“It is the inner and personal reformation of every Ahmadi youth that shall lay the foundation, brick by brick, for a glorious spiritual, moral and intellectual revolution in the world.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 21 September 2025, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered a faith-inspiring address to conclude the National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, the auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for young men and boys.

The three-day event, which was held at Hook Lane, Puttenham was attended by nearly 8,000 members of the youth organisation and served to inspire the attendees towards practicing their faith and serving humanity with devotion.

At the outset of his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The core objective of all Ijtemas (gatherings) held by the auxiliary organisations within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is to instil a love of Allah and to elevate the intellectual, moral and spiritual standards of their members.”

Following this, His Holiness highlighted that members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya should always keep these objectives in mind. His Holiness observed that the education children receive in the UK helps broaden their minds from a young age, and that even young Atfal are very perceptive and capable of asking insightful questions, demonstrating a strong grasp of religious concepts.

His Holiness highlighted how Khuddam and Atfal can best fulfil their religious objectives, noting that the core purpose of membership is to strengthen one’s religious, intellectual, and spiritual development. He also stressed that sports and games at Ijtemas should support growth rather than focus on winning or losing.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Your main priority should not be on the game itself or on who wins or loses.  Instead, the primary objective of sports or games at the events arranged by the auxiliary organisations is to help members develop physical strength and fitness, as this will help them to fulfil the rights of Allah and aid their religious and educational development.”

His Holiness noted that in today’s world, many young people spend much of their free time online, watching TV or playing video games. He explained, “Thus, sports and games at our Ijtemas are designed to encourage you to be outdoors, to get fresh air and improve your physical fitness.” His Holiness added, “the purpose of getting fit should not be vanity or a desire to assert physical dominance over others.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“A fit and healthy person has a greater capacity to fulfil their life’s objectives. And, as Ahmadis, our primary objective is fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty. Further, sports and outdoor games offer a positive way to relax and refresh one’s mind, which, in turn, helps individuals to study and learn more effectively by enhancing focus and mental aptitude. Hence, taking time out for games and sports helps young people in their pursuit of secular education and religious knowledge.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“As I said, the real objective of our sports events or competitions is not to win or lose the match or tournament. We should not act like those worldly people who often consider sports as a matter of life or death and who get into heated arguments, brawls or resort to foul play to gain an advantage. We must never stoop to such levels.”

During the address, His Holiness cautioned that whenever competition or activities risk losing sight of their true purpose and give rise to ill-feeling, they must be realigned to their higher objectives.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“When something leads to bitterness or ill-will, it is better to stop it in order to avoid further disputes. Hopefully, those who have deviated from the true objectives may reform and improve themselves. As Ahmadis, when you play any sport or game, you must exhibit a true spirit of sportsmanship. Indeed, an exceptional standard of manners, tolerance and respect for others should distinguish our Ahmadi youth from others.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Otherwise, if we do not manifest higher moral standards, then what is the benefit of being an Ahmadi?  Thus, I reiterate that sports programs are organised to enhance the physical and mental well-being of our Khuddam and Atfal so they can fulfil their duties to Allah, to humanity and serve the Jamaat in an excellent way.”

His Holiness spoke about the dangers of excessive screen time, the unchecked influence of online content, and the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence – an issue His Holiness has been warning about for many years. While acknowledging that technology can be beneficial, His Holiness cautioned that it is increasingly exposing young people to harmful material and unhealthy habits.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Conversely, idly watching TV, or scrolling endlessly on electronic devices can damage your physical and mental health. Moreover, the internet is replete with dangerous and immoral content, freely available, that serves to erode moral values and fuel hate. Now A.I. is adding a new dimension. This is something I have warned about for many years, and now, we are seeing the horrifying results on a near daily basis. In recent times, there have been horrific reports of teenagers committing suicide due to cyber bullying or consuming appalling online content that causes serious mental harm. For example, recently, it was reported in the media that a teenager in the United States committed suicide with the help and encouragement of ChatGPT.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Moreover, violent videos or extremist ideologies promoting hate have flooded the internet and are causing immense harm to the individuals who view them and the wider society.  Just a few days ago, after a prominent political activist was killed in America, the State Governor publicly urged young people to ‘switch off’ their devices, to go outside, to spend time with their families, and serve their communities. With the Grace of Allah, Ahmadis, under the guidance of Khilafat (Caliphate), are warned, from a young age, about the dangers and perils that exist in contemporary society.”

