“The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has stated that there are many meanings and interpretations of the Qur’an and so we should study the Holy Qur’an, as over time, new meanings come to light.”– Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 6 September 2025, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a meeting with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association USA from the North East Region.

The meeting took place in Islamabad, Tilford. During the meeting, all members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and ask questions on a range of contemporary and religious issues.

During the meeting, one attendee asked how to maintain kindness and respect toward one’s parents, especially if their advice might sometimes appear unwise.

In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Allah says in the Qur’an that you must always be kind to your parents, obey them in all matters – apart from when they speak against Allah Almighty, against His commandments, or against your religion – the true religion of Islam. Otherwise, try to respect them, be kind to them and Allah Almighty will bless you because of that”

His Holiness continued: 

“Sometimes you think their advice is unwise […] you think you are more educated and wiser than them. Whether [you think] you are wiser than them, you must [still] obey them and show respect. […] If they order you to go against the teachings of Islam, or the Qur’an, or Allah then say, ‘no, I cannot accept this.’ […] Never be harsh to them.”

One member asked a question about whether Ahmadi Muslims can derive new meanings from the Qur’an in light of scientific discoveries. With regards to this, His Holiness stated:

“Yes, you certainly can. If any new meaning contradicts the current interpretation – which it usually does not – you should write to the Khalifa of the time, saying, ‘This is my understanding. Is it correct?’ And if approval is given then you may share it.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated: 

“Dr Abdus Salam used to say there are hundreds of verses in the Qur’an related to science. He offered his own interpretations… So you may certainly do it – but if you wish to publicise it, you should seek approval from the Khalifa of the time. […] The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has stated that there are many meanings and interpretations of the Qur’an and so we should study the Holy Qur’an, as over time, new meanings come to light.”

Another attendee asked how one can truly cleanse their heart after forgiving someone, His Holiness stated:

“If one’s heart is not clean, then there is no point in forgiving […] True forgiveness should lead to an increase in love. The Holy Qur’an says that after forgiving, one should show kindness – that could be giving a gift (to the person you forgive), maintain good relations, and praying for them. Pray for yourself that Allah purifies your heart, and pray for them that He cleanses their heart also.”

“The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated that love increases through the giving of gifts. Upon receiving a gift, the other party will realise that this person has truly forgiven them from their heart. And when you give a gift, it reminds you too that you have forgiven them and it prevents hypocrisy from entering the heart. It would be hypocrisy to say you have forgiven someone and bestow gifts but still harbour hatred and vindictiveness in your heart.”

His Holiness then shared an incident of Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) which has also been quoted by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) that illustrates the true standard of forgiveness in Islam. His Holiness narrated that once, a servant accidentally spilled hot water on Imam Hussein. At that moment, instead of reacting in anger, Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) was reminded of a verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Those who suppress their anger…” Upon hearing this, he controlled his temper. Then he was reminded of the next part of the verse: “…and those who forgive people…” He therefore forgave the servant. And finally, he was then reminded of the last part of the verse: “…and Allah loves those who do good,” Hazrat Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) then went a step further and set the servant free.

Whilst mentioning the above incident, His Holiness added:

“The servant had harmed their master but was granted freedom. That is the standard of true forgiveness.” 

One attendee asked His Holiness about the belief that the body of a martyr remains fresh or gives off fragrance. In response, His Holiness said:

“What is meant by this is simply that in the sight of Allah, their spiritual rank is such that they are always remembered. Secondly, their loved ones visit their graves, pray for them, and their remembrance inspires them to bring about transformation in their own lives.”

“The martyr leaves behind a lesson that we have made a sacrifice for our faith, you too should sacrifice for your faith. The blood of a martyr reminds you of a purpose, and reminds you not to forget that purpose.

The ‘fragrance’ of martyr is a metaphor representing how the good deeds continue to spread like perfume. That is why Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘Do not say they are dead – they are alive.’ Their memory lives on, and Allah has granted them a lofty status in His sight. It does not mean that they go against the law of nature.”

The meeting concluded with a group photo which was granted by His Holiness to the attendees. All those present were also given pens by His Holiness.