“A genuinely humble person attributes all their success to God, both in their words and within their heart” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad 

On 24^th May 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 the delegates of the National Majlis-e-Shura of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.

The institution of Majlis-e-Shura is the main consultative body established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to discuss proposals to further the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in propagating the true peaceful teachings of Islam.

His Holiness delivered the address from the MTA studios in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Shura delegates had gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London. His Holiness also addressed delegates in Canada and Belgium who were also convening their annual National Majlis-e-Shuras.

During the address, His Holiness highlighted the essential importance of humility and overcoming one’s ego.

At the outset, His Holiness mentioned that this year the Majlis-e-Shura is holding elections to elect National Secretaries of the executive body of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community U.K. and so gave important guidelines.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“My message and instruction to each of you is that you should cast your vote for those individuals whom you genuinely believe most appropriate for the various elected offices. Never let the bonds of personal ties or friendship cloud your judgment or take you away from justice. Indeed, always remember that the basis of our every act or deed should be Taqwa (righteousness). Otherwise, the very purpose for which this Shura has been convened will remain unfulfilled, as will the objectives of being an Ahmadi Muslim.”

During the address, His Holiness referred to and quoted from the addresses delivered by Hazrat Musleh Maud, the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmad at various occasions of Majlis-e-Shura.

His Holiness said that the Second Caliph outlined “fundamental principles that ought to resonate within the hearts and minds of every member of the Majlis-e-Shura at all times.”

Reminding the attendees that attaining the pleasure of Allah should be the sole motivation for participating in the Majlis-e-Shura, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In reality, only if a person’s true objective is to gain Allah’s love can they present their views or opinions with absolute integrity, unwavering justice and free from all forms of self-interest… However, he [the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] cautioned that even those who have offered certain sacrifices in pursuit of Allah’s love are not immune to negligence or weakness. He warned that if, God forbid, one deviates from the path of Allah, they risk severing their connection to Him altogether. All the while, the world would offer no solace or compassion. Rather, it would view such a person with anger and disdain. From both a spiritual and worldly perspective, such a person would be cut adrift.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:

“Rest assured that if every Shura member and every office bearer prioritises attaining the love of Allah above all else, then no worldly system, no human organisation and no community on earth shall ever rival that of our Community, God willing.”

His Holiness mentioned that the value of a sacrifice lies not in the act itself, but in the intention behind it and that members of Majlis-e-Shura must realise that sacrifices made with impure motives bring no benefit. Even great sacrifices—of life, wealth, honour, or time—can be rendered meaningless and would not lead to the love of God if they are not for the right intention.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad explained:

“The reason is that such sacrifices were not made out of a desire to gain the love of Allah. Rather, Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) has described these as ‘ancillary’ sacrifices. In this context, Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that beyond all other forms of sacrifice, the ultimate and complete sacrifice is one that demands the utter surrender of one’s desires and ego. For it is a person’s ego and desires that he prizes above all else. Certainly, it is when a person begins to define the world through a lens of ‘I’ and ‘me’ and dares to believe that their success is contingent upon their qualities and a product of their skills and power that they deviate from the path of God.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

 “Thus, even when offering what seems like an immense sacrifice, the motives of such a person are tainted. It is the insatiable hunger of their ego that drives them to sacrifice their life, wealth, nation, knowledge and time. They are driven by a desire to protect or elevate their standing and status in the world.”

His Holiness quoted Hazrat Musleh Maud, who said:

“On the surface, it may seem that a person is making sacrifices for the sake of his nation, country and honour. Yet, in reality, he is motivated by his ego. It is a reflection of how he considers himself to be the most worthy… So, it is not enough to sacrifice one’s wealth, knowledge, time or even one’s life in order to gain the nearness of God. Rather, God Almighty desires that a person sacrifices his ego and forgoes all forms of self-importance.”

His Holiness said to all Shura members to “search deep within your souls” and self-analyse whether “the sacrifices or efforts you make for the sake of the Community are made purely for the sake of attaining the love and pleasure of God Almighty?”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that until a person entirely extinguishes the concept of ‘me’, he will not be accepted by God because such a person, in reality, is guilty of associating partners with Him. He says that while such a person may proclaim before the world that ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah’, yet within the recesses of his heart and mind, he elevates his own status and value to such a level that it is akin to associating partners with God Almighty.”

