Published on Jun 29 2009 by Masood Nawaz Malik, Qaid Majlis

Perfection of our obedience is hinged upon our faith in the Unseen, and duly programmed into our subconscious mind with the mere Grace of Allah. A study into the subject alone will not suffice - we must implore our Lord for Divine help: Prayer. Its purpose is to correct the soul, establish inner peace and suppress the ego. Consequently, a death occurs within - a complete submission to the will of Allah; establishing calmness and the quietness of the mind. An optimal state - in which - one may obey the command of those that are placed in authority over us in this world. However, the absolute zenith of our obedience - must remain unconditionally - for our beloved Huzur (atba): Nizam-e Khilafat. More so, an expression of our love, without limit, for Allah; giving due rise to our inner happiness.

Steadfastness in our obedience for Nizam-e Khilafat, is not only the root of our obedience to Nizam-e Jama'at, but the soul of our salvation in this world. Reinforcing the tradition of the Holy Prophet (saw): Verily the Imam is a shield (Sahih Bukhari). The endless love, and readiness for our beloved Khalifa - naturally - a giving gesture; subsequently winning the love of our Almighty Lord. However much we forego for Huzur (atba), will remain inadequate in comparison to the magnitude of the blessings of Khilafat.

On 22 August 2003, Huzur (atba) pertinently stressed the significance of obedience:

...Huzur (atba) said all believers are enjoined to inculcate a sense of obedience of excellent order in that no single commandment is omitted. As regards settlements and disputes,  Huzur (atba) explained that at times, to suit their convenience, people tend to pick and choose between the rules and regulations of the system of the Community and the civil courts. Huzur (atba) admonished against this practice and said that certainly salvation is not in orally professing to be a believer rather it entails to abandon all kind of hypocrisy and faithlessness. Huzur (atba) further stressed the significance of submitting to the decisions taken by the system of the Community. He said even if a wrong decision has been taken one has to accept it and that Allah will indeed reward this state of patience. Huzur (atba) said true and sincere obedience, which is not an easy practice, is instrumental in spiritual development... [1]

Huzur (atba) further adds, by citing the example of the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) 

...they had totally negated themselves in the spirit of obedience and compliance to The Holy Prophet (saw) and therein is the key to Islam’s triumph – contrary to the gross misinformation, Islam did not spread by force - it was this excellent spirit of obedience of the Companions that entranced people to the beauty of Islam... [1]

Naturally, the guidance of our Khalifa, is akin to a command; perfectly obeyed. Once again, an expression of our love and sincere worship of Allah. As highlighted above, it is our collective 'spirit of obedience', opportunely drawing lost souls towards a simple and effective way of life. A life, enveloped in happiness and love for all mankind. However, this virtue, is at first, to be divinely cultivated through our faith alone. Here I would like to quote Christina Rossetti, a British poet: Obedience is the fruit of faith.

'Office of the Qaid', whilst serving in this capacity, there shall arise times, when I may act upon a wrong decision; yet, to err is human. However, I endeavour to busy myself in istighfar - supplicating for the suppression of human tendency to fall into error, so as to be safeguarded against error or sin - subsequently, my unconscious errors being few and far between.  It is during these times, I invite my brothers to take heed, and call to mind the following citations from Huzur's (atba) sermon: If a wrong decision has been taken, one has to accept it and that Allah will indeed reward this state of patience... [1]  Huzur (atba), further added: "...we should be obedient to the system of the Community purely for the sake of Allah..." [1], and "...within the system of the Community it is possible that an error is made by an individual, yet, it is obligatory to be obedient in that this practice evades disorder and turmoil..." [1]

Obedience for 'Office of the Qaid' will amount to nothing less than your obedience to Nizam-e-Jama'at, Nizam-e-Khilafat, and fundamentally one's obedience to Allah: O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you [2]

Obedience as an action, coinciding with prayer, serves to be therapeutic for a true believer; further suppressing the ego. The practice of obedience, plays a significant role in keeping us on the 'right path'. Thus, hold firm - the rope of Allah - Hadhrat Ameerul Mumineen (atba). Do so, by initiating and maintaining a relationship with Huzur (atba), through our - observance of Salat behind Huzur (atba); especially Fajr and Ishaa prayers - giving diligent heed to Khutbah Jumu'ah (Friday Sermon), followed by participation in Friday Prayer - frequent letters: addressed to Huzur (atba) - personal and family Mulaqats - all for further developing one's rapport with Allah’s Khalifa (atba).

We, the Khuddam of this Qiadat, have the good fortune of neighbouring Khalifa-e-Waqt (atba) of Jama'at Ahmadiyya. Let us rise to this momentus and blessed occasion, expressing our gratitude to Allah  by demonstrating our utmost obedience and sacrifice of our time, in supporting the 'Office of the Qaid'; serving Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, and subsequently, Allah's Khalifa.

May Allah bless Huzur (atba) and Huzur's (atba) family with excellent health, envelop us all in the mantle of righteousness, and perfectly preserve our prayers. Ameen.


Wassalam

Yours humbly,
Masood Nawaz Malik
Qaid Majlis

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[1] Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba). Summary of Friday Sermon: 'Obedience', delivered at the opening of Jalsa Salana Germany (22 August 2003). http://www.alislam.org/mta/summary/august22-2003.html

[2] Holy Qur'an. (4:60)