Dated: 27 May 2024
"Now is the Time to Stand Up and Discharge the Sacred Vow" - Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Addresses Muslim Youth Event (Waqf-e-Nau Ijtema)
"Be in no doubt that consuming vile content will profoundly damage you and your personality" - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
On 26 May 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfe-e-Nau Ijtema, an annual gathering held for male members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.
His Holiness graced the event from the MTA Studios in Islamabad whilst more than 1640 members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.
During a faith inspiring address, His Holiness outlined the vast importance of adopting righteousness and increasing religious knowledge in order to better fulfil the responsibilities of being part of the Waqf-e-Nau Scheme.
Speaking of the importance of seeking knowledge, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"For the perpetual progress and well-being of any nation or community, it is of the utmost importance that its youth are well-educated and of high moral standing." His Holiness highlighted the importance of studying the Holy Quran every day to improve religious understanding and also highlighted the significance of reading the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).
A key point that His Holiness outlined during his address was the importance of obedience.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Obedience is the chief means of strengthening the bonds of unity amongst communities. In fact, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has said that no nation or community can thrive until its members possess the qualities of devotion, sincerity and loyalty to their Imam."
His Holiness said that there may be times when a person does not fully understand the wisdom of certain commandments and so it is important to search for the answers to the questions and doubts that arise.
His Holiness said that in order to do so, the Waqf-e-Nau should turn to the Holy Quran and also ask the missionaries of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. And if any doubts remain, they should write to His Holiness with their questions.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It should never be that you think, 'Why should we accept or follow the instructions we have received?'. Especially as Waqifeen-e-Nau you should never fall prey to such thoughts, as you are the people who have pledged to live your lives in the service of Islam and according to the direction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community."
His Holiness said that the history of all the past prophets attests to the fact that the downfall of their communities was the result of a lack of obedience.
Speaking of the historyof Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"After the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, the level of obedience and unity amongst the Muslim Ummah decreased over the course of time. This led directly to an age of spiritual darkness and decay within Islam, whereby Muslims departed entirely from their religious teachings."
It was then that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) was sent to rejuvenate the teachings of Islam and so the Waqf-e-Nau should learn the learn the lesson from the past and know that "that obedience to your faith and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a pre-requisite."
His Holiness went on to highlight that Waqf-e-Nau should seek to excel in following the approximately 700 commandments mentioned in the Holy Quran, foremost of which is to fulfil the rights of Allah by ensuring that the five daily prayers (Namaz) are observed diligently.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As Muslims, we must offer every Namaz with deep concentration, in a pure state of humility and with the utmost respect and etiquette. If we pray in this way, we will naturally draw closer to God and form a strong and lasting bond with Him. In addition, if our spiritual connection with Allah grows, we will instinctively be inclined towards other acts of goodness and virtue."
His Holiness said that many of the Waqf-e-Nau "no longer have the excuse of youthful ignorance" and nor do they have "time to waste" as they had now reached an age of relative maturity. In fact, His Holiness said, many now have children of their own.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Now is the time to stand up and discharge the sacred vow initially made before your birth and which you have since independently renewed. Now is the time for you to prioritise serving your faith above and beyond everything else. Pivotal to this, is that you must cultivate a sincere and pure bond with Allah the Almighty."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Never forget that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said that the greatest cause of fear and anxiety for any Ahmadi Muslim should be whether they possess Taqwa - true righteousness...Do not think that you are too young to be concerned about such things. Do not wait for tomorrow. Rather, now is the time to ensure that your every moment, every thought and every act is governed by the fear and love of Allah the Almighty."
His Holiness defined Taqwa in detail during the address and said that Taqwa is to utulise all of one's faculties for noble purposes.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Taqwa is that one's eyes are used only to see what is good and pleasing to Allah and never to view immoral and indecent things. Taqwa is that one's hands are used to benefit and aid others and never to cause harm or injury. Taqwa is that one's legs, feet and every step lead them in the direction of God Almighty and far away from sin and transgression. Taqwa is that one's mind should remain pure and free from evil or impure thoughts or intentions."
