that we do not belong unless we conceal our faith. It teaches young Muslim girls that their religious identity is something to hide if they want to participate fully in public life.

This is not equality. It is exclusion.

Supporters claim visible religious symbols undermine state neutrality, but neutrality means not favoring or discriminating against any religion – not erasing individual identities. A truly neutral state allows all citizens to participate without abandoning their beliefs.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of religion because diversity strengthens our society. It does not exist only when convenient; it protects minorities when public sentiment turns against them. (Ibid.)

When a government invokes the notwithstanding clause to override fundamental freedoms, it signals that certain groups – especially Muslim women – are not worthy of those protections.

Canada prides itself on multiculturalism and equal opportunity. Yet, Muslim women are being told that our visible faith disqualifies us from public service. This is not the Canada I believe in, and it should not be the Canada we accept.

As Canadians, we must ask ourselves: what kind of country do we want to be? One that celebrates diversity, or one that dictates what faith can look like in public? One that empowers young girls to be themselves, or one that punishes them for it?

The hijab threatens no one. But laws that target and exclude women certainly do.

I urge Canadians to see Law 21 for what it is: not a policy of secular neutrality, but a measure that harms real people – teachers, students, mothers, daughters and neighbours.

Muslim women deserve the same rights and opportunities as anyone else. We deserve to work without discrimination, learn without restriction, and exist in public spaces without being told our faith makes us unfit.

Canada must do better. Quebec must reconsider a law that has already caused so much division and fear. The strength of this country lies in its commitment to freedom and fairness. Stripping women of their religious expression violates both.

I speak out because I love this country – and because no woman should ever have to choose between her faith and her future.

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part 97: Forgiveness and reformation, recruitment fees, conjugal rights and gender equality in reward or punishment

Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues that Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes is being published officially below for everyone’s benefit.

Click here for Part 96

[…]

What is the Islamic principle for forgiving mistakes according to the Holy Quran?

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part 97
Image: barnabasvormwald/Pexels

Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, asking, “Should one forgive if an apology is asked for or not? Is it correct to take money to get someone a job? If a man commits adultery, raises his hand against a woman, does not respect her parents and taunts the woman, he has no sin and will be forgiven; but a woman must remain silent in every situation and say nothing, because she will go to Hell in any case due to her tongue? If a wife desires intimacy and the husband makes an excuse of being tired every time, there is no sin on the husband; but if the woman refuses, there is sin on her and the angels curse the woman but not the man? It seems as if the woman is bad in every respect and the man is right in every respect? I request guidance on this matter.”

“In his letter dated 5 September 2023, Huzoor-e-Anwaraa provided the following guidance on this matter:

“To forgive someone for their mistake is very pleasing to Allah the Exalted and His Messengersa and the Holy Quran and the Prophetic traditions are replete with this subject. However, the Holy Quran has attached only one condition to forgiveness: that the person being forgiven should reform themselves through this forgiveness. Accordingly, it is stated: 

وَ جَزٰٓؤُا سَیِّئَۃٍ سَیِّئَۃٌ مِّثۡلُہَا ۚ فَمَنۡ عَفَا وَاَصۡلَحَ فَاَجۡرُہٗ عَلَی اللّٰہِ

“‘And the recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof; but whoso forgives and [his act] brings about reformation, his reward is with Allah.’ (Surah ash-Shura, Ch.42: V.41)

“The Promised Messiahas, interpreting this verse, states: 

“‘This verse shows that the Quran does not teach non-resistance to evil on all occasions, or that mischief makers and wrongdoers should never be punished. Its teaching is that one must consider whether the occasion calls for forgiveness or punishment and to adopt the course which would be best in the interests of both the offender and the public. Sometimes an offender turns away from wrongdoing in consequence of being forgiven and sometimes forgiveness incites him to further wrongdoing. Therefore, God Almighty directs that we should not develop the habit of forgiving blindly on all occasions, but should consider carefully whether forgiveness or punishment would be most appropriate and, therefore, a virtue, in each particular case and should adopt that course.’ (Islami Usul ki Falasafi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, pp. 351-352)”

Is it permissible in Islam to charge a fee for finding someone a job?

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part 97
Image: PixTreats/Pixabay

“The answer to your second question is that to take money from someone illegitimately to get them a job is by no means correct; this falls under the category of bribery. However, if someone has made an effort with honesty to get another brother a job and in this effort some of his own expenses have been incurred, then there is no harm in recovering his amount in accordance with those expenses. Similarly, if someone’s business is that they arrange employment by charging a fee etc. in the name of administrative charges or commission and the person seeking employment is aware of all these matters beforehand and then, knowing all this, obtains employment through that person, then, since this is the other person’s business, there is no harm in receiving such fees etc.”

Does Islam differentiate between men and women in matters of sin and reward?

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part 97
Image: ekaterina-bolovtsova/Pexels

“Regarding your question about the difference between men and women, it is written that Islam has made no distinction between men and women in the matter of sin and reward. Accordingly, Allah the Exalted states:

مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةً فَلَا يُجْزَى إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَقُونَ فِيهَا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

“‘Whoso does evil will be requited only with the like of it; but whoso does good, whether male or female and is a believer — these will enter the Garden; they will be provided therein without measure.’ (Surah al-Mu’min, Ch.40: V.41)

“Therefore, your assertion is not correct that if a man commits a mistake, he is forgiven and if a woman commits a mistake, she is not forgiven. In the matter of reward and punishment, there is no difference between men and women. However, if a husband or wife commits an excess against their partner in this world and causes them unjustified suffering and for some reason they are not seized for it in this world, the party committing the excess will, in any case, be answerable before God the Exalted on the Day of Judgement.”

Does the hadith about angels cursing a wife who refuses intimacy apply to husbands, too?

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part 97
Image: stbuddyp/UNsplash

“As for what you have written regarding the marital relations of husband and wife, mention of this has also come in a hadith that when a husband calls his wife to his bed and the wife refuses due to some grievance, the angels send curses upon her all night long. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab bad’i l-khalq, Bab dhikri l-mala’ikah). But remember that the application of this hadith is not only on the wife; rather, in the converse situation, this hadith will also apply to the husband.

“In reality, the meaning of this hadith is that the Holy Prophetsa has apparently admonished the wife for refusing without any valid excuse due to the husband’s impatience for sexual desire. Otherwise, just as it is incumbent upon the wife to fulfil the husband’s sexual need along with his other rights, similarly, it is also the husband’s duty to fulfil the wife’s sexual rights along with her other needs. Therefore, if a husband does not fulfil his wife’s sexual rights upon her desire without any compelling circumstances, he too will be liable to be seized by Allah the Exalted in the same way as a wife deserves the displeasure of Allah the Exalted in the case of refusing the fulfilment of her husband’s sexual need without any valid excuse.

“Accordingly, it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Musa al-Ash‘arira that once the wife of Hazrat Uthman bin Maz‘unra came to the wives of the Holy Prophetsa. Upon seeing her dishevelled state, the pure wives asked her what had happened to her, for there was no man among the Quraish wealthier than her husband. Upon this, she said, ‘We derive no benefit from that, for my husband’s day is spent in fasting and his night in praying.’ Then, when the Holy Prophetsa came to his wives, the pure wives mentioned this matter to the Holy Prophetsa. The narrator says that the Holy Prophetsa met Hazrat Uthman bin Maz‘unra and said to him [expressing displeasure], ‘Is my person not a model for you?’ At this, Hazrat Uthman bin Maz‘unra submitted, ‘May my father and mother be your ransom; what is the matter?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘You spend the night praying and the day fasting, whereas your family also has a right upon you and your body also has a right upon you. Therefore, pray, but also sleep; and sometimes fast and sometimes leave it.’ The narrator says that after some time, the same woman came again to the pure wives; she had applied perfume liberally and was adorned like a bride. Seeing her, the pure wives expressed their joy and said, ‘What is the matter?’ Upon which she told them, ‘Now we too have available to us all that other people have.’ (Majma‘ az-Zawa’id, Kitab an-nikah, Bab haqqi l-mar’ati ‘ala z-zawj)

“Furthermore, with reference to the hadith under consideration mentioned above, this point should also be remembered: that in the case of refusing this act on the basis of a valid excuse or compulsion, neither party becomes the recipient of Allah the Exalted’s displeasure. As it comes in a hadith that when the Holy Prophetsa set out for the Battle of Tabuk, a Companion who had gone on a journey returned to Medina after the Holy Prophetsa had marched out for the battle. And when he advanced towards his wife to show affection, the wife pushed him back, saying, ‘Do you not feel ashamed that the Holy Prophetsa has gone out to fight the enemy in such heat and you are concerned with showing affection and coming to me?’ (Dibacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, 1948, pp. 343-344)

“Thus, if either party refuses due to some excuse or compulsion, they will not be deserving of any punishment. However, if a husband or wife comes close to the other party and, after inflaming their emotions, moves away from them with the intention of distressing them, then the one doing so will certainly be the recipient of the displeasure of Allah the Exalted.”

(Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London and translated by Al Hakam)

‘An Ahmadi Muslim should be a perfect Muslim’: Members of MKA USA’s Southeast Region Meet Huzoor

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‘An Ahmadi Muslim should be a perfect Muslim’: Members of MKA USA’s Southeast Region Meet Huzoor

Islamabad, Tilford, 29 November 2025: A delegation of khuddam from the Southeast Region of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA had the blessed opportunity of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

The meeting commenced as Huzooraa graced the hall with his presence and extended his salaam. Huzooraa first addressed the amir-e-qafilah, who is currently pursuing studies in archaeology. Following this, each of the khuddam had the opportunity to introduce himself. After the introductions, the khuddam were graciously granted permission to ask questions for their guidance on spiritual and worldly matters.

The duty of a new khadim

A young man who had just joined Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya at the start of the month asked for advice.

Huzooraa advised him to be regular in his five daily prayers, to read the Holy Quran and to strictly avoid negative content on social media and the internet, nurturing a hatred for such things. Huzooraa reminded him that Allah promises in the Quran that prayer protects one from indecency and evil. (Surah al-‘Ankabut, Ch.29: V.46) If he honestly strives in this, Allah will protect him.

Huzooraa cautioned against the mindset that sometimes develops at the age of 16, where youth feel they are now mature and free to disregard the wisdom of their parents and elders. Instead, he should maintain the good habits he had as a tifl. The simple teaching, Huzooraa stated, is to be pious, refrain from bad deeds, offer the five daily prayers on time and in congregation if possible and recite the Quran daily. Regardless of whether one is a waqif-e-nau or not, every Ahmadi Muslim should strive to be a perfect Muslim.

Researching cures for cancer

A khadim asked for advice for Ahmadi students wishing to research cancer cures, specifically enquiring if the Quran and Hadith provide guidance on foods like honey.

