English Translation: Khutbat-e-Mahmood V4

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 262

Year 1915 AD

The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We did what we could, and we did what we did. How could we have removed disbelief from people's hearts? It was all Your mercy and grace, O Most Merciful. If we made an effort, You gave it excellent results and did not let it go to waste. You are the Master of the Day of Judgment. "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help." Whatever we did was Your grace. We seek Your help even in the future; if You help us, we can do something. "Guide us to the straight path," guide us and lead us to our goal. "The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor," our hopes are in You. We seek sincerity from You so that we may walk on the path of the truthful. "Not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray." May it never happen that You are displeased with us, and in displeasure, You take away this blessing from us, nor that we abandon it. (Ameen. O Lord of the worlds)

Al-Hakam: 30. October 1902 AD + Reminder Page 612 Fourth Edition

Al-Fatihah: 7 January 1915 AD

Al-Ibrahim: 8

Al-Fatihah: H

Al-Fatihah: A

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 263

Year 1915 AD

Pray to Allah to protect our community, especially from the plague

(Delivered on January 8, 1915 AD)

In the year 1915 AD, after the Tashahhud, seeking refuge, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, His Holiness stated:

Since my health is weak, I cannot speak much, but it is essential to alert you all. A plague has spread in the surrounding villages of Qadian for the past one and a half months. I have been praying fervently for the safety of Qadian. Our annual gathering is approaching. There will be a large gathering, and even if there is no disease, there is still a risk, lest there be a plague in Qadian. Allah has kept Qadian safe until the gathering, but now I hear that some cases have started here as well. This disease continues from March to April, and sometimes even in May, so friends should be cautious. A vigilant person can withstand an enemy's attack, but one who is negligent can barely save his life. Therefore, you should choose vigilance. When a fire breaks out, the easy way to save other places is to demolish some buildings in between so that the fire does not spread to other places. This way, by demolishing some places, others are saved from burning. This prevents others from burning due to the demolition. Even

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 264

Year 1915 AD

At the time of this fire, let your own evils and vices fall so that you may be safe. So, work diligently with prayers. Diseases are common, but the plague is a punishment, especially for the opponents of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Our community should be very afraid of it. You should especially pray that Allah keeps our community, especially the residents of Qadian, safe from it. Charity is an excellent means to avoid calamities and punishments because it extinguishes the wrath of Allah. Governments in the world equip themselves for the protection of their subjects. If a fire breaks out somewhere, the fire brigade brings water pipes to extinguish the fire. Similarly, Allah has provided means to extinguish the spiritual fire, and that is charity. When a person sees the fire of Allah's wrath, he should start giving charity. Just as the fire brigade extinguishes the fire, in the same way, the fire of Allah's wrath is extinguished. There is wisdom in this, and everyone likes to be under those who have a soft and compassionate heart. A father always wants his son to be under the protection of a soft-hearted and merciful teacher and never likes that his son's teacher is cruel and evil. Similarly, Allah, who is more inclined to humanity than parents, also does not like that His creation remains in distress due to a tyrant and oppressor. So when people show good conduct by giving charity to God's creation, Allah becomes kind to them. Therefore, charity is a very beneficial thing. So, give charity. Feed the strangers and the poor, provide them with clothes, and pray that wherever there is a person from our community, God saves them, and the plague is not our destruction but, as Allah has promised, a means of progress. (January 14, 1915 AD)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 266

