After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that in the Community, February 20 commemorates the prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah (as) regarding the Promised Son. His Holiness (aba) said that in today’s sermon, he would focus on one aspect of the prophecy, which is that ‘he would be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge.’
‘He Will Be Filled With Secular and Spiritual Knowledge’
His Holiness (aba) said that as far as the formal education of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) is concerned, it was not very extensive as he only studied up until the primary level. However, his academic achievements are such that an entire series of sermons would be required to cover them to some degree. His Holiness (aba) said that though these achievements cannot be covered in a single sermon, he would present an introduction to the fulfilment of this aspect of the prophecy.
His Holiness (aba) said that he has taken examples of the various speeches, writings and works of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) from the time of his youth, during which time he began showing extraordinary academic capabilities.
For example, at just the age of 17, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmoud Ahmad (ra) delivered a speech on the ‘Unity of God.’ It was an extraordinary speech which was greatly appreciated by the First Caliph (ra). In fact the First Caliph (ra) said that he had presented new points which had never before been heard.
Comprehension of the Love for God
His Holiness (aba) said that in March 1907, when he was only 18 years old, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) wrote a treatise on the topic of the ‘Love for God‘. His Holiness (aba) said that this shows that God Almighty had instilled this awareness in him from a very young age. He compared the various concepts of God across various religions, and in doing so showed that the God presented by other religions was incomplete, whereas the view of God presented by Islam is the only view that is complete and encompassing, thus enabling one to truly love God. He said that it is only the God presented by Islam, Who still guides humanity through revelation to this day. After one supplicates to God, he does not respond straight away, rather he puts the supplicant through a trial, after which God opens the door of divine communion for the supplicant. It is then that the supplicant enjoys the beauty of prayer.
Knowledge With Regards to Attaining True Success
His Holiness (aba) said that in December of 1908, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), at the age of 19, presented a speech at the Annual Convention in Qadian on the topic of ‘Attaining True Success‘. He said that one must realise that there is an everlasting life in the hereafter. He posed the question, that when people take every precaution in this world for a life which is temporary, but should they not also prepare more so for a life which is to last forever? He said that everyone strives for success in this world through their work or business, but there is another sort of trade, which may not bear fruit in this world, but will surely bear fruit in the hereafter. In order to be successful in this sort of trade, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) laid out some important principles which must be followed: 1) To always seek forgiveness for one’s sins 2) always pay attention to worship 3) always be thankful to God 4) enjoin good 5) be mindful of the boundaries established by God. Following these steps he said, can lead one to true success.
Understanding of the Remembrance of God
His Holiness (aba) said that in the Annual Convention of 1916, two years after becoming the Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) delivered a speech on ‘The Remembrance of God‘. He said there are four kinds of remembrance: 1) Offering prayer 2) reciting the Holy Qur’an 3) to proclaim and explain the attributes of God to others 4) to ponder over the attributes of God in solitude. He presented over a dozen ways in which one can become regular in offering supererogatory prayers, twenty ways in which one can become regular in prayers, and a dozen benefits for the remembrance of God.
Awareness of the Attributes of God
His Holiness (aba) said that in October 1919, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) delivered a speech in Patiala, the topic of which was the attribute of God, ‘Lord of all the Worlds’ also known as the general grace of God which applies to all things and all people. In this speech, he explained how God Almighty has established means for the betterment and progress of the soul and one’s spirituality. He explained that it was under this general grace, that the Holy Prophet (sa) was sent to enlighten the world, and then later, the Promised Messiah (as) was sent to revive that very same message.
His Holiness (aba) said that another lecture delivered in 1919 was ‘The Outset of Dissention in Islam.’ In this lecture, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) said that the dissention which arose in Islam after about fifteen years after the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) is often cited by the opponents of Islam as a blight against the religion Islam. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) said that he wished to dispel such false notions, and thus presented a detailed explanation of all events and their background, clearing up misconceptions such as the fact that the dissension arose as a result of some senior Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa). He thoroughly explained the events that occured and the primary proponents to the rise of dissension such as Abdullah bin Saba and other opponents and hypocrites. However no matter the opposition, Hazrat Uthman (ra) and other senior companions remained steadfast upon the teachings of Islam and showed the utmost kindness, even to the dissidents. His Holiness (aba) presented the comments of some non-Ahmadi scholars and historians after hearing this lecture or reading its published version. A renowned historian said that he has never seen such a detailed and well-researched treatise on Islamic history.