To explain this point, His Holiness shared the example of a man who fought bravely alongside the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions, earning praise from others. Yet, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) declared he was destined for hell. Later, it was revealed the man took his own life as he could not bear the pain from his injuries, admitting he fought not for the sake of Allah but to settle personal disputes. His actions, driven by selfish motives rather than faith, deprived him of the rank of martyrdom—proving the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) words true.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“This incident serves as a warning to all office bearers that their every statement, opinion, and act should be made with the fear of Allah. Only then will they come to attain the blessings of God Almighty. Otherwise, if their efforts are clouded by a desire for fame or fortune or to satisfy their ego, they shall be deprived of Allah’s rewards.”

His Holiness also highlighted that no one should feel that their efforts are leading to the success of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as it is a mark of arrogance.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“None of you should ever think that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s success is due to your efforts, skills or capabilities. To the contrary, if you genuinely believe in your heart that whatever has been achieved was due only to the blessings of Allah and that without His Help you are nothing, you will see how the blessings of Allah rain down upon you and how He will reward whatever sacrifices have been made for His sake. It will yield magnificent and fragrant fruits that will symbolise and demonstrate the continued progress and success of our Community. And it shall be the means of elevating your status in the eyes of God Almighty. Otherwise, if you let your ego take root, instead of progression and prosperity, you will encounter harm and destruction.”

Speaking of those who show true humility, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If you sincerely try to save yourselves from all forms of idol worship and remain utterly faithful to Allah, you will witness the blessings of Allah at every turn and corner. Such people are those who become a means of true support and help for Khilafat. As office bearers, you must pledge that you will consider whatever duties, service or work assigned to you, whether you are serving as the Secretary, deputy or in any other capacity, as a great trust. Indeed, consider any duty given to you by the Community or by the Khalifa of the Time, as the work of Allah the Almighty and strive to fulfil it for His sake. When you develop such a mindset, it will prove to be the means of your success and salvation.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued the theme of humility and said:

“Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that a genuinely humble person attributes all their success to God, both in their words and within their heart. They understand that, without the Grace of God, they are nothing. They have the clarity of thought to recognise that their intelligence or capabilities are minimal and of no real value until and unless they are connected with their Creator and blessed by Him.”

His Holiness also said that delegates must not let their Shura participation end with speeches and initial proposals—only to forget their duties afterward. A review of past years, His Holiness said, would show many goals were left unfulfilled or forgotten and so Shura delegates should reflect, revisit the past resolutions, and strive to implement them alongside this year’s recommendations.

As the address drew to a close, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke of some salient advice for the attendees and said:

“During the Majlis-e-Shura, you must ensure that you maintain the dignity and sanctity of the proceedings at all times. Do not engage in meaningless or unhelpful debates.  Instead, first determine if your contribution is necessary and likely to be beneficial. For example, if you think that someone else has already expressed a similar point to you, then there is no need to waste time by repeating it. Here again, the principle applies that you must not be motivated by your ego or a desire for prominence.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:

“Always remember that, as an office bearer and a Shura delegate, the fear of Allah must be deeply ingrained within your hearts. Every decision or opinion you give should be given truthfully with the fear of Allah running through your veins. Only then will you reach the standard and level of dignity and status expected of the Majlis-e-Shura. Otherwise, you will simply be presenting your view in a worldly manner, rather than in the manner required or expected of a spiritual and religious community.”

Concluding his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“May every word uttered and every suggestion offered resonate purely with the love of Allah and a profound desire to serve the noble cause of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. If this is your guiding principle, then, Insha’Allah, you will play your role in igniting the spiritual revolution for which the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) was sent and for which all of you have accepted him and for whose sake the members of the Jamaat have entrusted you to represent them here today. Only with this understanding and spirit can this Shura be truly deemed a success.”

As the address concluded, His Holiness led the attendees in a silent prayer.