After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) recited the following:
‘The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.’ (The Holy Qur’an 2:186)
Ramadan & the Importance of the Holy Qur’an
His Holiness (aba) said that in this verse, God has stated the importance of the month of Ramadan with reference to the fact that it was in this month that the Holy Qur’an was revealed. The Qur’an encompasses all matters and all guidance, showing man the paths that lead towards God and steer clear from Satan, the paths of remaining safe from godlessness, covers all matters pertaining to times of old and current times and serves as a complete and lasting law. Fortunate are those who make the Holy Qur’an their guidebook and live their lives according to its teachings. It is those who witness the love of God.
His Holiness (aba) said that the Holy Qur’an has taught us about the obligation of fasting and the ways of worship. The fact that fasting is obligatory or that the Holy Qur’an was revealed in this month is not enough to understand the importance of Ramadan; instead we must gain a true understanding of this complete Book and make it the guidebook of our lives. As Ahmadis, we are fortunate to have accepted the Promised Messiah (as) who explained the true meanings and essence of the Holy Qur’an. We can gain this understanding by reading his books and literature.
Benefitting From the Treasure Troves that the Promised Messiah (as) Has Left Us
His Holiness (aba) said that tomorrow is also Promised Messiah (as) Day, where we hold gatherings to commemorate the fulfilment of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) prophecy about the coming of the Messiah. However, commemorating this is not enough, rather we must study the treasure trove that the Promised Messiah (as) left us when it comes to understanding the Holy Qur’an. Without doing so, we cannot reach the stage of complete faith. Through His mercy, God revealed His Word to the Holy Prophet (sa); now it is our responsibility to benefit from it and make it a part of our lives, for which we must pay special attention. Ramadan does not become complete only by offering obligatory prayer and some voluntary prayers, rather we must also recite and understand the Holy Qur’an, and search for the commandments found therein. It is in doing so that we can benefit from God’s attributes of Graciousness and Mercy.
His Holiness (aba) said that the Promised Messiah (as) has left us numerous writings about the ways in which we can benefit from the blessings of the Holy Qur’an. It is by reading these writings that we can truly benefit from the Holy Qur’an. His Holiness (aba) said that he would present some excerpts from these writings.
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an During Ramadan
His Holiness (aba) first commented on the importance of reciting the Holy Qur’an especially in Ramadan. Everyone should strive to recite at least one saparah [part (or juz in Arabic) of the Holy Qur’an] every day, so that they are able to complete an entire reading of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan. The angel Gabriel used to complete an entire round of whatever had been revealed of the Holy Qur’an up until that point with the Holy Prophet (sa). Then, in the last Ramadan of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) life, Gabriel went through the entire Holy Qur’an twice with the Holy Prophet (sa).
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who states in light of the Qur’anic verse above, that it highlights the magnificence of the month of Ramadan. It is such a blessed month, in which this great book was revealed. It is said that this is the best month for the enlightenment of the heart. Salat purifies the soul, while fasting rejuvenates the heart. The soul is purified by being distant from base and carnal passions. The heart is rejuvenated because it becomes closer to God. Hence, by saying that the Qur’an was revealed in this month there is no doubt that along with worship, the Holy Qur’an’s teachings must also be implemented in order to achieve this rank.
The Meaning of the Word ‘Qur’an’
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who said that after pondering, he found an amazing prophecy in the very word Qur’an; this Book is the only book worth reading and there will be a time where it will become the best book to read even more so, because it will be a time when other books will be compared to it. This will be the only book which will safeguard against evil, while all other books will be abandoned. No other book will reach the same standard of the Holy Qur’an. With the Holy Qur’an in hand, victory is assured and no evil or darkness can overcome it. The Holy Qur’an was the only weapon which the Holy Prophet (sa) and his people had and it is the same that will benefit us today.
