After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated:

Today, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jalsa Salana [annual convention] of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Holland is starting and I am very pleased to be here. I am also pleased that the number of Ahmadis in Holland has increased, and our community has built a beautiful mosque in Almere. InShaAllah Ta’ala [God willing], its inauguration will take place next week. Always remember that building mosques can only be of any benefit, if the true objective of mosque building is sought.

Many of you have emigrated from Pakistan as you were deprived of your religious freedom; you were unable to worship God, unable to have conferences and training meetings and laws prohibited you from offering Salat. As a result of this religious persecution, you sought asylum in this country. Here, you enjoy religious freedom and your financial circumstances have improved. So, every Ahmadi who has attained religious freedom here, should be extremely grateful to God and should make every possible effort to fulfil their pledge of Bai’at. If the love of Allah and His Prophet does not exude from our every action and if we have not developed pious changes in ourselves, then what is the point of attaining this religious freedom? The true benefit of this religious freedom will be attained when we will do justice to our Bai’at, oath of allegiance, when we will develop a true comprehension of the teachings of the Promised Messiah (as) and we will give precedence to our faith over this material world.

The Promised Messiah (as) clearly explained that the objective of Bai’at is to forsake the love of this world, so that the love of God and His Prophet would prevail. It is not enough to merely express the pledge of allegiance by words; this should be supported by actions.

One of the conditions of Bai’at is to make the word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet (sa) the guiding principle in every aspect of one’s life. Every word of Allah the Almighty and of His Messenger (sa) can only be made the guiding principle in one’s life, when a person develops the true love for them. This is not an easy matter; it requires a determined and concerted effort to give precedence to our worship over our worldly business. We will need to forsake anything that prevents us from gaining nearness of God Almighty, be it our job or our business. If our ego, our worldly respect and fame, as well as, our selfish motives are stopping us from fulfilling the rights of others, then this is against the commandment of God Almighty. Allah the Almighty has also commanded us to fulfil the rights of His creation and by disobeying this, we are not fulfilling the objective of being in the Jama’at of the Promised Messiah (as).

The Promised Messiah (as) states, “you should develop a state of detachment from the world within yourself”. This does not mean that we need to forsake this world. This means that we engage in the business of this world while our every deed is in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Almighty and His chosen Prophet (sa). The commitments of this world should not distract us from our religious obligations, and we are happy to forsake anything that detracts us from the path of God Almighty. This Jalsa is like a training camp to improve our spiritual condition by progressing in faith, conviction and divine insight. The more we develop a true appreciation of the attributes and qualities of God Almighty, the more we will excel in our love for Him. The love of Allah the Almighty demands us to act according to His commandments and engage in virtuous deeds. Remember, true faith demands, as the Promised Messiah (as) stated, that one should not commit a good deed to attain something in return. Good deeds should be performed purely with the intention that our God has commanded us to carry out virtuous deeds. Thus, true virtue is that, which is done without any selfish or ulterior motive. Therefore, keeping this principle in mind, we should treat one another with kindness and seek to fulfil each other’s rights.

At times, wealth and opulence can become a hindrance in performing the acts of virtue because one ends up giving precedence to one’s financial priorities over the worship of God. Beware, this is not true love of God Almighty. What is required of us is to offer our worship whilst wholly immersed in the love of God. When one frees oneself from worldly desires, God Almighty then grants them provisions from where one could not even imagine. Remember, true affluence comes with Taqwa (God-fearing righteousness). God never forsakes His true servant to beg others, rather if one becomes truly devoted to God Almighty and adopts true righteousness, God Almighty continues to grant His blessings and mercy for seven generations and safeguards them.

Today, it is our responsibility to increase in our love for God Almighty; give preference to our love for God Almighty and the Holy Prophet (sa) overall worldly comforts, whilst bringing about a pure change within ourselves. We should also seek to bring our societies closer to God Almighty. Today the people of this world deny the existence of God Almighty and each year a significant portion of people are abandoning their faith.