Year 1915 AD

People are more strict in observing prayers and slack in fasting, and in some places, people give Zakat with great diligence but do not care about fasting. Similarly, in some places, people do not perform Hajj, and in some places, they are such that even if they go for Hajj, they might not offer prayers during the journey. Now, this prayer, this fasting, this Zakat, this Hajj cannot be called obedience to Allah's command because if they were obedient to Allah's command, the one who commanded to offer prayers also commanded to fast. And the one who commanded to give Zakat also emphasized Hajj. But by obeying one command and rejecting the other, it has been proven that those people who consider their actions as obedience and compliance with Allah's command are actually not obedient but have done what their own selves and tastes dictated. Yes, the proof of obedience and compliance is when in every color and every taste, and every obedient and compliant person shows themselves, whether they are in accordance with their taste, origin, desires, thoughts, customs, and habits or against them, they do not let their obedience and compliance be different. But if a person obeys one part of the command and disobeys another part, then it should be understood well that his soul is deceiving him by considering obedience when he is disobedient. He thinks he is obedient, whereas he is disobedient. He thinks he is among the friends of Allah, whereas he is among His enemies because the proof of everyone's obedience is when they obey and fulfill in accordance with their habits, thoughts, and tastes, even if it contradicts them. Many people are like this whose nature does not get angry. If someone speaks against them, they tolerate it with a broad forehead. And forgiveness and pardon are among those pure teachings of Allah that He has prescribed for humans. Indeed, such people forgive and pardon, but if a situation arises where Allah requires anger and displeasure, and they forgive and pardon there too, then it is evident that their forgiveness and pardon are not for anyone else

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 267

Year 1915 AD

Because their forgiveness was under the command and will of Allah the Almighty, why do they not act with anger where Allah had willed anger instead of forgiveness? This was their habit, taste, and nature, due to which they always did such things. And it cannot be called obedience and compliance with the command of Allah the Almighty. Obedience is when a command reaches them based on their habits, thoughts, desires, and wishes, and they act upon it. This was the case with the Jews. They committed major sins but did not care about violating important commands. But they would claim about minor matters and commands that they followed them because they were the commands of God. They were commanded not to kill. Just as they did not remember the command of God to refrain from killing and burning homes at the time of killing and burning, but when one of their people was captured, they would pay ransom and say that since it is the command of the Bible that no Jew should remain a captive among non-Jews, therefore we ransom them. The command to kill and burn did not come to mind at that time, but the command for captivity did. Allah the Almighty says, "Should we be pleased with their obedience, not at all. We can be pleased with this obedience, not at all. We cannot be pleased with this obedience that has been seen according to their will, and what has not been seen has been put aside. We cannot be pleased with this obedience; we get angry. We will humiliate and disgrace such people. When such evil people see something against their will, they do not care about major commands and violate them, and when they find something according to their will, they accept it. It is rare for a believer to act like this.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 268

Year 1915 AD

A believer strives to obtain the pleasure of Allah in every matter and every command, whether it aligns with their desires or not. It is a filthy disease that one accepts what aligns with their desires and abandons what goes against it. A believer does not look at Allah's commands based on their desires; they keep Allah's pleasure in mind in every matter. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I used to say that there was a person who committed adultery. I advised him to stop this act. He replied, "I had made a covenant with this woman that I would not be unfaithful to her." I said, "Well, now that you have spoken, I will commit unfaithfulness." This person considered breaking faith and covenant a sin, but at the time of committing adultery, he did not think of any sin. Some people are such that they fulfill their desires up to a limit and when they get excited, they quickly say about a small matter that since it goes against the command of Allah, they are not the perpetrators of that sin. But it is necessary for a believer to always be vigilant and obedient, whether the commands are major or minor, whether they align with their desires or not, to obey and comply with all commands and not to violate any. May Allah grant us all the ability to obey all His commands and save us from all disobedience. (Al-Baqarah: 86, Al-Fazl, January 21, 1915 AD)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 270

