“True service lies not in how much we have but in how much we are willing to give and sacrifice for the sake of others” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at the International Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association (AMMA) on Sunday 27 October 2024.

Over 250 members of the Association from around the world attended the event that took place at Islamabad in Tilford, UK.

During his address, His Holiness reminded the attendees of the importance of using their skills and services to better the situation for those stricken with poverty and hardships in impoverished parts of the world and reminded the medical professionals that they are in a “unique position to be on the frontline of serving humanity.”

At the outset, His Holiness expressed his hope that the conference has enabled them to form “concrete plans” to serve humanity and support the hospitals of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the developing world.

His Holiness praised some of the work being carried out by the medical association of Australia, especially the fact that they have provided medical aid and equipment to hospitals in Africa and Pakistan and for providing medical assistance to Ahmadi Muslim refugees in East Asian countries.

His Holiness said that although Australia’s Medical Association is not particularly large and nor are the doctors there particularly affluent, yet they have been able to provide commendable humanitarian services “as a result of their sincere desire to serve others and through meticulous planning, strategic collaboration, and the efficient utilisation of their resources.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Thus, always remember that true service lies not in how much we have but in how much we are willing to give and sacrifice for the sake of others.” 

His Holiness also mentioned the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association of America which has regularly sent doctors to Pakistan to support the Tahir Heart Institute in Rabwah.

Motivating them to further their efforts to support the Fazl-e-Omar Hospital in Rabwah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I now urge the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association in the United States and other countries to focus on raising the standards of the Fazl-e-Omar Hospital in Rabwah. Indeed, the ambition and objective should be for the Fazl-e-Omar Hospital to become a genuine centre of medical excellence. To achieve this, new buildings will need to be constructed and existing buildings will need to be renovated. Furthermore, modern medical equipment and machinery will need to be procured. More doctors, nurses and ancillary staff will need to be recruited and trained.” 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:

“Therefore, I urge all of you to reflect upon this and consider how you can leverage your skills, expertise, and resources to elevate the Fazl-e-Omar Hospital in a way that it becomes a genuine centre of excellence. If you can achieve this objective, you will not only impact the lives of countless individuals today but will also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, Insha’Allah.”

His Holiness said that many Ahmadi Muslims have emigrated from Pakistan and most of those left behind are not affluent and are unable to afford even basic medical care and so there is a greater need to ensure that facilities are improved to serve those in need.

His Holiness said that Ahmadi Muslims should also pursue the field of research in medical fields and in particular should seek to develop innovative solutions that can be utilised in impoverished parts of the world.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Those Ahmadi Muslims engaged in medical research should extend their fields of study to investigate the specific healthcare challenges faced by those living in economically deprived countries. Explore innovative solutions, develop cost-effective treatments and strive to contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare systems that cater to the needs of the most vulnerable populations.”

His Holiness also reflected on the current geo-political situation of the world and how Ahmadi Muslim medical professionals must make plans to serve humanity even in the worst of circumstances.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The world’s geo-political situation is extremely precarious and we are living in a time of grave uncertainty. Conflicts and wars are rapidly escalating and, if, God forbid, a world war erupts, the resulting humanitarian crisis would be of an unimaginable scale. While we continue to pray that such a war may be averted, we must also ensure that we have planned for all eventualities.”

 Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:

“Therefore, I urge our Medical Associations in the United States and elsewhere to proactively develop comprehensive contingency plans. They should detail how our Ahmadi Muslim doctors and medical teams could efficiently utilise their skills and expertise to serve humanity in the event of a global crisis.”

His Holiness expressed his strong wish that the UK branch of the Medical Association should seek to regularly send doctors for Waqf-e-Ardhi to the hospitals of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the developing world so that they can volunteer a significant portion of their time to help the needy.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad reminded the attendees of the importance of their work and said:

“Remember that the true measure of our success lies not in the conferences we host but in the impact we have on the world. Your objectives extend far beyond these walls, reaching into the most remote and deprived communities around the world.”

Addressing members of the UK branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“You should inspire other Medical Associations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and serve as a role model for them.”

His Holiness said that although some individuals do give their time, however, they should do so in a united manner and that “collective action is the means of amplifying one’s impact.”

As he concluded his address, His Holiness outlined the distinct opportunity that Ahmadi Muslim medical professionals have to fulfil the obligations of their faith.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“You should always keep at the forefront of your mind that, apart from fulfilling the rights of Allah, you are in a unique position to be on the frontline of serving humanity and fulfilling the rights of Allah’s Creation. Do not take this lightly. Instead, consider this a huge privilege and opportunity to gain the nearness and blessings of Allah the Almighty. Never tire or waver in your service for others and constantly seek new ways to contribute, to innovate and to expand your reach.” 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and stated:

“Never forget that your skills, knowledge, success and experience are all gifts from Allah and will only be worthy of value in His eyes when utilised with selflessness for the sake of serving His Creation. May Allah the Almighty enable you to not only develop new ideas and schemes to serve humanity but also, more importantly, to fulfil them.”