Huzooraa affirmed that the Quran instructs us to consume pure, i.e., tayyib and lawful, i.e., halal, foods. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V. 169) Regarding honey, Allah states that it contains healing for mankind. (Surah an-Nahl, Ch.16: V.70) Huzooraa noted that several Ahmadi scientists are already researching the medicinal properties of honey and encouraged the khadim to do so as well. He explained that since bees tend to visit specific types of flowers, different honeys have unique properties; one type might be effective for stomach ailments, while another might aid in treating blood diseases or cancer.

Huzooraa narrated an incident from the life of the Holy Prophetsa where a man complained of a stomach ailment. The Holy Prophetsa advised him to take honey. The man returned twice, claiming it had worsened his condition. On the third visit, the Holy Prophetsa declared that God’s word is true and the man’s stomach was false; eventually, the man was cured. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-tibb, Bab ad-dawa’i bi l-‘asl, Hadith 5684) This illustrates that while honey has healing properties, research is needed to identify the specific types suitable for specific diseases.

Finding motivation to get closer to Allah

A khadim asked how one who lacks motivation can self-motivate to become closer to Allah.

Huzooraa asked the khadim if he desired a good future and success in his studies. When the khadim replied in the affirmative, Huzooraa explained that just as one is motivated to work hard for worldly success, if one loves Allah, they should be motivated to strive for His nearness. Allah commands us to struggle hard in His path and promises guidance to those who do. (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.79) The fundamental method is to pray fervently in the five daily prayers for guidance and for Allah to instil the desire for His love in one’s heart. Just as effort is required for academic targets, spiritual closeness requires hard work and obedience to Allah’s commandments.

Huzooraa said, “For getting nearness to Allah, you will have to work hard, as you are working hard for achieving your worldly targets, like your studies and other things. See, the same thing – you will have to struggle hard. Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran, ‘If you work hard, I will show you the right path.’ So, this is the only way. Pray to Allah the Almighty in your five daily prayers; never leave your prayer. If you are obeying Allah’s commandments, then Allah will guide you.”

Balancing waqf with family obligations

A question was asked regarding waqifeen-e-nau who wish to dedicate their lives but face external pressures, such as family financial problems or parental expectations.

Huzooraa advised that if one has a true desire to do waqf or devote one’s life, they should place their trust in Allah, as He is the One who feeds everyone, not we ourselves. (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.152) However, if one is double-minded or hesitant, it is better to seek permission to work and support the family. Huzooraa clarified that the Jamaat does not accept every waqf; there are specific needs for missionaries, doctors and engineers. Therefore, at present, he may pursue his studies or job while fulfilling his duties as a waqif-e-nau: being regular in prayer, reading the Holy Quran with meaning, studying Jamaat literature and the books of the Promised Messiahas and listening to the Khalifa-e-Waqt. Dedicating spare time to the Jamaat is also a form of waqf that allows one to support their family simultaneously.

Avoiding greed while pursuing a career

A khadim asked how one can pursue a successful, high-earning career without becoming greedy.

Huzooraa explained that if one earns wealth but follows Allah’s command to spend not only on oneself but also on orphans and the needy, then that wealth becomes a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure. Allah blesses such wealth manifold. This act of giving prevents greed because it keeps one connected to the pain of others. If one meets their own expenses but also sacrifices for the Jamaat and charity, Allah appreciates this and protects the heart from greed.

Reconnecting with distant khuddam

Guidance was sought on how to help khuddam who were once active but have become distant, specifically citing a case where personal grievances were involved.

Huzooraa advised that beyond official contact, there should be a personal connection. A friend of the same age should reach out to the distant khadim to remove misunderstandings with the same concern one would have for a brother. Huzooraa noted that sometimes people develop grudges against office-bearers – whether a Murabbi, President, or Secretary – and then distance themselves from the faith. He stressed that office-bearers must be extremely humble to avoid causing such stumbling blocks.

He mentioned that sometimes even members from well-established families drift away because they hold an idealised view of how office-bearers should be and when reality falls short, they blame the entire Jamaat. Huzooraa pointed out that even in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, there were hypocrites, but that did not falsify the message of Islam. Such individuals should be counselled with love and understanding, helping them realise that the Jamaat truly cares for them.

Moving to established jamaats vs. pioneering

A khadim asked if Ahmadis should move to places where the Jamaat is not yet established to spread the message, or stay where there is an established jamaat.

Huzooraa guided that families with young children should prioritise living near a mosque and an established jamaat to ensure their children’s moral upbringing. However, those whose children are grown, or who are single, can and should move to new areas to establish the Jamaat and do tabligh. The decision depends on the individual circumstances of each family and one must use their own judgement to decide what is best for their spiritual well-being.

Strengthening faith amidst distractions

A question was raised about how Ahmadi youth, facing modern distractions, can strengthen their bond with Allah and Khilafat despite their passion for service.

Huzooraa identified the root cause as the consumption of worldly distractions like social media, TV and useless games. Spending hours on these things after work or school ruins time and spiritual focus. The Tarbiyat Department must educate youth that these are vain pursuits [laghw] which the Quran forbids. (Surah al-Mu’minun, Ch.23: V.4)

Secondly, for those who have a genuine passion and fear of Allah, the remedy is worship. Allah promises that prayer keeps one on the right path. (Surah al-‘Ankabut, Ch.29: V.46) Therefore, the habit of prayer must be instilled. If someone is distracted, they should not be defamed but treated like a brother whose shortcomings are concealed. They should be lovingly reminded that their actions will cause them trouble. Huzooraa said, “This is a very big challenge; those working in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and the office bearers of the Jamaat and other auxiliary organisations should take this on as a personal challenge and take care of others as though they are their relatives. If you do so then you will see results. Explain things to them and bring them closer.”

Huzooraa observed that many youth come to the UK, get emotional and even cry during meetings, but revert to old habits months later because they lack the right environment. It is the duty of active khuddam to create that supportive environment for them.

The best Surah to recite

A khadim asked which Surah of the Quran is the best to recite.

Huzooraa stated that Surah al-Fatihah is the best. It contains the comprehensive prayer اِہۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ “Guide us in the right path”, which covers all aspects of moral training and spiritual guidance. Huzooraa advised reading its translation and the commentary available in the Jamaat’s Tafsir to fully understand its depth and importance.

Responding to anti-Islam sentiment

The final question addressed how to respond to rising anti-Islam sentiment and the mocking of Muslims on social media, specifically those praying in public.

Huzooraa advised ignoring abusive language, as we cannot compete in vulgarity. Regarding praying in public, he stated that there is no need to offer prayers on footpaths or roads where it disturbs others or blocks pathways. Prayers should be offered in mosques or at home. If one is out and time is short, they should find a secluded corner or an isolated place, not a public thoroughfare.

However, Ahmadis must be firm in their faith and not care about people’s mockery regarding their beliefs. The best response to anti-Islam sentiment is to practise true Islam. When people see the good behaviour of Ahmadis and their message of peace, love and harmony, they will naturally be curious and respectful. 

Huzooraa stressed that opponents exploit the actions of terrorists to defame Islam; our duty is to counter this by spreading the true, peaceful message through our own conduct and by distributing literature. 

Huzooraa said, “When they are using abusive language, we cannot compete with them […], so ignore it. And why should we pray in public? We have mosques; you should go to the mosque or offer your prayers in your homes. And if you are bound and short of time to pray the Zuhr or Asr prayer on time, then you try to find a corner and pray there. And if you are in a group, then you should also go to an isolated place and offer your prayer there, not that you start offering your prayer on the footpaths or on the roads; that is not advisable. [Otherwise, you may be] breaking the rules and regulations of that society or that country. You are disturbing the convenience of the people there, right? You are destroying their peace. So why should you offer your prayer in public places? So avoid that, but be firm in your faith. Be determined that you have to offer your five daily prayers on time. And don’t bother about what the people say. 

“Try to learn more about your religion. What is Islam? What is the practice and sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa? Why do we Ahmadis claim that we are Ahmadi Muslims? Only a claim is not enough until and unless we practice the true teaching of Islam. So when we are portraying our good behaviour and conveying the true message of Islam to the people and practising what we say, then people will obviously ask you, ‘Why are you different from other people?’ And they will try to learn more about Islam. In this way, you will open more doors to preaching. Right? So in this way, you should also try to explore more avenues for preaching. To let the people know, because people are ignorant. They don’t know much about Islam. Only those who are opponents of Islam have exploited this thing, that Muslims are not good. And you see, they will take the examples of terrorists or militants and tell the people that this is the behaviour of Muslims. So, actually, tell the people that this is not the true teaching, which these people are doing. The true teaching of Islam is peace, love, and harmony, and to respect each other. And that is what we pray, we practise, and we convey. It’s a great challenge. This is why I say that you should try to spread the true message of Islam through pamphlets and through your own behaviour. And this is how you can overcome this situation.”

The mulaqat concluded with the khuddam having the honour of a group photograph with Huzooraa.

(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)

Smile: Your life depends on it

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Muhammad Abdul Hayee Nasir, Jamia Ahmadiyya International, Ghana
Smile: Your life depends on it

Did you know that the secret to living a longer, healthier and a more peaceful life is not as complicated as you might think it is? The secret is not entirely about making complicated diet plans, or going to the gym regularly, or just generally following routines which are difficult to maintain. Every now and then, the real change comes with things that are easy and more natural.

A smile.

Yes! You read that correctly, a smile. There is a lot of research which has proven that when you smile, it helps in reducing stress levels, blood pressure levels and most essentially uplifting your overall well-being. It is something so simple yet its benefits reach far beyond our imaginations.

Smiling does not only make us feel better; it also finds its way to the hearts of the people around us. For instance, when your father or mother gives you a smile; you feel warmth and safety.

Or when your doctor smilingly tells you not to worry and that you’ll be fine. At that moment you become so relieved that you forget about the pain or sickness you’re having.

Or, for those who are married, when your wife gives you a loving smile, it can brighten your whole day in an instant.

Thus, a simple smile possesses incredible strength. It provides comfort, motivation, and lets the people you love know they matter. Even an ordinary moment can become special when it’s shared with a genuine smile.

From an Islamic lens, we can learn a lot from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammadsa and what he taught about smiling, as well as the benefits of smiling backed up by scientific research.

The Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa

The Holy Prophetsa had to face numerous hardships and difficulties in his life; he lost his parents at a very tender age and was brought up as an orphan, he lost many of his children during his lifetime, he lost so many devoted companions in the various battles; upon all these hardships the smile never faded away from the face of our beloved Mastersa.

Hazrat Ibn Jazra narrates about the Holy Prophetsa that: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messengersa of Allah.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-manaqab, Hadith 3641)

The Holy Prophetsa usually met his devoted companions with a gentle smile, filling the air with comfort and love.