We should instil the love of God Almighty within our hearts and enlighten the world about the existence of God Almighty. It is only then that we will be truly doing justice to our Bai’at with the Promised Messiah (as). It is not enough to merely instil the love of God Almighty and His Prophet (sa) in our hearts, in fact our duty is far greater than this. We must also strive to our utmost to instil the love of God Almighty and His Prophet (sa) in our children and our future progenies as well.  After having taken the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as), it is now also our duty to further his mission. May God Almighty grant us the opportunity to do so. During these days of the Jalsa, may we be enabled to increase the standard of our worship. May we continue to increase in our love for God Almighty and His Prophet (sa) and may the worldly desires and pleasures never overcome us. However, also remember that none of this is possible without the blessings of God Almighty. Therefore, continue to especially pray so that you may also become the recipients of His blessings and for this one must greatly focus their attention. May God Almighty grant us the opportunity to do so.

Friday Sermon September 20th, 2019 delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^(at)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) continued his discourse about the lives of the Badri companions.

Hazrat Yazid bin Ruqaish (ra) belonged to the Banu Asad bin Khuzaimah tribe of the Quraish and was a confederate of the Banu Abd ash-Shams. Hazrat Yazid (ra) participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) including the Battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq (the battle of Ditch). Hazrat Yazid passed away on the occasion of the Battle of Yamama in 12 AH.

Then Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) gave a brief background to the Battle of Yamama, which was fought in 12 AH.

Musailamah Kazzab declared an uprising against Muslims. He claimed to be a prophet. One of the associates of the Musailamah Kazzab was Nahar-ur-Rajjal bin ‘Unfuwa. He went to the Holy Prophet (sa) to learn the Holy Qur’an and religious matters. The Holy Prophet (sa) sent him back to the people of Yamama as a religious teacher in order to refute Musailamah Kazzab’s claim to prophethood. When Nahar-ur-Rajjal bin ‘Unfuwa went back to Yamama, he renounced Islam and gave a false testimony that he has heard the Holy Prophet (sa) say that Musailamah had, God forbid, been made a prophet alongside him. As Nahar-ur-Rajjal bin ‘Unfuwa had come back from Medinah, therefore, his assertions influenced the general public and led to a declaration of rebellion and revolt amongst those people. The people of Yamama asked Musailamah Kazzab to write a letter to the Holy Prophet (sa) stating that if he did not obey him, they will support Musailamah Kazzab in opposing the Holy Prophet (sa). This treacherous claim of theirs was in fact the fundamental reason for war.

This battle was fought against Musailamah Kazzab at Yamama. It was an intense war and 1,300 Muslim soldiers valiantly fought against the well-trained and well-equipped 40,000 strong army of the Musailamah Kazzab. The war claimed the lives of many brave and honourable Muslims such as Hazrat Salim (ra), Hazrat Abu Huzaifah (ra) and Hazrat Zaid bin Khattab (ra). Musailamah was still in his place and was the central figure for the disbelievers. The Muslim commander Hazrat Khalid (ra) realised that until Musailamah was killed, the war would not come to an end. Subsequently, Hazrat Khalid(ra) advanced forward and requested to fight in the form of duels by raising the slogan of Ya Muhammada which was the tradition during the battle in those days. Whoever stepped into the battlefield was killed, which became a catalyst for the Muslims. Following this, Hazrat Khalid (ra) called out for Musailamah, however, he ran away and took refuge in his orchard along with his companions and he sealed the doors of this orchard. The Muslims started the siege of the orchard. Hazrat Bara’ bin Malik (ra), a brave soldier, climbed up the wall of the orchard with the help of Muslims and opened the gate from within. The Muslims entered the orchard, and further fierce battle continued. It is narrated that Wahshi killed Musailamah. Wahshi is the same person who had martyred Hazrat Hamzah (ra), the uncle of the Holy Prophet (sa). The Muslims had suffered great losses during this long and fierce battle. The Muslims desired to swiftly return after their victory. Hence, Hazrat Khalid (ra) agreed on a treaty for peace and returned home. In this battle 360 Muhajireen and Ansar from Medina were martyred. As many Companions were martyred in the battle of Yamama, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) set up the project to collate the Holy Qur’an in one place, in order to preserve it.

