Today’s Friday sermon was delivered by Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah be his Helper) from Baitul Futuh mosque, London. After Tashahhud and Surah Fātiḥah Huzoor preceded that some people complaint about the office bearers and other members, pinpointing their particular wrongdoing or misconduct that is against the Shariah and furthermore they demand prompt action or investigation over it considering that they are portraying a bad image of Jama’at. However, many such complainers do not mention their names in the letters or will just write an incorrect fake name and address. On such ambiguous letters, no investigation can be done and neither is undertaken. Later when time passes, a complaint is again lodged that no action has been taken on my prior complaint letter and if no inquiry is commenced it will lead to a lot of loss. Complaining whilst remaining nameless is common among Pakistanis and Indians. There is hardly any complaint put forward by members from other countries throughout the world. But Pakistani’s residing in other countries have this problem of complaining by being anonymous. However, this is not something new and such people who put forward these complaints have shown up during all eras. Such anonymous complaints were forwarded during the time of previous Khulifah’s as well. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) had also delivered a sermon regarding such complaints because in order to put such people to silence it is essential to come up with a very comprehensive and clear plan and therefore making use of that sermon I have thought to deliver a few words.
Those to fail to recognize themselves or make up a name to forward a complaint, such people are either hypocrites or are liars. If they have the strength and are true enough then they must not be worried about anything. They verbally take the oath that they will always be ready to sacrifice their life, wealth, time and children for the sake of Islam but when they come across a situation where they have to protect the honor of Jama’at, they tend to become anonymous and do not reveal their names so that their respect is not harmed. Thus, whoever has shown weakness at the beginning, it is utmost possible that the rest of their words too have little truth and worth. Holy Quran commands to investigate if an issue arises and is brought to you. Every sensible person is aware that for any complaint, right away investigation cannot be started right away just depending merely on someone’s words but it is essential to take into account the character of the person complaining. Investigation into a matter actually begins by looking into the character of the person who actually brought up the complaint. It will be examined that is the person complaining pure from all sort of sins, also is not involved in any kind of ill act and is not weak in the faith. It is often seen that the people who file a complaint have their own vested interests and are fearful that others (against whom they complaint) will have negative impact on achieving their personal benefits. It is important to know that is the person complaining a ‘Momin’ (true believer) or a ‘Fasiq’. When we do not know anything about the person filing the complaint then we cannot analyze their character or sort them into either of the above mentioned categories. It is possible that the person is writing about something that will harm the interests of Jama’at, then accordingly some investigation is undertaken. Likewise, if it is known that who is complaining, an analysis of his/her character will be done and later into the complaint filed. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that Hole Quran commands that ‘If a Fasiq comes to you with a complaint first investigate about it and then undertake any action’. But the persons complaining as anonymous become sinful themselves. And then expect that their complaints shall be accepted the way they have penned it down and announce a punishment for the other person as soon as possible. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that ‘Fasiq’ does not only mean fornicator but according to the dictionary meaning ‘Fasiq’ in Arabic also implies one who is haste in decision making, disobedient one, abusive one and also means one who exaggerates vices and demands that against whom the complaint is put forward shall be punished to the utmost. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says about one of the very sincere Ahmadi Hafiz friend that he was very good in faith but had a habit of putting forward Islamic statements on very minor acts too. He would just look into and consider very simple actions to be against Islam and part of disbelief. For example, he would consider a person as a disbeliever who would not properly sit on the left leg and keep their right foot upright with fingers facing the Qibla during Tashahhud. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that due to the illness of gout I could not keep the right foot upright during Tashahhud and if Hafiz sahib would have been alive, he would have surely accused me of being a disbeliever too. He would consider this action to be against the teaching of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him), and likewise against the teachings of Holy Quran and then ultimately against the teachings of Allah. Therefore, Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) have identified and given example of such people who would look into other’s very small matters and come to conclusions in haste, no matter how good they be in their own faith. Therefore, now the people who do not reveal their identities, are weak in faith and moreover do not hesitate to consider others actions as a sign of disbelief are surely the ‘Fasiq’. Thus, it should be evident on all such complainers that their action is against the teachings of Quran. This is because Quran commands to look into the character of the person complaining. If actions are undertaken merely depending on such letters, then Jama’at will not progress and every other person will demand that actions be taken according to his or her will and demands. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that even if we know that the person who is complaining is very conscious, sincere and righteous even then it is essential to inspect his/her character. This is because no one can impose their demands when they have filed a complaint. Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) was once leading congregation prayer and just happened to have forgotten something during reciting the Quranic verses. Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) corrected him but Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) did not like this action. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that this dislike of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) can reflect upon the fact that a person should be responsible for their own important matters and should not bother about little matters. It can also mean that it is the duty of the people who used to learn Quran from Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) to correct him and not Hazrat Ali’s (may Allah be pleased with him).