Hazrat Jarir bin Abdullahra narrates: “Since I embraced Islam, Allah’s Messengersa never refused to see me, and whenever he saw me, he received me with a smile.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab fadaʾil al-sahabah, Hadith 2475b)

This narration shows how the Holy Prophet’ssa gentle smile made his companions feel honored and loved.

Then Hazrat Abu Dharrra narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Don’t consider anything insignificant out of good things even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul birr was-sila wal-adaab, Hadith 2626)

This teaches us an important thing, that greeting others with a cheerful and pleasant expression is a righteous act, which has a reward.

Smiling is also counted among those deeds that the Holy Prophetsa described as acts of charity.

Hazrat Abu Dharrra narrated that the Messengersa of Allah said:

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-birr wa as-sila ‘an rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam, Hadith 1956)

This beautiful narration shows us that even a simple smile contains spiritual value. It is considered an act of charity, an easy yet great way to spread goodness, uplift hearts and earn the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.

Advice from our beloved Imam

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned the above hadith during his Friday Sermon on 18 July 2003 and stated that:

“It is first stated that keep smiling. Smiling does not cost you anything, nor do you lose anything. When you meet one another, meet with a smile. If there were any grievances, then remove them within these three days through your smiles.” (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 1, p. 188)

Once, Huzooraa was asked by a child how he found time to rest and do other activities whilst managing his very busy schedule. Huzooraa stated that: “I work in my office and also manage to perform other work too, such as listening to the news.”

He added, “It is all in the mind; if man becomes lazy and says that he does not get enough sleep, then nothing can be accomplished. You must be firm and tell yourself that you need to get such and such work done.” He further said: “Always smile; this will keep you active.”

Similarly, it is mentioned in an article that Huzooraa once said to the author: “You don’t laugh very often. You should always keep smiling.”

From this we learn that smiling is important when we meet people and it also helps us to be active.

Physical benefits of smiling

After presenting the Sunnah of our beloved Prophetsa and the advice of our beloved Huzooraa about the benefits of smiling, I will now mention some physical benefits of smiling backed up by modern science. Smiling – an act which the Holy Prophetsa has described as a form of charity – regarding which science is now proving its physical benefits as well and telling us that a simple smile may seem small, but its effect on our body is surprisingly powerful.

Smiling can help you live longer

Every person must have wished to live a long life at a certain point in their lifetime, from movies about elixirs of life to scientific research of our time, humankind has always been fascinated with the topic of longevity. Surprisingly, the simplest contributors to longer life are at our disposal, and the most unexpected among them is a smile.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, one study showed that individuals with more optimism usually live longer. These individuals have a far greater chance of living past age 85, which proves the strong relationship between a positive outlook and health over a long period.

Smiling elevates mood and relieves stress

A large population of the world suffers from stress. In 2022, more than three-quarters of adults reported symptoms of stress, including headache, tiredness and depression. Stress has a deep effect on our whole being, even our faces.

A study showed that smiling does not only prevent us from looking tired, weary and exhausted, but it also actively helps in reducing our stress. When we smile, our body releases endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals, which calm the mind, lower tension, and improve overall well-being. Smiling can also boost your happiness. The next time you feel down, try putting on a smile, chances are your mood will improve.

Smiling may lower blood pressure

While smiling is proven to lower heart rate during stressful moments, research also points out that it can help reduce blood pressure. One of the studies even found out that laughter therapy which encourages you to smile, can help some heart-patients reduce their dependency on heart medications. This makes sense, given the powerful connection between positive expressions and cardiovascular health.

Smiling can boost your immune system:

Smiling also boosts our overall health by supporting our immune system. Smiling activates the parasympathetic nervous system, this activation helps in controlling the secretion of certain gut hormones and antibodies that create the anti-inflammatory effect, improving the immune response.

If you’re trying to maintain good health or boost your immunity, try smiling, it offers a simple yet meaningful benefit.

Smiling can make you look attractive:

We feel more comfortable around those who smile, you can feel a natural radiance coming from within them and we usually avoid someone with negative expressions like frowns and scowls. Let’s be real, no one likes to be around someone who is always frowning and spreading negativity.

So, as negative expressions tend to push people away, positive expressions like a smile does the complete opposite, it attracts people towards you, it makes you feel warm and approachable. People usually link a smiling face with positive personality traits, which means you are more likely to draw others toward you.

Apart from smiling makes you look more attractive; it can also make you look younger. When we smile the muscles on our face gently lift, giving us a more youthful appearance. So, try to smile more often, it’s a natural way to look younger and feel better.

Conclusion

In a world full of depression, anxiety and noise, we must try our best and remain positive no matter the challenges life throws at us. We should try to follow the smiling Sunnah of our beloved Prophetsa and face every difficulty with a smile on our faces.

The Holy Prophetsa described smiling as an act of charity, so let’s spread love and comfort in the world with our smiles. Learn to smile more frequently, for your own peace of mind and also for the people whose lives you brighten along the way.

Digital amnesia: The phone number we forgot

Daniyal Mahmood Ahmad, Al Hakam
Digital amnesia: The phone number we forgot

There once was a time when humans had a remarkable quality. In this day and age, it might be considered a superpower, or maybe even a sign of genius. This is the ability known as “memory”.

I’m not referring to the legendary gift of memorisation that the Arabs were known to possess around the time of the advent of Islam. What I’m referring to is, on the contrary, relatively recent. It’s about a time when we could, believe it or not, memorise entire phone numbers.

Somewhere along the path of technological progress, we’ve lost this capability. Ask anyone around you whether they remember anyone’s phone number aside from their own and maybe one close relative’s. This figure declined from 70% in 2015 to 60% by 2019. That’s only four years. Most people will struggle to recall any more than that, and this figure is declining even further. (Digital Amnesia Revisited, Kaspersky Lab, 2019, p. 2)

What has led to such a drastic change in a natural capability? To explore this, let’s return to the very beginning of our human civilisation’s lifecycle.

When Adamas and Eve were roaming in the Garden of Eden, God made a covenant with them (Surah Ta Ha, Ch.20: V.116). Although Adamas was a righteous and pious servant of God, he was also like us, a human. And so – like we all do from time to time –  he forgot the command.

Adamas took responsibility for his sudden lapse and made amends with the Almighty. He was able to do this because Allah said that “We found in him no determination to disobey.” (Ibid.)

What we can gauge from this story is that forgetting isn’t inherently an issue, depending on the nature of the matter and the intentions involved. So, in our case, forgetting a phone number isn’t a sin or a crime against humanity.

But the issue runs deeper than what’s visible on the surface; it’s not that we are forgetting things more easily, it’s that we are struggling to even remember them in the first place.

This inability has been linked to the increase in digital devices and technology to aid us in remembering tasks, essentially outsourcing our cognitive abilities to machines. This is known as “cognitive offloading”, and the result of this is what has been coined as “digital amnesia”.

If we compare the brain to generative AI, it becomes easy to understand how the more it is utilised (by increasing the input of knowledge, information, critical thinking, etc.), the sharper our mind becomes. This applies the other way around, too; if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

The “lose it” part is a result of hippocampal inactivity when relying on external storage. This leads to what Betsy Sparrow, a neuroscientist from Columbia University, has coined “the Google Effect”, where we remember where to find information instead of remembering the information itself.

It must be noted that forgetting isn’t always a flaw; sometimes it’s a blessing in disguise. Take the story of Mosesas and Khizr as an example, when the companion of Mosesas forgets the fish. This causes them to alter their entire journey, but it also leads them to the place they were meant to reach. (Surah al-Kahf, Ch.18: V.62-66)

But at our current rate of forgetfulness, the science is alarming. Relying on devices causes the prefrontal cortex to reduce its effort. This leads to memory decay, which contributes to not only forgetfulness, but also anxiety.

Ever wondered whether you’ve closed the fridge in the middle of the night? Or if you saved a very important document before closing it? That’s the kind of anxiety at issue.

Where there is anxiety, there is naturally a lack of presence. In order to employ habits of presence, we must be present. Anxiety is the antithesis of that. So it’s no longer the meagre issue of forgetting phone numbers.

The Quran warns against the results of forgetfulness: “And be not like those who forgot Allah, and whom He has consequently caused to forget their own souls.” (Surah al-Hashr, Ch.59: V.20)

Fortunately, though, the solution lies in the problem itself; in order to remember Allah, we must do dhikr (remembrance of Allah). This leads to a step-by-step solution. Memory requires attention, attention requires presence, and presence is the essence of dhikr.

As Rumi said:

“Now listen to the Prophet of Mankind:

“‘No prayer’s complete without a present mind.’” (The Masnavi [English], Book 1, Oxford University Press, 2004, p. 27)

In this way, we can begin to cure the anxiety that’s being caused due to our lack of presence: “Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort”. (Surah al-Ra’d, Ch.13: V.29)

How do we practically employ this method? An effective way to heal our neural focusing ability, according to multiple neuroscience studies, is to enter meditation-like states. In other words, salat. Spiritual benefits aside, salat acts as a cognitive intervention, essentially balancing our state of mind and cognitive abilities. This is in result of an increase in hippocampal grey matter.

Other methods to employ can include reducing screen time, as this will reactivate the brain’s natural memory-building circuits, as well as constantly challenging the brain through analytical and memorisation practices.

In all this, the crux of the matter is that attention is what matters. As the famous English writer, Dr Samuel Johnson, aptly summarises: “The true art of memory is the art of attention.” (The Idler, 1826, p. 80)

With enough presence and attention, our memory will thrive.

The fact is that forgetting a phone number may seem insignificant, but with all the science-backed research, it’s an ever-increasing danger to our cognitive functions. The solutions are also available. Perhaps – just like a phone line – we need to focus on establishing that very first and primary connection before anything else. As the Almighty says: “Remember Me, and I will remember you.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.153)

A letter of protest to His Majesty over cartoons of the Prophet and the early Ahmadiyya mission in Sumatra, 1925

Editor’s Note: The following letter, published in the November 1925 issue of The Review of Religions, was submitted to His Majesty’s Secretary for Home Affairs by Hazrat Abdur Rahim Dardra, MA, in response to the cartoon of the Most Holy Prophetsa printed in ‘The Star’ newspaper. In subsequent correspondence, The Star publicly expressed its regret regarding the publication.

A letter of protest to His Majesty over cartoons of the Prophet and the early Ahmadiyya mission in Sumatra, 1925
The British Foreign Office assured the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (left) that their protest over a blasphemous cartoon in The Star was unofficially raised and that the newspaper published an apology on 9 September 1925. The official transcript of The Star’s published apology can be seen on the right. | National Archives of India – This image cannot be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the written permission of the National Archives of India

Letter to His Majesty

“Your Excellency,

“In my capacity as the head of a very big section of the Muslim community in England, I deem it necessary to convey to Your Excellency on their behalf, and on behalf of many Egyptian, Indian and African Muslims who have approached me for that purpose, the feelings of fierce indignation and deep mortification that a cartoon printed in The Star, dated 18/8/25 (of which a copy is attached herewith) has aroused.

