Gems of Guidance - December, 2023
JALSA SALANA GERMANY: HOW TO CELEBRATE THE CENTENARY
September 1, 2023
On the occasion of the Centenary of Ahmadiyyat in Germany, Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) outlined how Ahmadis should truly celebrate this event. He explained that giving precedence to faith over the world does not mean completely abandoning the world.
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that he did not want his Community to become lazy. They should certainly dedicate time to their businesses, but it should not be the case that they do not even find time for prayer. They must not forget God. When it’s time to work, they should work, and when it’s time to pray, they should pray. Look at the example of the Companions (ra): they never forsook God and His worship in any circumstance. Even in the most challenging times, including during periods of war, they never forgot God and His worship.
The Promised Messiah (as) also elaborated that it is our duty to convey the message of Ahmadiyyat to the world, including the West, where a man has been taken as God. One should not be intimidated or impressed by the perceived advancements in Europe or the West. Instead, one should always remember that we have not accepted Ahmadiyyat to attain the world; rather, we have done so to establish a living connection with God.
REVIEW OF JALSA SALANA GERMANY
September 8, 2023
After the successful conclusion of Jalsa Salana Germany last week, Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) mentioned that in such a large-scale event and venue, there may have been some shortcomings, and some guests may have faced difficulties. However, because everyone attended for a greater spiritual purpose, people, in general, did not complain. The workers carried out their duties with great effort. If there were any shortcomings in their work or department, it was often due to the wrong guidance given by their officers. Therefore, if there were any shortcomings, it is the responsibility of the officers. To prevent these issues in the future, they should be documented in a Red Book and addressed.
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) then shared the experiences of notable guests who attended the Jalsa, including teachers, professors, and scholars from various countries across the globe. He mentioned a PhD doctor from Bulgaria who commented that she found everyone to be sincere and ready to help. She said that this Jalsa spiritually revived her and she learned a great deal about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. All members of the Community, including men, women, and children, displayed great discipline. She was deeply impressed by the fact that the Berlin mosque was built with funds from donations made by women. She said she has attended other events, but this was a truly unique experience. She found Huzoor (aa)’s speeches to be profoundly impactful.
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) also mentioned a teacher from Slovakia who described how she witnessed examples of hospitality that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Especially during the bai’at (initiation) ceremony and the prayers, she was unable to hold back her emotions and cried throughout the ceremony. She said she will never forget her meeting with Huzoor (aa) and expressed her desire to meet Huzoor (aa) again and learn more about the Ahmadiyya Community.
A TRUE SERVANT OF ALLAH
September 15, 2023
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) spoke about the life of the late Syeda Amatul Qudoos Begum Sahiba, the daughter of Hazrat Dr. Mir Muhammad Ismail (ra) and the wife of the late Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib, thus making her the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (ra).
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) mentioned that when she was sent to Qadian by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (ra), her mission was to unite the women of Qadian. She served in various roles, including as the President of the Ahmadiyya Women’s Auxiliary Organization. She worked diligently to organize the various chapters that needed to come together, especially after the partition. She would correspond with them through letters and also made visits to various regions.
He also highlighted that she taught the Holy Qur’an to over two hundred people and encouraged them to love Khilafat by sharing various incidents related to this divine institution. Additionally, she was known for her exceptional hospitality. The children of Qadian affectionately called her ‘grandmother.’ When her grandson, who is studying to become a missionary, sought her guidance, she responded by saying that all the guidance he needed had been imparted through the words of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aa).
THE BATTLE OF BADR & FULFILLED QUR’ANIC PROPHECIES
September 22, 2023
After a gap of a few weeks, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aa) said that he would continue to highlight the blessed character of the Holy Prophet (sa), focusing on the events that unfolded after the Battle of Badr.
It is recorded that during the Battle of Badr, 70 disbelieving Makkans were killed by the Muslims, while 70 others became captives. In accordance with the commandments of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Companions (ra) treated these prisoners with great kindness. As a result of this kindness, along with the blessed teachings of Islam, many of the captives from Badr eventually accepted Islam.
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) also mentioned another incident related to the Battle of Badr, which was the victory of the Roman Empire, foretold in the Holy Qur’an. In 5 ah, Surah ar-Rum was revealed, mentioning the victory of Rome. Huzoor (aa) quoted various historical references detailing the Roman victory, emphasizing that despite appearing weaker, the Romans emerged victorious in accordance with the Qur’anic prophecy. He also cited Edward Gibbon, a prominent historian who, when detailing the Roman victory, expressed astonishment and amazement at the pinpoint accuracy of this prophecy in the Holy Qur’an.
Huzoor (aa) further commented that many young people write to him, asking how they can be sure that Islam is the true religion in comparison to others, as the society around them has raised doubts. He advised that they should consider the historical expressions of non-Muslims regarding these prophecies and reflect on the prophecies made about the present times. Parents should also understand these prophecies to educate their children on this matter.
THE BATTLE OF BADR
September 29, 2023
After the Battle of Badr, the plans of the disbelievers to harm the Holy Prophet (sa) became even more dangerous. Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) recounted a discussion between two disbelievers, Safwan and Umair bin Wahb, the latter intending (God forbid) to assassinate the Holy Prophet (sa). Despite elaborate plans, including an attempt to poison a sword, Allah the Almighty changed Umair’s heart and protected the Holy Prophet (sa). Eventually, Umair (ra) embraced Islam. The Holy Prophet (sa) was pleased with Umair’s (ra) acceptance and told the Companions (ra), “Now he is your brother. Instruct him in the teachings of Islam and release his prisoner.”
After accepting Islam, Hazrat Umair bin Wahb (ra) rapidly progressed in his faith and sincerity. He became so enthralled by the truth that he asked the Holy Prophet (sa) for permission to go to Makkah to preach to the people. The Holy Prophet (sa) granted him permission, and once in Makkah, Hazrat Umair (ra) secretly converted many people through his fervent preaching. Safwan, on the other hand, anxiously awaited news of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) assassination and kept the Quraish prepared for such news. However, when he witnessed this transformation, he was left astounded.
Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa) also mentioned that the first Eid al-Fitr was celebrated at the conclusion of Ramadan in 2 ah. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha were better than the two days that the Makkans celebrated during the era of ignorance. The Holy Prophet (sa) instructed that no one should fast on these days but should instead eat and celebrate.