In this era, His Holiness said there are corrupting influences "at every turn and corner" that lead towards evil and sinfulness.
Speaking of the dangers that lie on the internet and social media, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Extremely harmful, indecent and violent content proliferates the internet and social media. Similarly, incredibly immoral and toxic content is also widespread on streaming services, online gaming and television. As a result, we see distressing stories in the news of children or young people whose lives have been destroyed due to their online activity and exposure to horrific content. So, every Ahmadi Muslim, and especially the Waqifeen-e-Nau, must be aware of the risks. You must exhibit moral courage and fortitude and guard yourselves from such dangerous and destructive influences."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Only view programmes that are educational or which have a positive impact on your mind. Stay far away from all immoral, indecent and illicit programmes. Otherwise, be in no doubt that consuming vile content will profoundly damage you and your personality. It will drive you away from righteousness. It will push you away from your faith. And it will prevent you from fulfilling your pledge as a Waqf-e-Nau. So, take time each day to self-reflect and analyse your conduct."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he turned towards the question that Waqf-e-Nau often ask regarding their service for the cause of Islam, about how they can benefit the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The simple answer is you must act upon Allah's commands, fulfil the rights of His worship, serve His Creation and save yourself from all forms of immorality and impropriety. Furthermore, if you are a student, you must fully engage with your studies and make every effort to excel and attain the highest possible level of education. Indeed, the distinguishing feature of a Waqf-e-Nau ought to be that they excel in their studies and chosen fields. It is not enough just to have targets or goals, but you must strive to achieve them."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Whilst, it is not essential that every Waqf-e-Nau will directly come into the service of the Jamaat full-time, it is necessary that every Waqf-e-Nau strives to attain excellence and distinction in their education. Further, if you are instructed or permitted to work externally, you should pursue those professions that will enable you to draw closer to Allah the Almighty and be a means of serving humanity and of benefit to the world. Where hard work and professional success will personally benefit you, it will also open up many opportunities for Tabligh and enable you to present the immaculate teachings of Islam to people within your circles of influence."
On 26 May 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfe-e-Nau Ijtema, an annual gathering held for male members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.
His Holiness graced the event from the MTA Studios in Islamabad whilst more than 1640 members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.
During a faith inspiring address, His Holiness outlined the vast importance of adopting righteousness and increasing religious knowledge in order to better fulfil the responsibilities of being part of the Waqf-e-Nau Scheme.
Speaking of the importance of seeking knowledge, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"For the perpetual progress and well-being of any nation or community, it is of the utmost importance that its youth are well-educated and of high moral standing." His Holiness highlighted the importance of studying the Holy Quran every day to improve religious understanding and also highlighted the significance of reading the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).
A key point that His Holiness outlined during his address was the importance of obedience.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Obedience is the chief means of strengthening the bonds of unity amongst communities. In fact, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has said that no nation or community can thrive until its members possess the qualities of devotion, sincerity and loyalty to their Imam."
His Holiness said that there may be times when a person does not fully understand the wisdom of certain commandments and so it is important to search for the answers to the questions and doubts that arise.
His Holiness said that in order to do so, the Waqf-e-Nau should turn to the Holy Quran and also ask the missionaries of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. And if any doubts remain, they should write to His Holiness with their questions.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It should never be that you think, 'Why should we accept or follow the instructions we have received?'. Especially as Waqifeen-e-Nau you should never fall prey to such thoughts, as you are the people who have pledged to live your lives in the service of Islam and according to the direction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community."
His Holiness said that the history of all the past prophets attests to the fact that the downfall of their communities was the result of a lack of obedience.
Speaking of the historyof Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"After the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, the level of obedience and unity amongst the Muslim Ummah decreased over the course of time. This led directly to an age of spiritual darkness and decay within Islam, whereby Muslims departed entirely from their religious teachings."