Year 1915 AD

Many ignorant people commit suicide during times of difficulties and calamities because they do not have faith in God and do not know that there is a being who can save them from troubles. That is why suicide has been declared forbidden in Islam. So, at a time when all the possessions of the world turn against a person, it is God who strengthens the human heart. When people abandon truth and honesty and turn against the truth, a believer in God knows that there is nothing to fear. So when a believer sees this, involuntary praises come from his heart. All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. It is Your grace, O Allah, that when the world turned against me, You became my helper. This is a great favor and mercy of Allah that by manifesting His existence, He grants His servants deliverance from calamities. I did not intend to speak today. I had been suffering from a cough for a few days. I dreamt that I had sent Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib to lead the Friday prayers, but then quickly sent a young boy to lead instead. I have heard a few lines of an advertisement. Some people had spread the rumor that I had submitted a request to the government that if I am recognized as the Khalifa of the Muslims, I can greatly help the government. I had publicly declared that this was a false and baseless incident. I did not make any such request to the government, and I had denied it. But a person whose intention is to oppose truth and deny it is seen as lacking in honesty even in true matters. He said, "I refused to submit the request for the Khalifa. It is not written that I did not make an incidental offer for the Khalifa. If his intention was to cause me pain and create distress in my heart, then congratulations to him for achieving that. Now Allah will make His decision, and there is no other option. I take oaths, and it is labeled as a lie, and it is carried on deception and deceit. I say that I did not submit any request to the government for the Khalifa, etc.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 271

Year 1915 AD

What to do with the Black Ink. But these people, by saying that they did not deny the government's request for their Khalifa, confuse right and wrong. I swear by God and curse the liars and say that I never presented any request to the government for the appointment of my Khalifa, but they attribute it to taqiyya or deceit, even though I had written "May Allah's curse be upon the liars." If I had done such a thing, then may the curse be upon me, and if I did not do it and false accusations are made against me, then may the curse fall upon the one who falsely accuses. So now I request my Maulvi to make a decision on this matter and to distinguish between truth and falsehood and to expose the liar. I had said that Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib wrote a letter to Khwaja Sahib, and then no writing against him came out. If someone has written instead of Khwaja Sahib, it is his mistake. I did not say that Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib wrote to Hazrat Sahib that this is my writing, and I said that Maulvi Sahib wrote to Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din Sahib in this manner. I swear by the God who informed me that I sent money to Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib. By the God whose messenger was Hazrat Masih Maud. By the God whose speech is the Quran. Hazrat Masih Maud said that Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib has written such a letter that you did not say to whom it was written. Then Hazrat Sahib said: Such a writer is foolish, he is ignorant, he does not see that guests are coming here (at that time Hazrat Masih Maud was in Lahore). Who is going to Qadian now? He should have collected the expenses of Lahore and other religions and seen how much it is. Then he said that God has informed me that the anchor will keep running until it is in your hands. If I give it to them, it will stop in a few days. I say that Hazrat Masih Maud said. Take an oath that we never wrote such a thing or that Hazrat Masih Maud said we did not write anything. So the easy way to make a decision is this. Our

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 274

(58)

Allah Almighty has clearly manifested the truth

(Delivered on February 19, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

After the Tashahhud, seeking refuge, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, His Holiness recited the following verse:

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (Al-Baqarah: 186)

He said: O people, obeying and being obedient to someone in this world is a great virtue. One person fulfills the needs of another, removes some of his difficulties, and helps him in his troubles, in return for which the person obeys and follows his commands. Look, a soldier of the army, taking fifteen rupees, is ready to sacrifice his life for the government because he needed money for his basic needs like food, clothing, etc., which the government fulfills. Therefore, he also becomes obedient to the government. The purpose is that the existence that fulfills someone else's needs becomes obedient and follows the rules and laws not made by a human but those issued by Allah Almighty. "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 275

Year 1915 AD

When a person encounters difficulties, sorrows, and pains, and he questions me about the One who alleviates difficulties and pains, where is He? And the One who is said to listen to the prayers of His servants, where is He to alleviate my difficulties? Tell him that He is near you and always present with you. When a supplicant in distress calls upon Him, I accept his prayer and relieve his sorrows and pains. Yes, now it is required that just as obedience is given to every benefactor in the world, similarly, obey Me as well. When one person fulfills the needs of another and helps in some necessities, in return, that person becomes obedient. So why shouldn't a person be obedient to God, who does not even acknowledge the benefits and favors of others? In this obedience and following of the rules and laws not made by a human but issued by Allah Almighty lies your benefit, and you will find the right path and guidance. How true and how truthful is this statement and what a true word it is. Indeed, in the presence of Allah Almighty, who calls upon Him, God never wastes his prayer. You have just witnessed this. Last Friday, I saw an advertisement in which it was written, "Mr. Sahib has submitted a request to the government for the appointment of his Khalifa, and the government has denied interference in religious matters in return." We heard this news with confidence, and it was essential for us to believe in the truth of this news due to Mr. Sahib's enthusiasm for Khilafat. Then the writer of the advertisement had given this evidence of the truth of this news that: "Mr. Sahib has done a great job with utmost dignity in this advertisement. You write that I do not need any address from the government nor have I taken any action in the enthusiasm for Khilafat."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 276

