Friday Sermon was delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih V, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) at the occasion of Jalsa Salana

USA 2012 After the recitation of Surah Al Fatihah, Huzoor (aba) began the sermon by expre ssing praise to Allah Almighty at the inauguration of Jalsa Salana USA and expre ssed his participation for the second time at the Jalsa Salana in USA. Huzoor (a ba) said that the annual conventions held in different countries around the worl d were initially inaugurated by the Promised Messiah (as). The purpose of these conventions is that the participants gain the blessings that will lead them to a better life in this world and in the Hereafter. These blessings can only be rea ped by attaining a truly high standard of Taqwa in our lives. The Promised Messi ah (as) expected that each and every participant of Jalsa shall attain this high standard of Taqwa in his or her life and expressed his intense dislike towards those participants who did not take any measures to attain this standard of Taqw a. Thus, these conventions are a source of great blessings, and for a true Ahmad i, these should also instil a sense of fear, such that Allah Almighty has provid ed him yet again with an opportunity to gain nearness to Him, to revive his fait h, to amass the blessings associated with this auspicious occasion. However, the se blessings can only be attained by continuous efforts in progress in Taqwa les t he should slip downwards. If an Ahmadi truly understands the blessings of Jals a and then makes every effort to receive these blessings, and accumulates the tr ansformations that each annual convention bring about in him, then he will progr ess towards a new standard in Taqwa each year, which will eventually lead him to the point where the Promised Messiah (as) wished to see us. Thus, we must focus towards that desire of the Promised Messiah (as) that he held in his heart, whi ch he expressed in these words: Pay attention towards your afterlife, rather tha n focusing on this world. He emphasized that one must inculcate Taqwa in his hea rt. What is Taqwa? Taqwa means that one must fulfil the obligations and duties t owards Allah Almighty and towards his fellow human beings with a fear of His dis pleasure in ones heart. Among the duties and obligations towards Allah Almighty, the first and foremost is His worship, and among the acts of worship, the first and foremost is the per formance of Salat. The Holy Prophet (saw) says that salat is the essence of wors hip. Huzoor (aba) said that he had elaborated on the importance of Salat in his previous Friday sermon. Thus, those who did not listen to that sermon, should li sten to it and set their minimal standards of worship accordingly. Huzoor (aba) said that participants in this Jalsa should pay special attention to the offerin g of Salat, more specifically to offering Salat in congregation. During these da ys of Jalsa, pray to Allah Almighty that He may enable everyone to implement reg ular offering of Salat in their lives in the most excellent manner. Huzoor (aba) wished to elaborate that for the convenience of those who travel a fair distanc e to arrive at Jalsa, the namaz are combined and this is allowed by Shariah. How ever, in your homes, there is no excuse to offer combined salat. In some househo lds, it appears that namaz is being combined on a regular basis because when the children are asked how many namaz they offer at home, their response is three a s opposed to five. The Holy Quran has made five namaz compulsory. The Holy Proph et (saw) explained the timings of the five salat and taught us how to offer thes e five salat as well. The Promised Messiah (as) has diverted our attention towar ds this important commandment repeatedly, and Huzoor (aba) elaborated on this in his previous sermon. Huzoor (aba) said that the five salat are the fundamental requirement. We should also inculcate a habit of offering nawafil. Many of us wi ll offer tahajjud prayers during the days of Jalsa, however we should make every effort to continue these efforts even after Jalsa is over. The weaknesses in ou r obligatory acts of worship are strengthened with the performance of nawafil pr ayers, and Tahajjud constitutes a major part of nawafil prayers. The Promised Me ssiah (as) has drawn our attention towards the offering of Tahajjud frequently. He says that members of this Jamaat should revive the tradition of offering Taha jjud in their lives. If not more, offer only two rakats, so that one may obtain the opportunity to supplicate. The supplications offered at the time of Tahajjud

