Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta`awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that in the previous sermon, he had mentioned various aspects from the life of the Holy Prophet (sa). Today, he would mention aspects from the life of the Holy Prophet (sa) pertaining to his love for God.
God Almighty Loved The Holy Prophet (sa)
His Holiness (aba) said that we find from the life of the Holy Prophet (sa) that God also loved the Holy Prophet (sa), then He guided the Holy Prophet (sa) which the Holy Prophet (sa) then used to guide his people. It was in fact a certain pain which the Holy Prophet (sa) had to attain the love of God, along with a pain for humanity which drew God’s love and caused Him to guide the Holy Prophet (sa) so that he could also use the same guidance to guide the people. God says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘And He found thee wandering in search for Him and guided thee unto Himself.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 93:8)
His Holiness (aba) said that this verse can also mean that the Holy Prophet (sa) was wandering in search for a means to guide his people, and so God provided him those means. Similarly, in his commentary of the Holy Qur’an, Imam Razi states that the word ‘daal’ used in this verse translated to ‘wandering’ can also mean ‘love’. In this way, the verse can also serve as God’s attestation to the fact that the Holy Prophet (sa) was certainly in love with God, and God also loved the Holy Prophet (sa).
The Divine Love That Guided the Prophet (sa)
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who writes:
‘Anyone well-versed in the modes of expression of the Noble Qur’an will not fail to recognise that, at times, the Most Gracious and Merciful, Exalted be His Majesty, employs words for His chosen servants that may appear unflattering on the surface, but in meaning, they are highly praiseworthy and commendatory. For example, Allah, glorified be His eminence, said regarding His Noble Prophet:
“And He found thee wandering in search for Him and guided thee unto Himself.”
Obviously, the well-known and familiar meaning of the term ‘daal’, which the linguists are also fond to cite, is ‘astray’. According to this understanding, the verse would mean, ‘(O Messenger of Allah!) God Almighty found you misguided and guided you’, whereas the fact is that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was never misguided. Anyone who professes to be a Muslim yet believes that the Holy Prophet (sa)
was engaged in an act of misguidance at any point in his life, is a kafir [disbeliever], devoid of faith, and deserving of punishment under Islamic law.
Here the verse should be assigned a meaning consistent with the context, which is the following: Allah, glorified be His eminence, first stated about the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:
“Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter? And He found thee wandering in search for Him and guided thee unto Himself. And He found thee in want and enriched thee.”
Meaning that: God Almighty found you an orphan and helpless, and He gave you shelter with Himself and found you dall (meaning that deeply in love with the Countenance of Allah) and therefore He drew you towards Himself and He found you indigent and enriched you.’ (The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam, pp. 148-149)
The Holy Prophet’s (sa) Example as the Gateway to Divine Love
His Holiness (aba) further quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who writes that the Holy Qur’an, which is the perfect, most complete teaching was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa) on account of him being the perfect man. Hence, God says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘Say, “If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. and Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.”’ (The Holy Qur’an, 3:32)
Thus, in order for us to attain the love of God, we must follow the perfect example of the Holy Prophet (sa).
His Holiness (aba) said that there were many ways in which the Holy Prophet (sa) would express his love for God. For example, the Holy Prophet (sa) would pray, ‘O Allah, I seek your love and the love of those who love You and those actions which will lead me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love dearer to me than my own life, my family and refreshing water.’ This is a prayer that should be offered by everyone who seeks the love of God.
His Holiness (aba) said that the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed. ‘O Allah grant me Your love and the love of those whose love will benefit me with You. O Allah, whatever you have provided me of that which I love, then make it strength for me for that which You love. O Allah, and what you have kept from me of that which I love, then make it for me a period of rest in that which You love.’
Nightly Devotion and Grateful Worship
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat A’ishah (ra) narrates that once she woke up during the night and found that the Holy Prophet (sa) was no longer in bed. She felt around and realised that the Holy Prophet (sa) was offering prayer. He was in prostration seeking the protection of God’s pleasure from His displeasure, and seeking the protection of God’s love against His punishment, and that he had not the power to glorify God save in the words God had Himself taught.
His Holiness (aba) said that in another narration, Hazrat A’ishah (ra) states. ‘When it was my turn for Allah’s Messenger (sa) to spend the night with me, he turned his side, put on his mantle and took off his shoes and placed them near his feet, and spread the corner of his shawl on his bed and then lay down till he thought that I had gone to sleep. He took hold of his mantle slowly and put on the shoes slowly, and opened the door and went out and then closed it lightly. I covered my head, put on my veil and tightened my waist wrapper, and then went out following his steps till he reached Baqi’. He stood there and he stood for a long time. He then lifted his hands three times, and then returned and I also returned. He hastened his steps and I also hastened my steps. He ran and I too ran. He came (to the house) and I also came (to the house). I, however, preceded him and I entered (the house), and as I lay down in the bed, he (the Holy Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O A’ishah, that you are out of breath? I said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I said: Messenger of Allah (sa), may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front of me? I said: Yes. He gave me a nudge on the chest which I felt, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Messenger would deal unjustly with you? She said: Whatsoever the people conceal, Allah will know it. He said: Gabriel came to me when you saw me. He called me and he concealed it from you. I responded to his call, but I too concealed it from you (for he did not come to you), as you were not fully dressed. I thought that you had gone to sleep, and I did not like to awaken you, fearing that you may be frightened. He (Gabriel) said: Your Lord has commanded you to go to the inhabitants of Baqi’ (to those lying in the graves) and beg pardon for them. I said: Messenger of Allah (sa), how should I pray for them (How should I beg forgiveness for them)? He said: Say, Peace be upon the inhabitants of this city (graveyard) from among the Believers and the Muslims, and may Allah have mercy on those who have gone ahead of us, and those who come later on, and we shall, God willing, join you.’