Year 1915 AD

There is a request. Who said that you have submitted a letter regarding the appointment of your Khalifa Messiah. You did not deny sending any letter. "Year 1915 AD. This ignorant person did not understand that the government can only give a name but cannot do the work. Because this person had dirty thoughts in his heart, he compared me to his nature and said that I spoke lies by speaking the truth. As I mentioned in the previous Friday sermon, I was greatly troubled by this. I wrote in the advertisement that may Allah's curse be upon the liars. However, despite this, it was said that I did not deny this news and deceived people. See how powerful Allah is that even now, the removal of an accusation advertisement has not even passed a whole week when a friend received a reply from the government that no such request was sent to the government. This friend has published his letter and the government's response. It will be clear who is capable of the accusation, and this is proof for us that "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." When someone calls us, we are ready to accept his prayer. But "So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me." The condition is that we obey and follow His commands. How a believer's life is taught and how a life of ease is lived. In a world where there is a doctor in the house, one remains very comfortable during illness. One whose house has a plumber and a barrister, he learns a lot when caught in a case. And then a person whose relatives are wealthy and honorable, he receives a lot of help during bankruptcy and distress. However, still, no person can provide all the blessings of the world in his house except the one who is included in the supplication. Meaning, only God can fulfill his needs and troubles. As I mentioned in the previous sermon, I was greatly troubled by this. I wrote in the advertisement that may Allah's curse be upon the liars. However, despite this, it was said that I did not deny this news and deceived people. See how powerful Allah is that even now, the removal of an accusation advertisement has not even passed a whole week when a friend received a reply from the government that no such request was sent to the government. This friend has published his letter and the government's response. It will be clear who is capable of the accusation, and this is proof for us that "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." When someone calls us, we are ready to accept his prayer. But "So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me." The condition is that we obey and follow His commands.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 277

Year 1915 AD

When a person encounters difficulties, sorrows, and pains, and he questions me about the One who alleviates difficulties and pains, where is He? And the One who is said to listen to the prayers of His servants, where is He to alleviate my difficulties? Tell him that He is near you and always present with you. When a supplicant in distress calls upon Him, I accept his prayer and relieve his sorrows and pains. Yes, now it is required that just as obedience is given to every benefactor in the world, similarly, obey Me as well. When one person fulfills the needs of another and helps in some necessities, in return, that person becomes obedient. So why shouldn't a person be obedient to God, who does not even acknowledge the benefits and favors of others? In this obedience and following of the rules and laws not made by a human but issued by Allah Almighty lies your benefit, and you will find the right path and guidance. How true and how truthful is this statement and what a true word it is. Indeed, in the presence of Allah Almighty, who calls upon Him, God never wastes his prayer. You have just witnessed this. Last Friday, I saw an advertisement in which it was written, "Mr. Sahib has submitted a request to the government for the appointment of his Khalifa, and the government has denied interference in religious matters in return." We heard this news with confidence, and it was essential for us to believe in the truth of this news due to Mr. Sahib's enthusiasm for Khilafat. Then the writer of the advertisement had given this evidence of the truth of this news that: "Mr. Sahib has done a great job with utmost dignity in this advertisement. You write that I do not need any address from the government nor have I taken any action in the enthusiasm for Khilafat."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 279