Addressing the audience, His Holiness highlighted the timeless guidance of Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him), the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, emphasising that the personal and spiritual development of Ahmadi youth is key to driving moral and societal reform.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If we look back to the time of Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) we observe that he paid very close attention to the moral training of different groups of people, according to their needs, capabilities and environment. With great wisdom, he outlined their responsibilities and objectives. As part of this, he established Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and directed Ahmadi youth according to their age and potential… He bestowed upon Khuddamul Ahmadiyya a momentous and profound slogan that: ‘Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of their youth.’ This slogan was, and remains, an immense and profound challenge for all Khuddam to rise to.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“These words bear witness to the fact that it lies upon you, as Khuddam, to spiritually and morally reform your nations. It lies upon you to guide the world towards true peace and prosperity. It lies upon you to strive tirelessly to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) until your last breath. However, before you turn to others, you must look inwards at your own state. It is the inner and personal reformation of every Ahmadi youth that shall lay the foundation, brick by brick, for a glorious spiritual, moral and intellectual revolution in the world.  This is what the slogan given to you by Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) truly represents.”

His Holiness further drew the attention of the youth to the importance of physical fitness, presenting it as a foundation for intellectual discipline, emotional control, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Various studies and reports prove that people who are physically fit and who are intellectually disciplined and hard-working are better able to control their emotions and make sound judgements. This not only benefits them but also enables them to contribute positively to the wider world, as they tend to have a more mature and insightful thought process.”

Highlighting the aspirations of Ahmadi youth, His Holiness reminded them of their potential to become shining stars of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and explained why this year’s Ijtema theme, ‘The Holy Quran: a Casket of Jewels,’ was chosen.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“The core philosophy underpinning the profound slogan given to you by Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah have mercy on him) is that if our Khuddam and Atfal diligently seek to develop their characters and conduct, then every Ahmadi youth has the potential to become a shining star of Ahmadiyyat.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Always remember that the primary means of gaining religious knowledge is the study of the Holy Quran… Just as we require food and water to fuel our physical bodies, Allah has bestowed upon us, through the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the Holy Quran as a source of everlasting spiritual sustenance to nourish our souls. Consequently, it was to emphasise to all of you the indispensable nature of the Quran and its limitless blessings that I chose ‘The Holy Quran: A Casket of Jewels’ as the theme for this year’s Ijtema.”

Building on the importance of the Holy Quran, His Holiness reminded the youth that completing their first reading is not the ultimate goal.

His Holiness emphasised, “rather, completing the Quran for the first time should mark just the beginning of a lifelong, ever-deepening bond with the Word of God,” and urged all Khuddam and Atfal to recite it daily, understand its meanings, and sincerely strive to act upon its teachings.

Following this, His Holiness advised the youth to prioritise their spiritual growth and moral development.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Instead of wasting time watching inappropriate films or programmes or wasting countless hours on the internet and social media, make it your firm objective to increase your knowledge of the Holy Quran and its teachings. Consider the Quran to be the means of your reformation and of forging a close bond with Allah the Almighty. It will guide and direct you towards contributing positively to society. So read and cherish every word. As a believer, this should always be your objective.”

Turning his attention once more to the spiritual development of the youth, His Holiness emphasised the importance of deepening one’s understanding of the Holy Quran and following the exemplary life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Yours is the prime age to acquire knowledge, as your brains are fertile and able to absorb and retain new information far more easily than when a person becomes older. Apart from studying the Quran, you must also study the blessed life and character of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because his entire life is a timeless example for us to learn from and emulate. Indeed, Allah the Almighty has stated that if a person wishes to gain His nearness they should strive to tread upon the path of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“It is narrated that a person asked Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah have mercy on her) about the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) morals. In reply, she asked: ‘Have you not read the Holy Quran? The Holy Prophet’s character was the Holy Quran.’ By this, she meant that every word and deed of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Holy Quran. So, it is the noble example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that we should always try to follow. Only then can we live as true Ahmadi Muslims. Only then can we fulfil our pledge to give precedence to faith over worldly matters. Only then can we assist in the divine mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

During the address, His Holiness emphasised that the true benefit of participating in the Ijtema comes only from sincerely applying its teachings in daily life. It is not enough to seek a connection with God Almighty over just a few days; instead, one must prioritise cultivating this bond every day, dedicating specific time to reciting and studying the Holy Quran and striving to act upon its guidance.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“If you sincerely strive for this, you will, God-willing, witness a magnificent spiritual and moral transformation in your life. Your hearts and minds will naturally turn towards Allah the Almighty and He will protect you from the pitfalls and traps that lie at every corner and turn of modern society. He will save you from the superficial and deceptive attractions of today’s world.”

Thereafter, His Holiness alluded to a narration from Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah have mercy on her) on the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) unmatched devotion in prayer and worship, emphasising that while we cannot match it, we must strive to remember Allah and fulfil the rights of His worship at all times.

His Holiness reflected on a verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Say, ‘My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds” (Chapter 6, verse 163), emphasising that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) truly lived by this verse and dedicated every source of good to God Almighty. His Holiness urged the youth to follow the blessed example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If you are fortunate enough to excel in your studies or achieve a high rank in your profession, never attribute your success to your own qualities or virtues. Instead, always consider every success and blessing to be purely due to the grace and mercy of Allah. Without a shadow of doubt, if a person truthfully reflects upon their own weaknesses, they will soon recognise Allah’s immense favours and mercy, and they will bow down before Him with ever-greater humility and gratitude. Their worship will be purely for His sake, and He will be their priority at all times. Otherwise, if you let your careers, professions or worldly activities become your idol and permit them to lead you away from fulfilling the rights of Allah, it will be an extremely grave matter.”