His Holiness (aba) further quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who said that the Holy Qur’an takes one to the highest stages of intellect and practice. It was through the Holy Qur’an that people developed a recognition of God and devoted themselves to the path of truth without any regard for the world. They became prepared to sacrifice their lives, and many did. However, despite these grave hardships, they were happy and pushed forward with grateful hearts. By truly following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, they developed such enlightenment the like of which was not found in others. Such people came about before, and through the Holy Qur’an such people continue to come about. It is a sign of the Holy Qur’an and a refutation to its detractors that not only does it lead to intellectual enlightenment but also enlightened actions. These standards can be achieved by truly following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
The True Means of Success & Cure to All Diseases
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who expressed that it is unfortunate that people depend and look upon the West for their success and advancement, whereas this can only render them a very limited degree of success. However, it is only through the Holy Qur’an that true success can be achieved. When the Companions accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) and gave precedence to their faith over the world. The disbelievers laughed at them, saying they could hardly leave their homes, yet they said they would become rulers of the world. However, by becoming completely devoted to the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (sa) they achieved that which was not achieved by anyone else. The key to the victory of Islam was faith. Today, there is a lack of faith, and instead, mere claims of faith are made. However, if the same success is desired, then true faith is required and this can only be achieved by following the Holy Qur’an.
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who expressed great pain at the fact that people become lazy in reciting and acting upon the Holy Qur’an. For those who believe in it to be the revealed word of God and the key to salvation, then how unfortunate is it that they do not recite it? It is like someone who knows that a spring’s water can quench thirst and is the cure to various diseases but does not go near it, whereas they should have rushed to it and drank its water. Such people are extremely unfortunate and ignorant. There are some who will die without having gone near the Holy Qur’an in the same way. They know that the Holy Qur’an is the true cure to all diseases, yet they still remain away from it. Muslims know that the key to all success is the Holy Qur’an yet they do not even care for it. Yet, the Promised Messiah (as) who calls towards the Holy Qur’an, seeks to bring to light its true teachings and spread them throughout the world is called a forger and a liar. Such is the state of Muslims, that they would rather do this than come towards the Holy Qur’an and act according to its teachings. One who truly acts according to the Holy Qur’an is given countless blessings from God, far greater than anything that can be achieved in this world. This also leads to a person’s sins being forgiven.
His Holiness (aba) said that a false allegation is levelled against Ahmadis that we alter the Holy Qur’an. The Promised Messiah (as) responded by saying that doing so would be a grave sin. But how could we do the exact same thing as we say is done by the Christians in their scripture? Our teaching is that those who alter the word of God are the lowliest and basest of people; after saying this, would we do the exact same thing and relegate ourselves to such a state? The Holy Qur’an is a complete book and following it completely is the path to salvation. The Promised Messiah (as) said that anyone who changes or alters the Holy Qur’an is a disbeliever and apostate.
The True Path to Salvation
His Holiness (aba) further quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who said that the Holy Qur’an is the true path to salvation. If one truly repents and then strives completely to act according to the Holy Qur’an, then even just in ten days their hearts will achieve a new enlightenment. This is not a mere claim, but rather a tried and tested method by many.
His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah enable us to truly understand and act upon the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. May we always be grateful to God and benefit from His guidance. May He enable us to increase in faith, certainty and fear of God. May we always live our lives according to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and not just during Ramadan. It is only after doing so that we can claim to have truly attempted to fulfil our pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as) who was sent in subservience to the Holy Prophet (sa) for the revival of Islam. May Allah enable us to benefit from the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan and throughout our lives.
Appeal for Prayers for the People of Palestine & Sudan
His Holiness (aba) urged to pray for Palestine. Not only are children and the innocent losing their lives because of the war, but now also because of hunger and illness. Now, even UN organisations have admitted that this famine is the result of human action, stemming from the cruelty and stubbornness of the Israeli government. If paths were opened and aid could quickly be delivered, then even now there are chances for improvement.
His Holiness (aba) also urged prayers for the Sudanese people; may Allah grant understanding to their leader. People there are also dying of hunger. They are inflicting cruelties on their own people. This is all because they have forgotten the Qur’anic teachings and they refuse to accept the one sent by God in this era. Similarly, the same is happening in various other Muslim countries as well, where governments are fighting amongst each other. His Holiness (aba) said to pray for them as well.
