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 the purpose of the message brought by the Holy Prophet (sa) was to direct people towards belief in One God, His worship, the establishment of His unity and striving in that regard, and to fulfil the rights owed to fellow humankind in order to live together harmoniously.
The Role of Muslim Countries in the Current Turmoil
His Holiness (aba) said that the reality today is that, despite Muslims professing the Islamic creed, there is discord among Muslims and a lack of unity. The actions of Muslims do not conform to the teachings which they profess. If we look at the current state of the Muslim world, then there is great cause for concern. Although the Muslim world has means and wealth, the Muslim countries have neither a good standing on the world stage, nor do they have God standing in terms of the faith. They do not strive to act upon the teachings of Islam. The result is that non-Muslims take advantage. Therefore, the leaders of the Muslim world must realise that they need to unite as one and they must strive in this regard. It is only in doing so that they can save themselves from the onslaughts of the world, establish their dignity, and prevent anti-Islamic forces from striking discord among Muslims.
His Holiness (aba) said that in this regard, we must ponder over the divinely established provision by following which the Muslim world can become united as one. That provision is the manifestation of the Promised Messiah (as) in this era, who was sent by God to unite the Muslim world. Thus, it is the responsibility of Ahmadi Muslims to strive towards the end of uniting the Muslim world.
His Holiness (aba) said that he has been giving warnings for quite some time regarding the current state of the world. Previously, it was thought that the Western or European nations would become the cause of such precarious circumstances, and while they are indeed, it is also true that Muslim nations have also contributed to the current state of affairs in the world. It was the Western nations which stirred discord in the Muslim nations, which then spread from one country to the next. It is clear that these Western nations seek to obtain the means found in these Muslim lands and bring them under their control.
His Holiness (aba) said that the warnings he has been giving for quite some time are now manifesting exactly as he had said they would. One thing is clearly evident – the powers of the Antichrist will never let us live in peace. They thrive on there constantly being discord in the world. Such nations will establish peace treaties under the guise of peace, but their motives are to obtain oil or other such motives.
The Threat Posed by Establishing Military Bases in Muslim Countries
His Holiness (aba) said that the current war in the Middle East clearly shows the United States has established military bases at various places. But why is this so? Is it to protect those countries? After all, what threat was posed to the Middle Eastern countries? The reality is that they themselves created the threat, and then said that in order to save themselves from the threat, they needed to establish military bases. Or, the Muslim countries were convinced to provide them with military bases with promises of helping them in trade and business. All the while, their actual purpose was not to actually help, but to bolster their own strength. Even if there was a threat to the Arab nations, they were the threats created by the US itself. And so, ultimately, their purpose was to establish their superiority over these nations.
His Holiness (aba) said that as for Iran, it has always instigated these nations, and indeed, even certain Muslim nations have been opposed to Iran due to theological differences. This discord was taken advantage of by Western nations. Seeing as Iran had a stricter policy against Israel, the US thought to rally the Arab world and establish military bases there to ensure the protection of Israel and impose their presence upon Iran. It is now evident that because of these bases, there were threats to the Arab world, and indeed these threats materialised in the form of attacks which have gravely impacted their livelihoods. There have been negative impacts on areas where the economy depends on oil money or tourism. This has only benefited the Western powers and will continue to benefit them, because when there is war, opposing powers also wage attacks. Since Iran was at war with the US, it too waged attacks targeting bases and embassies in Arab countries, which have caused harm.
The Seeding of Discord Among Muslim Countries
His Holiness (aba) said that an Arab journalist wrote that Arabs must remain vigilant, because. In contrast, it is said that Iran is the one waging these attacks; it is also possible for these attacks to be waged by the US and Israel. Whereas Iran may have waged attacks as well, it is very possible that the US and Israel may take advantage and themselves be the ones to wage further attacks. The journalist goes on to write that it is possible that ultimately the US and Israel may exit this war while the Muslim world continues fighting among itself.
His Holiness (aba) said that the Fourth Caliph (rh) also warned at the time of the Iraq war that this discord would only spread. If only the Muslim world had taken heed. It is evident to see that, along with the war in Iraq, there were attempts to stir discord in other Muslim countries as well, which has resulted in continuous unrest in these Muslim countries. This is something no one can deny. We see there are Muslim countries fighting against each other. This discord has been struck by the Western world, and there seems to be no end in sight, unless it is decreed by God.
His Holiness (aba) said that we must thus pray that God saves the world from discord and unrest. The Muslim world must adopt peace and live together harmoniously. This is exactly what Islam teaches them. It does not teach them to be at each other’s throats. As Ahmadis, it has always been our mission to warn them against perpetrating injustices. Given the manner in which these cruelties are increasing by the day, it seems that there is going to be a wide-scale world war. In fact, some Western commentators believe that the world war has already started. His Holiness (aba) has also said that the world war has begun. However, if, even now, the Muslim world comes together and unites as one, then they can protect themselves against the onslaughts of the Antichrist.