Reflecting on the core principles of faith and character, His Holiness reminded the youth that every Ahmadi must prioritise their daily prayers and worship, following the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and recognising Allah as the sole Provider and Sustainer. He also emphasised the fundamental virtue of truth, noting that the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) flawless honesty serves as a timeless standard, even though some may still reject the truth.

His Holiness further highlighted the importance of honesty by referencing the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) teachings on grievous sins, underscoring that falsehood is deeply detested by God.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Every Ahmadi, young or old, must ensure that, in business, financial, or other dealings, they maintain the highest standard of truth and integrity… Absolute honesty ought to be the hallmark of every Ahmadi. Only then will our Jamaat, underpinned by a pillar of countless truthful souls, be in a position to enlighten the world and guide them toward bowing down before Allah the Almighty and worshipping Him.”

Shifting focus to conduct in the digital age, His Holiness warned against the misuse of social media and the dangers of spreading falsehoods or indulging in harmful behaviour online.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Another immoral practice that has developed among some of our people is spreading gossip, exaggerating the truth, betraying confidences and revelling in the distress of others, all for the sake of their cheap amusement or to provoke conflict. In this age of social media, it is easier than ever to spread disinformation and rumours. People often excuse this behaviour by labelling it as a ‘joke’ but such vindictive actions can cause grudges, malice and hatred to ignite. It can even lead to fighting and the breakdown of social order. Hence, you must never engage in such things.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“If you are to use social media, use it for spreading positivity and truth. Use it to convey the commands of Allah the Almighty, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the moral and spiritual lessons of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Do not use it as a means of vulgar entertainment or to spread vain and immoral things. Do not use it to distress others or to fuel hatred and division. Use social media for good and righteous things alone.”

His Holiness encouraged the attendees of this annual gathering to ask themselves how the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) brought about a spiritual revolution in his companions’ hearts, before turning to examples from his guidance.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If we wish to change the world for the better, we should first ask ourselves how the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ignited a spiritual revolution in his companions’ hearts? Those same people, who once were mired in a pit of ignorance, immorality and illiteracy, transformed into the most noble and moral people on the face of the earth and soared to such spiritual heights that those armed with worldly knowledge alone could never reach.  This transformation was a direct result of their unwavering dedication to seeking the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) guidance at every turn.”

His Holiness offered guidance to the youth regarding family relations, noting that some individuals prevent their in-laws from seeing their own families. His Holiness reminded them that, “if your loved ones prevent you from fulfilling the commands of Allah or His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), then, whilst remaining within the confines of good manners, children have a duty to guide their parents. There is nothing inappropriate about this.” He stressed that Islam commands treating family members with love and compassion and rewards those who uphold these ties. His Holiness also counselled that parents must be honoured and obeyed, except where their wishes conflict with the commands of Allah and the teachings of Islam – in which case, children “should try to guide their parents with love and kindness.”

As his address drew to a close, His Holiness reminded the attendees of the vital importance of studying the Holy Qur’an and internalising its teachings.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“As we reach the end of this Ijtema, I wish to reiterate the importance of studying the Holy Quran. Unquestionably, when you read the Quran carefully, you will find a wealth of divine wisdom within it, guiding you on what to embrace and what to avoid. In the time available, I have only touched upon a fraction of its teachings. Only if we, collectively as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – our youth, children, and elders alike – truly live by its teachings, can we spark a genuine spiritual and moral revolution in the world. Otherwise, without an inner transformation, our claims of changing the world shall amount to nothing but empty words.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“It is our duty and mission to embrace every single teaching of Islam to the best of our ability and to forever seek to walk upon a path of virtue and righteousness. If you, as young Ahmadis, achieve this, you will be those sincere and devoted youth who live up to their religious pledges and stand at the vanguard of reforming others and bringing about a spiritual awakening in the world. Otherwise, merely raising the slogan that ‘Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of their youth,’ is meaningless and fulfils no purpose.”

In his concluding words, His Holiness called upon the attendees to focus on personal reformation and to guide others towards Allah the Almighty, and he ended with heartfelt prayers for their spiritual progress.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Our true objective will only be realised when, alongside raising this slogan, we strive with every fibre of our being to reform ourselves, and in turn, to reform mankind. So, as you leave today, ask yourselves whether you will be amongst those Khuddam and Atfal who truly reform themselves and who lead the world towards Allah the Almighty and towards peace and truth. With all my heart, I hope and pray that may Allah the Almighty grant you the ability to do so and may you all become true shining stars of Ahmadiyya. Ameen.”