His Holiness (aba) also urged prayers for those imprisoned due to their faith in Pakistan and Yemen. His Holiness (aba) also urged prayers for the general conditions of Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayers of the following deceased members:
Dr Zaheeruddin Mansoor Ahmad
Dr Zaheeruddin Mansoor Ahmad of the USA who recently passed away. He was the son of Amatul Rashid Begum and Mian Abdul Rahim. He was a descendant of the Promised Messiah (as) and the First Caliph (ra). He was the grandson of the Second Caliph (ra). He worked as a doctor in the army and then also opened his own clinic in Rabwah where he helped the poor a great deal. He served the Community a great deal both in Pakistan and the USA. He had a very strong bond with the Caliphate, to which His Holiness (aba) attested to himself. He loved the Holy Qur’an and was regular in reciting it and even listening to it while driving. He taught the Holy Qur’an to his children and to his grandchildren. He would always be the first to ask for forgiveness no matter how small the matter. He met everyone with a great deal of love. He always encouraged writing letters to the Caliph. He was a very hard worker and sometimes would work through the night. He took great of the poor and often paid for their treatments himself. His Holiness (aba) said that he was his cousin, and he himself witnessed his qualities of tending to the poor and being hospitable. During the days of Jalsa, he himself would stay outside his home in a tent and dedicate his house for the guests of the Promised Messiah (as).
Hassan Abdin Agha
Hassan Abdin Agha a Syrian who had been residing in Canada. He was born a Sunni and then later converted to Shia’ism. His older brother came across MTA and after discussion he too accepted Ahmadiyyat. He served the Community as president in Syria. He was regular in offering pre-dawn voluntary prayers and reading the Community’s literature. He possessed lofty moral standards, loved the Caliphate and lived a very simple life in which hospitality was a salient feature. His wife attested to him being a good husband who helped around the house. He was also regular in offering financial contributions. He was very content; even if he was in financial difficulties he would not ask for help from anyone. In fact, whatever little he had would be offered as a financial contribution. He would not depend on anyone else and would walk wherever he needed to go, despite being offered rides by others. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.
Usman Hussain Muhammad Khair
Usman Hussain Muhammad Khair of Saudi Arabia. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2007 after coming across MTA. Upon going back home to Sudan he also installed an MTA dish there as well where his entire family also accepted Ahmadiyyat. His home in Sudan became a centre for the Community. He never took any funds or accepted any position in the Community but instead did everything out of his own pocket and said that the younger generation should be given duties so that they may learn. Because of the civil war in Sudan the Community has become dispersed. His Holiness (aba) again urged prayers for Sudan so that the Community may be able to gather once again. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Muhammad Zahrabi
Muhammad Zahrabi of Algeria. He suffered from cancer. He was very dedicated to the Community. He was very hospitable. He was also the subject of a court case. The judge asked him that being an Algerian how could he accept an Indian man? He replied saying how could Algeria be afraid of an Indian man? If they truly thought him to be untruthful then why were they so afraid of him and his community? He was very obedient to the Caliphate and implemented whatever decision was made by the Caliph.
Saeed Ahmad Warraich
Saeed Ahmad Warraich of Rabwah. He also had charges levelled against him under the blasphemy laws of Pakistan and was also arrested. He was imprisoned for three years and two months. He was ultimately freed and forced to move to Rabwah.
Shahbaz Gondal
Shahbaz Gondal of Rabwah who had been living in Holland. He also had the honour of being imprisoned in the way of Allah under the blasphemy laws. He was imprisoned for three months but the case went on for ten years. He was regular in offering prayers and served the Community in various capacities.
His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat all the deceased with forgiveness and mercy and elevate their station.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
Alḥamdu lil-Lāh❕ Terima kasih banyak ya, jazā Kumul-Lāhu aḥsanal-Jazā’. Āmīn❕✨