“We should strive to attain this standard of prayer and worship by following the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Only then can we truly be called Muslims.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 16 January 2026, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered this week’s Friday Sermon from the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, UK. His Holiness continued his discourse from the previous weeks regarding the love and devotion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for Allah the Almighty.

At the beginning of his sermon, His Holiness highlighted the fact that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was drawn to worshipping Allah the Almighty even before the inception of his prophethood.

Quoting the words of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), His Holiness highlighted the deep connection that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) developed when worshipping Allah the Almighty in the Cave of Hira in complete seclusion.

Regarding this, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) wrote:

“The real matter is that when intimacy and spiritual delight in Allah the Almighty develops, a person begins to feel an aversion and distaste for the world and worldly people. Naturally, one becomes inclined towards solitude and seclusion. This was also the condition of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He had become so absorbed in the love of Allah that it was in solitude alone that he found complete joy and spiritual pleasure.”

His Holiness then proceeded to address a common objection raised by critics, namely that if prophets love solitude and worship, why do they marry and live among people.

Quoting the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), His Holiness explained that prophets do not pursue worldly desires. Their family life does not arise from selfish passions, rather Allah grants them lawful relationships which serve a higher purpose, while their true peace remains in remembrance and devotion of God.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) stated that this is the condition of prophets and divinely appointed reformers. Whatever comes before them is not the result of selfish desire. Their entire joy and comfort lie in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and in spiritual devotion.”

His Holiness went on to highlight that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was blessed with devoted wives who stood by him with unwavering support during times of trial.

In particular, His Holiness drew attention to the steadfast reassurance Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), whose recognition of the Holy Prophet’s noble character and moral excellence played a vital role at a critical moment in his life.

At the very commencement of revelation, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) felt the immense weight of the responsibility placed upon him and feared whether he would be able to fulfil his divinely entrusted mission.

Referring to the words of reassurance offered by Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), His Holiness said:

“Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, ‘Never, by God. Allah will never disgrace you… You maintain family ties, you bear the burdens of the weak, you practise virtues that have disappeared, you honour guests, and you help in times of difficulty in the cause of truth.’”

Thereafter, His Holiness highlighted the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his unprecedented devotion in prayer. His Holiness said that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) demonstrated that prayer and worship was not a burden, but rather a moment for a servant to thank Allah the Almighty for every blessing that he enjoys in this life.

During his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad quoted the following verse of the Holy Qur’an which highlights the fact that the entire life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was dedicated to Allah the Almighty.

His Holiness recited the following verse:

“Say, ‘My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.’” (The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 6:163)

Explaining this verse, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad quoted the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).

“[The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has said that] this verse indicates that all of worship of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is solely for God, and that neither the self, nor creation, nor worldly means have any share in my worship.”

Concluding his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad advised the entire Community to follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and strive to attain such a standard of prayer and worship by following his example.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Therefore, we should strive to attain this standard of prayer and worship by following the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Only then can we truly be called Muslims.”