“It is therefore a requirement of compassion for one’s nation, and a duty towards humanity as a whole, that we spend in  the way of Allah the Almighty.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 9 January 2025, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered this week’s Friday Sermon from the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, UK. This week, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the importance of financial sacrifice and its significance in Islam. His Holiness reminded the Community that financial sacrifice is a direct means of attaining the love and pleasure of Allah the Almighty.

At the outset of his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“Never shall you attain righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it well.” (The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3:93)

After reciting this verse, His Holiness drew attention to the Qur’anic exegeses of Hazrat Hakim Maulawi Nooruddin and Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with them both). He explained that these commentators highlighted how the verse points to the central role of financial sacrifice in a believer’s spiritual development.

His Holiness stated that, according to these explanations, true righteousness is attained through spending from one’s wealth in the cause of Allah. By doing this, a believer progresses towards genuine righteousness.

Thereafter, addressing the standard of financial sacrifice within the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad emphasised that those who have been blessed with greater means should strive to set an example through their level of financial sacrifice.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Those who, at times, earn well but do not meet the same standard in financial sacrifice as an average earning Ahmadi should reflect upon these aforementioned verses. Allah the Almighty declares that it is only when a person spends in His cause from that which they love that they can become rightful inheritors of the blessings and grace of Allah the Almighty.”

His Holiness then highlighted that Allah the Almighty has not just mentioned the importance and significance of financial sacrifice once, but rather God Almighty points towards its significance multiple times in the Holy Qur’an.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad then proceeded to recite the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“And spend for the cause of Allah, and cast not yourselves into ruin with your own hands, and do good; surely, Allah loves those who do good.” (The Holy Qur’an Chapter 2:196)

With regard to the aforementioned verse, His Holiness mentioned that the importance of financial sacrifice in the eyes of Allah the Almighty is such that those who do not partake in this blessed sacrifice will ultimately bring ruin upon themselves.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“By the grace of Allah, the majority of the Community participates in financial sacrifice with great enthusiasm. However, there are some who are reluctant in this matter. Such individuals should remember that spending wealth in the way of Allah is essential.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad then recited the following Qur’anic verse:

“So, fear Allah as best you can, and listen, and obey, and spend in His cause; it will be good for yourselves. And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul – it is such who shall be successful.” (The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 64:17)

After reciting this verse, His Holiness said:

“If one wishes to become an inheritor of the blessings of Allah, one must spend in His cause. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) stated on numerous occasions that, in this age, the propagation and advancement of faith require financial resources, and that one should therefore spend for this purpose.”

His Holiness then highlighted that spending in the way of Allah is not only a means of strengthening one’s faith, but also serves the wider good of society. He explained that such sacrifice benefits humanity at large by supporting those in need and contributing to the welfare of people as a whole.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It is therefore a requirement of compassion for one’s nation, and a duty towards humanity as a whole, that we spend in the way of Allah the Almighty.”

His Holiness continued:

“We are fortunate that today the majority of Ahmadis possess an awareness of this responsibility [of financial sacrifice]. They spend abundantly in the way of Allah.

The same spirit was present during the time of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), when members of the Community would make financial sacrifices, and the Promised Messiah would often remark that he was astonished by how these people gave in financial sacrifice despite their poverty. The same condition exists today, and Ahmadis continue to show a deep awareness of the importance of spending in the cause of Allah.”

Towards the end of his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad recited the following verses of the Holy Qur’an:

“And he who fears Allah — He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he expects not. And he who puts his trust in Allah — He is sufficient for him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. For everything has Allah appointed a measure.” (The Holy Qur’an 65:3-4)

Commenting on the verse, His Holiness referred to numerous real-life examples of Ahmadis from different parts of the world who experienced the blessings of Allah the Almighty after giving from what they possessed purely for His sake and placing their trust entirely in Him.

His Holiness concluded the sermon by announcing that the current Waqf-e-Jadid year had come to an end and that the 69th year of the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme would now commence.

Waqf-e-Jadid is a global financial initiative established in 1957 by the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him). The scheme was launched to support the propagation of Islam and provide support to vulnerable communities across the world.