“The cartoon depicts Mr. Jack Hobbs as a colossal figure. At his feet are shown to stand some very reputed historical personages, including among them Adam[as] and Mohammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam, may peace and the blessings of God be upon him. Like all others, they are made to look at Mr. Hobbs apparently in astonishment and bewilderment at the latter scoring so many centuries in cricket. This ignominiously disgraceful cartoon has inflicted a deep wound on the religious susceptibilities of the Muslims.

“The Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, is the most sacred personage for the Muslims. The love they bear towards him and the veneration with which they cherish his holy memory, transcends all barriers of colour, caste, and country. Of all earthly things, the most revered in their eyes is the honour of their Spiritual Master, for whose sake every Muslim, young or old, high or low, man or woman, is ready to sacrifice his life and his all. A Muslim can bear anything but an affront offered to the name of his beloved and revered Master.

“Your Excellency can, therefore, only imagine the intensity and the depth of the feelings that this manifold insult has stirred. Words cannot adequately express it. The greatest Monarch, of unequalled spiritual glory, the most perfect manifestation of God, the Cynosure of all eyes, the Prince of Peace, and a Mercy unto all mankind, painted as a pigmy lost in amazement, and as a monster of bloodshed and carnage with a drawn sword in his hand! No art could degenerate so low.

“Nothing could be more mischievous, on the part of a paper, than to play with the religious susceptibilities of a people. It is a disgrace to journalism. Could not the admiration of a cricketer be complete without heaping unmerited and unprovoked disgraces on the name of one who takes his stand in the first row of the greatest reformers of humanity?

“Surely this is the most malicious and insidious form of comparison. I need not draw Your Excellency’s attention to the storm of indignation and hatred which this cartoon would raise in India and all other Muslim countries.

“I protest, therefore, most emphatically, against this despicable indignity loaded on our Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of God be upon him, and request Your Excellency to give your most earnest attention to this very serious matter and set the law in motion against the offenders, so that the world may know that England is justly proud of her traditional fairness and impartiality.

“Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

“AR DARD MA.”

West Africa

The Nigerian Spectator writes in its editorial notes:

“The Ahmadiyas seem destined to work out a revolution in Mohammedan life in Nigeria. Started only a few years ago, the movement is working remarkable changes in the life and outlook of young Mohammedans not only in Lagos, but throughout Nigeria. And there is no doubt that the movement has come to stay.

“Among the local Ahmadiyas, professional men are springing up. They have already produced one lawyer and with two or three more to come in a year or two.

“In a few years, Mohammedan qualified medical practitioners will be arriving, and all these enlightened activities are traceable to the influence of the local Ahmadiyas. […]”

A prophecy fulfilled

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian published a prophecy in 1906 to the following effect:

“The Palace of the Shah of Persia shall be shaken.”

At the time when this revelation was published, nobody could imagine that such a strong wave of democracy would sweep over Persia. God’s words, however, are comprehended only when on being fulfilled, they manifest the Power and Might of God Almighty.

Sumatra

We learn with pleasure from the Al Fazl Qadian that our new missionary has reached Sumatra safely, and within a week of his stay there, eight persons have joined the fold of Hazrat Ahmadas. May the number increase! Amin.

Mysticism and Ahmadiyyat

The Rev. WW Cash writes in his latest book:

“Mysticism long ago found a home among Moslems, and in 1879 Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[as], of the village of Qadian, in the Punjab, began to propound his new mysticism to his Moslem brethren. His teaching was chiefly based upon his personal claims. He declared himself to be the Christian Messiah, the Muhammadan Mahdi, and the final [avatar] expected by the Hindus.

“His claim at once brought him into conflict with orthodox Islam. The Mahdi (the final successor of the Prophet) was to be a man of blood; how, then, could Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[as] combine in his own person the character of Jesus, a man of peace, not war.

“The Ahmadiyya Movement is remarkable for the way it turned the attention of Mohammadans to the study of Jesus Christ.”

Dr Zwemer, reviewing his book, remarks in connection with the above passage as follows:

“We regret, where all is so good, to point out one important inaccuracy. The Ahmadiyya Movement is in no sense connected with Muhammadan mysticism, but is rather an attempt to rationalise Islam by a forced exegesis of the Koran and by going back to the swoon theory regarding the Crucifixion, to put Jesus Christ in an unknown grave in Kashmir, so that the Caliph of their new Promised Messiah may carry on propaganda in a literary bureau at Qadian, in the Punjab!

“Both the branches of the Ahmadiyya Movement now have a mosque in or near London, but neither dream of zikrs or mysticism in their worship or philosophy.”

We agree with Dr Zwemer in saying that the Ahmadiyya movement is not an order of howling and dancing Dervishes; nor is their mysticism a dreamy contemplation on ideas that have no foundation in human experience.

But we do not think the Rev. WW Cash means any of these conceptions by his words, “new mysticism.” He may, however, have confused it with Sufism, which in its truest sense means Islam pure and simple.

We regret to say that Dr Zwemer calls the tomb of Jesus[as] in Kashmir as “Unknown,” and our interpretation of the Holy Quran as “forced exegesis.” A glance at the photo of the tomb of Jesus[as] published in our previous issue and a cursory perusal of “The True Islam” will convince our readers that it is a wilful misrepresentation.

Why missionaries from the East

The East has been looked upon as being uncivilised and missionaries have been up till now sent from the West to educate it.

Why is it that the East now sends its missionaries to the West? What has caused this wonderful change?

A similar question was put to a Companion of the Holy Prophetsa in the Court of the Persian Chosroe. And the answer which he gave at that time applies in our case as well:

“The vices and iniquities that were ascribed to us did actually prevail amongst us. We were as weak as we were looked upon. But God, by raising a prophet amongst us, has wrought a great change in us and has elevated our hopes and aspirations. We are not now what we were before and the things that used to satisfy us before cannot satisfy us now.”

We have undergone a similar change. Thirty-four years before the condition of Islam was such that its devoted votaries could scarcely defend it, God then sent a prophet amongst us whose advent was foretold under different names; some called him the Messiah, by others he was known as the Mahdi, Krishna, or Masio Dar Bahmi.

He quickened the dead by the Divine Elixir of life that God sent from Heaven, and thousands who had been dead for years, left their tombs and scattered in the cities to bear witness to the glory of God and His sublime attributes that know no decline.

All our endeavours and movements, therefore, are regulated by the will of God. We are like a musical instrument, a flute, which gives out the voice of One who plays upon it.

We convey the voice of God to the world, and our mission is a mission of amity and goodwill and our sole object is that we have found out our Creator. Our fellow brethren should also see His face and should not lead a life of estrangement from Him.

We have come to the West to proclaim the second advent of the Messiah. Blessed are those who cast aside all prejudices and give ears to the voice of One who says that he has been raised by God.

(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original English, published in the November & December 1925 issue of The Review of Religions)

This Week in History: 5-11 December

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

This Week in History: 6 December 1953

5 December 2003: During his Friday sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa instructed that every Ahmadi must attain at least an FA degree (similar to the UK A Levels). Before this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh had instructed the Ahmadis in Pakistan to at least pass matriculation (equivalent to UK GCSE).

5 December 2008: During his Friday sermon on this day, delivered from the Baitul Hadi Mosque in Delhi, India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that there was a change of plan in his ongoing tour due to some law and order issues within the country and instructed the members of the Jamaat to cancel their plans of travel to attend the Jalsa Salana Qadian.

6 December 1953: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra inaugurated the newly constructed building of Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 420)

6 December 2008: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa safely returned to London after shortening his tour of India due to law and order concerns. On 5 December, the final day of his tour, Huzooraa led the Friday prayer at Masjid Bait-ul-Hadi in Delhi. In his Friday sermon, he encouraged Jamaat members to pray for protection from trials and hardships. Huzooraa also met various guests and attended meetings on this last day. (Al Fazl Intl., 30 January 2009, p. 9)

7 December 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar (announcement) titled “Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu” in which he explained the importance of Jalsa Salana. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 360)

7 December 1929: Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shamsra, a devoted missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, known for his pioneering efforts, not only helped establish the Jamaat’s chapters in Damascus and Haifa but also spent nearly five months in Egypt, where he worked tirelessly to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, support new converts and strengthen the faith of local Ahmadis. He entered Egypt on this day.

To read a rare glimpse into his day-to-day activities, see: “Preaching Islam in Egypt: The man who refused a singer’s handshake” at www.alhakam.org (7 November 2025, pp. 6-7)

8 December 1979: Mentioning the contributions of Dr Salam since the late 1950s, Nobel Laureate Sheldon Lee Glashow stated during his Nobel Lecture delivered on this day, “Another electroweak synthesis without neutral currents was put forward by Salam and Ward in 1959,” and “in a continuation of their work in 1961, they suggested a gauge theory of strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions based on the local symmetry group SU(2) x SU(2). This was a remarkable portent of the SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1) model, which is accepted today.”

To read more about the biography, success story and false allegations raised against Dr Salam, see: “From disowned to being ‘undeserving’: The painful story of Nobel Laureate Dr Abdus Salam” at www.alhakam.org (14 June 2024, pp. 6-11).

9 December 1955: On this day, Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra inaugurated the Mubarak Mosque, the first purpose-built mosque in the Netherlands. This mosque, with three minarets and a capacity of 500 worshippers, was designed by Frits Beck and was completed with funds collected from Lajna Imaillah.

On 3 June 2006, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands visited the Mubarak Mosque to commemorate the building’s 50th anniversary. (Al Fazl International, 2 June 2012, p. 9)

To learn more about this historic milestone, see: “Documentary Release: The remarkable story of Netherlands’ first purpose-built mosque, the Mubarak Mosque” at alhakam.org (18 November 2024).

