Published on Jul 29 2010 by Nadimur Rahman

Huzur (aba), delivered the Friday sermon on July 30, 2010 at Hadeeqatul-Mahdi, site of the 2010 annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of the United Kingdom. Huzoor (aba) cited the verse:

They are the ones who turn to God in repentance, who worship Him, who praise Him, who go about in the land serving Him, who bow down to God, who prostrate themselves in prayer, who enjoin good and forbid evil, and who watch the limits set by Allah. And give glad tidings to those who believe. (9:112)

This verse of the Holy Quran applies to those believers who give precedence to their faith and conviction above all worldly affairs, and for such people are glad tidings from God Almighty. Those who possess the characteristics outlined in this verse truly are Believers (Momineen), because these are the people who carry out their worship in the best possible way, they ask for forgiveness in the true spirit of repentance, they bow before their Lord like they are supposed to, they follow the teachings of Islam and become the role models by practicing what they preach. These are the people who attain the status of those who are the guardians of the limits set forth by Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty enable them to progress continually in their virtues and may all the participants at the Jalsa Salana attain this virtuous status so that they may be counted among this blessed group of Believers.

Huzoor (aba) stated that many of the Jalsa participants have travelled from far flung places to be part of this auspicious occasion. He said that in the morning after Fajr prayers, het me a family that had travelled all through the night from Europe, and among this family, were little children and women. This journey was undertaken only to reap the blessings of Jalsa salana. Many who travel to Hadeeqa-tul-Mahdi even from the United Kingdom are undertaking some sort of travel and undergo inconvenience. God Almighty regards such a journey as one undertaken for His sake. Those who succeed in arriving at Jalsa Salana are guests of the Promised Messiah (as) who leave behind worldly aims to gain spiritual benefits. Huzoor (aba) said that although organizational steps have been put in place for the service of all participants, however, he also said that those who come to Jalsa Salana with the intention of enriching their souls are not worried about physical comforts and luxuries. Their attention is only focused on how to nourish their souls. If this view is kept in mind i.e. that worldly pleasures do not matter, then the weakness that may exist in the organizational matters of the hosts will not be significant and will be easily excused. Huzoor (aba) said that sometimes, people complain that some guests are being taken care of better than others. It must be remembered that organizers try their best to give great care and attention to all guests equally. However, there are occasions where some guests are given separate service, appropriate in certain circumstances. Huzoor (aba) drew the attention of the masses towards the true objective of their presence at the Jalsa, which is to enhance and improve their spiritual state so that they progress in their way of becoming true Momineen. Hadhrat Promised Messiah (as) always gave individual care to each and every one of his guests; however, at the occasion of Jalsa Salana, all guests were given equal treatment by the overall organization. The emphasis was laid on the real objectives of attending Jalsa Salana: to gain knowledge, to purify oneself and to gain nearness to God Almighty. This is the aim of attending Jalsa Salana every year.

Huzoor (aba) also directed the attention of the Jalsa participants towards the proper use of their time. During Jalsa Salana, members of a family get together from different countries of the world and this provides an opportunity of a reunion. At such occasions, these families wish to spend time with one another. It is a sign of the truth of the Promised Messiah (as) that he was successful in forming a Jamaat without borders, which is one big brotherhood that displays a unique bond of brotherhood and unity to become one nation. But Huzoor (aba) reminded that the participants should not neglect the Jalsa program. He also pointed out that those who sit in gatherings all through the night and forget that they have gathered for a specific purpose should rectify their actions. It is the distinction of a Momin to create a balance in his life. The Holy Prophet (saw) has also advised that Muslims should not waste their time in idle talk. Huzoor (aba) said that there is no harm in spending time with relatives, but one should also remain mindful of the prayers and the actual purpose of attending Jalsa Salana. Sometimes, guests also put pressure on the hosts to become part of such night-long gatherings, which becomes very cumbersome for the hosts since they have to fulfil many other responsibilities as well. Therefore, the guests and the hosts should be aware of their principal duties during the time of Jalsa Salana.

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