Trie-Chateau, France, Sunday, 06 October: The 27th Jalsa Salana France concludes with Bai‘at and the final address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The Bai‘at ceremony at the 27th Jalsa Salana France took place at approximately 3:15 local time. Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in Zuhr and Asr prayers.

The concluding session was initiated with the recitation of the Holy Quran, verses 13-20 of Surah Luqman (chapter 31),  followed by their Urdu translation by Mansoor Ahmad Sahib. The verses captured Hazrat Luqman’s^as guidance to his son; shunning shirk, being thankful, praying and adopting good morals.

An Arabic poem written by the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was then read out by an Arab Ahmadi, Hamza Sahib. The couplets were translated by Usama Ahmad Sahib. The poem was in praise of Allah the Almighty.

An Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiah^as was then read out by Matlub Ahmad Sahib.

Next, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa presented awards of academic excellence to more than 35 members.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa recited verse 22 of Surah al-Mujadalah from the Holy Quran followed by its translation. The translation of the verse is “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’ Verily, Allah is Powerful, Mighty.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained that prophets have to endure great hardships when they are raised by Allah. It seems as the prophets will be defeated by enemies, but Allah grants them ultimate success. Huzoor^aa said that the verse he recited points towards this victory.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, went through this as well. His enemies thought they would destroy the weak Muslims but the complete opposite happened.

Then, Allah sent the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, and gave him great promises of success and victory. Allah continuously told the Promised Messiah^as that he would come out successful despite enemies from all sides.

On numerous occasions, the Promised Messiah^as received the revelation, “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’”

The Promised Messiah^as said that God, from the outset, has written and has made it His practice that He and His prophet shall be victorious. In a similar vein, the Promised Messiah^as came as the second coming of the Holy Prophet^sa.

In Noah’s Ark the Promised Messiah^as asks if people think that enemies will stop the prophet of Allah i.e himself. The answer is that it is not possible and “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and my Messengers.’”

At an occasion, the Promised Messiah^as said that the one who is from Allah can never go to waste. And that Allah grants victory to His prophets.

The meaning of “victory” is to establish the message and truthfulness of Allah in the earth. Prophets come to sow the seed; this is the “victory” that is followed by a second manifestation that cultivates the seed sowed by the prophet.

This second manifestation of Khilafat can be observed through the success of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzoor^aa said that the message that was given from a small hamlet is now echoing throughout the world.

The history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya bears witness to the promise of Allah that His Prophet will prosper.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa expressed that he would relate incidents on how Allah has and is fulfilling this promise.

A gentlemen from Cameroon phoned the Jamaat and said that his son received a pamphlet that was entitled, “The Messiah has come”. The man said he was lazy in offering namaz prior. Once, in a dream and prior to seeing the Jamaat pamphlet, he saw a white bearded man who told him to get up and offer namaz and to be consistent in it. Later, he came across MTA Africa and saw the exact same white bearded man delivering a lecture. The man did not know that there was a Jamaat in Cameroon as well. Through the pamphlet he came in contact with the Jamaat and was told about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa. The man testified to the truthfulness of the Jamaat and did Bai‘at. Huzoor^aa said that the man by the grace of Allah is now consistent in prayers and is increasing his knowledge.

A lady from Tunisia states that she had illnesses from a young age. She was unaware about religion and only knew that she was a Muslim. At that time, in a dream, she saw a man leading her in prayers and she declared that this was the correct manner of worship. The lady would listen to Sheikh Hasaan’s lectures on the signs of the day of judgement. She would ask herself whether such signs would manifest at the coming of the Messiah and whether he would come. She then saw in a dream that she was in a hospital, time was passing very quickly and she wanted to leave the hospital. She then heard a voice which said “do not be afraid, I will take you home”, the person who said this was a man who had a thick beard and wore a turban. Upon asking who he was, the man said that he was “Muhammad”. She woke up and felt as if it was real. When she told her sister, her sister expressed to her that Satan cannot embody the Holy Prophet^sa. Later, she came across MTA Al Arabiya and saw the picture of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa in which Huzoor^aa quoted the Promised Messiah^as. When a picture of the Promised Messiah^as was shown on screen, she was astonished as it was him who she saw in her dream as “Muhammad”. The lady then accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

