“When mothers present a good example before their children, the next generation will naturally be morally reformed as well.”

On 5 October 2025, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, met with over 80 members of Lajna Imaillah Norway, including members of the National Executive (Majlis-e-Amila) and students, at Islamabad.

During the audience, the students had the opportunity to seek the guidance of His Holiness on a range of contemporary secular and religious matters.

One attendee asked His Holiness how to respond to atheists who claim that they never chose to be born, nor asked God to create them or the world, and therefore see no purpose in existence.

In response, His Holiness explained that such people should be reminded that they continue to reap the many blessings and benefits of life within God’s creation.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“[Our belief is that] Allah the Almighty alone is the Master. It is He who has created all forms of creation: diverse beings and countless things – animals, lions, elephants, deer and many others. He made the trees and the mountains. The Holy Qur’an states that ‘all of them glorify and praise Me, for they know how to express gratitude to Allah;’ you too should do the same.”

His Holiness then spoke about the immense vastness of the universe and the relative insignificance of human beings within the grand design of creation. Yet, despite our smallness, His Holiness explained that God Almighty has granted each and every one of us countless blessings and rewards, for which we must remain ever grateful.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmd went on to say:

“This entire universe is so vast. If one observes a map of the universe and looks at the galaxies – images of which are now available – one finds that within these galaxies, filled with innumerable stars and planets, our Earth does not even appear as a visible speck. […] It is so exceedingly small that the worth of a human being is less than that of a microscopic germ. Yet Allah the Almighty, out of His own Will, created this immense universe. Allah says that it is His favour upon you that He created you, even though you are so insignificant – your Earth so tiny, your existence so minuscule. Therefore, it behoves you to express gratitude to Him, for He has created you, bestowed upon you countless blessings, and enabled you to live in comfort within this world.”

Another attendee sought His Holiness’ guidance for men and women who are in search of suitable life partners, and asked what steps they should take in preparation for marriage.

“I have repeatedly advised Ahmadi men to reform and better themselves, and I have told Ahmadi women the same. Each must strive to fulfil the true purpose of marriage. Allah the Almighty has outlined in the Holy Qur’an numerous rights for both men and women. To men, He has said, ‘Consort with them in kindness’ – meaning that husbands should treat their wives with love and compassion. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) set the finest example of such conduct, demonstrating through his own actions how to care for and honour one’s wife.”

His Holiness continued that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) once expressed great anger towards one of his companions who had treated his wife harshly. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) rebuked the man so severely that those present later said they had never before seen the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) so angry. This had such a profound effect on his companions that one of them, who was present in the gathering and realised he had been harsh towards his wife, went straight home after buying her some gifts on the way. When he arrived, he spoke to her gently and with kindness, which surprised her. When she asked about the change, he explained what he had witnessed in the mosque and how he had repented for not treating her with compassion.

His Holiness went on to explain that this is an example of how Islam instructs men to show the utmost care and kindness towards their wives, just as women are enjoined to care for and respect their husbands. Both have moral obligations towards one another, and thus, men and women alike must strive to fulfil these mutual duties through their actions and example.

Another attendee asked His Holiness how Lajna Imaillah Norway could gain greater recognition within Norwegian society and become exemplary role models for others.

In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“You should hold seminars and explain what Islam teaches on various matters – what Islam says about the rights of women, about interest and economic issues, and about marriage – the rights and responsibilities of both men and women. […] Similarly, organise seminars on various contemporary issues, and outline what Islam, the Holy Qur’an, and its teachings say concerning them – including subjects related to science, modern technology, and other scientific fields.”

His Holiness continued by saying:

“Host interfaith gatherings where representatives of each religion present the virtues of their respective faiths. Let others speak about the strengths of their religions […] and then you should present what Islam teaches. People will themselves be able to judge which teachings are superior.”

His Holiness explained that the book Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, which has received great acclaim since its publication, was originally a lecture delivered by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) at an interfaith conference in India in 1896. The lecture adopted an approach that highlighted the beauties of Islam rather than criticising other religions.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The book ‘The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam’ was born out of this very approach. In it, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) outlined the beauty and truth of Islam, explaining its teachings on various moral and spiritual matters. The Hindus presented their religion, and the Christians presented theirs, yet it was the essay of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) that was most admired and ultimately chosen as the best among them […]. So, do not say that our religion is superior, for such statements can cause resentment among people. Rather, elucidate the beauties and virtues of Islam, and then leave it to others to accept or reject as they wish. This, in itself, is the true method of propagation.”

His Holiness then explained that it is the duty of each member of Lajna Imaillah to become a role model, which requires that they practice what they preach.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Truthfulness should be a defining feature of our character – along with honesty, hard work, and practising what we preach. The Holy Qur’an instructs, ‘Do not say that which you do not do.’ Thus, Allah the Almighty has forbidden us from speaking of things we ourselves fail to act upon; such words do not earn reward, but rather bring sin. Therefore, you should become role models yourselves. When mothers present a good example before their children, the next generation will naturally be reformed as well. To establish your identity and to be known requires great effort and sacrifice – a true form of jihad (inner struggle)”

His Holiness then noted that just as one strives diligently to obtain academic degrees, so too must we strive to strengthen and uphold our moral and spiritual identity.

Towards the end of the meeting, one attendee asked His Holiness how the Norwegian branch of Lajna Imaillah could excel in serving humanity and make its efforts more visible to others. His Holiness replied that it is the duty of every Muslim to actively strive in the service of mankind – to assist the poor and the destitute, to support travellers, to help those burdened by debt, and to aid anyone in need.

When informed that members of Lajna Imaillah Norway had been contributing towards projects in Niger, His Holiness encouraged them to further excel in their charitable giving and humanitarian service. He advised that they should aim to establish water wells, hospitals, clinics, and orphanages in Niger, so that they may become shining examples of compassion and service to humanity.