Year 1915 AD

No, the second part draws attention towards the relationships with fellow beings. Then if we ponder, it becomes evident that the declaration of faith, "There is no god but Allah," encompasses the essence of Islam, and the mention of "Muhammad is His servant and Messenger" is also included in it. This is because all missions, all scriptures, all commandments, whether related to worship or human interactions, have their roots in Allah Almighty, and differences arise due to the creation of various gods. Since Allah Almighty's essence is flawless and pure, only that religion can be true which is purified from defects and discrepancies and in which there is no disagreement in His commandments, and that religion is Islam alone. All other religions were created because people did not understand "There is no god but Allah." An ignorant person misunderstands the meaning of "There is no god but Allah" that Allah should be believed in and there is no need for anyone else's belief. But if he ponders, he would realize that "There is no god but Allah" points towards the fact that the presence of Muhammad, the Promised Messiah, is a proof of this declaration, and believing in "There is no god but Allah" is a proof of believing in Muhammad and believing in "There is no god but Allah" is a proof of believing in the Promised Messiah because their sender is the same, so whoever denies one of them denies God. In "There is no god but Allah," God has stated that when your connection is with one entity, you should also establish a connection with everything related to me. The wars among the idolaters occur because one says he believes in a certain god, so he should be destroyed. Because in Hinduism, there is a famous story where once there was a long dispute between the god who creates and the god who destroys regarding a human. The destroyer would kill, and the creator would revive. So, the conflict and corruption started from there.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 280

Year 1915 AD

It happens that differences arise among things, and one thing claims ownership over another. For example, now there is a war going on, and countries are being destroyed. Why? Just because they say this country belongs to someone else, so let's destroy it. The one who believes in "There is no god but Allah" cannot create any kind of disorder. The compassion that is in the heart for the creation of Allah cannot be in the heart for anyone else. Our community has been established for this very purpose AND AT ALTINTENANTANA to establish the teachings of Allah. Therefore, it is necessary to ponder over this that if on one side there are strong connections with Allah Almighty, then on the other side, there should also be connections with His creation. I have heard that in some places, due to the spread of a plague, people left their sick relatives and did not provide them with medicine, etc. Doing so goes against the teachings of Islam. After believing in La ilaha illallah, it is extremely important for a person to have compassion for the creation of Allah. But it is also necessary to ponder where a person should draw the line in relying on means. And what does reliance and trust mean? There is no doubt that Islam says a person should not put himself in trouble in a state of illness, meaning where there is a plague, one should not go because whoever falls into trouble himself becomes ineffective. That's why Islam has forbidden that if there is an epidemic in a place, it is the duty of a believer to avoid going there. But if it is the will of God to put him in a trial, meaning if the disease starts in his area, then he should rely and have faith that the God who can put in trial can also remove from trial. When a relative is sick, one should take care of him by relying on Allah. Many ignorant people misunderstand the meaning of reliance by understanding it incorrectly.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 281

Year 1915 AD

He fell ill and was unable to get up because such a person who presents himself before God Almighty saying, "I have to do something, so punish him," is indeed punished by God. It is not the dignity of a believer that he is always afraid of God and separates himself when God's punishment descends, but when he is put to the test, then it becomes his duty to try to pass it and understand that God wants to test me, so I should pass it, and it proves that my faith is in God. If someone wants to survive in such times, God accepts his prayer. So why shouldn't he give it. It is the duty of our community that just as fathers, brothers, and sons help each other in times of trouble, similarly, they should also interact with each other, because the relationship of Ahmadis with each other is stronger than just for themselves but for all Ahmadis. Wherever Ahmadis are, pray not only for themselves but for all Ahmadis, and if there are villages where there is no disease, there are also villages where there are people and there is a fire of disease. May Allah Almighty grant you the understanding of this point that you strengthen your relationship with Allah on one side and keep compassion for the creation of Allah on the other side, and also understand what reliance means and what it means to rely on means. Many people mistakenly sometimes take the name of reliance as means and the name of trust as reliance and then stumble. Allah Almighty, you are our community's protector and you are its supporter and helper. Who else do we have besides you?