There is a city in Tanzania in which our missionary was persecuted. Now there are regular radio programmes of the Jamaat in this city. As a result of these programmes, the son of the Imam of the city has accepted Ahmadiyyat along with others. Huzooraa said that now, none can raise a voice against Ahmadis in this city and people say that no scholar there can complete with Ahmadi Muslims in knowledge.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa mentioned an incident from Nigeria. Mubarak Sahib, an Ahmadi preacher, began to show Huzoor’s^aa live Friday Sermon. After Huzoor’s^aa Friday Sermon he would deliver a short sermon of his own and offered Jumuah prayers. A non-Ahmadi gentlemen commented on this and said that showing the Friday Sermon of Huzoor^aa was an innovation. The non-Ahmadi gentlemen was told that this was not an innovation and that he also should listen to the sermon. After listening to them, the gentlemen expressed that he was shaken by the Friday sermons of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa and later accepted Ahmadiyyat.

Akhtar Sahib from India says that he saw a man in 2007 in his dream. The man’s face was full of light and spirituality and left a deep impression on him. In 2009 when he was in Pakistan he heard about the agitations against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He contacted the Jamaat and later saw Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa in a dream where Huzoor^aa was taking Bai‘at of people. In the dream, when Akhtar Sahib put his hand forward for Bai‘at, his hand could not reach. People from behind him exclaimed that he could not reach this. Akhtar Sahib continued to phone the Jamaat and learn more about the Jamaat. After another dream and even visiting Qadian Akhtar Sahib could not gather the strength to perform Bai‘at. After some time Akhtar Sahib attended a book fair in Shimla, India and after prayers he accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Every week the Jamaat does a very popular radio programme in a city of Ivory Coast that presents true Islamic teachings. In the city, the inmates of a prison would listen to the Jamaat’s radio programme and greatly enjoy it. A big audience of the inmates would continually begin to listen to the radio programme with great interest. The Imam of the prison asked to contact the Imam who was doing this radio programme. The Imam of the prison then told the local Jamaat Mualim that many of the inmates had almost turned atheist and stopped practice of religion. But due to the Jamaat radio pragrammes they have started to believe in God again and are turning back to Islam.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa articulated another incident about patience. A gentlemen came to the Jamaat mission house in Mali and performed Bai‘at. His household greatly opposed him and his father even beat him and threw him of the house. Despite this, the Khadim would continue to grow in sincerity towards the Jamaat. One night, the Khadim came to the mission house and said that his father had thrown him out. The Jamaat mubaligh prayed to Allah for his father to show mercy. The next day his regretful father came to collect his son and told him that he was allowed back and could continue to believe in Islam Ahmadiyyat. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that the Khadim contributes to Chanda above his capacity and is full of sincerity and faith.

Huzoor^aa mentioned an incident from India that a missionary, Zulfiqar Ali Sahib narrated. This year a ship from Bangladesh was about to sink but the Indian army saved the ship. When the local Jamaat found out, they collected some donations and gave it to those on board. They also did tabligh to them and some of them even accepted Ahmadiyyat.

A lady from Benin prayed that if she was given a job, she would accept the Jamaat. Prior, she had applied to three jobs but was rejected on all occasions. The Mualim sahib explained to her that such conditions should not be placed, religion and worldly affairs should not be mixed. He told her to first do Bai‘at and then pray. The lady accepted and did Bai‘at and became an active Jamaat member. After Bai‘at, the very place that rejected her, contacted her and said they would offer her the job despite her lack of experience.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa voiced that many write and present lots of worldly conditions after which they will accept Ahmadiyyat. Huzoor^aa said that this was not the right manner.

