Annual Convention 2006 USA

Concluding Jalsa Speech

delivered by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

September 3^rd, 2006

Today, by the Grace of Allah, the Annual Convention of the USA Jama’at is nearing its end. I had stated during my last Friday Sermon, that I had planned on participating in the USA Jalsa Salana this year. USA Jama’at had made extensive preparations. Members of the Jama’at were also eagerly waiting for my participation. I have received countless letters indicating how the young and the old, the men and the women were anxiously waiting for my arrival. As far as an audience with me is concerned, I think about one third of the Jama’at would have had the opportunity of meeting me during my last two visits to Canada. In addition to that, some individuals meet me during their visits to London. However, there is still a large number of the Jama’at who, due some limitation of circumstances, have not had the opportunity to meet me. Also, there is a totally different state of emotions in the Jama’at where I am visiting. As I have stated that this year I had planned on being with you in America and you had done extensive preparations for this occasion. I am fully aware of the disappointment you must have felt when you heard about the cancellation of my program.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih the 3rd ^ra used to say that the Khalifa of the time and the Jama’at are but one entity. Then how can it be that I would not have felt the pain of the members of the USA Jama’at. What distinguishes Ahmadiyyat and the Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya from the rest is how Allah has made the Jama’at and the Khalifa to be like one body. As long as this relationship is intact, there is no power on earth that can halt the progress of the Jama’at. God willing, this relationship will, according to the promises of Allah, stay strong. We have been informed of this by the Holy Prophet ^saw. Also, the Promised Messiah ^as has stated this at great length in his book, Al-Wasiyyat. So, never let this connection grow weak. These temporary obstacles must never be allowed to weaken this bond. And we must foster this bond in our future generations as well.

Usually, I do not address any Annual Convention directly through MTA except Qadian, for that, in a way, is a Central Jalsa. However, the fact that many members of the USA Jama’at had expressed their anguish due to the last minute cancellation of my trip, prompted me to address the USA Jalsa in this manner so that it can provide a little sense of consolation to both the Jama’at and myself. And this is a great blessing of Allah that today, according to the promises made to the Promised Messiah ^as by Allah, we are able to see and hear each other from such a great distance.

You should remember that this direct address to the participants of the USA Jalsa, or other members of the Jama’at does not overcome the distances between us or the shortcomings. I address directly the whole Jama’at every Friday. However, only those benefit from this and only those are closer to the Khalifa of the time, who bring about a positive change in themselves after listening to my words. This is the mission of the Promised Messiah ^as in this day and age. This is what all the Khulafa have been reminding the Jama’at about in the light of his teachings. Therefore, if you want to benefit from this direct address, I should not have to deliver a lengthy speech so that you become emotionally charged for a while. Instead, you should leave this Jalsa with this determination that, according to the wishes of the Promised Messiah ^as and according to the oath of ba’ait that you have made with the Promised Messiah ^as, you will mold yourselves according to the true Islamic teachings. And not only will you be a true reflection of this beautiful teaching but you will also propagate it among those around you.

The poem that was recited earlier today contains a message from the Promised Messiah ^as that is very appropriate for this occasion. Do not just listen to the poem, but tell the world about the message in it. Today, all Ahmadis should, through their practical example and propagation, counter the negative propaganda against Islam that is being spread in the West and especially in America. Pay special attention to this. This is my message to the USA Jama’at.

It should always be remembered that no one can do anything without Allah’s help and blessing. And we must follow the path prescribed by Allah in order to receive Allah’s help and blessings. We must bow down in front of Allah. I had exhorted the Jama’at during my last Friday Sermon to pay special attention to prayers during the Jalsa. The excerpt from the writings of Hazrat Masih Maud ^as also reminded members to pay special attention to the 5 daily prayers. I am hopeful that all participants of the Jalsa would have been mindful of this exhortation. May Allah make this an essential part of every Ahmadi’s life so that our actions may become more beautiful as a result. And, not only should this beauty be part of our lives, but that it should cause our future generations to be saved from the material pursuits and cause them to establish a living relationship with Allah. And this should become the means by which others are drawn towards you. Every Ahmadi should attain such heights of righteousness that would bring about a revolution in this world.

Hazrat Masih Maud ^as has said, “It is of the highest importance for the members of my Jama’at to bring about a positive change in them because they are the recipients of fresh guidance. And if someone does not act upon that guidance, then their claim of being guided is bogus. Let not the laziness of others mislead our Jama’at. It should not embolden them to become lethargic. The coldness of others should not harden their hearts. Man has many desires, but who can predict what lays in store for them. Life does not run according to our wishes. It is one thing to have desires and what you are granted is another. And that is reality. God know all that we are and we can not know what is written in our accounts. Therefore, we must wake up our hearts and ponder. One way to establish the Unity of Allah in our lives is to shun all our desires and lose our selves in His Grandeur.”

