“These [companions of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] were people who, whenever danger arose, unhesitatingly put their very lives at risk. No hardship or pain ever reached them which they regarded as hardship; rather, whenever an opportunity for service came, they gladly offered up their lives.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 14 November 2025, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered his Friday Sermon from Islamabad, Tilford, in which he continued his series on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), focusing on the Expedition of Tabuk.

The Expedition of Tabuk was a measured response to persistent reports of a Byzantine incursion into northern Arabia. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prepared and moved only to deter aggression and protect the Muslim community.

His Holiness narrated incidents from Tabuk which showed the dedication of the Holy Prophet’s companions and their families. He described how even at moments of deep personal emotion, believers placed their duties above their own comfort, and how both men and women displayed courage and selflessness when they were called for their service. His Holiness said that the companions did not treat trials as hardship when they were in the service of faith:

“These [companions of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] were people who, whenever danger arose, unhesitatingly put their very lives at risk. No hardship or pain ever reached them which they regarded as hardship; rather, whenever an opportunity for service came, they gladly offered up their lives.”

His Holiness went on to relate a historic address which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) delivered at Tabuk. In that sermon, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) summarised the core moral and spiritual teachings of Islam.

Whilst quoting the Holy Prophet’s sermon, His Holiness said:

“The truest word is the Book of Allah, and the firmest handhold is the word of righteousness, and the best religion is the religion of Abraham, and the best way is the way of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The most exalted speech is the remembrance of Allah, and the best narrative is this Qur’an… The worst blindness is the blindness of the heart; it is not the eyes being blind, but the heart being blind when a person no longer understands the words of Allah… Among the gravest of sins is a lying tongue, and the best kind of wealth is for the heart to be rich… Whoever forgives his brother, Allah will forgive him. Whoever swallows his anger, Allah will grant him a reward. Whoever shows patience in the face of a trial, Allah will grant him its recompense.”

A significant part of the sermon highlighted how, upon reaching Tabuk and finding no Roman army assembled, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not pursue conflict but instead established written treaties with neighbouring Christian and Jewish communities. His Holiness explained that these covenants granted security for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

Towards the end of the sermon, His Holiness turned to current world conditions and urged the Community to pray for those facing persecution. He drew particular attention to mounting hostility against Ahmadis in Bangladesh, the continued vulnerability of Ahmadis in Pakistan, attacks against Ahmadis in parts of Africa, and the ongoing suffering of Palestinians despite the ceasefire.

His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, prayed:

“Pray especially that Allah the Almighty keep every Ahmadi safe and protect them from their evil… Likewise, pray for the Palestinians; despite agreements and despite ceasefires, they are still being massacred. May Allah the Almighty have mercy… Similarly, pray for the Ahmadis in Africa… May Allah the Almighty establish peace and security throughout the entire world.”