have a special significance, because they are offered with a true zeal and pass ion of the heart. He said that unless and until an intense emotion and fervour i s not inculcated in the supplication, one will not be able to leave the warmth o f his bed. This intensity in supplication will demonstrate that an individual is willing to sacrifice his sleep to seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Thus, wa king up at this time itself arouses an emotion in the heart which in turn gives rise to an intensity and zeal in supplication. And this energy becomes the reaso n for acceptance of that supplication. Thus the act of waking up to offer these nawafil prayers will in itself bring about a revolutionary change in the individ uals life. In todays world, people have different priorities, due to which they go to bed late at night. Tahajjud is in reality a great way to re-evaluate ones spi ritual condition and bring about a positive change in the spiritual condition of an individual. After the primary obligations towards Allah Almighty, a Momin must perform his d uties towards his fellow brethren. Without making any mention of a persons caste, creed, nationality, God Almighty and His Messenger (saw) have repeatedly remind ed man of his duties towards fellow human beings. A Momin has even more rights o ver another Momin, therefore these must be performed. In this context, the Promi sed Messiah (as) has drawn the attention of the participants of Jalsa Salana tow ards the performance of duties and obligations towards fellow human beings as pa rt of the objectives of this auspicious occasion. He says that one should inculc ate tenderness and sympathy for others in ones heart, and this should not be limi ted to Jalsa Salana but should be carried forward into our daily lives. Huzoor ( aba) said that it has come into his observation that brothers stop talking to ea ch other over trivial matters, and sometimes, remain in this state for years, an d these conflicts continue to create fissures in other relationships as well, so metimes resulting in breaking up of family units and ultimately leading to divor ces. There was a time when we used to say that the family units are experiencing unrest in the Western countries due to their liberal attitudes and the percenta ge of divorces is very high in these countries. Husbands and wives do not look a fter the sensitivities of emotions in their relationships and the small conflict s escalate to major animosities, reason being that trust is lost slowly and stea dily and the result is divorce. Huzoor (aba) said that this is a moment of great reflection for Ahmadi household s as well, as the unrest within these households is on the rise, resulting in di vorces. Huzoor (aba) said that he receives the reports from different areas abou t divorces, and in some cases, the percentages of divorce are very high. An Ahma di must be in control of his or her emotions in every aspect of his or her life. Thus, during this Jalsa, pay special attention to this issue; try to make amend s, and then stick to these amendments beyond the days of Jalsa. We must remember that we have taken the baiat of obedience at the hands of the Promised Messiah (as) and taken the oath of treading the path of Taqwa. If we forget, then we wil l neither be loyal to our pledge of baiat nor will we derive any benefit from the blessings of Jalsa. During Jalsa, many chants and slogans are raised about the auspiciousness of this occasion, but the blessings can only be reaped by gaining in Taqwa, by obeying the commandments of God and His Messenger, by fulfilling t he pledge of baiat to the Promised Messiah (as). Otherwise we will not reap the b enefits of this blessed occasion at all. The Promised Messiah (as) says that this Jalsa is not a worldly fun fair; theref ore we must try to reap the actual benefits of this occasion. Huzoor (aba) shed light on the objectives of Jalsa Salana as described in the writings of the Prom ised Messiah (as). By following his instructions, every Ahmadi can become a Godl y person, and this is the objective of the advent of the Promised Messiah (as). The Promised Messiah (as) says: You have taken the pledge of baiat and affirmed y our faith in me as Hakam and Adal. After this affirmation, if you have any doubt s in my actions, then you must re-evaluate your faith in me. The faith that is f

