From The Markaz

53rd Jalsa Salana UK concludes with an inspirational address by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad recently concluded the 53rd Annual International Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community with an inspirational address in the UK. More than 39,800 people from 115 countries attended the Jalsa Salana, which took place at Hadeeqatul Mahdi in Alton, Hampshire. Apart from the thousands of Ahmadi Muslims who participated, many non-Ahmadi and non-Muslim guests also attended.  The entire event was broadcast live on MTA International and streamed online. A highlight of the three-day Jalsa Salana was the pledge of allegiance, known as Bai’at, that took place on Sunday afternoon, where the participants pledged allegiance to Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad as the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph) of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). The participants formed a human chain leading to the Khalifa as they repeated the words of the pledge in unison. Prior to the ceremony, His Holiness announced that more than 668,500 people had joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community during the past year from all around the world. His Holiness further announced that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was now established in 213 countries. This year the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in Armenia for the first time. During the address, His Holiness spoke of how Islam in particular, and religion more generally, was being vehemently criticised in the modern world. In light of this, His Holiness powerfully defended Islam’s teachings and highlighted Islam’s superiority to other social systems and spoke of the Holy Quran’s teachings on defending the human rights of all people. His Holiness said that it was commonly alleged that religion was out-dated and incompatible with the modern world and hence religious teachings should be changed in order to suit the needs of the new era. His Holiness said that whilst some other religions are debating whether their religious teachings need to be reformed to suit the modern era, Islamic teachings were timeless and universal and the Holy Quran is, and always will be, the most comprehensive book sufficient for all times and all places. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “We firmly believe that the Holy Quran is the book of Allah the Almighty, and He has promised to safeguard it. Other religions no longer have their original teachings, however the Holy Quran’s teachings have not changed for over 1400 years and will remain so until the Last Day. The teaching of the Holy Quran is everlasting and is for people of all eras.”  Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: “In this era, by sending the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), Allah the Almighty has further safeguarded the teachings of the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) expounded upon the teachings of the Holy Quran and revealed its hidden treasures. He demonstrated that the Holy Quran caters for the need of all aspects of human interactions; from social relations between individuals and societies to international relations between world nations. It expounds upon spirituality whilst at the same time it reveals great academic and scientific truths. It comprehensively lays out the rights of God and the rights of God’s creation. Therefore, there is no need to be affected by the objections of critics and we should never be under any complex about the Holy Quran.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated: “The Holy Quran caters for even the most seemingly insignificant needs of human beings. The Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) established our rights for us and these are the rights that can guarantee peace at all levels of society.”   His Holiness went on to cite the rights and obligations as laid out by the Holy Quran that its followers must fulfil, including the rights owed to parents, elders, children, neighbours, spouses and all creation of God. His Holiness illustrated the comprehensive nature of the Holy Quran by narrating a verse of the Holy Quran. Chapter 4 verse 37of the Holy Quran speaks in detail of the rights established by God Almighty. The aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran states: “And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful.” His Holiness further mentioned that people should think well of others and not think ill of them. Thus, by doing so, they would develop love, unity and strength amongst each other. His Holiness mentioned that, sadly, it was increasingly common to fail to show affection and basic human sympathy in today’s materialistic world.  If someone is left hungry, they do not care for them, or if someone has financial issues, they do not spend their own wealth to cover the shortcomings of the other. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad mentioned that whilst non-religious people make allegations against religion and Islam in particular, a recent survey showed how charity is donated mostly by religious people and Muslims are amongst those who give to charity the most. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “When one works for Allah and helps his weak, less fortunate brothers, his faith is increased. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said that if man does not help others, he gradually becomes like animals in his morals whereby he cares not for others. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said, ‘A person’s humanity demands it of him, and he is only a human, if he is kind towards all humanity without discrimination.’ The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) also said, ‘never, under any circumstance, constrict the circle of your kindness.’” His Holiness went on to narrate verses of the Holy Quran that outline how Islam makes it incumbent upon its followers to fulfil the rights of all sections of society. On the rights owed to one’s parents,

