“Only when we develop a relationship with Allah the Almighty will we become rightful inheritors of the blessings of Allah the Almighty.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 2 January 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 the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, UK. His Holiness spoke about the life and devotion of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), highlighting his love for Allah the Almighty and loyalty displayed to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

At the beginning, His Holiness briefly referred to the previous week’s sermon on the relationship that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had with Allah the Almighty. His Holiness explained that this reflection served as a foundation for understanding the life of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), who was raised by Allah as the most devoted servant of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in every respect.

His Holiness said that it was through this complete surrender to Allah, and through his love for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) was granted divine support and such a high spiritual rank.

Regarding this, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) stated at one place that whatever he has attained, he has attained through following the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This, then, was his example, and it was for this very reason that he established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”

Turning to the present day, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad explained that the life of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) serves as a model for members of the Community. His Holiness explained that faith cannot be reduced to claims made by the tongue, but must be reflected through one’s righteousness and obedience to Allah the Almighty.

His Holiness said every member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ought to tread the path of righteousness and follow the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). His Holiness then explained that the true purpose of pledging allegiance to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) is to create a living relationship with Allah the Almighty.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Only when we develop a relationship with Allah the Almighty will we become rightful inheritors of the blessings of Allah the Almighty, truly fulfil the responsibility of belonging to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and properly discharge the obligation of having entered into the pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

Thereafter, His Holiness highlighted that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) placed immense emphasis on prayer and remembering Allah the Almighty.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Allah the Almighty raised the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) in this age so that those who had forgotten the teachings of Islam and become distant from Allah the Almighty might be brought back closer to Him, and become those Muslims that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sought.”

Concluding his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad noted that the beginning of the new year is often marked by celebrations and he urged the Community to use this moment for prayer.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“A new year has just begun and so we should pray that this year becomes a year of countless blessings for all of us. May Allah the Almighty grant the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community even greater progress than before.

Those of us living in free countries (where religious freedom exists), are enjoying the freedom to mark the new year. At such a time, we must also remember those Ahmadi Muslims who have been imprisoned due to their faith… Even whilst being imprisoned, they are entering the new year while expressing gratitude to Allah the Almighty, without complaint. For the sake of Allah’s pleasure, they are enduring these iron shackles.

May Allah the Almighty soon enable for their release. May Allah grant us, and all those imprisoned and all Ahmadis facing hardship, an even deeper awareness and understanding of His love than before. Rather than allowing difficulties to weaken our love for Allah the Almighty, may these trials increase it ever further.

Pray also for the oppressed. May Allah the Almighty deliver all oppressed people of the world from the grip of their oppressors, and may peace be established throughout the world. Ameen.”