Hazrat Masih Maud ^as said, “Allah’s purpose in establishing this Jama’at is that He should re-establish those lost values of purity and righteousness. Arrogance is rampant in the world.” At another place Hazrat Masih Maud ^as said, “Allah’s purpose in establishing this Jama’at is that He should re-introduce Himself to the world through this Jama’at.” Therefore, we, who have taken a ba’ait at the hand of the Imam of this age, promising that we want to join such people, and are joining such people and also promising that we will instill such positive change in ourselves that will bring us closer to Allah. We also promise that we will progress towards true righteousness so that we can show the world the way to the One and True God who is Master of this earth and the heavens, who is the Master of the whole universe, and whose true worship is the only means of salvation of this world. In order to fulfill these promises, we must keep reminding ourselves of our goals. As long as we do not keep this goal in front of us, or we desire a life of ease, or we indulge in worldly pursuits, or we look at others wealth with jealousy, or we do not follow the commandments of our Lord, or we look at others wealth and do not wish that if we had that much it would enable us to offer financial sacrifices in the way of Allah, we can not faithful to our oath of ba’ait. We can not bring about that change in ourselves, in our progeny, or in our surrounding for which the Promised Messiah ^as was sent in this world. We have taken an oath to be his servants. Today, we can become the ambassadors of Hazrat Masih Maud’s ^as Jama’at, we can fulfill our obligation of conveying his message and re-establishing the lost love of God only if we are able to bring about an extraordinary positive change in ourselves, if we will raise our standards of worship, and if we will safeguard our Salat. We should always remember that Salat is the essence of worship. If this is missing, then all else is meaningless.

We see some people whose brain is not fully developed. Their other limbs are in a similar state of under-development. They seem apparently healthy. Their heart is functioning. They are able to eat and drink. However, they are a burden on their family and the society. Their family is always concerned about them. If we desire to become a useful person for the society instead of being a burden on it, then the most important thing to adopt, at all cost, is to safeguard the five daily prayers. If you are able to pay attention to the five daily prayers then you will be counted among those who are faithful to their promise to Hazrat Masih Maud ^as that you have made to re-establish Allah’s love in this world. And this is what is meant by constantly awakening your heart, that the One and Only God rules over your heart. In your oath of ba’ait, you have promised to offer your five daily prayers according to the dictates of Allah and His Messenger ^saw. If every Ahmadi reflects on this promise, it is not possible that you should miss even a single prayer or that you should not offer you prayer at the appropriate time.

You should always remember that revolution is only possible through Allah’s blessings. And to attract His blessings it is necessary to pay attention to that basic purpose for which He has created man. And if you are able to attain that goal, you will find yourselves in such a surrounding that will protect you from the filth of this world, specially in these countries where the line between good and evil has almost disappeared, and whose inhabitants are arrogant due to their technological development or that they are the most powerful nation in this world. Your salvation and that of your future generation’s salvation lies in attaining nearness to Allah. It lies in holding fast to the Unity of Allah. And when, God willing, you will surround yourselves in this shelter, you will be able to call others to this safe haven. Then you will be able to convey this message to the world that true happiness does not lie in worldly pursuits, or liquor, or gambling. The contentment in life does not come from spending time in a casino, or from being jealous of those who waste their wealth on worldly pleasures. Be sure that real contentment in life comes from the worship of Allah who has proclaimed that “It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (13:29) He is the Lord of all the worlds, He has created you all, and He provides sustenance for you. Come and recognize your Lord. When you will make an effort to call the world to this safe haven with sincerity and prayers then you will be the recipients of ever increasing blessings of Allah. Allah loves those very much, He truly appreciates the efforts of those, and showers His love on those who call His creatures towards Him and save them from the clutches of Satan, so that they may be saved from the wrath of Allah, so that they may become the recipients of Allah’s blessings. Allah says about such people, “And who is better in speech than he who invites men to Allah and does righteous deeds and says, ‘I am, surely, of those who submit?’” (41:34) Always remember this exhortation. Convey this message at every opportunity and at every occasion. Make every effort to convey, to every American, the teachings that have been given to the Holy Prophet ^saw.