The Need for Justice and Upholding the Rights of Others
His Holiness (aba) said that the current threat to the world is great. Everyone is concerned more with their own personal interests and gains. When one becomes selfish, they can think of no one other than themselves. In today’s world, it is not only a matter of seeking one’s own rights; rather, people must honour the rights of others. Thus, the Muslim world must be told to act with justice, for it is only then that peace can be established in the world.
His Holiness (aba) said that he has been warning the world of this end for a very long time. The same people who mocked or said that His Holiness (aba) holds a very pessimistic view of the world are now accepting that what they considered impossible only a few years ago has become a very real possibility, as wars have broken out. American and European commentators have said that the world war has begun and will only intensify. Until these nations continue to seek only their own interests, these wars will only increase.
His Holiness (aba) said that it is said regarding the current war in the Middle East that it was initiated by the US attacking Iran. However, Iran had clearly warned that if they were attacked, then they would strike the US bases in Arab countries. The US proceeded to attack Iran, destroy their livelihood, kill innocent people and kill their spiritual leader. The US said that it did this to uproot the existing regime and to grant freedom to the Iranian people. However, the result has been that even those who were slightly opposed to Iran have started turning in its favour, and in their sights have made Khamenei a martyr, and his respect has increased among the nation. His children have been killed, in fact, his entire family. Rather than a regime change, it has only increased his respect in the eyes of his people. In response, Iran has attacked Western bases in Arab countries. The US has warned that it will take further action if Iran attacks certain oil wells in Saudi Arabia and even purported that Iran has already waged attacks on some of those oil wells. However, Iran has responded and clearly stated that it never waged those attacks and had no intention of doing so.
His Holiness (aba) said that these are all ploys to create more hatred for Muslims. As stated earlier, an Arab journalist suggested that the US and Israel might wage these attacks themselves and then blame Iran for them. Thus, the Muslim world must tread very carefully. As Ahmadis who are pained by these circumstances, we have no power to do anything other than to warn people and pray for them. We must explain to them that all that is happening is wrong. Even if Muslim governments were to understand now, and rather than looking towards only their own benefit, they were to look towards the benefit of the entire Muslim world, then they could still be saved.
The Loss Incurred in this War
His Holiness (aba) said that it is clear this war is taking a dangerous turn. Iran is firing missiles, and while America has the infrastructure to intercept missiles, commentators say that if Iran fires a $50,000 missile, it takes many millions of dollars for the US to intercept it. Hence, some experts say that America is bearing the brunt of this war’s economic impact. However, this is just a theory, because these Western nations have typically already accounted for such costs. His Holiness (aba) said that he does not believe that the US will bear this cost on its own; rather, it will probably obtain the funds from Arab countries by telling them they are coming to their defence. On the one hand, prices are increasing, and the amount of oil being produced is decreasing; on the other hand, they will have to make up for the losses in their reserves. Ultimately, the Arab economy will greatly suffer. Certainly, the economies of Western nations will suffer; however, the greatest loss will be suffered by the Arab countries.
His Holiness (aba) said that the current American President’s policy resembles that of previous administrations. It is not a new policy; their policy has always been to usurp the goods of any nations they so desire and to create some sort of justification for it. In fact, the current Vice-President of the United States has gone so far as to say that if a nation does not support them, they will seize control of its resources until it agrees to support them. Thus, sanctions are placed on those who do not join them. Recently, when the President of Spain was so bold as to say that Spain would not partake in this war, he was threatened with the fact that the US would cut off all trade with them. Thus, nations are forced into joining these wars. Thus there is no semblance of justice, and when there is no justice then there is destruction, as can be seen today. In fact, even worse conditions will arise if such injustices continue.
His Holiness (aba) said that in recent days, a female European Member of Parliament said that women have never gained freedom as a result of an American war. While America claims that they are fighting for the freedom of Iranian women, this claim is entirely false and baseless. Iranian women will not gain freedom as a result of this war, because America has never fought for the freedom of women.
His Holiness (aba) said that while America already had a monopoly over these countries, by including Israel they have only bolstered this monopoly. The Muslim and Arab countries do not seem to realise that they are being pitted against each other. Now, Russia and China are also forming their blocs which will only increase. The Muslim world will remain a battlefield for the world because they have means and resources which others seek. If only Muslims would wake up and take heed.
War Based on Hypothesis
His Holiness (aba) said that the US and its allies also say that they attacked Iran because Iran may have created a nuclear bomb or to preemptively stem any attack that they may have launched. In other words, this war was started on the basis of conceptual ideas of what might have been. Western commentators have said that going to war with Iran is not as easy as the US had initially thought and that this war may extend for a long time and it will certainly negatively impact the Muslim world. Most grievous of all is that Muslims themselves are killing other Muslims. Scores of innocents and children have been killed. American columnists have written that if a few children were killed in Western countries, there would be columns written about it for days on end. However, when a school was bombed in the Middle East, nothing was said. Such was the case in Palestine, and now it is the case in Iran. It goes to show that in their view, a Muslim life holds no value.