It was then that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) was sent to rejuvenate the teachings of Islam and so the Waqf-e-Nau should learn the learn the lesson from the past and know that "that obedience to your faith and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a pre-requisite."
His Holiness went on to highlight that Waqf-e-Nau should seek to excel in following the approximately 700 commandments mentioned in the Holy Quran, foremost of which is to fulfil the rights of Allah by ensuring that the five daily prayers (Namaz) are observed diligently.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As Muslims, we must offer every Namaz with deep concentration, in a pure state of humility and with the utmost respect and etiquette. If we pray in this way, we will naturally draw closer to God and form a strong and lasting bond with Him. In addition, if our spiritual connection with Allah grows, we will instinctively be inclined towards other acts of goodness and virtue."
His Holiness said that many of the Waqf-e-Nau "no longer have the excuse of youthful ignorance" and nor do they have "time to waste" as they had now reached an age of relative maturity. In fact, His Holiness said, many now have children of their own.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Now is the time to stand up and discharge the sacred vow initially made before your birth and which you have since independently renewed. Now is the time for you to prioritise serving your faith above and beyond everything else. Pivotal to this, is that you must cultivate a sincere and pure bond with Allah the Almighty."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Never forget that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said that the greatest cause of fear and anxiety for any Ahmadi Muslim should be whether they possess Taqwa - true righteousness...Do not think that you are too young to be concerned about such things. Do not wait for tomorrow. Rather, now is the time to ensure that your every moment, every thought and every act is governed by the fear and love of Allah the Almighty."
His Holiness defined Taqwa in detail during the address and said that Taqwa is to utulise all of one's faculties for noble purposes.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Taqwa is that one's eyes are used only to see what is good and pleasing to Allah and never to view immoral and indecent things. Taqwa is that one's hands are used to benefit and aid others and never to cause harm or injury. Taqwa is that one's legs, feet and every step lead them in the direction of God Almighty and far away from sin and transgression. Taqwa is that one's mind should remain pure and free from evil or impure thoughts or intentions."
In this era, His Holiness said there are corrupting influences "at every turn and corner" that lead towards evil and sinfulness.
Speaking of the dangers that lie on the internet and social media, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Extremely harmful, indecent and violent content proliferates the internet and social media. Similarly, incredibly immoral and toxic content is also widespread on streaming services, online gaming and television. As a result, we see distressing stories in the news of children or young people whose lives have been destroyed due to their online activity and exposure to horrific content. So, every Ahmadi Muslim, and especially the Waqifeen-e-Nau, must be aware of the risks. You must exhibit moral courage and fortitude and guard yourselves from such dangerous and destructive influences."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Only view programmes that are educational or which have a positive impact on your mind. Stay far away from all immoral, indecent and illicit programmes. Otherwise, be in no doubt that consuming vile content will profoundly damage you and your personality. It will drive you away from righteousness. It will push you away from your faith. And it will prevent you from fulfilling your pledge as a Waqf-e-Nau. So, take time each day to self-reflect and analyse your conduct."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he turned towards the question that Waqf-e-Nau often ask regarding their service for the cause of Islam, about how they can benefit the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The simple answer is you must act upon Allah's commands, fulfil the rights of His worship, serve His Creation and save yourself from all forms of immorality and impropriety. Furthermore, if you are a student, you must fully engage with your studies and make every effort to excel and attain the highest possible level of education. Indeed, the distinguishing feature of a Waqf-e-Nau ought to be that they excel in their studies and chosen fields. It is not enough just to have targets or goals, but you must strive to achieve them."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Whilst, it is not essential that every Waqf-e-Nau will directly come into the service of the Jamaat full-time, it is necessary that every Waqf-e-Nau strives to attain excellence and distinction in their education. Further, if you are instructed or permitted to work externally, you should pursue those professions that will enable you to draw closer to Allah the Almighty and be a means of serving humanity and of benefit to the world. Where hard work and professional success will personally benefit you, it will also open up many opportunities for Tabligh and enable you to present the immaculate teachings of Islam to people within your circles of influence."
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