Amir Sahib Congo Kinshasa states that a Jamaat Mualim went to a village for tabligh. A man, Abdul, said to the Mualim that Ahmadis do shirk, have a separate prophet and even a different book from the Quran. The Mualim sahib explained to them the reality and performed namaz as well. When the man realised that Ahmadis are no different, he accepted that he was wrong and all that the so-called clerics had told them about Ahmadis was false. As a result, more than 50 members of the village accepted Ahmadiyyat.

A village in Mali accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyyat. The villagers had no religion prior but are now Ahmadis. The village chief told the Jamaat that they were waiting for the appearance of the Imam Mahdi for a very long time. The chief expressed that he was very happy that now the message of the Jamaat reached him and unfortunately his father had died, who also was awaiting the arrival of the Imam Mahdi.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa narrated an incident from Ivory Coast. An area was purchased by the Jamaat for a mosque and mission house. Illegally, some people tried to take the property from the Jamaat and took the matter to the governor. The governor gave the decision in favour of the Jamaat and said non can interfere with the building of the Jamaat Mosque. On the foundation of the mosque, the governor even attended. A lady, who supposedly would perform magic, and was part of the group that wanted to illegally take the Jamaat’s property said that Ahmadis will themselves leave this property. However, the lady fell ill to such an extent that others would not go near her has she had contracted a contagious disease. Despite her enmity, the local Mualim went to visit the lady and ask of her health. The lady later died. The locals, observing this, saw it as a great sign for the truthfulness of the Jamaat.

There is an area in Ghana where there is a large population of Ahl-e-Sunnah Muslims. The non-Ahmadi community in this area called a scholar from Egypt and told him to go to the areas that had accepted Ahmadiyyat and convert Ahmadis back. They also wanted to put water wells in those areas as the Jamaat build these wells as well. The Egyptian scholar took a local translator with him, but the translator later stole the Egyptian scholar’s money. The Egyptian scholar then separated his translator and started to live in a separate house. His translator was angered with this and attacked the Egyptian. Upon this, the Egyptian scholar fled back to his country. In this manner, Allah stops the designs of those who oppose the Jamaat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa narrated an incident from India. This year during a Jamaat book stall, there was great opposition from a Muslim group. They wrote to the book fair committee in which they stated that Ahmadis are kafir and are promoting the wrong translation of the Holy Quran. They demanded to have the Jamaat bookstall prohibited. This was rejected. In return, the Muslim group called the media and expressed their hate towards the Jamaat. They said that Ahmadis are kafir and Pakistan has also declared them this. As a result, the media’s attention turned towards the bookstall of the Jamaat and there were lots of reports on the Jamaat. This turned into a great opportunity for tabligh and the message of the Jamaat was delivered.  

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then quoted the Promised Messiah^as who said that Allah supports His chosen ones and defeats the enemies of His prophet. Prophets become the Khalifah of God. The Promised Messiah^as received numerous revelations in which Allah promised His support to him.

The Promised Messiah^as openly challenged those who opposed him and said that he would always come out as victorious as Allah has promised this to him.

Huzoor^aa said that Allah is guiding people towards the Jamaat in miraculous ways. However, those, who are Ahmadis by birth need to play their role in spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. In the same manner, new converts need to spread the very message that guided them to the truth.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa laid stress on a need to carry out tabligh. 

Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer.

Next, various groups recited choral poem before Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa.

Trie-Chateau, France, Saturday, 05 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, addressed French dignitaries and guests at Jalsa Salana France at approximately 6:30pm local time. 

The session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sebastian Ataul Hayye Sahib who recited verse 14 of Surah al-Hujurat (chapter 49). He also presented the French translation of the verse.

A brief introduction to the Jamaat was presented to the non-Ahmadi guests present. After, the Mayor of Trie-Chateau, David Didier addressed the Jalsa in which he said he was honoured to receive Hazrat Khlaifatul Masih V^aa in the little town of Trie-Chateau.