ull of doubts has no significance whatsoever. But if you have declared your fait h that this is indeed the Promised Reformer, and is Hakam and Adal, then you mus t surrender your actions before him and esteem his decisions as final, so that y ou are counted among those who hold in high regard the words of the Holy Prophet (saw). The attestation of the Holy Prophet (saw), who is Hakam and Adal, will s uffice in your favour. We are indeed privileged to believe in this Reformer who has clearly explained e verything that the Holy Prophet (saw) has instructed before us so that there is no excuse for anyone to say that he did not understand a certain issue/instructi on, etc. An Ahmadi, who performs baiat, must understand his responsibilities. Wor ldly desires and priorities distance him from his pledge and his pledge becomes insignificant. During the days of Jalsa, every Ahmadi should evaluate his condit ion in this context. The Promised Messiah (as) has instructed the members of his Jamaat in the follow ing words: God Almighty has established this community, and has shown millions o f signs to prove its truthfulness. The true purpose is that this community is ak in to that of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (saw). Those who enter this com munity must remember that they are entering the Community of the likes of the Co mpanions of the Holy Prophet (saw), therefore I advise them to shun their attire of worldly lustre so that they can divert their complete attention towards God Almighty. Khilafat is another promise that has been given to this community, therefore, we should strive to maintain the standards set forth by the Companions of the Holy Prophet (saw). One generation should instil the desire of submitting ones will t o that of Allah in the next generation. If this does not happen, then we will no t be able to witness that community of righteous people as mentioned by the Prom ised Messiah (as). Nay, on the contrary, we shall spiral down the abyss of darkn ess instead. Therefore, we must strive hard in this regard. The Promised Messiah (as) further elucidates: Where there is a special demeanour during the remembrance of Allah by my followers, there should be a special lovi ng bond amongst members well. The Promised Messiah (as) has elaborated upon the fulfilment of our obligations towards our fellow brethren. If we implement his instructions in our lives, then we can bring about a spiritual revolution within a matter of few years. He stat es that my belief is that sympathy towards humanity is incomplete till one prays fervently for his enemy and vacates his heart of all rancour towards him. Huzoo r (aba) said that how many amongst us widen thus the circle of our supplications . Jamaat can eradicate all issues if we implement in actuality this teaching. Go d Almighty will also cast a glance of special Mercy when we begin to supplicate for all of humanity with a big heart. This Divine glance will become a source of betterment for us in this world and in the next. The Promised Messiah (as) says that you are indeed fortunate that Allah Almighty gave you that judgement to accept the Reformer of the age. If He did not bestow this special favour on you, then just as others engage in foul abuse with their language, you would have been among them as well. Do not think that we are Musl ims. Islam is a blessing. Value it, and be grateful. Thus, being a Muslim or Ahm adi just by name is of no value. How can we value this favour? Islam means that one must obey the commandments of Allah Almighty in their entirety and the sum o f all this is the true and complete obedience of Allah Almighty. A Muslim is one who submits his entire existence before God Almighty. God promises that whoever gives precedence to the commandments of God above all else, then God removes his fears and anxieties. The Promised Messiah (as) says t hat we must not become content that we have become Ahmadi, but continue to striv

e and progress in our moral condition. Huzoor (aba) read an extensive extract from the writings of the Promised Messiah (as) emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the obligations towards Allah and towards His creation. We must implement these practices in our lives. It is a f avour bestowed on us by the Promised Messiah (as) that he inaugurated this event of Jalsa, where we are exposed to a unique environment which is conducive to ou r moral uplift and strengthening of faith. Another important aspect to remember is that we must raise our standards of educ ating ourselves and gaining knowledge. In the world today, the greater focus is on gaining worldly education as opposed to religious knowledge. The Promised Mes siah (as) states that in order to bring about a true transformation and increasi ng in your Taqwa and purity, one must increase in religious knowledge and this k nowledge can only be gained through the Promised Messiah (as) who has left a tre asure trove of gems for us to read. Most of the books have been translated into English and therefore you should try to read those books or abstracts. Those who can read Urdu should read the books in Urdu. Whatever the Promised Messiah (as) has written is in fact the commentary of the Holy Quran. In this day and age, t he greatest knowledge of the Holy Quran was bestowed on the Promised Messiah (as ). The Promised Messiah (as) says that the Quran is a living and lustrous book. I advise all those who are affiliated to me that without acting on the commandme nts recorded in the Holy Quran, there is no spirituality in ones life. I desire t hat through practical demonstration, the distinction of Islam should be revealed to the world. Therefore recite the Quran and try to understand the philosophies explained in it. According to the statements of the Promised Messiah (as), it is our duty to reci te and understand the beautiful teachings of the Quran and implement them in pra ctice, and then convey them to the world. At this time, the biggest tool availab le to us for Tabligh is the Holy Quran. Huzoor (aba) emphasized that none amongs t us should feel any kind of inferiority complex in using the Quran as a tabligh tool in face of all the propaganda by the media. By studying this Divine Book, we can answer the allegations of the critics, which is the responsibility of eve ry Ahmadi, so that we can convey the true message of Islam. The Promised Messiah (as) says that pledge of baiat should instil a new life in a n individual such that it transforms him/her completely. He should remain steadf ast in face of any opposition. He must not feel that trials are difficult, but i n fact he should consider them an opportunity to gain the pleasure of God. Huzoor (aba) said that we must make every effort to practice these instructions so that we can bring about a transformation within ourselves such that God is pl eased with us. Therefore, during the Jalsa days, we must derive maximum benefit, and assess our conditions in context of what the Promised Messiah (as) wished t o see us in. This is how we can gain the blessings of Jalsa, otherwise, this wil l also become a worldly celebration for us. Huzoor (aba) reminded each Ahmadi to pay special attention to their surroundings as this is important for security purposes. Duty holders should pay special att ention towards offering salat. All participants should focus on the remembrance of Allah, which is a great objective of Jalsa. May Allah enable us all to do so. Bengali Complete Text English PDF Slides English PowerPoint English Summary by Wakil Ala Malayalam Complete Text Tamil Complete Text