Muslim Ummah Should Unite
His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant sense to the Muslim world and enable them to come together to solve these issues. If they claim to believe in One God, then in order to establish God’s Unity on earth it is necessary for them to become united. There is no need to start disputes, even on the basis of differences in beliefs, as sometimes that is what gives rise to conflict. The Holy Prophet (sa) was so careful and kind that when his companions told him that a certain person was a hypocrite, the Holy Prophet (sa) responded saying that he would not take any action so long as the person proclaimed the Islamic creed. Thus, to start disputes on the most trivial of matters will only bring harm unto themselves.
His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant wisdom to the Muslim world; even now, may they come to realise that they must not become opposed to Iran solely on the basis of differences in belief. Islam came to establish the Unity of God, and so everyone must strive to this end. They must not make the great powers of this world their gods, because the only true and lasting power belongs to Allah. There is still time to wake up and turn to God. Worldly people have destroyed the peace of the world and will continue to do so. God states in the Holy Qur’an:
‘And if two parties of believers fight against each other, make peace between them; then if after that one of them transgresses against the other, fight the party that transgresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Then if it returns, make peace between them with equity, and act justly. Verily, Allah loves the just.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 49:10)
His Holiness (aba) said that the dictates of justice must be met and the Muslim governments must play their role. It should be clear that when trying to establish peace, vested interest must not be at the fore, rather the actual issue at hand must be resolved. The issue at hand is clearly the Antichrist which seeks to stir discord. Thus far, the UN has not played its role in establishing this kind of peace. It is only when we rise above vested interests that we can establish peace. God further states:
‘Surely all believers are brothers. So make peace between brothers, and fear Allah that mercy may be shown to you.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 49:11)
His Holiness (aba) said that even if there is discord or a dispute between two Muslim countries, then they must remember that they are, at their core, brothers; and petty disputes must not undo this brotherhood. The Muslim world must pay special heed to this, otherwise anti-Islam forces will take advantage. If only the Muslim world understood this. May Allah grant them the sense to do so. In any case, it is the duty of every Ahmadi to pray for the Muslim world, especially for those who are innocent. During Ramadan, one should not focus solely on prayers for themselves but should also pray for the Muslim world; for the establishment of peace and harmony. Through their actions, Muslims are drawing the displeasure of God and incurring detriment not only in this world but the next as well. May Allah enable the Muslim world to realise this. May Allah enable us to offer prayers in the truest sense.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayers in absentia of the following:
Sahibzadi Amatul Jamil
Sahibzadi Amatul Jamil who was the youngest daughter of the Second Caliph (ra) and wife of the late Nasir Muhammad Sial. Her mother was Hazrat Sayyida Umm Tahir. Her marriage was announced by the Second Caliph (ra). She is survived by four children; a son and three daughters. She cared for the poor and those in need. She related many interests from the life of the Second Caliph (ra). Once, she had placed her shoes beside the Second Caliph’s (ra) as typically someone would clean his shoes when they were left outside. However, the Second Caliph (ra) saw the second pair of shoes and asked whose they were. When she told them they were hers, he said that if she was unable to polish her own shoes then she should give them to him so that he could polish them for her, however she should not have them polished by a worker of the Jama`at. This incident shows the esteem and respect that the Second Caliph (ra) had for workers of the Jama`at. Her mother passed away when she was seven years old. The Second Caliph (ra) saw his seven year old daughter wailing in grief, so he went to her and consoled her by saying that her mother had gone to Allah’s home where she would get to rest, and this was Allah’s will. He explained that the Holy Prophet (sa) passed away, her grandfather, the Promised Messiah (as) also passed away, and then he asked if her mother was at a rank greater than them? Then, the Second Caliph (ra) prayed for God’s shade to never leave his daughter even for a second. After this prayer, she never cried out of grief again. The next day when her elder sister was crying and so the young Amatul Jamil said it is strange that her sister was crying when their father had already explained that this had been Allah’s will.
She was regular in offering financial sacrifices. She was kind to her neighbours. She always requested prayers for a good end. She would spend a great deal of time in prayer and regularly prayed for others. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant her forgiveness and mercy.
Dr Rashid Ahmad Khan
Dr Rashid Ahmad Khan of Holland. He is survived by four sons and four daughters. He was pious, God fearing, good to his family, brave, courageous, devoted to Khilafat and always ready to offer any sacrifice. He silently helped many poor and needy people. He had been tasked by the Second Caliph (ra) to establish contact with Ahmadis in the province of Sarhad. He also had a passion for propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, as a result of which he faced various difficulties, such as having a false case lodged against him. He was once beaten by a mob resulting in practically every bone in his body being broken and left alone only when he was considered to be dead. The doctors were astonished as to how he was able to remain alive. He went on to live for 30 more years. He was being taken to the mortuary, however God intended to keep him alive and essentially granted him a new life. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy, elevate his station in Paradise and enable his children to carry on the legacy of his virtues.
Zainab Bibi
Zainab Bibi wife of the late Bashir Ahmad. She was regular in offering prayers, reciting the Holy Qur’an, had deep love for Khilafat and helped the poor. She is survived by three sons and four daughters. One of her daughters is the daughter of a missionary serving in Zambia and could not attend her mothers funeral. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant her patience and grant the deceased forgiveness and mercy.