“Unlike worldly organisations, Humanity First does not serve humanity to garner fame or recognition. Rather its every act of service rises purely from a devotion to Allah the Almighty and is inspired by His command to tend to the wounds of His Creation.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 30 November 2025, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), delivered the keynote address at Humanity First’s International Conference, held to commemorate thirty years of the organisation’s humanitarian service. Humanity First is a global charity established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The concluding session of Humanity First International’s 2025 Conference was presided over by His Holiness at Islamabad, Tilford, UK. This year’s gathering took place from 28–30 November at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, bringing together approximately 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. The theme of the conference was “Peace, Compassion & Humanity.”

His Holiness began his address by drawing the audience’s attention to the true purpose of the occasion, emphasising the spirit with which the gathering had been convened.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Today, with the Grace of Allah, you have gathered not only to mark and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Humanity First, but more importantly, to express your deep gratitude to Allah the Almighty and to renew your pledge to serve humanity.”

His Holiness reflected on the origins of Humanity First, noting that it had been established by the Fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him), to expand the community’s humanitarian outreach and support those in need even in situations where the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community could not directly intervene.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:

“You must never lose sight of the noble objectives with which Humanity First was established. Unquestionably, inspiring true service to humanity amongst his followers was a core objective of the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). He repeatedly emphasised the necessity of helping those in need.”

Reflecting on the principles underlying humanitarian service, His Holiness highlighted that, as the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) explained, a true believer’s duty extends beyond one’s own community. Citing the Qur’anic injunction, “And they feed, for the love of Him, the poor, the orphan, and the prisoner” (Chapter 76, Verse 9), he noted that Islam encourages serving all those in need, regardless of their faith or background. His Holiness emphasised that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exemplified these teaching throughout his life.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Service to humanity, therefore, is a fundamental teaching of the Holy Qur’an. Moreover, throughout his life, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exemplified this teaching. His heart was forever consumed by a desire to aid and assist all impoverished and vulnerable people, regardless of whether they were Muslims, Christians, Jews, disbelievers, or followers of any other faith.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“In this era, to revive and uphold the principle of serving mankind selflessly, Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), and it was to further this objective that Humanity First was established.  Consequently, having associated themselves with the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), every Ahmadi Muslim must consider it a sacred duty to personify these benevolent teachings and tirelessly strive to alleviate human suffering.”

Quoting the Promised Messiah’s (peace be upon him) statement about serving mankind, His Holiness said:

“To love mankind and to show compassion to others is an immense form of worship of God Almighty and an outstanding means of attaining His pleasure and rewards.”

His Holiness stressed and reminded the audience that Humanity First is driven not by worldly recognition, but by devotion to Allah the Almighty and acting upon Islam’s teachings.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Do not consider Humanity First as just another charity or aid agency. Rather, directly underpinning its mission are the commands of Allah, the blessed practice of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Unlike worldly organisations, Humanity First does not serve humanity to garner fame or recognition. Rather its every act of service rises purely from a devotion to Allah the Almighty and is inspired by His command to tend to the wounds of His Creation.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Furthermore, always remember, that unless Humanity First stays firmly attached and aligned with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, nothing shall distinguish it from other charities or aid agencies. A few years ago, some executives in Humanity First formed the opinion that Humanity First was completely ‘independent’ of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The reality is and always shall be that Humanity First’s direct association with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a source of divine blessings and a means of pride and honour for it.  Accordingly, never discard or sever your link with the Community of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), as our objective is one and the same – to serve humanity without distinction of caste, creed or colour.”