Insight into Divine Decree
His Holiness (aba) said that another speech delivered in 1919 was on the subject of ‘Divine Decree.’ His Holiness (aba) said that this, no doubt, is a difficult subject to tackle, however Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) presented it in a most eloquent manner. Regarding this, the Fourth Caliph (rh) said that to deliver such a speech at the Annual Convention, where both learned and educated people were listening, as well as those who were not educated, and to present it in such a manner that both could understand is indeed a great feat. He dispelled many misconceptions regarding divine decree and explained the subject with extensive proofs and explanations. His Holiness (aba) said that this is something about which many questions arise and so people should read this book.
Advice to Muslim Nations
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Ahmad (ra) delivered another lecture on the topic of ‘The Treaty of Turkey and the Future Conduct of Muslims’. After the first world, war, the deals made with Muslim countries were very crippling and unfair. Thus, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) gave sound advice and guidance as to how Muslims countries such as Turkey should proceed in the future. He highlighted the negative aspects of the treaty signed by Turkey, and suggested how Muslims could avoid its ill effects. He further elucidated how Muslims could prosper in the world. His Holiness (aba) said that the landscape described regarding the manner in which western countries dealt with Muslim countries bears some resemblance even today. His Holiness (aba) said that the manner in which Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) gave guidance and advice is clearly indicative of the fact that the help of God was with him.
His Holiness (aba) said that in 1920 Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) delivered a speech spanning two days on the subject of ‘The Angels of Allah.’ Though this is also a complex subject, he presented it in a manner which is very easy to understand. He explained the existence of Angels; their purpose, their work, the various types, and in the end also presented various means through which one could establish a connection with Angels.
The Need for Religion
His Holiness (aba) said that in March 1921, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) delivered a speech on the topic of ‘The Need for Religion.’ He addressed topics, such as the fact that some say that there is no longer any need for religion, that there are those in other religions who make prophecies, and that the success of the Promised Messiah (as) is not indicative of his truth as Lenin in Russia was also successful. He answered all of the points with great proficiency stating that the need for religion is based upon the existence of God and his converse with people, and in this age, no one has had more converse with God than the Promised Messiah (as). He said that in terms of others receiving revelation, those claims made by them are made solely based on their knowledge and have an aspect of conjecture in them. Finally as for the success of the Promised Messiah (as), he said that the Promised Messiah (as) had been foretold of his success before it even happened.
His Holiness (aba) said that another treatise by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) was ‘The Existence of God.’ He explained in great detail the concept of God; he presented the concept of God in various other religions in history and soundly proved the existence of God.
A Gift to the Prince of Wales
His Holiness (aba) said that another book which Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) wrote was ‘A Gift to the Prince of Wales’ which was sent to Edward VIII. In this, he conveyed the true message of Islam to him and invited him to accept the true message. The Prince of Wales received this book and also sent a note of thanks to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra). Non-Ahmadis also presented their views of this book, in which they greatly appreciated and lauded the fact that Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) undertook the duty of presenting the true message of Islam to a current-day monarch.
Inviting the World to the True Islam
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Mirza Bashirudding Mahmud Ahmad (ra) wrote a book titled ‘Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam.’ A summary of this book was read out at the Wembley Conference in 1924. This book presented such great ideas, that even Christian priests attested to the fact that this book presented such points which had never before been heard. In this book, he stated and clarified that Ahmadiyyat and the true Islam are one in the same. He elucidated the type of relationship that one should have with God among covering many topics. He also clarified the misconception that Muslims must abandon all worldly means. He said that true Muslims should use all the means available to them, and then after expending their God-given abilities, they should leave the rest to God Almighty. He further proved that the teachings of Islam regarding the establishment of high morals are unmatched by any other teaching. He also mentioned how people should interact with each other in a society, and also expounded upon how global tensions between countries should be settled by presenting teachings from the Holy Qur’an. In the end, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) invited the world to accept Ahmadiyyat.
His Holiness (aba) said that these examples were just a glimpse into the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) when he was still in his youth. Though he did not have any formal education, according to the divine promise, he was filled with both secular and spiritual knowledge. His Holiness (aba) said that this does not even cover a hundredth of what Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) did and accomplished. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah continue to elevate his station in paradise.
His Holiness (aba) again made an appeal for prayers for the Ahmadis residing in Pakistan. He prayed that may Allah swiftly foil the plots of all the opponents.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
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