You must try your level best to counter the popular belief held by the majority of the people there that your religion is a religion of terror. Your faces should reflect love, affection, and piety. Do not give up thinking that America is such a huge country, the people here think only about their material well being, so how should we convey the message to them. In spite of the worldly thinking, there are a lot of people here who are interested in religion. When every one of you becomes active, each one of you can convey the message to hundreds. It is a matter of clear thinking. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

A while back, ‘acceptance of prayers’ was the topic of my Sermons. An Ahmadi, presumably from America, wrote me, “I am a taxi driver. One day when it was raining hard I picked up a passenger who was very perturbed. I asked him for the reason of his anxiety. He said that he was getting married that day and it was raining very hard and it was forecast to rain for quite some time. He was anxious about his occasion being spoilt.” The Ahmadi driver told him, “Our God listens to our prayers. I will pray that the weather should be good for the duration of your wedding.” The passenger stated that if the rain should subside for a couple of hours his wedding function will go well. The taxi driver wrote that along the way, the passenger stopped at a place for some reason and he says, “I prayed to Allah that I am a follower of the Promised Messiah ^as. With this in my mind, I have told this Christian about acceptance of prayers. O Allah, have mercy on me.” He says, “A special feeling came over me for a period during the prayer. When the passenger came back, the rain had stopped and it was dry for about two hours.” If you are truly sincere, Allah cares a whole lot for the Holy Prophet ^saw and the Promised Messiah ^as. This incident must have caused that Christian to wonder a bit. If this taxi driver had obtained the address of that passenger with the intention of further introduction then it might have opened an avenue of propagation. Every Ahmadi should make the most of all opportunities.

The world, including America, is facing so many trials and tribulations nowadays. Make this nation aware of the fact that this is all due to mankind having gone away form God. Show a good example, establish a living relationship with Allah, and accelerate your propagation efforts. In reference to propagation, I want to say that Allah will bless your efforts if it is done with proper planning, supported with your prayers and your good moral stance.

There are two kinds of Ahmadis in America. First, there are a large number of Pakistanis. Then, out of the non-Pakistanis, there are Afro-Americans. First of all, in order to establish a righteous example, it is essential that all Ahmadis should be fully integrated with each other. There is no harm in a division of labor. Afro-Americans should preach mostly among their own community. They should convey the message of True Islam and Ahmadiyyat to them to the best of their ability. Their teams should include some Pakistanis or from other ethnic origins. This will make the non-Muslim Afro-Americans realize that they are being invited towards Allah in a spirit of co-operation and an atmosphere of brotherly love and that, surely, it is due to the excellence of their religion. Even though the Afro-Americans are generally more inclined towards religion, the message of true Islam is not reaching them. This is why they are unaware of the best of teachings, that is Islam. Islam has given no preference to an Arab over a non-Arab, nor to a white over black. If anyone has any preference over another in the sight of Allah, it is on the basis of righteousness, on the basis of good deeds.

Many among Afro-Americans fall prey to misgivings about white Americans and other ethnic groups. These misgivings multiply over time and touch the extremes sometimes. Islam came to rid us of these misgivings and to establish a society free of ill wills. Islam came to establish an atmosphere of love, affection, and brotherhood. Islam came to teach us the worship of One God without any care for caste or color. Today, when we have accepted the Imam of this age, it is our responsibility to preach about, and try to establish this kind of society. And for this purpose, when such teams are formed that will propagate among these people in the spirit of co-operation, it will show them there is no distinction of rich or poor, black or white. The sole purpose of us all is to do good deeds, become righteous, and make progress in spiritual as well as worldly matters. This will attract these people. When they realize that it is the duty of an Ahmadi to be the hardest worker in order to establish a name for himself in this world and to gain better financial rewards so that he may serve his religion, then these apparently downtrodden people will become an active, useful, and well appreciated part of the society due to their hard work and Allah’s help. The rest of the nation will be forced to seek their help. Islam will replace their inferiority complex with a sense of superiority.

Make plans accordingly. Afro-Americans should make plans to propagate among Afro-Americans because they have a greater spirit of acceptance compared to others. They are generally meek of heart and more inclined towards religion. Ahmadiyyat has to convey the beautiful message of Islam to the whole world. I am not saying that preach only to the Afro-Americans. I am only saying that devote a greater amount of effort among them because they show a greater spirit of acceptance. We must convey the message to the white people also. It is a fact that a large number among them are very arrogant. When, after careful consideration of all the factors, teams are formed to propagate among them there is no harm if, for strategic reasons, Afro-Americans are not included in those teams. They should not have any feelings of inferiority due to this. When these white people will accept Islam, and after ba’ait, will become part of Ahmadiyyat, and after they have seen the beautiful teachings of Ahmadiyyat, they will rid themselves of their prejudices of color. And then the only basis of honor in the sight of Allah will be righteousness. This is a matter of detailed planning. Ponder over it and try to figure out how we can become righteous and inculcate righteousness in others.