Following this, His Holiness reflected on the progress of Humanity First, noting that every advancement over the past 30 years has been a blessing from Allah and due to the organisation’s association with the Promised Messiah (as) and Khilafat.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Be in no doubt that as long as you maintain this link and prize your association with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and continue to seek the guidance and instructions of Khilafat, your work and efforts will continue to be blessed, God-willing. In terms of the milestone itself, undoubtedly, with the Grace of Allah, Humanity First has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past 30 years from very modest and humble beginnings. Initially, Humanity First’s total budget was barely a few thousand pounds. Hence, its initial projects were very small-scale and extremely limited in scope. Yet today, three decades on, Humanity First has risen to a level where its annual budget is now in the millions.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“In fact, some individual Humanity First country budgets have now reached millions of pounds or dollars. This is purely due to the grace and mercy of Allah. At the same time, Humanity First’s budget and resources remain far less than those of many other humanitarian organisations. Yet, you are all witness to how Allah the Almighty has blessed the work and efforts of Humanity First manifold. This is because the sole objective of those who serve in it is to gain the nearness and rewards of Allah and to be the inheritors of the prayers of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

His Holiness noted that even much larger charities often seek to understand how Humanity First achieves its ambitious objectives or gains access to areas that remain out of reach for others, despite their vast resources.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad reminded the audience:

“Always remember that your every success flows directly from the boundless grace of Allah the Almighty and because you are supported by the prayers of the Khalifa of the Time and millions of Ahmadis around the world. As long as Humanity First continues to seek and follow the guidance of Khilafat and works with an earnest desire to serve others, purely for the sake of Allah, it shall continue to flourish and progress.”

His Holiness outlined that Humanity First now serves across healthcare, education and wider humanitarian work, with disaster relief teams operating bravely in difficult environments. He noted the impact of long-term projects such as hospitals, schools, orphanages and clean water initiatives, supported by all countries, with especially strong contributions from the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the United States.

Emphasising that the heart of this work lies not in buildings but in people, His Holiness said that the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers must pair professional competence with true compassion, as “the care, compassion, and dedication patients receive at our hospitals and clinics is unrivalled.”

His Holiness directed that any shortcomings be addressed without delay and reminded the audience that while large-scale hospital projects cost millions, Humanity First did not have the resources to build them everywhere.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Moving forward, you should strategically allocate your resources to maximise impact. Focus on building smaller hospitals or even clinics with 8 to 10 beds. Such facilities can be built at a fraction of the cost, compared to large scale hospitals. This strategy will ensure a broader reach into local communities. Patients will be able to access vital primary care locally and may be referred to larger facilities for advanced treatments where needed… Do not think that because you have built two very large hospitals, it would be a backward step if you now built smaller hospitals or clinics… In the developing world, often, lives are lost because patients lack access to such basic services or primary care. So, I reiterate that Humanity First should look to develop such clinics or smaller hospitals in different countries.”

In describing Humanity First’s growing efforts, His Holiness outlined how the organisation is advancing a range of projects that bring meaningful, long-term benefit to vulnerable communities. He referenced the establishment of orphan care facilities in Africa and the ongoing ‘Gift of Sight’ clinics through which thousands have regained or improved their vision. His Holiness also reminded the audience that, alongside such enduring initiatives, Humanity First must always be prepared to “mobilise immediately to meet the urgent and often unexpected needs of the time”.

As His Holiness continued his address, he turned to the recent challenges faced in regions afflicted by profound hardship. His Holiness spoke poignantly about the extraordinary service rendered by Humanity First amid the immense suffering in Gaza, noting the steadfastness and sincerity with which its volunteers have strived to aid those in desperate need. He then shared the following remarks.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“With the Grace and Mercy of Allah, over the past two years, in response to the devastating and horrific situation in Gaza, Humanity First UK has provided excellent and devoted service and resolutely faced some of the most horrendous and dangerous possible conditions. In reality, it is the local Humanity First team on the ground in Gaza who are especially deserving of our thanks and prayers. With remarkable courage and dignity and without any consideration for their own comfort or safety, they have selflessly served the local people.  They have been motivated and driven only by a profound desire to demonstrate the mercy and compassion at the heart of Islamic teachings. May Allah the Almighty reward them and keep them all in His protection. Ameen.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“During the course of the conflict, I have myself seen how some members of the Humanity First team in Gaza have physically weakened. They are sacrificing their own well-being and health for the sake of others. Yet, they have never once wavered or shirked their responsibilities. As a result, they have provided food, water, supplies and shelter to thousands of people in desperate need. Every penny spent by Humanity First in Gaza has reached the people on the ground, bringing them desperately needed comfort and relief. Indeed, other well-known aid agencies and charities have commended Humanity First’s efforts, and I am sure the relevant UN agencies will also testify to this, if they are fair and honest.”