Likewise, Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says regarding the nameless complaint letters that it is possible that the letter is from a person who holds an important official position and so I may ask him/her to worry about fulfilling their own responsibilities and not look into other people’s matters. The person who had written a nameless letter to Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) had tried to unveil about others, including many Lajna members un-Islamic acts. Huzoor (may Allah be his helper) says that at one instance the complainer is trying to portray un-Islamic actions of others and on the other instance he himself is committing an act that is against the teachings of Holy Quran and of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him). The person himself is not abiding to the Islamic teachings regarding the conditions of filing a complaint. When they write to me about it they are in indeed violating those conditions. The right thing is to follow the teachings of Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him). Holy Quran teaches if a complaint if forwarded it should be properly investigated and analyzed before taking the correct measures. Thus, if the complaint is nameless then how can an investigation be conducted and it is indeed totally against the teachings of Holy Quran. It shall always be kept in mind that a true virtue is to follow the commandments of Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) regardless of that act’s status in the society. If according to the society, it is not appreciated but Islamic teachings consider it correct then we must follow what the teachings of Holy Quran and Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) are and should have a faith that they do not have any discrepancies.
Some people are influenced by their characters and by the societal practices and therefore show stringency and strictness in some matters. But their opinions even though are based on religion have no truth or certainty. Regarding this Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted an example from the life of the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) that once Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) was roaming at the station along with Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her). At that time, veiling by women was practiced very strictly. At the station, women from rich families used to come in carts that were properly covered with curtains. These carts would take them to the train compartment and once they were seated, windows were closed so that no one could see them. This level of ‘pardah’ was indeed very agonizing and against the teachings of Islam. Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) followed the true teachings of Islam and therefore Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her) would cover herself with a veil and would go out. On that day too, Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her) was wearing a veil and was walking along with the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him). Maulvi Abdul Kareem sahib and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1 (may Allah be pleased with him) was also along with them. Maulvi Abdul Kareem sahib had a sharp personality and thought that it is wrong. He did not have the courage to go to the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) and complaint about it therefore he went to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1 (may Allah be pleased with him) and said that this is not good that Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her) is walking along and this news will spread around and will be published by different print media that Mirza Sahib was walking along with his wife at the platform therefore please go and inform Mirza Sahib about it. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1 (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that what wrong do you see in this when I do not find it un-Islamic at all. If you think that it is wrong then you can go yourself and talk to the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) about it. Thus he went and upon his return he had his head down in embarrassment. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1(may Allah be pleased with him) enquired about the answer, Maulvi sahib said that Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) replied that what will people say? They will just say that Mirza Sahib was walking along with his wife. Maulvi Abdul Kareem sahib upon hearing the answer returned in utter embarrassment. Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her) was properly covering herself with veil and it is not un-Islamic at all to walk with your wife. Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) also used to walk along with his wives. Once he (Peace be Upon Him) had a race with Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) in the presence of other people. Holy Prophet was left behind the first time and Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) won the race. The second time they both had a race, Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) won. At this he (Peace be Upon Him) said ‘Ayesha we are even now’. Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) did not consider it to be an ill act to walk with his wives and if Islam has given permission for something, then it cannot be referred to as disgraceful or faulty. Thus if a person criticizes someone else then it means that for him the other person does not follow the true teachings of Islam and then he says regarding the person who files the complaint that he has written that the person under the subject is of low status and then on that basis start off with personal criticism. And wrote that the person is of very low character and you have entrusted him with official responsibilities. Furthermore, such allegations were made for which teachings of the Holy Quran reveal that they require four very clear eye witnesses or else the complaint cannot be filed. Some people allege others for relationship between a girl and a boy but if they are doing so, it is required of them to have four eye witnesses. It is astonishing that such a respect of religion arises in a person who is against the teachings of Quran and alleges such accusations on others that are not only unpermitted by the Quranic commandments but have assigned a limit on such allegations. A punishment of eighty lashes is assigned for someone who alleges someone of wrong accusations. Thus when Shariah has given such strict laws regarding this issue and the person who disobeys them and charges someone else of un-Islamic practices, in certainty he himself is the one who is not following the true teachings of Islam. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that look what happened to the status of the complainant. First he did not reveal his identity, then he did not support the complaint with the required evidence and neither I am nor the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him) was free from abiding the laws of Shariah. Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) was compelled to follow the rules of Shariah. Thus that person has filed such complaints upon which the Shariah has put limits and it is essential to follow the methods of witnesses recommended for it. But that complainant wants the other people to be punished whom he thinks is not following the commandments of Islam but no punishment should be given to him. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that this reminded me of a joke from my childhood that I had enjoyed a lot. I was then in grade fifth or sixth. Our teacher had made a rule that whoever would answer his question within the prescribed time will be included amongst the top number. We were standing and the question was asked. One of the students answered the question while the other raised his hand and said that his answer is incorrect. The teacher asked the student who had answered the question to come down and the later one to move up. As soon as the first boy came down who was initially at a higher number said teacher this other guy while pointing out my mistake has pronounced the word ‘wrong’ incorrectly. The teacher upon hearing this swapped their positions again. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that this is the condition of the critics who charge others of the wrong doings and their way of criticism is criminal. Like this, the complainant in process of accusing others gets punished himself. And then they cry that no one punishes the criminal but the one who diverts attention towards them is held punishable. But the people who hold the authority of punishing are indeed bounded to the laws of Shariah. If you want to establish the laws of Holy Quran than you must impose it upon yourself. If you desire for others to be under the commandment of Allah and not upon you, then this is not correct. So I say this to the complainants that recall your stature and then evaluate. Those who hide their names and who put allegations on other people say that these people have no status and no position and the proof that they present is related to the status of their families which in reality has no weightage or importance. The complainants themselves are indeed the ones with no status. We have to follow the commands of Allah and it is Allah who is our creator and Lord of everything who provides food and nourishes His creation. And since Allah is providing us with everything so we have to follow His instructions and not listen to these complainants. Like I said, these complainants want others to be punished according to the Shariah and consider themselves free of it. And become their own judges. However, when investigation will be done, they will also be punished according to the laws of the Shariah. There are some instances where witnesses are essential and if someone fails to provide the witnesses then those allegations are not considered authentic. Decisions will then be taken according to the laws of Shariah. Sometimes, it is said that someone took a false oath and protected himself from the punishment. Once when such a matter was brought to Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) and 2 people who were indulged
in a fight came so Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said that according to the laws of Allah one of you will take an oath. One of them accused the other person that he is a liar and it won’t matter to him even if he falsely swears upon the oath. Upon this Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said that I have to make the decision upon the teachings of Allah. If he swears upon the oath falsely, then his matter is with Allah who will punish him for that. Thus, always remember that decision shall not be taken according to the will of the complainant. The decision will be made according to the laws of Allah. Where ever two witnesses will be needed they must be presented and where ever four witnesses are required then they must be presented. Investigation will also be conducted and the right decision will be taken accordingly. Our success lays in the fact that we follow the commandments of Allah regarding our personal affairs and decisions. And we should not be amongst the ones who upon the bases of their personal egos and priorities force the administration or Khalifa of the time to make decisions according to their wills. May Allah give wisdom to all those people who raise such complaints. If someone considers the complaint to be genuine then they should put it forward with all the required proof and witnesses along with their original name and address. They will be equally involved in the investigation process. Likewise, people who see that there is something truly wrong in the administration then they should bravely come forward and highlight it openly and honestly and be ready to face all the consequences. Similarly, May Allah give the administration of the Jama’at the wisdom and the courage that all the people who have been appointed by the Khalifa of the time to decide on such matters may always do it rightly keeping in view all the requirements of justice and by following the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah (Ameen).
After the namaz I will lead two absentee funeral prayers. The first one is of a martyr, Sheikh Sajid Mehmood Sahib son of Sheikh Majeed Ahmad Sahib. He was 55 years old and belonged to the Jama’at of Gulzar Hijri Karachi. The opponents fired at him while he was sitting in the car outside his home on November 27th 2016 at the time of Magrib Prayer ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. According to the details, Sheikh Sahib supplied the spare parts of the flour mills in Gulshan e Mahmaar Karachi. On November 27th, he had gone out to get some grocery. He was still sitting in the car when some unidentified men on a motorcycle fired four bullets at him. While going they fired four more bullets at him and escaped from the scene of crime. He got hit by one of the bullet at the right side of his chest that went out from the back. He received another shot at his leg. He was rushed to the nearby hospital from where he was shifted to Agha Khan Hospital. But he could not recover from the injuries and before the treatment was started he embraced martyrdom ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. In their family, Ahmadiyyat was first accepted by his great grandfather Mukkaram Sheikh Fazal Kareem Sahib who undertook bai’t in 1920 at the hands of Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him). Shaheed’s father Sheikh Majeed Ahmad Sahib migrated from Kanpur to Lahore at the time of Pakistan’s independence. In 1961, he started his business in Karachi. Shaheed’s grandfather Khawaja Mohammad Shareef Sahib was president of Delhi darwaza Jama’at in Lahore for a long time. His maternal great grandfather Allah din Sahib was a companion of the Promised Messiah (Peace be on him) and similarly Mukkaram Saith Mohammad Siddique Baani Sahib of Calcutta was maternal grandfather of Shaheed’s wife. The late Shaheed received his B.A education and spent five years in very tough conditions. After that he started the business of flour mills spare parts which was immensely blessed by Allah. His son, Haris Mehmood Sahib is a Naib Quaid Majlis and is Secretary of Wasiat of Gulshan Iqbal Karachi. His son also joined in with his father’s business after completing ACCA. The late Shaheed possessed a number of qualities. His daughter Sana Mubashira is currently a student in Karachi. She was offered and undertook a six month short course in USA on scholarship. The late Shaheed had immense love for the Khilafat and therefore maintained a strong bond with it. He always advised his children to keep connected to Jama’at and the institution of Khilafat. He was always very active in paying the chandaa’s and was always concerned about paying them on time. He instructed his son to do the same. He had kept a separate money box for collecting chandaa’s. He was very sincere and honest in his business dealings. He would always pardon, show compassion towards his siblings and would never ever resent with anyone. He was very exquisite and was an embodiment of pure thoughts. He would respect his relatives a lot. He had named two of his shops at the names of his father and father in law. He gave exemplary treatment to his wife’s family. He would meet his friends and family with a pure heart. He did not have any malignity towards anyone. I have summarized the opinions of everyone who wrote to me concerning the Shaheed. His mother is very ill and it seemed difficult to inform her about the death of her son. But when she got to know and when she saw the body of her son she repeatedly exclaimed bravely that my son is a martyr and no one will cry over it. His wife also very courageously heard this sad news and showed very high standards of patience. His son said that my father had exemplary calmness in his personality and he possessed immense trust in Allah. He would always exclaim that Allah has given me such utmost respect that I cannot even think of it. He was very punctual in his worships. He was very simple and sympathetic. He had eleven siblings and he would take care of everyone. In the district of Sukkur when situations got very tense, this resulted in a number of martyrdoms, so he would many times travel there to give duties. His daughter says that after his death I saw a dream that there is a huge garden where many people with luminous faces are gathered. Every one of them is wearing very white and pure clothes. She saw that her father is there and is being surrounded by other people who are very happy upon his presence there. Then her father starts walking and everyone accompanies him along. Shaheed’s mother is very old and ill. She is bed ridden. After her son’s martyrdom she saw a dream in which late Shaheed told his mother that I am very happy and comfortable here and that you do not have to be worried about me.
He has left behind his mother, his wife Mansoora Yasmin Sahiba, son Sheikh Haris Mehmood, daughter Sana Mubashira, four brothers and six sisters. May Allah exalt the standards of the Shaheed and guide his children to follow his footsteps (Ameen).
Second funeral is of Mukkaram Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Sahib son of Abdul Kareem Sahib who was the Darwaish of Qadian. He passed away at the age of 92 due to cardiac arrest on November 26th, 2016 ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. Ahmadiyyat in his family came through Abdullah Sinori Sahib who was a companion of the Promised Messiah (Peace be on Him). In November, 1947 when the last convoy departed for Pakistan from Qadian he was seated in a truck along with his ill mother. Near the boundary of Qadian, his mother stopped the truck and asked him to stay for the protection of the ‘Markaz’ and therefore he got the honor to be the ‘Darwaish’ of Qadian. He had immense love for the institution of Jama’at and Khilafat. Had deep faith and trust in Allah. He would always accept all success and defeats as the will of Allah. He was very affectionate towards his wife, children and other relatives. Despite of being so aged, he did all his work himself. He served at different offices of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Qadian. His son told that in preparation for the Jalsa Salana he had already bought paint for his house. At that particular night he called his son and told that I think my end is near. I had taken 500 Rupees from someone and that needs to be paid back. Later also told about other dealings and in some instance he passed away ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. He has left behind three daughters and one son. His son, Nasir Waheed Sahib is serving the Jama’at in Qadian.
Third funeral is of Tanveer Ahmad Loon Sahib from Nasirabad Kashmir. He was in police department and on November 25th while on duty he was shot by some unidentified gunmen ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. He also exalts to the level of a Shaheed ‘Ina Lilah e Waina Alla-e-Rajeehoon’. He was very punctual with his prayers, kind hearted, sympathetic towards poor, sociable, debonair, faithful, and courageous and would always submit to the will of Allah. He was always active towards financial sacrifices and would give chandaa’s very regularly with increasing rates. He would always help and motivate his younger siblings. Also he would take care of their education. His neighbors said that he would in literal terms fulfill the rights of his neighbors. His colleagues say that he was very responsible towards his duty and would never show any negligence towards work. He has left behind his mother, wife, two sisters, six brothers and three innocent children. One of his children is part of Waqf-e-nau tehreek. May Allah exalt his standards and always keep his children connected to the Jama’at and the institution of Khilafat (Ameen), keep them on the path of goodness and be sufficient for them (Ameen).