Then Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) spoke about a companion named Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Makhrama (ra). His title was Abu Muhammad, and he belonged to the Banu ‘Aamir bin Lui tribe. Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Makhrama (ra) was among those companions who accepted Islam in the beginning. He had the honour of migrating twice, one migration was towards Abyssinia and the second one towards Medina. After migrating to Medina, Hazrat Abdullah bin Makhrama (ra) resided in the house of Hazrat Khulthum bin Hidam (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Makhrama and Farwah bin Amr (ra) Ansari. Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Makhrama (ra) participated in the Battle of Badr as well as all the battles that took place after. He was thirty years old at the time of the Battle of Badr. When he was martyred at the Battle of Yamama, during the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), at that time he was 41 years old. Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Makhrama had an extraordinary level of passion to attain the status of martyrdom. He was martyred, while he was fasting.

The next companion that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) mentioned was Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Ma’bad (ra). Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Ma’bad belonged to the Banu Zubaya branch of the Aus tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Ma’bad (ra) participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa), including the Battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Ma’bad (ra) was among the handful of companions who stood their ground during the Battle of Hunain and valiantly fought. As a reward for their bravery, God Almighty Himself became responsible for the provisions.

The next companion mentioned was Hazrat Nauman (ra) bin Malik (ra). Hazrat Nauman (ra) bin Malik’s name has also been mentioned as Nauman bin Qauqal. Hazrat Nauman (ra) belonged to the Banu Ghanam branch of the Khazraj tribe from among the Ansar. This tribe was popularly known as Quaqal. Why were they referred to as Qauqal? Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) explained this in one of the previous sermons that whenever someone sought protection from a leader in Medina, he would be told that he was free to ascend the mountain as he wished – in other words, he had now been granted peace and he was free to live as he wished. Hazrat Nauman (ra)’s grandfather, Thalaba bin Daad, was referred to as Qauqal as he was from among those who would grant security and protection. Hazrat Nauman (ra) bin Malik participated in the Battle of Badr and Uhud and was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. On the day of Uhud, Hazrat Nauman (ra) bin Malik, Hazrat Mujazzar bin Ziad (ra) and Hazrat Ubadah bin Hisshaas (ra) were all buried in one grave.

Hazrat Jabir (ra) relates that Hazrat Nauman (ra) bin Quqal came to the Holy Prophet (sa) and asked, “O Prophet (sa) of Allah! If I observe the obligatory prayers; observe the fasts in the month of Ramadan; declare all that which is unlawful as unlawful and all that which is lawful as lawful; and do nothing more than this, will I enter paradise?” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “yes”. Upon this he said, “By God, I will not do anything more than this.”

The next companion who was mentioned was Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi Ansari. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi Ansari belonged to the Banu Jahjabah of the Aus tribe from among the Ansar. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi took part in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi was among the delegation involved in the incident of Raji in 4 AH.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) briefly mentioned the incidence of Raji. The Holy Prophet (sa) sent an intelligence mission of ten companions. When the delegation reached a place called Behda, they were confronted by 200 archers from the Banu Lahyan tribe. The members of the Muslim delegations climbed up a Hillock for their safety. Banu Lahyan assured Muslims to come down and assured them that they will not be killed. The leader of the Muslim delegation prayed that Oh God, please let the Prophet of God know about us. God Almighty accepted this prayer and the Holy Prophet (sa) informed his companions in Madinah about the entire incident.

Then, 200 archers of Banu Lahyan attacked 10 Muslims with their arrows and martyred 7 of them including their leader Asim Bin Thabit (ra). Later, when Quraish got to know of his death, they sent a party to bring back a part of his body whereby he could be recognised. Asim (ra) had slain a principal chieftain of the Quraish during the Battle of Badr. However, God Almighty made provisions such that a swarm of hornets acted as a shield over his body and the disbelievers were unable to harm his body.