The next speaker was Dr Agnes De Foe, a Sociologist, who spoke before the Jalsa. Her brief speech encapsulated her interacting with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and spoke highly of the message of peace that Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa is promoting.

Dr Katrin Langewiesche, an Anthropologist, spoke of her interacting with the Jamaat in Burkina Faso when the Jamaat was carrying out some charitable works. She also took the opportunity to present her book to Huzoor^aa, that includes a chapter on Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa thanked the guests for joining the “purely religious function”.

Huzoor^aa then condemned the atrocities and violent attacks that have also taken place in France by so-called Muslim extremists. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa highlighted that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. “A true Muslim is a person who himself is a peaceful person” Huzoor^aa explained.

The Islamic greeting itself portrays how Islam is a religion of peace. Even non-Muslims use this greeting. Thus, it cannot be that Islam teaches to meet others with peace and security and on the other hand, promotes hate and extremism.

“All forms of extremism and violence are completely against Islamic teachings”, Huzoor^aa expressed.

In order to truly understand the teachings of Islam, one must study the life of its Holy Founder, peace be upon him.

Huzoor^aa laid out how inhumane injustices were carried out against Muslims. However, the Holy Prophet^sa taught patience. The Holy Prophet^sa called upon his followers to remain peaceful even if it costed their lives.

The Holy Prophet^sa and his companions endured this relentless pain and then migrated out of their city to escape this agony. However, the enemies of Islam continued to pursue them and cause pain to Muslims. Finally, Allah gave permission to fight in defence to safeguard religion.

“Hence, when the Holy Prophet^sa and his followers were forced to partake in wars and battles, it was for the sake of defending the rights of all people” including people of other faiths, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained.

If Islam wanted to spread its teachings with force, then why would the Holy Quran explicitly state that it was the duty of Muslims to safeguard all people and their rights? Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa exampled that early Muslims gave their life to uphold and establish the principles of “individual liberty, freedom of religion and freedom of belief”, which are the “corner stones of Islam.”  Chapter 2 verse 257 of the Holy Quran encapsulates this freedom, Huzoor^aa explained.

The Holy Prophet^sa and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs never usurped rights of others. Rather they promoted freedom and peace. The Holy Prophet^sa, after migrating to Medina, formed a treaty with the Jews of Medina.

“The Muslims and the Jews pledged to cooperate and to be faithful citizens of the state” Huzoor^aa said. They were able to practice their religion and customs without the fear of sanctions or persecution. The Holy Prophet^sa never deviated from this covenant.

Islam has never permitted its followers to spread their faith “through the use of force”. The treaty of Medina enabled all people to practice their beliefs and traditions and were duty bound to be loyal citizens of the state and to refrain from all activities that would undermine the peace of the city.

Keeping these aspects in mind, it is not accurate to attribute the deeds of a minority of Muslims who commit atrocities to the religion of Islam. Huzoor^aa said that “from cover to cover” the Holy Quran is replete with guidance that instruct Muslims to avail “every opportunity for attaining peace in the world.”

Allah the Almighty instructed the Holy Prophet^sa to convey the message of Islam and thereafter leave the matter to Allah.

The Holy Quran never once advocated violence or force against those who shunned its teachings, rather “it called on Muslims to exhibit tolerance and patience” Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that “Islam’s teachings are categorical that violent conquest or forceful conversion are strictly prohibited”. Any act or conduct that is detrimental to the peace of society is forbidden in Islam.

The Holy Prophet^sa taught that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands, others are safe. The Holy Prophet^sa made it clear that Muslims must protect and care for all members of society, irrespective of faith.

Consequently, terrorists who commit suicide bombings, attack night clubs etc. are all guilty of violating the teachings of Islam.