10 December 1901: Amidst the devastating plague claiming countless lives across the Indian subcontinent, the Promised Messiahas, out of profound concern and sympathy for the masses, issued a written announcement on this day. To ensure his message reached a wide audience. The announcement was published in Arabic, Urdu and Persian, with a supplementary version in Pashto, guiding people on safeguarding themselves against the growing pandemic. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, pp. 537-553)

11 December 1936: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed members of the Jamaat to engage in fervent prayers and seek forgiveness from God Almighty. Whilst giving advice regarding prayer and repentance, Huzoorra said:

“At least one day in a year, you ought to shed tears before God Almighty for your sins as opposed to merely asking Him to fulfil your desires.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 324)

11 February 2014: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the keynote address at the Conference of World Religions, which was organised by Jamaat UK as part of its centenary celebrations at the famous Guildhall in the City of London. Around 500 delegates attended the conference. The conference also received messages of support from the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Dalai Lama, David Cameron and several other dignitaries. (“Historic Conference of World Religions Held at Guildhall, London”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

The capacity to be influenced

It should also be borne in mind that listeners are influenced according to their capacity in a manner that is commensurate with the nature and power of the teacher himself—so long as their capacity has potential. Those people who have a greater affinity with God Almighty and have a fear for Him will be influenced more than others. The proof of this is that the soul makes haste and races uncontrollably towards God Almighty so that it may be purified. If one has a stronger connection with the soul that incites one to commit evil and is ruled by it, the disposition feels an anxiety, strain and aversion to listening to the words of a divine reformer. Such people do not feel comfortable sitting with them and listening to their words, and even feel disturbed. When an individual feels such restlessness and discontent in listening to the words of a divine preacher, it is crucial for them to begin worrying about their soul, for such a soul has reached the edge of the pit of destruction.

(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p.117)

Every hardship erases sins

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عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلّى الله عليه وسلّم قَالَ‏: مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ وَصَبٍ وَلاَ هَمٍّ وَلاَ حُزْنٍ وَلاَ أَذًى وَلاَ غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا، إِلاَّ كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ‏‏.‏

“Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said, “No fatigue, nor illness, nor anxiety, nor grief, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim – even the prick of a thorn that pricks him – except that Allah, through it, wipes away some of his sins.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-marda, Bab ma ja’a fi kaffarati l-mard, Hadith 5641)

Friday Sermon – Tahrik-e-Jadid 2025: The power of sacrifice (7 November 2025)

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Friday Sermon

7 November 2025

Tahrik-e-Jadid 2025: The power of sacrifice

Friday Sermon

After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited the following verse of the Holy Quran:

مَثَلُ الَّذِیۡنَ یُنۡفِقُوۡنَ اَمۡوَالَہُمۡ فِیۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰہِ کَمَثَلِ حَبَّۃٍ اَنۡۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِیۡ کُلِّ سُنۡۢبُلَۃٍ مِّائَۃُ حَبَّۃٍ ؕ وَاللّٰہُ یُضٰعِفُ لِمَنۡ یَّشَآءُ ؕ وَاللّٰہُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیۡمٌ 

The translation of this verse is as follows: “The similitude of those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [it] further for whomsoever He pleases; and Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (The Holy Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.262)

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, as of 1 November, the Jamaat’s new financial year of Tahrik-e-Jadid commences. As such, the new year of Tahrik-e-Jadid is formally announced, and the financial sacrifices made by various Jamaats in the financial year that has passed are mentioned as well. Similarly, the importance of making financial sacrifices is briefly mentioned as well.

Before mentioning the importance of offering financial sacrifices, I will briefly mention the background of Tahrik-e-Jadid. Tahrik-e-Jadid was established in 1934 – I will mention this history since there are some new Ahmadis, youths and children, who may not be aware of it. As I said, Tahrik-e-Jadid was started in 1934 by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. The need for this arose as the Ahrar movement started opposition against the Jamaat at that time. They had raised an uproar, creating a storm of opposition and claimed that they would eradicate Ahmadiyyat from the face of the earth, nothing would be left of Qadian and that they would completely destroy it. Similarly, they intended to desecrate the Bahishti Maqbarah [Heavenly Graveyard], where the blessed grave of the Promised Messiahas is located; this is typical behaviour for such people. At that time, the government was not protecting the Jamaat as it should have. In fact, it would be appropriate to say that it was supporting the opponents. At such a time, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra encouraged the Jamaat to establish a fund so that they may propagate the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat to the corners of the earth and strengthen the organisational structure of the Jamaat in order to counter the mischief and uproar of the opponents and refute the propaganda being spread against the Jamaat. Moreover, not only refute the propaganda, rather, to also fulfil the due rights of Tabligh [propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat], because up until that time, the Jamaat had not effectively fulfilled the due rights of Tabligh as it should have. 

With this intention, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced the scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid. He also said that we must propagate the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat within the country and throughout the world so that the opponents do not try to bring harm to our efforts in any place. If there is opposition in one place, then progress should be seen in another, and the administrative and organisational structure of Jamaat should continue to expand.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, today we can see that the message of Ahmadiyyat – the true Islam – has reached every corner of the world, and our missionaries are actively serving across the globe. In various countries, we have built mosques; our schools are running; our hospitals are operational; and our missionaries are being granted the opportunity to serve the faith. Literature is being published, MTA studios have been established in many countries in addition to the central studio, which broadcasts worldwide, and radio stations have also been established.

Although the expenses for all these efforts are partly met through other funds as well, Tahrik-e-Jadid plays a vital role in supporting them. It is under Tahrik-e-Jadid that missionaries are trained throughout the world, and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, Jamias have been established in almost six or seven countries around the world. From there, missionaries are trained and then are sent throughout the world, conveying the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

As for the Ahrar movement’s claim – that they would destroy Qadian brick by brick and wipe Ahmadiyyat off the face of the earth – our opponents continue to raise the same slogans even today. Just recently, they held their conferences in Rabwah, and they repeated these same slogans yet again. But every year, the response to these slogans is given through the Jamaat’s progress and advancement – through the manifest blessings of Allah the Almighty.

Those who are pledging allegiance and joining the Jamaat serve as an answer to these opponents. And today, the expansion of the Jamaat spread across 220 countries also serves as an answer. They should realise that while they claimed that they would erase Ahmadiyyat from existence, Allah the Almighty’s grace continues to cause the Jamaat to flourish and progress ever further.

Thus, the practical support and help of Allah the Almighty is itself proof that the claim of the Promised Messiahas was and remains true. Ahmadiyyat, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, is not a tree planted by any man, nor by any organisation, nor by any government. It is a tree planted by God Himself – a mighty, flourishing tree whose branches have spread across the entire world, and Allah the Almighty continues to expand it and cause it to bear fruit. This movement continues and grows ever stronger.

In the verse I recited, Allah the Almighty states that the example of those who spend their wealth in His cause is like a grain – just as the translation was given earlier – that grows ten ears, and each ear contains a hundred grains; in fact, Allah the Almighty multiplies it even more. Allah the Almighty has promised that whatever you spend in His way, will never go unrewarded. Rather, He has the power to increase your sacrifice seven hundredfold, or even more.

Through this declaration, Allah the Almighty has inspired the hearts of believers to open their hearts and spend freely in His cause – to spend for the propagation of His religion. The very mission that was entrusted to the Promised Messiah and Mahdias in this age, and is now entrusted to his Jamaat. When we spend for this purpose, Allah the Almighty will bestow His blessings in our wealth.

We witness this every year, and I continue to mention such examples. This year too, there are countless instances of how Allah the Almighty opens people’s hearts – and in many places, people continue to sacrifice selflessly, without any worry for material constraint. In return, Allah the Almighty provides for them, or grants them contentment of the heart, so that even if the results of their sacrifice are not immediately visible, they still feel happiness in having offered it. And soon after, Allah the Almighty fulfils the very desires they had sacrificed in order to make financial sacrifices instead.

Allah the Almighty states that such people will be rewarded in this world as well as in the next. Many indeed experience the fruits of their sacrifices in this very life, while the reward of the hereafter is beyond measure. The early scholars have also interpreted this verse in the same way. 

For instance, Imam Razi, in his commentary, writes that Allah the Almighty has promised to return one’s wealth many times over. He writes that Allah the Almighty has presented arguments for His power to give life and to cause death. If this divine power did not exist, then the command to spend in His cause would carry no weight, for if there were no Being to reward or punish, spending in His way would be meaningless. If there were no reward or punishment, Allah Almighty would not say, “Spend in My way, and I will grant you in return.” It means that He alone grants reward to those who sacrifice in His cause, and likewise, He punishes those who commit sin.

In this context, he wrote that, in other words, Allah the Almighty says to those who spend: “Do you not know that I created you and completed My favours upon you? You are aware of My power to reward and recompense. Therefore, this knowledge of yours should inspire you to spend your wealth.” For God Almighty alone grants an abundance in return for little, and He illustrates this by saying that for the one who sows a single grain, He brings forth seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains.

Further explaining this, he says that the verse: 

یُنۡفِقُوۡنَ اَمۡوَالَہُمۡ فِیۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰہِ 

“They spend their wealth in the way of Allah”, noting that “the cause of Allah” means religion. (Imam Fakhr al-Din Razi, Al-Tafsit Al-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 39, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut)

Indeed, in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat we continuously witness how Allah the Almighty fulfils His promise and this divine assurance.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also explained this verse:

“If you spend your wealth for the sake of the faith, then just as Allah the Almighty brings forth seven hundred grains from a single seed, He will similarly increase your wealth many times over and grant you even greater progress – as is indicated in the words: 

وَاللّٰہُ یُضٰعِفُ لِمَنۡ یَّشَآءُ 

[“and Allah multiplies for whom He pleases.”]

History bears witness that this has always been the case. Hazrat Abu Bakrra indeed offered great sacrifices, yet when Allah the Almighty made him the first Khalifah of the Holy Prophetsa, his sacrifices had no comparison to the immense reward He was granted. Similarly, Hazrat Umarra gave abundantly, yet he was rewarded to a much greater degree. Whatever Hazrat Uthmanra did, he was granted it, in return, thousands of times over in this world.

If we look at the circumstances of the Companions individually, we find the same treatment from God Almighty. Take the example of Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Aufra – it is recorded that at the time of his passing, he possessed three million [dirhams], yet throughout his life, he had spent hundreds of thousands in charity. Likewise, when the Companions left their homelands, Allah the Almighty granted them better homes; when they left behind brothers and sisters, He granted them better brothers and sisters; when they were separated from their parents, they found in the Holy Prophetsa a being more loving than any parent.

In short, one who sacrifices in the way of Allah the Almighty is never deprived of a noble reward.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, 2004, Vol. 2, p. 604)

In the previous sermons, I have been speaking about the Companions of Badr. In the current series of sermons that mention the accounts from the life of the Holy Prophetsa in relation to the various expeditions and battles, the righteous deeds and sacrifices of the Companions also come to light. Reflect on how Allah the Almighty continued to reward them, and we observe from history that Allah the Almighty never abandoned them to waste away, but instead blessed them abundantly. Thus, Allah the Almighty has mentioned countless times about spending in His cause; Allah says in some places to spend out of the wealth which you love; if you spend from this, He shall reward you, He shall continue to expand your wealth, and He shall continue to bless you with His bounties. And we continue to witness these blessings of Allah the Almighty. Even today, every Ahmadi who sincerely sacrifices from the heart feels this. Those who make sacrifices also write their own experiences to me. It is astonishing to see how Allah the Almighty enabled them to offer sacrifices and how He strengthened their faith. I shall present some examples, but before that, I shall first mention some scholarly and historical references, and from the Ahadith as well.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained the following statement of Jesusas and said:

“‘But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.’ (This is the teaching of Jesusas in the Gospels). However, the Holy Quran says if you deposit your wealth in the treasury of Allah, then not only will no one steal it, but you shall receive at least seven hundred in return for one, and there is no limit against receiving more than this. Then, Jesusas says that in heaven, the grain cannot be eaten by insects; however, the Holy Quran states that it is not merely protected from insects, but rather it is returned seven hundredfold.