Whilst, the remaining three companions on the hillock were assured of their safety, so they climbed down the hillock. The archers of Banu Lahyan martyred one of them and sold the remaining two to Meccans.  Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi Ansari was one of those captured. Khubaib (ra) was bought by Banu Harith bin Aamr bin Naufal bin Abd Manaf. Khubaib (ra) was the one who killed his father Harith bin Aamir during the Battle of Badr, so his sons bought Hazrat Khubaib (ra) bin Adi Ansari to avenge the death of their father. Khubaib (ra) was held captive in the home of Banu Harith bin Aamr and they planned to kill him. During that time Khubaib (ra) had a razor for his personal use. This is a very famous incident and is often quoted. The daughter of Harith narrates that during a moment of inattentiveness, one of my children went to Khubaib (ra) and sat on his lap. Seeing her child sitting on Khubaib’s lap and the razor in his hand, she was petrified but Khubaib (ra) reassured her that he would never harm a child. The daughter of Harith also narrated, “By God, on one occasion, I saw a bunch of grapes in the hand of Khubaib (ra) and he was picking grapes one by one and eating them, although there was no sign of grapes in Makkah while he was shackled in strong iron chains.” She says, “I believe that these were heavenly provisions which would come to Khubaib (ra).”

When the captors took Khubaib to a place outside of the Haram [vicinity of the Ka’ba] in order to kill him, Khubaib (ra) sought permission to offer two rak’ats [each unit of prayer] of Salat, to which they agreed. When he offered two rak’ats of prayer, he said: “I wanted to offer a long Salat, but I did not want you to think that I was drawing out my Salat to avoid martyrdom.” Then he prayed to God Almighty saying: “O Allah! Destroy each and every one of them.” Then, Hazrat Khubaib (ra) recited the following couplet: “When I am being martyred in the cause of Islam as a Muslim, I care not as to which flank I fall upon after being martyred, all of this is for the sake of God; And if my God so wills, He shall bless my every severed limb.” He also prayed by saying: “O Allah, I have no means by which to convey my greetings to the Holy Prophet (sa). You alone can convey my greetings to him.” Angel Gabriel came to the Holy Prophet (sa) and informed him about the entire incident, and the Holy Prophet (sa) in turn informed the Companions (ra). The Companions (ra) said that on that day, the Holy Prophet (sa) was seated in a gathering when he said: “[Arabic] O Khubaib! May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.” Thus, God Almighty ensured that Khubaib’s greetings of peace were conveyed to the Holy Prophet (sa). When the idolaters martyred Hazrat Khubaib (ra), they turned his face away from the direction of the Qibla [towards the Ka’ba in Mecca]. However, after a short while later, the idolaters saw that his face had turned towards the Qibla again. They tried again and again to turn his face away from the Qibla but they did not succeed and eventually left his face the way he was.

Then Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) announced that the Tareekh-e-Ahmadiyyat department have made a website which is in the Urdu and English language. It contains information about the history of Ahmadiyyat, biographies and events in the lives of those personalities about whom the Jamaat has published literature, for example: The Promised Messiah (as), the Khulafah of Ahmadiyyat, the Companions of the Promised Messiah (as), the martyrs of Ahmadiyyat, the Dervish of Qadian, missionaries of the Jamaat as well as other notable personalities in the Jamaat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said that God-Willing, he will launch this website after the Friday prayers.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) gave the sad news of the demise of one of the senior missionaries Saffi-ur-Rahman Khursid Sahib –on 16^th September at the age of 75. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) recounted his glittering services based on amazing sacrifices in Sierra Leonne, Nigeria and Cameron. He was a member of the team who set up the Raqeem press in the UK. May God Almighty shower His mercy and forgiveness on him; he has one daughter, may God Almighty grant patience and steadfastness to her and his wife.

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, stated:

The series of narrating the accounts of the lives of the Badri companions, that I have started, will continue today. As Ansarullah Ijtema is starting today, I will like to bring this to their attention that when those people accepted Islam, they brought about pious changes in themselves and set wondrous examples of sacrifices, righteousness, sincerity and loyalty. Hence, you should reflect and contemplate about how much effort you are making to attain the high standards set in these examples.

After these brief words, I will now begin with the actual subject matter.

The first account that will be given is of Hazrat Nu’man (ra) bin ‘Amr. Hazrat Nu’man participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. According to a narration, the Messenger (sa) of Allah said, “Do not say anything about Nu’man except something good for he loves Allah and His Messenger (sa).” Hazrat Nu’man (ra) passed away in 60 AH during the rule of Hazrat Ameer Mu’awiyah. Hazrat Nu’man had a good sense of humour and would create light-hearted moments of amusement by his jokes. The gatherings of the Holy Prophet (sa) were respectful and caring gatherings filled with extraordinary love, affection and light-heartedness; not just dry impersonal meetings.