Urdu Complete Text Other Languages Arabic Bosnian French [ June 29th, 2012] Find by Keyword Go Browse Friday Sermon by year: 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 1904 1902 1901 1899Go Verses Cited in this Friday Sermo n: Synopsis: English Urdu Hudhur(aba) said that the annual conventions held in d ifferent countries around the world were initially inaugurated by the Promised M essiah(as). The purpose of these conventions is that the participants gain the b lessings that will lead them to a better life in this world and in the Hereafter . Among the duties and obligations towards Allah Almighty, the first and foremost is His worship, and among the acts of worship, the first and foremost is the per formance of Salat. The Holy Prophet(saw) says that salat is the essence of worsh ip. Hudhur(aba) said that the five salat are the fundamental requirement. We should also inculcate a habit of offering nawafil. Many of us will offer tahajjud praye rs during the days of Jalsa, however we should make every effort to continue the se efforts even after Jalsa is over.The weaknesses in our obligatory acts of wor ship are strengthened with the performance of nawafil prayers, and Tahajjud cons titutes a major part of nawafil prayers. After the primary obligations towards Allah Almighty, a Momin must perform his d uties towards his fellow brethren. Without making any mention of a persons caste, creed, nationality, God Almighty and His Messenger(saw) have repeatedly reminde d man of his duties towards fellow human beings. A Momin has even more rights ov er another Momin, therefore these must be performed. An Ahmadi, who performs baiat, must understand his responsibilities. Worldly desi res and priorities distance him from his pledge and his pledge becomes insignifi cant. During the days of Jalsa, every Ahmadi should evaluate his condition in th is context. Khilafat is another promise that has been given to this community, therefore, we should strive to maintain the standards set forth by the Companions of the Holy Prophet(saw). One generation should instil the desire of submitting ones will to that of Allah in the next generation. If this does not happen, then we will not be able to witness that community of righteous people as mentioned by the Promi sed Messiah(as). God promises that whoever gives precedence to the commandments of God above all else, then God removes his fears and anxieties. The Promised Messiah(as) says th at we must not become content that we have become Ahmadi, but continue to strive and progress in our moral condition. The Promised Messiah(as) says that pledge of baiat should instil a new life in an individual such that it transforms him/her completely. He should remain steadfa st in face of any opposition. He must not feel that trials are difficult, but in fact he should consider them an opportunity to gain the pleasure of God.

: About Friday Sermon

The Jumu ah (Friday) prayer is one form of congregational worship in Islam. It t akes place every Friday. Regular attendance at the Jumu ah prayer is enjoined on the believer. According to a Saying of Muhammadsa this congregational prayer is twenty-five times more blessed than worship performed alone. (Bukhari) Friday Sermons in the QuranO ye who believe! When the call is made for Prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off all business. That is best for you, if you only knew. more Friday Sermons in the Hadith (He who) offers the Prayers and listens quitely when the Imam stands up for sermon, will have his sins forgiven between that Friday a nd the next(Bukhari) Related resources Salat: Friday Prayer Significance of Friday in Islam The Online Salaat Guide Islamic Prayer Yearly Archive List by Khulafa

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