Surely, Allah the Almighty is not in need of any man’s assistance, but out of His mercy upon His servants, when He grants them the opportunity to perform a deed, He desires to raise their ranks by way of this.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, 2004, Vol. 2, pp. 604-605)

In reality, Allah the Almighty can multiply the reward of their works seven hundred times even in this world, but He shall bestow the recompense of these good deeds manifold more in the next life. Thus, it is the promise of Allah the Almighty that He increases by seven hundredfold, not only for this world; rather, He continues to increase both in this world and in the next life.

This has also been explained by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. He states:

“Bear well in mind that when the Prophets ask for financial contributions, it is not for themselves, but rather, it is to grant benefit to those who offer the contributions. That is, when the contributors make sacrifices, it is for their own benefit that they are told to offer financial sacrifice, so that Allah the Almighty may bestow His grace upon them and increase their wealth.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said that there are many paths to attain nearness to Allah the Almighty, and this is also one of those ways, as mentioned at the beginning of the chapter (that is, Surah al-Baqarah) in the fourth verse: 

مِمَّا رَزَقۡنٰہُمۡ یُنۡفِقُوۡنَ

[“They spend out of what We have provided for them”]

Then,

اٰتَی الۡمَالَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ

[“And spends his money for love of Him”]

is also a verse in Surah al-Baqarah. Then, in the same part, it is stated:

اَنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا رَزَقۡنٰکُمۡ

[“Spend out of what We have bestowed on you”]

This too a verse of Surah al-Baqarah.

Then Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira states that now the subject of spending in the way of Allah is elucidated in detail. In the Gospel, there is a phrase: “Whoever asks of you, give to him.” But observe how the Holy Quran encompasses this subject in five sections – it explained this in great detail. The first question is: to whom and why should one give? So, it is stated to give in order to propagate the word of God. One example of this is of someone who sows a seed in the earth – for instance, a millet – and many ears begin to emerge from it. Then Allah the Almighty says: 

وَاللّٰہُ یُضٰعِفُ لِمَنۡ یَّشَآءُ

And Allah multiplies for whomsoever He wills. That is, in some places, the mention is of one being rewarded tenfold, and in others, one to seven hundredfold. This difference depends upon the need, the time, and the circumstance. For example, a man is by the riverbank; it is winter, and rain is falling. If, in such a situation, someone asks him for water, and he gives him a glass of water when there is already water everywhere, then this is no great deed. But if a person gives water to another who is in the jungle at midday, burning with thirst, close to death, afflicted with fever and inflammation, and the person gives him water, then that is a magnificent deed. Thus, based on such distinctions, Allah the Almighty has allotted differences in rewards. Some sacrifices are much greater due to the demand, and thus, because the need is so great, Allah the Almighty increases the reward seven hundredfold or even more; whereas, at other times, the sacrifice is not as great, yet, since sacrifice is still required, Allah the Almighty does not leave it unrewarded. Rather, even there, He grants a reward double or tenfold.

These examples were given by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira regarding the spending of wealth. In this context, he also related another incident concerning Hazrat Rabi’ah Basri. One day, some guests visited Hazrat Rabi’ah Basri while she was at her home. There were only two pieces of bread in the house, and she told her maid to give those two pieces of bread in charity. The maid replied, “It is strange that guests have come to the house, yet you are saying that even this little bit of bread should be given to the poor?”

Shortly afterwards, a voice was heard from outside. A woman came and said that a wealthy lady who lived in the neighbourhood had sent some food. When the food arrived, Hazrat Rabi’ah Basri counted and found that it contained eighteen pieces of bread. Her relationship with Allah the Almighty and her faith in Him were such that she was certain Allah would surely grant acceptance to what she had done; she had given two pieces of bread, and so there should be more in return, at least double or ten times more. She said, “These eighteen pieces of bread are not meant for me. I have twenty guests, and so I should have received twenty pieces of bread from Allah. These are not for me.” She said, “I will not accept this; send them back.” Her maid implored her to keep them, as they had been sent as a blessing from Allah; however, Rabi’ah insisted, saying, “No, these have not been sent for me.” Just then, the same wealthy neighbour called out to her maid, saying, “Where have you gone? I had prepared some other food for Rabi’ah Basri.” When that food arrived, it contained exactly twenty pieces of bread. Hence, this was the manner in which saintly people had firm faith in Allah the Almighty, and Allah the Almighty would fulfil their trust.

In this regard, the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira explained why one should spend in the way of Allah. He said that firstly, it should be purely for the sake of seeking Allah’s pleasure. In other words, one should not give it as if they are doing a favour; rather, it should be to attain the pleasure of Allah and His happiness. Spend because Allah the Almighty has bestowed countless favours upon us. Then, spend for the sake of His religion, for it is necessary to give for the sake of His established faith. And how should one give? It should be purely for Allah’s pleasure. As mentioned before, it should not be for one to feel as if they are doing a favour. (Haqaiqul Furqan, Vol. 1, pp. 420-421)

One who sacrifices for the sake of the Jamaat is not doing any sort of favour upon the Jamaat; rather, it is Allah the Almighty’s favour that when a person spends sincerely in His path, He multiplies it manifold.

The Promised Messiahas states:

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of God find that God blesses their wealth just as when a single grain is sown in the earth, though it is only one seed, yet God brings forth seven ears from it, and in each ear a hundred grains. In other words, He grants more in return than what was initially given (the fundamental principle is that God increases that which was originally given). God has the power to do so; in fact, all of us live only by virtue of this very power of God. If God were not capable of increasing things by His will, the entire world would perish, and not a single living creature would remain on the face of the earth.” (Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 170-171)

The Promised Messiahas also writes:

“In the science of the interpretation of dreams, wealth is represented by one’s liver. (If one sees a dream in which they have removed their liver, it means that they have spent their wealth). This is why giving alms is equivalent to giving away one’s life, as it were, meaning offering financial sacrifices is of great importance. When a person gives charity, they exhibit an immense degree of sincerity and steadfastness. However, the fact of the matter is that mere words are of no use until they are supported by practice. The reason charity is called ‘sadaqah’ in Arabic is that it is the hallmark of the Truthful (Sadiqin).” (Taken from Mafluzat, 1984, Vol. 1, p. 238)

It is narrated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Shall I not tell you who is the most generous among all those who are generous?” The people said, “Certainly, O Messengersa of Allah.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “Allah the Almighty is the most Generous of all who show generosity.” Then, with reference to himself, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Among all mankind, I am the most generous.” (Majma’ al-Zawa’id, Vol. 1, Kitab al-Ilm, Bab Fi man Nashar Ilma…, Hadith 760, p. 224)

Then, the Holy Prophetsa drew attention towards prayer, fasting, and financial sacrifice. In another narration, the Holy Prophetsa said. “Prayer, fasting, and remembrance of Allah increase the reward of wealth spent in the way of Allah seven hundred times.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-jihad, Bab fi tad’ifi dh-dhikri fi sabilillah, Hadith 2498)

Hence, this serves as guidance for those who offer financial sacrifices to also increase the standard of their worship. They should not think that merely giving financial sacrifice is enough; rather, they must elevate the standard of their prayers and worship as well. One should not think that after financial sacrifice, they are absolved of worship. The Holy Prophetsa said that prayer and fasting are also necessary alongside financial sacrifices, as mentioned in the Hadith cited. These are the very deeds that draw one nearer to Allah the Almighty, and then Allah the Almighty blesses them and continues to increase their wealth.

There are many people who offer sacrifices. Even today, we witness many examples of people who, despite being in need, spend in the way of Allah the Almighty, with the hope that spending in Allah the Almighty’s cause will earn His pleasure and that their sacrifice will not go in vain. And indeed, Allah the Almighty does not let such sacrifices go to waste. 

The Holy Prophetsa said in a Hadith that a man once came to him and asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, which charity earns the greatest reward?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “The greatest charity is that which you give while you are healthy, in need of wealth, desirous of wealth, fearful of poverty, and hopeful for prosperity. When you are in this state, do not delay giving in charity.” One should give charity and alms in the way of Allah despite having worldly desires. The Holy Prophetsa continued, “Let it not be that you are approaching your death, at which time you say, ‘Give this much to so-and-so, and that much to so-and-so,’ for by then, that wealth no longer belongs to you; it has already passed to your heirs.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-wasaya, Bab as-sadaqah ‘inda l-mawt, Hadith 2748)

Hence, the Holy Prophetsa taught that true sacrifice is to spend in the way of Allah while in good health and while in need. If you do so, Allah the Almighty will grant you more in this world and in the next. 

The examples of the elders in our Jamaat were also similar. They never calculated their wealth when spending it in the way of Allah; rather, they gave freely and generously. Similarly, we find examples from among the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa. It is narrated that once the Holy Prophetsa advised his sister-in-law, Hazrat Asma bint Abu Bakrra, “Do not calculate when spending in the way of Allah; otherwise, Allah will also calculate what He gives to you in return.” The Holy Prophetsa further said, “Do not tie shut your money pouches out of miserliness. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab z-zakah, Bab t-tahridi ‘ala s-sadaqah, Hadith 1433)

In other words, wherever one has stored their money should not remain closed off or hoarded out of miserliness; otherwise, it will always remain closed, and no wealth will enter it. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa taught that if wealth is spent for the sake of Allah, then more will be received in return. Therefore, one should spend with an open heart.

We have many examples from the Jamaat before us. First and foremost, during the era of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira made remarkable sacrifices. During that era, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira spent generously in order to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiahas and to assist him in every possible way. The Promised Messiahas himself mentioned this on one occasion and said regarding him that had he granted permission, he would give away everything.