The next Companion I shall mention is Hazrat Khubaib bin Asaaf (ra). Hazrat Khubaib (ra) belonged to the Banu Jusham branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Even though Hazrat Khubaib (ra) had not yet accepted Islam at the time of the migration, he had the honour of hosting and accommodating the Muhajireen in Medina as the migration took place. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) took part in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) had not accepted Islam when the Holy Prophet (sa) set off for the battle of Badr, but he joined the Holy Prophet (sa) along the way. His offer of participation in the battle was declined by the Holy Prophet (sa) twice as he had not accepted Islam. However, he declared his belief in Allah and His Prophet and was allowed to take part in the battle of Badr. He fought valiantly and killed arch enemies of Islam, who used to torture innocent Muslims in Makkah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) gave the details of these incidences and explained that he is relating these to raise awareness about the history of early Islam. Hazrat Khubaib (ra), sustained an injury during the Battle of Badr and broke one of his ribs. The Holy Prophet (sa) placed his blessed saliva on the injured area and placed the bone in its proper place as a result of which Hazrat Khubaib (ra) was able to walk again. Hazrat Khubaib (ra) passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra) or according to another narration during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman (ra). However, in any case, may God Almighty elevate the station of the Companions (ra).

Now, I shall mention some details regarding three individuals who have passed away and will also lead their funeral prayer.

The first is respected Rashida Beghum Sahiba, wife of respected Muhammad Sarwar Sahib of Rabwah. She passed away on 24^th August at the age of 74 – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Her grandfather, respected Fateh Muhammad Sahib, who travelled to Qadian and had the good fortune to perform the Bai’at through a companion of the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Akbar Sahib. Upon witnessing the solar and lunar eclipse in 1894, Qazi Sahib informed his family and people in his area that this sign signified the advent of the Imam Mahdi (as). Respected Rashida Beghum Sahiba was extremely regular in giving her Chandas [monetary sacrifices]. She invested time and effort in bringing up her children, advised them not to pick up bad habits by wandering in the streets and ensured that her children went to the Mosque for Fajr prayer. She had a very loving and loyal bond with the institution of Khilafat. She would listen to the sermons very attentively and would note down various points which she would then discuss with her children. By the grace of Allah, she was a Moosia who paid 1/8 towards Wasiyyat. Her five sons have the opportunity to serve their faith as life devotees [Waqf-e-Zindagi]. May God Almighty enable her children to continue her good deeds and elevate the station of their mother.

The second funeral is of respected Muhammad Shamshir Khan Sahib, who was the president of Nadi Jama’at in Fiji. He passed away on 5^th September – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. He was born in 1952 and in 1962, along with his father, he did the Bai’at and joined the [Ahmadiyya] Jama’at from the Lahori Jama’at. The deceased was among the pioneering members of the Jama’at in Fiji and by the grace of God Almighty, he had the opportunity to extensively render his services to the Jama’at. He played a very important role in establishing mosques in Maro, Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. He had a very respectable position in the society but he always gave precedence to his Jama’at work. He was extremely sincere and devoted to the institution of Khilafat and displayed utmost obedience. May God Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and enable his progeny to continue his good deeds.

The third funeral is of respected Fatima Muhammad Mustafa Sahib who was originally from Kurdistan and was currently living in Norway. Although she passed away on 13 June, however her details were sent late, therefore the funeral prayer [in absentia] is being offered now. She passed away at the age of 88 – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. She had the opportunity to do the Bai’at in 2014 and leaves behind three daughters and five sons, out of whom only her daughter is Ahmadi and is currently living in Norway. He was a fair, committed and honest person. In 2016 when I went there, she also had the opportunity to meet me and she was extremely happy that she was able to meet the Khalifa of the time and would tell everyone about this. She had a bond of great loyalty with Khilafat. May God Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy and elevate her status. May God Almighty also grant strength to her daughter’s faith and her children. May He also enable her other children, who are not Ahmadi, to open their hearts [for Ahmadiyyat] and become the recipient of her prayers.