Where I have addressed the Jama’at in general about creating a positive change and attaining a higher level of righteousness, it is a duty of every Ahmadi. At the same time, I address the Afro-American gentlemen and ladies, that after coming into the fold of Ahmadiyyat there should be a visible positive change in you. This is addressed to those who have accepted Ahmadiyyat recently. Majority of those who have been Ahmadis for a long time have great faith. They should train the newcomers and teach them by setting good examples. I also exhort the newcomers that they should bring about such a change in themselves that will make them stand out among their peers. An Ahmadi should be the hardest worker, should be the most truthful, should be the most mindful of others rights, should be the most forgiving, should be the least interested in worldly pleasures. And when this spirit is developed in you, these are the good deeds that will cause you to tread the path of righteousness. This will enable you to cause a revolution in your lives and your surroundings. I want to convey this message to all office bearers in the Jama’at and the missionaries that give up your egos and instead of finding faults in others pay attention to doing good deeds yourselves. When you have set good examples, the other members of the Jama’at will, automatically, be transformed into the molds created by you. Always remember that you have a great responsibility. You have been entrusted with certain duties. Discharge them well. Discharge your duties to each other and also to the ordinary Ahmadis. Office bearers and missionaries should take care that there should be no differentiation between Ahmadies of different ethnicities.

It is a habit of some people that when they are with others of their own ethnicity they completely ignore others. This creates distances between people. Therefore, take great care in this matter. If today you ignore this problem then the gulf will only widen and due to this unrighteous behavior of yours will lead to a failure of your propagation efforts. In America, by the grace of Allah, most of the Ahmadis of Pakistani or Indian origin are well educated. Their children, who are born and have grown up there, are also well educated. There is a feeling among some, due to their higher level of education, that they can not mix with those who are less educated or with Afro-Americans because their life styles are very different. This shell that they have donned upon themselves is such that leads them away form the right path. They should come out of their shells and act upon the commandment that believers are like brothers. Only then will there be acceleration in the propagation effort.

Now I want to say one thing to the ladies. They should always remember that each one of them is not just an ordinary member of the Jama’at whose misdeed will only reflect on her alone. Indeed, they are representing that part of the Jama’at with whom the lives of our future generations are linked. No progressive nation can not entrust their future generation to those hands that will guide them to their ruin. Therefore, every Ahmadi woman should bear it in mind that each and every action of hers should be a true picture of righteousness. Cleanse your hearts of ill wills. Instead of finding faults in others, look for goodness in them. Instead of arrogance, show kindness and be gentle with each other. Instead of indulging in idle gossip and back biting in your meetings, you should convene meetings where Allah’s name is glorified. Having molded yourselves according to the western culture, do not consider it as true the saying that, “When in Rome, do as Romans do.” If your actions paint the same picture like those Americans who have gone away from God, who have forgotten their creator, then until you take corrective measures, you are not fit to be part of the Jama’at of that Imam who came for the purpose of reformation. Indeed, you deserve to be cast away. Each one of you must assess yourself. Assess your physical appearances as well as the status of your spirituality. If you see shortcomings in your standards, then beware the direction you are headed in. The worldly pleasures of your meetings and your physical appearances are dragging not only you but also the future generations that are in your care towards a disaster. If there are but a few, they can contaminate the whole pond like a rotten fish. Therefore, take account of your surroundings. Save yourselves and your progeny form this condition. When you raise your standard of worship your generations will be drawn towards the worship of the One God. In this country, where worldly pursuits have reached an extreme, may Allah enable you to safeguard yourselves from all evils. Remember, benefit from the material blessings only to the extent that they do not stand in between you and your Lord. Abu Hazim said that each blessing that does not take a person closer to God is a trial. Let it not be that such a trial should take you so far away from God where you find all doors back to Him are closed. I receive some letters about some children who have gone astray. If due attention had been paid from early childhood, and good practical example had been set then this would not have happened. Parents have to, from the children’s birth, nay, from even before the children’s birth, till the last moment of their life, pray for their children. May Allah enable you all to do so.

