On 21 November 2025, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), delivered his weekly Friday Sermon from Masjid Mubarak in Tilford, UK.

Continuing his series on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), His Holiness continued to focus on the events surrounding the Expedition of Tabuk and the profound moral lessons it offers to the world today.

His Holiness explained that hostile groups had conspired to harm the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Despite a series of attempts to attack and assassinate him, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) demonstrated remarkable restraint and forgiveness. His Holiness said that even when the identities of those who attempted to harm the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) became known, he refused to retaliate or order their punishment.

His Holiness explained that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) refrained from action because he did not wish people to say that, after his conflicts with external enemies had ended, he had turned against his own community.

The companions asked how such people could still be considered part of the community. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied that, despite their actions, they still verbally professed the Islamic creed, and for that reason alone he would not sanction capital punishment.

With regards to this example of mercy and restraint displayed by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), His Holiness stated:

“The so-called scholars of today, who issue edicts to kill those who recite the Islamic creed, should keep this instruction [of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] before them.”

Towards the conclusion of his sermon, His Holiness described the deeply emotional scenes that unfolded when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) returned to Madinah. His Holiness highlighted the extraordinary love and devotion the true followers of the Prophet expressed, as men, women and children rushed out in great numbers to welcome him.

His Holiness recited the historic couplet that the people of Madinah sang in joy as they greeted the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

“The full moon has risen upon us from the valley of Wada. Gratitude is incumbent upon us, so long as there remains one who calls unto God.”