His Holiness (aba) said Hazrat A’ishah (ra) saw the Holy Prophet (sa) weeping in prayer, and so she asked the Holy Prophet (sa) later why he was weeping in prayer when God had forgiven any prior and future mistake of his. The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘Should I not be a grateful servant?’
The Holy Prophet’s (sa) Worship Amid Blessings and Trials
His Holiness (aba) said that when it would rain, the Holy Prophet (sa) would say that it was the greatest blessing of God. There was another incident when the Holy Prophet (sa) was in prostration when an enemy came and started choking the Holy Prophet (sa) from behind. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), upon realising this, rushed forward to free the Holy Prophet (sa) and said, ‘Do you seek to kill a man who simply says that his Lord is Allah?’ All the Holy Prophet (sa) ever did was love God and worship Him. The Holy Prophet’s (sa) entire life was spent in loving God, to the extent that even the Makkans would say “Muhammad (sa) truly loves his Lord.’
His Holiness (aba) quotes the Promised Messiah (as) who writes, The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, had beheld the countenance of that true one, whose being the lover for Allah was so spontaneously testified to even by the disbelieving Quraish. These people, observing his daily supplications, his loving prostrations, his condition of complete obedience, the bright signs of perfect love and devotion on his countenance, and witnessing divine light raining down upon his face, were compelled to say that: “Muhammad (sa) is passionately in love with his Lord.“
Moreover, the Companions observed not only that devotion, love, and sincerity, but matching this love, which surged up in the heart of our lord and master Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, like a raging ocean, they also observed God Almighty’s love for him, in the form of extraordinary support and help. Thus they realized that God exists, and their hearts testified aloud that God is with this man. They saw divine wonders to such an extent and witnessed heavenly Signs to such a degree that they were left with no doubt whatsoever that there does, indeed, exist a Supreme Being whose name is God, who controls everything and for whom nothing is impossible. That is indeed why they exhibited such deeds of devotion and sincerity and made such sacrifices as are not possible for anyone to per- form until all doubts and suspicions have been removed. They saw with their own eyes that the pleasure of that Holy Being lies only in embracing Islam and adopting the obedience of His Noble Messenger (sa) with heart and soul. After this absolute certainty, the kind of obedience that they exhibited and the feats they performed and the manner in which they laid down their lives at the feet of their holy guide, were matters that were not possible for anyone who had not witnessed the blossoming spectacle that the Companions witnessed.’ (Testimony of the Holy Qur’an, pp. 79-80)
Honouring Our Pledge by Following the Footsteps of Holy Prophet (sa)
His Holiness (aba) said that the excellent qualities and example of the Holy Prophet (sa) was the very example which brought about a revolutionary change among the companions. Similarly, the latter day Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) also emulated the example set by the Holy Prophet (sa), and attained everything he did only on account of his love for the Holy Prophet (sa). Being part of his community, Ahmadis pledge that they too shall become reflections of the example of the Holy Prophet (sa) and increase in his love. It is only when Ahmadis truly adopt this example that they will do justice to their pledge and reap the blessings of Allah.
Appeal for Prayers for Ahmadis in Pakistan and Around the World
His Holiness (aba) made an appeal for prayers for Ahmadis in Pakistan. There was a case against an Ahmadi there in which just recently the Ahmadi was sentenced to life imprisonment. The charges against him: he owned a copy of the Holy Qur’an which he would read and teach to others. Such is the case of courts; what good can be expected from them? Even non-Ahmadis have raised questions against this ruling and are in fact mocking it. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may the perpetrators of such injustices swiftly be brought to task. His Holiness (aba) said that they surely will be brought to task quickly and signs are pointing towards this, however the prayers of Ahmadis should never slacken.
His Holiness (aba) prayed for all those around the world who are victims of injustice; may Allah protect everyone peace and protect them against every disorder.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayer of the following deceased members:
Maulana Jalaluddin Nayyar
Maulana Jalaluddin Nayyar former Sadr Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Sadr Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid Qadian. He obtained his primary education in Qadian. He went on to serve the Community in various capacities. He served with great effort and passion. As a result of his efforts, he had personal connections with Ahmadis across India. He was given to worship and was completely obedient to the instructions of Khilafat. He was an athlete and also arranged various sports programmes in Qadian as well. He is survived by two sons and a daughter. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy.
Mir Habib Ahmad
Mir Habib Ahmad who was very kind and devoted in love to Khilafat. He served the Community in various capacities as a teacher in Pakistan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, where he dedicated his life for the service of the faith. Upon returning to Pakistan, he continued his services to the Community and the faith in various capacities. He was dedicated to his faith and was very kind. He had a passion for reading books, including the books of the Promised Messiah (as). He never lied and if ever he wished not to divulge something he would remain silent. His Holiness (aba) attested that he witnessed him to be very kind and he fulfilled his pledge of devotion. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy.
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