The Holy Quran has also given guiding principles of day-to-day life that promote peace. For example chapter 2 verse 189 of the Holy Quran promotes fair trade and upholding the integrity of all transactions. Allah instructs Muslims to acquire wealth in an honest and truthful manner, not being unjust.

Chapter 83 verses 2-4, the Holy Quran condemns those who are exploitative in business transactions, try to short-change others while demanding more than their due, in return. Such people are cursed and will be disgraced.

The Holy Quran has given guidance for internal conflicts as well. The Islamic focus is always in establishing sustainable peace. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa referred to chapter 49, verse 10 of the Holy Quran that details how two conflicting parties or nations should be dealt with, in a just and peaceful manner. Huzoor^aa said that the verse captures a means of lasting peace, if acted on.

However, regrettably, many Muslim nations fail to act upon this Quranic injunction.

Today, we observe that cruelty and injustices are perpetrated by dominant powers in the name of upholding peace. Such instability is beneficial to none, except terrorists.

Huzoor^aa said that in both east and the west, “The blue skies of peace and prosperity have given way to heavy clouds of war and injustice”. Nations are being torn apart across the world. Until and unless international relations are based upon justice and integrity and fulfilling the rights of others, peace cannot be established.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that he can only pray that mankind does not repeat the mistakes of the past.

If we look back to the period after the First World War, the League of Nations failed miserably in its task to maintain peace. This was because “justice and fairness did not prevail”. As a result, the most deadly war (WWII), in the history of mankind, erupted.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained how modern warfare would be the most deadly – due to nuclear arms. A war would ensure “the most horrific and devastating legacy” of our children. Huzoor^aa then painted a picture of what the consequences of a nuclear war would bring.

“Thus no one should be under the illusion that this world crisis we are passing through is trivial or something that will heal itself without us changing our behaviour” Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa noted.

If the lack of peace continues to be attributed towards the “door of Islam”, grievances will continue.

If Muslim countries or terrorist groups continue to perpetrate atrocities in the name of Islam then it is only for their vested interests, it is not Islam.

“Today’s conflicts and wars have nothing to do with religion, rather they are all about attaining wealth, power and geopolitical dominance”, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said.

“Let it be, that our future generations come to remember us with love and affection rather than hate and resentment”, Huzoor^aa said.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa ended his speech by once again thanking the guests for attending.

Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer.

Before leaving, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa launched the new French Review of Religions website.

Trie-Chateau, France, Saturday, 05 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the ladies’ Jalsa Gah on the second day of Jalsa Salana France at 12:37 local time.

The Lajna session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Anam Khalon Sahiba, who recited verses 21-22 of Surah al-Hadid (chapter 57). Hajrah Hadi Sahiba presented the Urdu translation.

The verses highlighted that man tends to take this world as “nothing but (temporary) enjoyment” and competition with one another in attaining riches. In comparison to this, one should vie with one another in seeking forgiveness and attaining heaven that has been prepared for believers.

Next, an Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was read out by Amatul Basir Mansoor Sahiba. The couplets drew attention towards the hereafter and the fact that all will be presented in front of our Lord. Believers should always remember that Allah can alleviate all problems and one should plead only before Allah.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then presented awards of academic excellence to 39 Lajna members, including international students.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa stated that as he had mentioned in his recent Friday Sermon, the world is moving away from God. A lot of people reject the existence of God in this society; this trend has also affected some Ahmadis, both young and old.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that in such an atmosphere, it is essential to bring oneself and one’s children closer to Allah. Elders should present such examples in front of children that enable them to draw closer to Allah and His love.

This responsibility is for men and women both. Allah and His Prophet^sa have placed the responsibility of the upbringing of children upon mothers, and this is no easy task. Mothers present their children in the scheme of Waqf-e-Nau but cannot just leave them to their fate after that; tarbiyyat at home is essential.

Some mothers pay more attention towards their sons only but this is not right. Here in the western society, tarbiyyat is a very sensitive issue. Tarbiyyat should be carried out with great care and consideration.

