Published on Apr 19 2010 by Tommy Kallon, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

My dear brothers Khuddam and Atfal,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah. May the Lord of mankind open unto you the gates of His mercy and may He so ordain that you are always accompanied by the supplication of His angels.

The recent scandal involving the Catholic Church again brought into question the moral authority of the world’s most powerful Christian denomination. It also represented another fulfilment of the Holy Prophet(saw)’s grand prophecy that with the appearance of the Promised Messiah (as), the cross would be broken – a subject Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih (atba) dealt with comprehensively in the previous week’s Khutbah Jumu’ah.

It was fitting, then, last Friday for Huzur Aqdas (atba) to speak from Italy – the homeland of the papacy – about the duty of Ahmadis to counter the erroneous belief in the Trinity with the truth of Tauheed (Unity of God). Delivering the first ever sermon to be broadcast live on MTA International from the country, in San Pietro in Casale, Bologna, Huzur (atba) reminded that we must all become emissaries of Ahmadiyyat. Particularly for those living in Italy, where due to restrictions no missionary has yet been sent, there is a need to cultivate excellent morals to bring about a much needed revolution such that the centre of Christendom becomes populated with the followers of the Promised Messiah (as), Insha’Allah.

With the acquisition of a plot inSan Pietro in Casale two years ago, Huzur (atba) prayed that the Jama’at is soon able to build a mosque not just there, but also in Rome, the present headquarters of the Vatican.

Huzur (atba) explained that changing the religious landscape of Italy is a huge undertaking and requires great sacrifices. Unless we commit ourselves to treading the path of Taqwa, understand the purpose of our creation, watch over our conduct, put faith above the world, become exemplars of love and brotherhood, remain attached and obedient to Khilafat, keep in view our pledge to the Promised Messiah (as) and place the commands of Allah and the Holy Prophet (saw) above all else, we should not expect success. However, living by the above code will guarantee this shift does take place, if not in our lifetimes then in those of our offspring.

Huzur (atba) reminded us about the golden principle taught by the Holy Prophet (saw) that whatever we desire for ourselves, we should likewise desire for others; therefore, it is the obligation of all Ahmadis to remain conscious of their Bai’at with the Promised Messiah (as) and present the reality of Tauheed to Christians.

Proceeding with this task without the aid of prayer, though, is useless. Huzur (atba) expressed disappointment with Ahmadis that neglect Salat but then request his prayers for them to turn more towards worship. Huzur (atba) emphasised that it is an Ahmadi’s own responsibility to ensure that he or she is regular and constant in observing prayers and that practical steps must be taken by individuals themselves.

Indeed the Promised Messiah (as) said that prayer is essential to enable the spread and victory of Islam, hence we must keep our heads bowed before Allah, wage a jihad against our own souls, and be resigned to Allah’s will until our very last breath, so that we may be counted as true believers, as commanded by the Holy Qur’an: “O ye who believe! fear Allah as He should be feared; and let not death overtake you except when you are in a state of submission.” (Ch.3:V.103)

Hence, Huzur (atba) warned, if we wish to see the Jama’at progress, yield the fruits of our labour in Tabligh, raise our spiritual and moral standards, then prayer, effort and obedience are all required. This is what will distinguish Ahmadis from everyone else, and lead to the flag of Islam and the Holy Prophet (saw) flying highest in the world, for which purpose the Promised Messiah (as) had appeared. 

May Allah enable us to realise our responsibilities, live up to Huzur(atba)’s expectations, and play our part in re-establishing the supremacy of Tauheed. Ameen.