That is, Hazrat Hakeem Noor-ud-Deen, Khalifatul Masih Ira, would have sacrificed all that he possessed for this cause. Just as he had shown complete spiritual devotion, he also fulfilled the right of physical companionship and constant attendance. The Promised Messiahas did not give him permission, otherwise, he would have given everything away. The Promised Messiahas then said that he would reproduce a few lines from some of his letters as an example. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, Maulana Noor-ud-Deen Sahibra, wrote to the Promised Messiahas:

“May I be sacrificed for you. Whatever I possess is not mine – it is yours. O my guide and mentor, I submit with utmost sincerity that if my entire wealth and property were to be spent in the service of faith, I would have attained my true purpose.” (ath-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 35-36)

Observe how Allah the Almighty granted the Holy Prophetsa Companions, such as Abu Bakrra, Umarra and Uthmanra and others who made financial sacrifices. Similarly, owing to the Promised Messiah’sas complete servitude to his master granted him such devoted servants who were ever ready to sacrifice everything – who reflected the very example of Abu Bakr al-Siddiqra.

The Promised Messiahas states:

“These promises are also from Allah the Almighty – that whoso gives in the way of Allah, ‘I shall bless him manifold. He shall be granted abundance in this very world, and after death he shall behold the reward of the Hereafter, seeing how much peace and comfort are granted to him.’”

The Promised Messiahas further said:

“Hence, at this time I draw your attention towards spending your wealth for the progress of Islam.” (Malfuzat, 1984, Vol. 8, p. 394)

One shall receive blessings both in this world and in the next. These are not mere words; in fact, we find examples of this at the time of the Promised Messiahas and witness this even today. Even in this age, many people write to me expressing how Allah the Almighty blesses their wealth after they spend it in His cause – how He removes difficulties from their lives and strengthens their faith. I will mention a few accounts.

A missionary from Albania writes about an Albanian friend, Bilal Yusuf Sahib, a very simple and humble man of limited means. During the Jalsa there, he served every day for a week – from 8 am to 4 pm, without any remuneration, purely for the sake of Allah the Almighty’s pleasure.

Many volunteers around the world render similar service at Jalsas – some despite such personal constraints, and others without any constraints and whose needs are met. In Bilal Sahib’s case, after offering his services, he would then go to his regular job at 4 pm.

One day, he came with an envelope containing 75 euros as his Tahrik-e-Jadid contribution. Albania is a poor country in Eastern Europe. He said, “I have collected this sum for many days to offer as my contribution.”

On the envelope, he had written in Albanian: “Presented to the Jamaat with great joy.”

Some may say that 75 euros may seem insignificant, but the missionary writes that this amount represented 15% of his income, though he also needed to pay rent for his home. A worldly person may say, “How can these people possibly spread Islam with a meagre 75 euros? How will a few euros help spread Islam, whereas the organisations and governments that are against Islam possess billions upon billions of pounds? They are spending this money on Islam’s opposition.” Yet Allah the Almighty bestows so much grace upon these small sacrifices that through them, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is able to establish missions. There are many such people – he is not the only one who offered 75 euros; there are others who give even less. But the Jamaat, through Allah the Almighty’s grace, continues to accomplish its tasks across the world with these very small amounts. Through these seemingly humble sums, it is spreading the message of Islam throughout the world. Its progress, by Allah’s bounty, far exceeds that of those who spend billions of dollars against Islam.

Likewise, in some countries that are even poorer, we witness scenes of sacrifice reminiscent of the early days of Islam – or of the time when the Promised Messiahas first called for financial sacrifices – or of that period when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra launched Tahrik-e-Jadid and said, “Today, the enemy is fully prepared and has attacked us; therefore, spend in the cause of Allah.” Upon this appeal, the people made great sacrifices. Poor women sold their hens and the eggs of those hens to make their financial contributions. These were seemingly small sacrifices.

At that time, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had said that 27,000 rupees should be collected within three years throughout India. Yet, due to the spirit of sacrifice, the Jamaat gathered one hundred thousand rupees within a single year. Even today, such examples of sacrifice can be seen, especially in poorer countries.

In Indonesia, there is a member, Jadi Muzaffar Sahib, who relates that one day, an elderly lady from the Jamaat came to his wife. She brought with her a few bundles of firewood, with the intention that they might purchase them from her. He says that they did not need any firewood, as they had already purchased firewood. They live in a small town or village. In such towns or underdeveloped countries, residents burn wood for cooking. Gas is not available there. Perhaps they use small kerosene stoves for their needs. In any case, firewood is still used.

He says that since they already had other means to utilise as well, they did not use much firewood, and so he told her that they did not need any more. Yet, seeing that the poor elderly woman had carried the bundles upon her head and brought them herself, his wife took pity on her and decided to buy the wood. The value of the Indonesian currency is very low, and figures are usually in the hundreds of thousands, so they bought that bundle of firewood for one hundred thousand rupees – which equals only a few Pakistani rupees.

He says that when they purchased it and offered her the payment, the elderly woman said, “I have not brought these so that I might take money from you and spend it on myself. I brought them so that I might offer my contribution for Tahrik-e-Jadid. Please count this amount as my Tehrik-e-Jadid contribution.”

His wife was also a Lajna office-bearer, and she handed over the entire amount right there and left without taking even a single penny for herself.

Similarly, another member from Indonesia, Sisila Sahiba, relates that a few years ago, her financial circumstances were extremely poor. She had a seven-year-old son, and the expecting another child. When the second child was born, Eid was approaching, and the amount that had been pledged for all three for Tahrik-e-Jadid – which was 12 lakh rupees – was still outstanding. As I have already mentioned, the value of the currency there is very low, but we find the same spirit that we have seen in the earlier elders.

She says that although their pledge was 1.2 million rupees, they wished to pay their Tahrik-e-Jadid contribution and write to the Khalifa for prayers. They made every effort, but due to their poverty, it seemed impossible. Her bank account had a very small amount in it, but one day, when she checked her account, to her surprise, there were twelve and a half lakh rupees in it.

She says that if they had given it all, they would be left with nothing – yet she decided to pay 1.2 million [rupees] on behalf of her husband, her, and their eldest child, and the remaining 50,000 on behalf of our newborn baby. Thus, they paid the entire amount, leaving them with absolutely nothing. Yet they felt no regret; instead, they experienced joy in their hearts that they had fulfilled their promise and included their newborn in it as well.

They say that Allah the Almighty bestowed His grace in such a manner that within a week, they received an income of 12 million rupees. Seeing this, they were convinced that Allah the Almighty had fulfilled His promise of granting tenfold in return. Allah fulfilled His promise instantly.

Similarly, the missionary from Ghana writes that when faith-inspiring incidents from the sermons of Khalifatul Masih were narrated to the members, a Ghanaian member, who was deeply moved by these accounts, donated the very last amount he possessed in the way of Allah. He relates that as soon as he stepped out of the mosque, he received two phone calls that would change the course of his life; two potential clients contacted him, each offering lucrative opportunities through which he earned more than twenty times the amount he had just contributed. This extraordinary incident serves as a powerful reminder of how Allah the Almighty swiftly and magnificently rewards those who sacrifice in His cause. It also greatly strengthened his faith.

Likewise, the wife of a local missionary from Kenya writes that when she was expecting her first child, many complications arose, which caused great anxiety. The doctors expressed grave concern. She says, “I shared all my worries with my husband and told him how worried I was.” Her husband replied, “Pray to Allah the Almighty, He alone is our Helper. But what we can do immediately is offer a sacrifice; as the year of Tahrik-e-Jadid is about to end, let us pay whatever remains of our pledge and entrust the matter to Allah. He will surely bless us.” The condition of these people’s faith is extraordinary. She did as he advised. A few days later, she saw the Promised Messiahas in a dream. He was wearing a black coat, a turban and was holding a staff in his hand. He said to her, “Do not worry. The delivery will be safe and sound, though it shall be from your side.” In due course, she gave birth to her child safely through an operation performed from one side of her abdomen, and no complications arose whatsoever. She firmly believes that this was purely the grace of Allah the Almighty bestowed upon her as a result of her sacrifice. She says this was despite the fact that whilst she was expecting, the doctors had raised many concerns. Thus, Allah the Almighty strengthens the faith of Ahmadis living in distant lands through such experiences and at the same time manifests signs in support of the truth of the Promised Messiahas.

The Missionary-In-charge from Guinea-Conakry writes that he was narrating faith-inspiring accounts from the sermons of Khalifatul Masih and drawing attention towards making greater sacrifices in financial contributions, especially as the Tahrik-e-Jadid year was nearing its end. He reminded the members that the budget had not yet been met and that they ought to strive to achieve the target. That same evening, a man came to the mission house and handed over an envelope, saying it was sent by Mr Muhammad al-Hasan Koubi. When the envelope was opened, it contained three hundred euros, amounting to nearly three million Guinean francs. Upon calling Koubi Sahib to confirm, he explained, “After listening to your sermon that our target had not yet been met, I returned to my office and found this amount lying in my drawer along with a long list of pending expenses which were to be paid for through this sum. I immediately threw that list into the bin and sent you this sum for Tahrik-e-Jadid.” He had already paid his Tahrik-e-Jadid contribution for that year in full, and it was a substantial amount. These are truly remarkable and extraordinary incidents of sacrifice from the people living in Africa. Undoubtedly, these deeds fill their hearts with faith and such acts are inspired by Allah the Almighty alone, as this cannot be the work of any human. Through these experiences, they personally witness how Allah the Almighty abundantly blesses their sacrifice, which in turn inspires them to make even more sacrifices. There are countless incidents, and it is not possible to mention all of them. I am not able to even mention all the ones I have selected. Nonetheless, I shall mention a few of them.

The Inspector of Tahrik-e-Jadid in India writes about a man from Telangana, Hyderabad, who had pledged 7,000 rupees, but due to losing his job, he could not fulfil his promise. Yet for the next year, he increased his pledge to 10,000 rupees. When asked why he had raised it despite not having paid the previous amount, he replied with firm conviction, “Allah Himself will provide the means, for I am giving in His cause.” Within a few days, he found employment which was better than before; he managed to pay off two years of arrears and, for the new year, raised his pledge from 7,000 rupees to 20,000 rupees, which he also fulfilled. Thus, Allah the Almighty rewarded him for his positive thinking.

Similarly, there is another account from Indonesia. These are truly remarkable incidents, and they are, by no means, mere coincidences, for those who experience them are fully aware of the circumstances under which they make their sacrifices, the conditions in which the thought of sacrifice first arises in their hearts and the manner in which they subsequently witness the power of Allah the Almighty manifest before their very eyes.

Nonetheless, he writes that some time ago, a very devoted and sincere Ahmadi, Bahadur Jan, purchased a car from a taxi company in order to continue his work as a taxi driver. He says that after buying the vehicle, he went to the traffic police office to get it registered. They informed him that the court had prohibited the registration of this car. He writes, “When I had purchased the car, I had verified every detail carefully, and everything was in accordance with the law. However, I later discovered that the taxi company from which I had bought the car was under heavy debt, and for this reason, the court had issued an injunction preventing the company from selling any of its vehicles.”