If men are not carrying out their responsibilities properly, then women should also guide them towards the right path.

The Holy Prophet^sa said that his companions^ra are guides for Muslims. These include both men and women companions^ra. Huzoor^aa said that there were women companions^ra who would show great examples. They would worship all night and then fast during the day. As a result, men would complain to the Holy Prophet^sa, saying that their wives worshipped all day and night. The Holy Prophet^sa had to guide those women companions^ra and tell them to adopt a middle path. Thus, if there was a complaint, it was that they would worship all day and night. This was also the same for men. Some women companions^ra would complain that their husbands worshipped day and night.

Allah has told us to follow such people. It was the example of the lady companions^ra that they would beautify themselves for their husbands only and not for the world. They established such examples from which Allah and His Prophet^sa were pleased.

Huzoor^aa said that today we observe that there are mothers who beautify themselves, leave their children, and go out with friends. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa­ also noted that men also sometimes tell their wives to attend mix parties and not do pardah.

Huzoor^aa instructed that we should ask ourselves if accepting the Promised Messiah^as has brought about any change in us. If our worship has not developed to the extent that Allah requires of us, then we are not fulfilling the purpose of our creation.

Men have been commanded to attend mosques, while women have been given the concession to pray at home and gain the same blessings as men. However, if a woman does not take benefit from such an opportunity then they are at great loss.

When women begin to worship Allah more attentively, they will be able to carry out good deeds as well and the sense of following Allah and His Prophet^sa will begin to manifest within them.

The wife has the responsibility of safeguarding the house and the children of the husband. If the husband is not at home, the wife has the responsibility of the children. When children come home from school, the mother should be there for them.

If Ahmadi women fulfil this responsibility, then we will have a generation of pious children. However, Huzoor^aa said, that along with being good examples, mothers must also pray for their children. Those mothers who show good examples and also pray for their children, most often than not, their children grow up to become pious and religious and more mindful of their parents’ rights.

Fathers must also help their wives in the upbringing of children. Without the attention of fathers, children cannot be brought up in the desired Islamic way. If mothers are unduly scolding their children, fathers should play their roles wisely. They should not counter their wives’ behavior in the presence of their children but discuss it at a later point.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that modern research suggests that children express their feelings better with their mothers up to the age of 15-16. However, they do not have such a relation with fathers. Huzoor^aa said that in our culture, at the age of 15-16, fathers and sons tend to develop a distance which is not helpful in tarbiyyat. Fathers and children should always have a friendly relationship.

Western research states that children keep a relationship with their fathers even after the ages of 15-16 because their fathers do not stop them from immoral acts. However, Ahmadi fathers should keep this relation and friendship so that they can attach their children with religion and distance them from immoral behaviour.

In Western society, in the name of freedom, certain things are taught to children that they cannot even comprehend at their age. In the name of knowledge, such education is ending up pushing children into the darkness of immorality. In such an atmosphere, it is vital that Ahmadi mothers first learn and gain knowledge themselves. Then, if their child questions them about indecent things like sexual relationships, then without shying away, mothers should answer and tell them that this is not the age for them to discuss such matters.

An Ahmadi woman, through her example and prayers, need to adopt such high levels of tarbiyyat that it can be said that these women are giving the Jamaat a very valuable asset in the form of their children.

Such children will be admired by the world for not indulging in immoral acts and for having an interest only in gaining the blessings of Allah. People around them should be able to say that these children only care about being part of Allah’s promise to the Promised Messiah^as that his community will excel in knowledge and understanding.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that Ahmadi mothers should be such wives that embody the words of the Holy Prophet^sa and become “of the best provision.”

Our Allah fulfils his promises. Those who draw towards Him and listen to His commandments, Allah grants worldly needs to such believers. Allah will provide for them in such a manner that they would not have imagined.

Having settled in the Western world, people develop an unreasonable desire for wealth. Sometimes, women begin to demand more from their husbands but then there are such men who themselves strive for more and more wealth. The pressure is not only from wives but sometimes from mothers and sisters also.

