Friday sermons serve as a guiding lamp for all of us

Respected Chairpersons and my esteemed members.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahe Wabarakatuhu

Today, I wish to shed some light on how Friday sermons serve as a guiding lamp for all of us.

Ye ek sadi ka khissa hai, do char baras ki baat nahi. Ye phool khilafate haqqa ke, sau baras ke baad bhi taza hai.

On 27th May 1908, exactly 116 years ago upon the election of Maulana Hakeem Nooruddin(r.a) as the first Khalifa. He in the most glorious terms whilst speaking about Khilafat said “After 1300 years this bounty has been granted and this will not be given to anyone until the Day of Judgement. So be grateful to it because those who are grateful, for them the bounty is always increased.” This was the day when the latter part of the Holy Prophet(SAS)’s prophecy recorded in Masnad Ahmad bin Hambal fullfilled

“Summa takunu Khilafatun ala minhajin Nabuwa”

In other words, Khilafat would once again re-emerge on the precepts of Prophethood. Thus just as Khilafat-e-Rashida was the true representative of the Holy Prophet(SAS), so too is Khilafat Ahmadiyya the true representative of the Holy Prophet(SAS). 

Khalifatul Masih, the Successor to the Promised Messiah(AS), serves as the spiritual father, guide, and mentor for millions of Ahmadis worldwide. He is the guardian of Islamic teachings, the promoter of peace, and the unifier of the community. His sermons are a crucial medium through which he dispenses spiritual nourishment and guidance, addressing a wide range of topics from theological expositions to practical advice on day-to-day living.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: ‘O ye who believe! when the call is made for Prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off all business. That is better for you, if you only knew’ Surah Jummah verse 10. This verse also highlights the importance of listening to the Friday Sermon (as quoted from the Friday Sermon dated 1st July 2016).

Hazrath Khalifatul Masih Sani(RA) states the status of Khulfa-e-Ahmadiyyat is higher than all the kings and emperors of the world, being the representative of Allah.

Under the leadership of Khulfa-e-Ahmadiyyat Allah has blessed the Jamaat with such advancements that MTA now broadcasts the Friday Sermon live with multiple translations, allowing the Imam to address not just the congregation but also the entire world. This demonstrates Islamic equality, as the Imam advises everyone around the world at the same time on urgent matters they face. It is crucial for Ahmadis to listen regularly to the live Friday sermons and the programs of the Khalifa-e-Waqt, as directed by Hazoor(ATBA) at Majlis-e-Shoora, UK, 2018.

Hazoor(ATBA) has been narrating life of the Holy Prophet(SAS), his companions and the stories of early Islam and Ahmadiyyat in easy language, guiding us on how to apply these struggles and triumphs to our daily lives. These sermons and regular advice through the Imam of the age, are the best means of moral training and edification for our children.

Our beloved Khalifa distinguishes himself from worldly leaders, displaying selflessness, compassion, and promoting peace at all times. Despite all human odds, Hazoor(ATBA) delivers sermons regularly. Even during the pandemic, he was present in the Mosque with only a Muqtadi demonstrating the significance Hazoor places on the live Friday sermons.

I wish to end with a revelation received by one of the Pomised Messiah(AS)’s prominent, elderly companion Bhai Abdur Rahman Sahab(RA). Allah, the Almighty had vouchsafed this revelation that “Sabko chodo Khalifa ko pakdo, Sabko chodo Khalif ko pakdo”

In other words, disregard everything and everyone and hold fast to the rope of Khilafat.

Therefore, we must make it a habit to watch the sermon as a family, ensuring that both ourselves and our children listen to the words of our beloved Imaam. Let us all strive to safeguard the institution of Khilafat, be grateful for its presence, and ensure its stability for our future generations InshaAllah.