Following this, His Holiness praised the dedication and passion of the Humanity First ladies’ teams.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“Regarding Humanity First UK, the ladies’ team is working with great dedication and passion. By the Grace of Allah, they have done excellent work in recent years. I am sure the women serving in Humanity First in other countries are also serving with great dedication. May Allah bless them all and enable them to increase their services in the future.”

Towards the end of the address, His Holiness reflected on the remarkable growth of Humanity First over the past 30 years, highlighting that while resources and reach have expanded, the true measure of service lies in steadfast dedication, humility, and seeking Allah’s guidance. He then urged members to look forward, plan ambitiously, and raise the organisation’s humanitarian impact even further.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“There is no doubt that, with the Grace of Allah, the scope of Humanity First’s work around the world is undoubtedly continuing to grow. As I said, the budget that was once in the thousands has now reached millions and one day, God Willing, will reach billions. However, irrespective of finances, it is essential that all members of Humanity First always manifest an unwavering passion and commitment for serving others. Serving humanity is not a fleeting objective that comes and goes like the wind. Rather, it is a lifelong challenge – one that requires consistency and unshakeable steadfastness. So, it should not be that you work for a few days and then get tired or move on to something else.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Furthermore, at every turn, you must seek the Help of Allah. All your work should be conducted with humility and prayers. You should not desire worldly plaudits or praise. Rather, your only motivation should be gaining the love, nearness and rewards of Allah the Almighty and a desire to fulfil the commands of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).

Thus, now you have reached 30 years of service, do not rest on your laurels or lie back in satisfaction. Instead, always look forward. Now is the time to plan for the next three decades. Now is the time to develop a clear vision for the future and to set ambitious goals. Now is the time to take Humanity First to the next level. Your aim should be that the humanitarian services of Humanity First do not just increase gradually but increase exponentially in the years ahead. Only then will this milestone and commemoration hold real value.”

His Holiness reflected on the growing global instability and suggested that Humanity First should prepare to meet the needs of those affected by future crises, including potential large-scale conflicts.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“It is no exaggeration to say that the global economic and political situation is increasingly uncertain. Conflicts are erupting around the world. I have said many times, I fear we are drawing ever closer to a catastrophic world war. And, if and when, such a war occurs, resources will be scarce. Money or valuables will be of little value.

Thus, Humanity First should prepare a comprehensive plan for how it will function and provide aid to those in war zones and affected areas. Whilst, your disaster relief teams have some experience in responding to earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and other natural disasters, the fallout from a world war would be on a completely different scale. It would present an unprecedented, precarious and complex challenge unlike anything you will have encountered in the past. Indeed, it is even possible that Humanity First workers could lose their lives or be severely injured in the course of their duties.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Thus, you must plan meticulously and train your teams rigorously so they are prepared as much as possible. You should identify the specific areas where you can help, as it will not be possible for Humanity First to cover everything. Your priority should remain saving lives and alleviating suffering… Remember, at a time of profound crisis, selfish people look to protect themselves and their own interests, but, as members of Humanity First, you must always set aside your own interests and needs for the sake of others.”

Bringing his address to its close, His Holiness reflected on three decades of service and expressed his heartfelt prayer:

“May Humanity First always live up to the noble aspirations with which it was founded and shine as a beacon of hope and mercy for generations to come. Ameen.”

Prior to His Holiness’s keynote address, the conference featured a brief programme highlighting Humanity First’s three decades of service. A video report was shown summarising the charity’s achievements over the past 30 years, followed by guest remarks from Hon Stephen Lecce, Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario, Canada, and a video message from Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Following these presentations, volunteers of Humanity First were recognised for their dedicated service and graciously presented with certificates by His Holiness.