Friday Sermon delivered at Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
Rightly Guided Caliphs – Hazrat Umar (ra)
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Umar (ra).
The Will of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)
His Holiness (aba) said that before he passed away, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) called Hazrat Uthman (ra) so that he could write down his will. As Hazrat Uthman (ra) was just beginning to write, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) fell unconscious. During this time, Hazrat Uthman (ra) wrote that Hazrat Umar (ra) would be the next Khalifa. Then when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) regained consciousness, he asked Hazrat Uthman (ra) to read out what had been written. Hence he read out what he had written about Hazrat Umar (ra), and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not change it, rather he said that he had rendered a great service.
His Holiness (aba) said Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) will was read out to the people, and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked them whether they agreed with the decision he had made, to which everyone replied that they would obey this decision and the next Khalifa.
His Holiness (aba) said that once, someone asked Hazrat Umar (ra) about his anger and that it no longer seems to show. Hazrat Umar (ra) replied that it was still there, but it only manifested against the disbelievers.
Hazrat Umar’s (ra) First Address As the Khalifa
His Holiness (aba) said that in his first address after becoming Khalifa, Hazrat Umar (ra) said that any matter that came to him he would decide himself. And any matter that was distant, he would appoint representatives to deal with it. He said that whoever did good would be rewarded, but anyone who did evil, then he would be treated accordingly.
His Holiness (aba) said that on the third day after becoming the Khalifa, Hazrat Umar (ra) delivered a speech in which he said that he had heard people were afraid of his fiery temperament and that people felt he would be harsh as a leader.
Hazrat Umar (ra) said that during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa) no one could match the Holy Prophet’s (sa) kindness and compassion, and at the time of his demise, the Holy Prophet (sa) was pleased with Hazrat Umar (ra). Then regarding Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), he said that everyone was aware that he was very kind and he was his servant and helper. And at the time of his demise, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was pleased with Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Umar (ra) said that he would be extremely kind, yet at the same time he would be firm in ensuring that justice was always served.
Great Humility of Hazrat Umar (ra)
His Holiness (aba) said that the Second Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) stated regarding the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra), that he strove extremely hard in ensuring that the values and teachings of Islam were upheld. Hazrat Umar (ra) used to pray to God, that he had been entrusted with a great task, and would pray for forgiveness in case he had not done justice in carrying this duty out.
His Holiness (aba) said when Iran was conquered, flour mills were brought to Madinah, and Hazrat Umar (ra) said that the first flour from the mills should be sent to Hazrat A’ishah (ra). This showed the great respect he had for the wives and family of the Holy Prophet (sa). The women of Madinah had never seen such fine flour before, and so they gathered around Hazrat A’ishah (ra) to see it. The Second Caliph (ra) said that this wasn’t any special flour, rather it was of even less quality than the flour which the poorest of the poor had to eat. When Hazrat A’ishah (ra) placed the cooked flour in her mouth, she began to cry. When asked why she was crying, she said she was thinking of the Holy Prophet (sa) who even in his final days of life did not have much to eat. The person due to whom all the bounties were possible was gone, yet they were able to benefit from this bounty and favour. Later Hazrat A’ishah (ra) said she could not eat anymore.
His Holiness (aba) said that he would continue highlighting the life of Hazrat Umar (ra) in future sermons.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayers in-absentia of the following:
Suhaila Mahbob Sahiba, wife of Faiz Ahmad Sahib Darwesh. Her father had not accepted Ahmadiyyat, but her mother was an Ahmadi and despite facing opposition, she remained steadfast in her faith in Ahmadiyyat. She served as the headmistress of a highschool in Qadian.
Raja Khurshid Ahmad Munir Sahib a Missionary from Australia. He served as a missionary in different places. He had to face much persecution whilst serving in Pakistan. He was very brave. He was also very steadfast and preached the same to others as well. He would bravely go on tours and visit Ahmadi households. He is survived by four sons and four daughters.
Zameer Ahmad Nadeem Sahib who passed away due to cancer. He served as a missionary in various capacities. He is survived by one son and one daughter. He was a good basketball player which helped him make connections which he would use for the benefit of the Jama‘at.
Isa Muakitilima Sahib from Tanzania. He was born in a Christian household and later after conducting his own research he joined the fold of Ahmadiyyat. His wife also followed suit in accepting Ahmadiyyat. He was alway ready to propagate the message of Islam and would always be ready to offer financial sacrifices. He is survived by two wives and ten children. He served the Community in various capacities. He was regular in offering prayers and had even set aside a room in his home for offering prayers.
Sheikh Mubashar Ahmad Sahib of Qadian who passed away due to complications from the coronavirus. He possessed excellent qualities and was always ready to serve the Community. He is survived by his wife, mother, brother and two sisters.
Saif Ali Shahid Sahib who passed away in Sydney. He was very sociable, kind and was compassionate to children. He loved Khilafat a great deal and taught the same to his children. He prayed a great deal and was regular in offering tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers]. He served the Community in various capacities. He is survived by his wife and four sons.
Masood Ahmad Hayat Sahib. He possessed many great qualities and was regular in prayers. He was honoured to perform Hajj twice. He spent a great deal in the way of Allah. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with forgiveness and mercy, enable their children to remain attached to Ahmadiyyat and may their prayers for their progeny be accepted.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