At that time, the company owned 35 cars, all of which had been placed under a legal ban. The former owners of the company said, “We have filed a case in court; please wait until the verdict is announced, insha-Allah, you will receive the car once the matter is resolved, and everything will be fine.”

He continues, “At that time, my pledge for Tahrik-e-Jadid was due. I thought to myself that I should pay it, before I become preoccupied with these worldly concerns.” Thus, he immediately paid his dues towards both Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid.

He says, “Only a few days later, I happened to check the company’s website, and to my astonishment, I discovered that the restriction on the car I had purchased had been lifted. I could hardly believe it and thought perhaps I had made a mistake. Therefore, I went to the [traffic] inspector, who verified the record and confirmed that out of the 35 cars, the ban had been lifted from only one. The removal of restrictions from the remaining 34 vehicles was dependent upon the outcome of the court verdict. It was the very car that I had purchased for which the restriction was lifted. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the immediate blessing of spending in His cause was that Allah the Almighty bestowed His grace upon me.” He expressed that indeed, these are the blessings of Allah which his eyes have personally witnessed for themselves at how Allah the Almighty blesses Ahmadis.

Then, from the Sikasso region in Mali, the missionary writes that Allah the Almighty manifests wondrous ways for the moral training of new converts and inclines their hearts toward financial sacrifice. One of the new converts from the city, Musa Sahib, came with a sum of one million CFA francs and said that out of this amount, five hundred thousand should be counted as Hissa Jaidad for his house, four hundred thousand as contributions towards Wasiyyat, and one hundred thousand for Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid.

When he was asked regarding this contribution and the reason behind it, he explained that he had been saving money for a long time for various worldly projects. His attention and prayers were entirely devoted to the fulfilment of these material plans. However, during the previous night, after offering Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer], as he lay down, he saw in a dream that three men dressed in white garments came to him. The first of them addressed him and said, “Despite being an Ahmadi, your attention is focused entirely on worldly pursuits. (Reflect upon how Allah the Almighty morally and spiritually trains the believers) It is better for you to turn your concern towards the Hereafter.” Then the second person said, “You have not yet paid your Hissa Jaidad for your house – so fulfil this due.” Afterwards, the third person said to him, “You have four million francs in your account; immediately discharge the amount you had pledged for Wasiyyat.” Therefore, after having received this clear guidance from Allah the Almighty, he did not consider it permissible for him as an Ahmadi to use this money for any other purpose. He requested that the relevant amounts for the various funds be deducted from his account.

Such incidents not only strengthen the faith of these new converts, but also serve to reinvigorate the faith of long-standing Ahmadis. We, too, must reflect upon how Allah the Almighty guides these people.

Our opponents allege that the Promised Messiah’sas claim is false and that this is mere propaganda or a form of money-making business. Yet, observe how Allah the Almighty Himself guides those who live in far-off lands – people who have only recently entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat, who have even joined the institution of Wasiyyat, though perhaps they have never met or even seen the Khalifah of the time, except through MTA. Many of them may not yet have read much of the Jamaat’s literature beyond the basics, and yet Allah the Almighty continues to strengthen their faith in that when they make sacrifices, Allah the Almighty accepts their sacrifices and continues to guide them further.

There are many more incidents like these – a long list – but for now I will leave them. I will briefly mention some of the divine favours and blessings which Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon the Jamaat during this year through the spirit of sacrifice shown by its members and the reports of the sacrifice which have come through from the Jamaats. These are indeed the blessings of Allah the Almighty, and we must ponder how Allah the Almighty inspires both new and old Ahmadis alike to develop such sentiments and passion in terms of their moral and spiritual training and thereby inclines their hearts towards offering sacrifices. 

According to the annual reports received from various countries of the world:

Firstly, last year marked the 91st year of Tahrik-e-Jadid, which has now reached its completion, and today, I am announcing the commencement of the 92nd year. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jamaat had the opportunity to present a sacrifice of £19.55 million, which is an increase from the previous year of approximately £1.564 million. In terms of the position for overall contribution from around the world – aside from Pakistan, as they are not included in this ranking – Germany is currently number one, followed by the UK. The UK has made a significant contribution in the previous year and has reached very close to Germany. I feel that if they continue in their efforts like this, they may surpass Germany next year. Similarly, the USA has also made a significant increase; likewise, Canada has also made a significant increase from the previous year. India, Australia, Indonesia, the Middle Eastern Jamaats, and Ghana have likewise made notable increases. Mauritius and the Netherlands are also among those that have shown a significant improvement. 

Among other countries that have made a notable effort in terms of their overall contribution, though they may not have attained any position but nonetheless have done well, are Belgium, Sweden, France, Holland (which has already been mentioned), Kababir, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, New Zealand – the conditions in Burkina Faso are really dire – then there is Sierra Leone, Benin, Mali (the conditions in Mali are also very bad and the terrorists continue to carry out attacks), Niger, Turkey, Georgia, and the jamaats in the Middle East and Australia. 

In Africa, the top five jamaats in terms of their overall contribution are:

  1. Ghana
  2. Mauritius
  3. Nigeria
  4. Burkina Faso
  5. Tanzania

The list then continues. 

The total number of participants in Tahrik-e-Jadid this year has reached 1.7 million. According to the reports, 43,586 members joined Daftar Shashum [the Sixth Register], which was announced two years ago. Jamaats should note that all new participants in Tahrik-e-Jadid should be recorded under Daftar Shashum [Sixth Register] and then submit their reports to Wakalat Mal.

The top ten jamaats of Germany are as follows: Rodgau, Osnabrück, Pinneberg, Nidda, Flörsheim, Rödermark, Bremen, Neu Wied, Friedberg Mitte, and Koblenz.

As for the top ten Amarats, they are: Hamburg, Frankfurt, Gross-Gerau, Wiesbaden, Riedstadt, Mannheim, Dietzenbach, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Rüsselsheim, and Darmstadt.

In the United Kingdom, the top five regions are:

  1. Islamabad
  2. Baitul Futuh
  3. Fazl Mosque
  4. Baitul Ihsan
  5. North East Region

The ten large local jamaats of the UK are:

  1. Islamabad
  2. Ash
  3. Worcester Park
  4. South Cheam
  5. Walsall
  6. Farnham North
  7. Aldershot South
  8. Fazl Mosque
  9. Farnham South
  10. Ewell

Among the smaller jamaats which have done notably well are Leamington Spa, Spen Valley, Keighley, Bruntwood, and Jamia UK.

In the USA, the top ten jamaats in terms of contributions are: 

  1. North Virginia 
  2. Maryland 
  3. Los Angeles 
  4. Seattle 
  5. Chicago 
  6. Dallas 
  7. Silicon Valley 
  8. North Jersey 
  9. South Virginia
  10.  Central Jersey 
  11. Baltimore 
  12. Detroit.

In Canada, the leading local Amarats are: 

  1. Vaughan 
  2. Calgary 
  3. Peace Village 
  4. Vancouver 
  5. Toronto West 
  6. Brampton East 
  7. Mississauga.

The noteworthy jamaats of Canada in terms of contributions are Hamilton Mountain, Hamilton, Edmonton West, Hadiqah Ahmad, Ottawa East, Ottawa West, Winnipeg, Regina, Vaudreuil, and Yellowknife.

In Pakistan, based on overall contributions, the leading jamaats are:

  1. Lahore
  2. Rabwah
  3. Karachi

At the district level: 

  1. Islamabad
  2. Faisalabad
  3. Sialkot
  4. Sargodha
  5. Umarkot
  6. Narowal
  7. Mirpur Khas
  8. Rahim Yar Khan
  9. Toba Tek Singh
  10. Layyah.

Among the jamaats in the cities of Pakistan that have offered the notable sacrifices are: Amarat Township Lahore, Amarat Defence Lahore, Amarat Darul Zikr Lahore, Amarat Allama Iqbal Town Lahore, Amarat Baitul Fazl Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Sahiwal.

In India, the top ten provinces are: 

  1. Kerala
  2. Tamil Nadu
  3. Telangana
  4. Odisha
  5. Jammu & Kashmir
  6. Karnataka
  7. Punjab
  8. Bengal
  9. Maharashtra
  10. Delhi.

Among the top ten local jamaats of India in terms of financial sacrifice are: 

  1. Hyderabad
  2. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  3. Qadian
  4. Calicut
  5. Melapalayam
  6. Manjeri, Kerala
  7. Bangalore
  8. Kerang
  9. Kolkata
  10. Kerolai.

From Australia, the top ten jamaats are:

  1. Melbourne Langwarrin
  2. Melbourne Berwick
  3. Marsden Park
  4. Penrith
  5. Melbourne West
  6. Castle Hill
  7. Adelaide West
  8. Melbourne Clyde
  9. Perth
  10. Melbourne East

Regarding the various years [of registers] of Tahrik-e-Jadid, as mentioned earlier, the 92nd has now commenced. The previous accounts of each register continue as follows:

  • Daftar Awwal (First Register) has entered its 92nd year,
  • Daftar Daum (Second Register) its 82nd year,
  • Daftar Saum (Third Register) its 61st year,
  • Daftar Chaharum (Fourth Register) its 41st year, and
  • Daftar Panjam (Fifth Register) 22nd year
  • Daftar Shasham (Sixth Register) is in its third year.

As mentioned before, all new participants in Tahrik-e-Jadid should be included under Daftar Shashum [Sixth Register]. 

The Promised Messiahas states:

“My dear friends! I assure you that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon me a heartfelt zeal to show compassion to you, and He has granted me true cognisance of the Divine in order to increase your faith and divine cognisance. This insight is something you and your progeny are in great need of. Therefore, I stand ready to call upon you to assist with your pure wealth in the service of faith. Each person, according to the means and capacity bestowed upon him by Allah the Almighty, should contribute to this path and not show any reluctance in this cause and not give precedence to his wealth over Allah and His Messengersa. Then, to the best of my ability, I shall, through my writings and literature, spread in the countries of Asia and Europe those insights which Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon me.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 516)

It is our duty now to fulfil the mission which was entrusted to the Promised Messiahas by Allah the Almighty. Through these financial sacrifices, Allah the Almighty is enabling us to convey the message of Islam everywhere across Asia, Europe, America, Africa, Arab nations, South America and the Pacific Islands. It is not just the financial sacrifices presented by those living in Europe; in fact, people in other parts of the world, just as I mentioned, are coming forward and excelling in their financial sacrifices. May Allah the Almighty accept their sacrifices and bless them and their wealth. And may He grant manifold blessings to our efforts and bring about their best results. May we quickly witness the rule of the One God established across the whole world, and the flag of the Holy Prophetsa raised aloft in the world.

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 28 November 2025, pp. 1-8. Translated by The Review of Religions.)