There are men who try to gain wealth in a wrong manner. Huzoor^aa said that not all Ahmadi men are exemplary. Wives of such men who evade taxes and commit benefit frauds should question their husbands. They should  tell their husbands that they do not want unlawfully earned money for themselves or their children. This can reform Ahmadi men and bless their humble earnings. Those who strive to increase righteousness, Allah develops contentment within them.

Mothers should also keep in mind that for the tarbiyyat of girls, they should show their own examples. Modesty is the sign of women. They should tell girls, from the age of 5-6 years old, that society does not protect their modesty and that they have to do this themselves.

Some girls think that their mothers observe an overdue level of pardah due to being uneducated and backward. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that without any inferiority complex, Ahmadi women should shun all clothing that is against modesty.

Our girls should stay away from such professions that require them to dress immodestly. If women today free themselves from pardah, the danger is that future generations would drift further away from it.

The Promised Messiah^as said that societies like Europe are abandoning pardah and this is becoming the root of immorality and drawing them away from religion.

In western society, instead of having an inferiority complex, women should tell others not to interfere with their pardah, as it is a matter of their own faith. 

We should always remember the teachings of the Promised Messiah^as to adopt righteousness.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa prayed for every Ahmadi woman and girl to put their religion first.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer. This was followed by choral poems by various Lajna groups.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa blesses Jalsa Salana France

On the main boulevard of Saint Germain in Paris is seated the life-size statue of Denis Diderot. It was in the salons of Paris that he would hold meetings with the French intelligentsia. It was through these discussions that atheism – as we know it today – was born. He is considered an instrumental figure of what is known as French Enlightenment. How enlightening the historical phase known as French Enlightenment was, we need not go into details here.

What we know is that the latest episode of true enlightenment has just taken place on the land of France. Earlier this afternoon, at 2pm local time, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aa, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community opened the annual convention – Jalsa Salana – of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, France. Huzoor^aa had arrived at the scenic countryside of Trie Chateau earlier during the week; it is from here that he has called the world to Islam through his very enlightening Friday Sermon.

With his Friday Sermon commenced the 27th Jalsa Salana of France.

Minutes before the Sermon, Huzoor^aa hoisted the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat to mark the inauguration of Jalsa Salana. 

In his Friday Sermon – globally watched live via MTA International – Huzoor^aa reminded members of the Jamaat what Jalsa Salana calls for and how important it is to benefit from the three days of Jalsa Salana.

The primary message of his Friday Sermon was a reminder of what is expected of a good Muslim. Salat, Huzoor^aa said, is of primary importance in one’s faith. Offering prayers in congregation, said Huzoor^aa, is equally important as the offering of Salat itself, hence it is important to offer Salat in mosques as much as is possible for one.

Huzoor^aa said that the first question to be asked on the Day of Judgement will be about Salat. If, in replying to this question, one falls short, their voluntary prayers will help compensate for it. Huzoor^aa emphasised that it is only through taqwa that Salat can be offered in its purest form. 

Allah has made it clear that Salat is obligatory for every believer, and He has also expressed His immense love and mercy for those who offer voluntary prayers.

Taqwa, or the fear of God, also instigates other elements that enable one to become a better person. It is taqwa that encourages one to forgive others and to be loving towards their fellow beings. 

Huzoor^aa said that Allah has promised his mercy and love for those who love and have mercy on their fellows. The slogan of “Love for All, Hatred for None” will only come true if we start practising it in its true essence from the smallest unit of the society; it is from our homes that this great charity will begin and span over the society at large.

Huzoor^aa, at the end of his Friday Sermon, prayed that Allah enable us to fulfil our pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiah^as which, in essence, is to live our lives according to the beautiful teachings of Islam.

Huzoor’s^aa addresses to Jalsa Salana France will be broadcast live on MTA International on Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 October.