Trie-Chateau, France, Saturday, 05 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, addressed French dignitaries and guests at Jalsa Salana France at approximately 6:30 pm local time. The session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sebastian Ataul Hayye Sahib who recited verse 14 of Surah al-Hujurat (chapter 49). He also presented the French translation of the verse. A brief introduction to the Jamaat was presented to the non-Ahmadi guests present. After, the Mayor of Trie-Chateau, David Didier addressed the Jalsa in which he said he was honoured to receive Hazrat Khlaifatul Masih Vaa in the little town of Trie-Chateau. The next speaker was Dr. Agnes De Foe, a Sociologist, who spoke before the Jalsa. Her brief speech encapsulated her interacting with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and spoke highly of the message of peace that Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa is promoting. Dr. Katrin Langewiesche, an Anthropologist, spoke of her interacting with the Jamaat in Burkina Faso when the Jamaat was carrying out some charitable works. She also took the opportunity to present her book to Huzooraa, that includes a chapter on Islam Ahmadiyyat. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa thanked the guests for joining the “purely religious function”. Huzooraa then condemned the atrocities and violent attacks that have also taken place in France by so-called Muslim extremists. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa highlighted that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. “A true Muslim is a person who himself is a peaceful person” Huzooraa explained. The Islamic greeting itself portrays how Islam is a religion of peace. Even non-Muslims use this greeting. Thus, it cannot be that Islam teaches to meet others with peace and security and on the other hand, promotes hate and extremism. “All forms of extremism and violence are completely against Islamic teachings”, Huzooraa expressed. In order to truly understand the teachings of Islam, one must study the life of its Holy Founder, peace be upon him. Huzooraa laid out how inhumane injustices were carried out against Muslims. However, the Holy Prophetsa taught patience. The Holy Prophetsa called upon his followers to remain peaceful even if it costed their lives. The Holy Prophetsa and his companions endured this relentless pain and then migrated out of their city to escape this agony. However, the enemies of Islam continued to pursue them and cause pain to Muslims. Finally, Allah gave permission to fight in defence to safeguard religion. “Hence, when the Holy Prophetsa and his followers were forced to partake in wars and battles, it was for the sake of defending the rights of all people” including people of other faiths, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained. If Islam wanted to spread its teachings with force, then why would the Holy Quran explicitly state that it was the duty of Muslims to safeguard all people and their rights? Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa exampled that early Muslims gave their life to uphold and establish the principles of “individual liberty, freedom of religion and freedom of belief”, which are the “corner stones of Islam.”  Chapter 2 verse 257 of the Holy Quran encapsulates this freedom, Huzooraa explained. The Holy Prophetsa and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs never usurped rights of others. Rather they promoted freedom and peace. The Holy Prophetsa, after migrating to Medina, formed a treaty with the Jews of Medina. “The Muslims and the Jews pledged to cooperate and to be faithful citizens of the state” Huzooraa said. They were able to practice their religion and customs without the fear of sanctions or persecution. The Holy Prophetsa never deviated from this covenant. Islam has never permitted its followers to spread their faith “through the use of force”. The treaty of Medina enabled all people to practice their beliefs and traditions and were duty bound to be loyal citizens of the state and to refrain from all activities that would undermine the peace of the city. Keeping these aspects in mind, it is not accurate to attribute the deeds of a minority of Muslims who commit atrocities to the religion of Islam. Huzooraa said that “from cover to cover” the Holy Quran is replete with guidance that instruct Muslims to avail “every opportunity for attaining peace in the world.” Allah the Almighty instructed the Holy Prophetsa to convey the message of Islam and thereafter leave the matter to Allah. The Holy Quran never once advocated violence or force against those who shunned its teachings, rather “it called on Muslims to exhibit tolerance and patience” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that “Islam’s teachings are categorical that violent conquest or forceful conversion are strictly prohibited”. Any act or conduct that is detrimental to the peace of society is forbidden in Islam. The Holy Prophetsa taught that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands, others are safe. The Holy Prophetsa made it clear that Muslims must protect and care for all members of society, irrespective of faith. Consequently, terrorists who commit suicide bombings, attack night clubs etc. are all guilty of violating the teachings of Islam. The Holy Quran has also given guiding principles of day-to-day life that promote peace. For example chapter 2 verse 189 of the Holy Quran promotes fair trade and upholding the integrity of all transactions. Allah instructs Muslims to acquire wealth in an honest and truthful manner, not being unjust. Chapter 83 verses 2-4, the Holy Quran condemns those who are exploitative in business transactions, try to short-change others while demanding more than their due, in return. Such people are cursed and will be disgraced. The Holy Quran has given guidance for internal conflicts as well. The Islamic focus is always in establishing sustainable peace. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa referred to chapter 49, verse 10 of the Holy Quran that details how two conflicting parties or nations should be dealt with, in a just and peaceful manner. Huzooraa said that the verse captures a means of lasting peace, if acted on. However, regrettably, many Muslim nations fail to act upon this Quranic injunction. Today, we observe that cruelty and injustices are perpetrated by dominant powers in the name of