Taking advantage of this occasion, I will say a few words to the Waqifeen-e-Nau. Just before coming here when I turned on the TV, I was delighted to see that this year there are 5 Waqifeen-e-Nau from America going to Jaame’a Ahmadiyya in Canada to be trained as missionaries. May Allah keep on providing us more like them. According to the official records, there are 534 Waqifeen-e-Nau in America. 128 boys and girls out of these are older than 15. At the age of 15 a person is considered to be fully mature. Additionally, many of the Waqifeen-e-Nau are around 13 or 14. This also is an age of some maturity. At this age, there is a possibility of excelling or going astray depending on the path you have chosen to follow. These Waqifeen-e-Nau should remember that their parents made a promise to Allah. Their parents, after having made that promise with Allah, would have prayed, and would have provided you with good upbringing till this age where you are about to step into a new phase of life as young men and women. You should always keep in mind the importance of this Waqf-e-Nau. As a result of your training, you may be mindful of the fact that you have to fulfill the promise that your parents have made with Allah. You have to safeguard yourselves against the so called freedoms of the west. You have to become shining examples while preserving your individualities. You have to renew the pledge that your parents had made and that you will try, with all your faculties, to honor this pledge. You will become beneficial members of the Jama’at. We need many more to join the missionary training classes in addition to the 5 that have gone to the Jaame’a from America this year. They will be able to fulfill the local needs here. The changes that are happening in the world may be such that missionaries can not go to America from abroad. Each country may have to take care of itself. The Waqifeen-e-Nau children should mentally prepare themselves for this and the Jama’at should also prepare plans for this. You children who would have grown up in your respective countries and would be familiar with your surroundings would be in a better position to perform this task. I was also delighted to see that in this group of 5, who are going to the Jaame’a, there is one Afro-American child who will become a missionary, Insha’Allah. You people should remember that, knowing your environment, you can convey Allah’s message in a better manner. Therefore, I urge that more of you join this field. Safeguard your prayers in this age and be mindful of your actions. Lead your lives in a manner that sets you apart from the non-devotee children. Similarly, the Waqifat-e-Nau girls should master various languages. I see a great responsibility falling on your shoulders in the future that you have to bear. This is why I have said that Jama’at should make plans now. May Allah enable us to do so.

In the last few years, the progress that has been made by the American Jama’at in the financial sacrifices, and the way they have answered the call of the Khalifa of the time, surely, reflect the fact that, despite being surrounded by an atmosphere of worldly pursuits, the spirit to step forward in the cause of Allah is alive and well in the American Jama’at. In 1998, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV ^ra, after seeing a weakness in the financial offerings, reminded the American Jama’at of its importance, there was an extraordinary effort made by the Jama’at to come up to the expectations. When I mentioned about the Tahir Heart Institute, the faithful of America stepped forward and exceeded all my expectations. This clearly points to their sincerity and faithfulness. Therefore, I do not harbor any thoughts about any lack of your sincerity or faithfulness compared to any other Jama’at. Your attention is drawn to certain matters so that you may approach them with new vigor and vitality and make improvements. I am hopeful that from now on, the American Jama’at will pay attention to propagation on a larger scale so that as many of the inhabitants of this part of the world may be saved from the wrath of Allah as is humanly possible. Tomorrow, they may not blame the Ahmadis in America that the Ahmadis failed to convey the message to them. Apart from the traditional methods, search for newer ways of propagation. May Allah enable every part of the community to discharge their duties. Every member of the American Jama’at, man, woman, young, and old should become a living example of Ahmadiyyat.

As I had mentioned earlier that as a result of the cancellation of my visit to America, I have received many letters, expressing their feelings of sincerity and faithfulness, from men, women, young, and old. May Allah reward them all. May He increase their sincerity and faithfulness. May Allah strengthen the bonds of every Ahmadi with the Khilafat. This strength will come through prayers and prostrations in front of Allah. Next, I want to thank all those who worked to prepare for my visit. Many of them took time off from their jobs or businesses. They worked diligently in the cleaning and preparations of mosques and mission houses. Some wrote very emotional letters also. May Allah reward all the workers. May Allah reward those who took time away from work and suffered financial losses. Any effort you make to win the pleasure of Allah is never wasted. Similarly, many people spent a lot of time preparing for the Jalsa and then had to reduce the scale of preparations due to the cancellation of my visit. They were able to make the necessary changes in a short time. I also want to thank those who had made the preparations. May Allah have mercy on all of us.

In the end, I present an excerpt from the writings of the Promised Messiah ^as. He says, “As far as you are able to, ask Allah for help and with all your energy and means at your disposal try to overcome your shortcomings. When you find yourself helpless, raise your hands in all sincerity and with firm faith for hands raised for prayers in true humility that are accompanied by sincerity and firm faith are never turned away empty. I say from experience that thousands of my prayers have been accepted and are being accepted everyday. Therefore, pay attention to prayers and never despair.” May Allah grant you your good wishes. May He always protect you and keep you safe. May you be the beneficiaries of Hazrat Masih Maud’s ^as prayers. May you be the recipients of Allah’s blessings and mercy. May Allah create the conditions when we can see and hear each other face to face. May Allah be your protector and helper. Aameen.