(Al-Fadl, March 11, 1915 AD)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 282

(60)

The consequence of a small sin leads to a great sin

(Delivered on March 5, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

After Tashahhud, seeking refuge, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

"No! Indeed, the record of the wicked is in sijjeen. And what can make you know what is sijjeen? It is [their destination recorded in] a register inscribed. Woe, that Day, to the deniers. Who deny the Day of Recompense. And none deny it except every sinful transgressor. When Our verses are recited to him, he says, 'Legends of the former peoples.' No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning."

Then it was stated: "The consequence of a small sin leads to a great sin. Allah Almighty has placed within man the power to progress and achieve success in every task he undertakes. Whatever task he performs, it prepares him for the next words and actions. If this were not the case, man would be deprived of many advancements. No one could learn any knowledge, and no one could perform any task at a higher level. If on the very first day someone

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 283

Year 1915 AD

A student starts to learn the alphabet, and he cannot remember it. But when he memorizes a few letters, then it becomes easy for him to finish the book in a day. The purpose is that for the progress of a human being, Allah Almighty has placed some abilities within him. But a wicked and filthy person, by using those abilities, prepares himself for mischief and wrongdoing and thus progresses. Just as a person becomes prepared for recitation, writing, and reading the Quran by learning Alif, Ba, Ta, etc., in the same way, a small sin prepares for a major sin. Look, just as it is difficult to jump and reach the roof, similarly, committing a major sin is not difficult, but the person who takes the first step on the ladder towards the roof brings himself closer to the roof compared to before. This is the condition of a person who commits a small sin; he also prepares himself for a major sin in this way. Allah Almighty says, "No! Rather, a seal is set upon their hearts because of what they used to earn." You know why many people fall into trouble and grow in wrongdoing? Because what they used to do has covered their hearts. So remember that many people mistakenly consider a sin as small sin and a good deed as a small good deed, but no sin is a small sin, and no good deed is a small good deed because every small sin prepares for a major sin, and every small good deed prepares for a major good deed. Understand this principle well that a good deed, no matter how small, makes it easier to achieve another good deed, and an evil deed, no matter how small, makes it easier to commit another evil deed. So the matter of good deeds and evil deeds is like climbing onto a roof. One cannot climb onto the roof without a ladder, and the one who climbs the first step of the ladder becomes closer to the roof. The person who, to save himself from the displeasure of Allah Almighty, says, "Let me commit a small sin so that

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 284

Year 1915 AD

Do not reach the point of committing major sins. It is like someone saying, "I will not climb the roof," but as soon as he climbs the first step, his heart inclines towards climbing the next step, and when he climbs that step, the movement towards the roof increases in his heart, and gradually he will reach the roof. Similarly, when a person does a good deed, he develops a desire and enthusiasm for doing another good deed, and when he does the second one, he becomes more eager for the third, and his stature in goodness increases day by day. Look, have not even a year passed yet. Today is March 5, 1915 AD, and on March 14, 1914 AD, a part of the community denied a truth and harassed an honest person. Apparently, they said that the community did not need a Khalifa, but by separating the existence of the Khalifa, they denied a truth. As a result, not even a year has passed that the people of the same community have started attacking Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him). In a newspaper, a person writes to Hazrat Maulana Amir-ul-Qom Allama Maulvi Muhammad Ali (may Allah have mercy on him), and a letter of the same person is published in the magazine "Al-Mahdi" of the Ahmadiyya Community under the title "A Sincere Letter to Hazrat Amir-ul-Qom." He writes, "It is true that among them, meaning in Mirza Sahib, there was indeed such a personality that they were eager to be called a messenger and prophet. As soon as they write on one side that they are a prophet, a messenger, they also write on the other side to make a complete sentence that they are a metaphorical messenger and not a prophet. In the literal sense, they are not a prophet and messenger. Here they claim revelation, there they claim inspiration. If they claim revelation, they claim inspiration in linguistic terms. Here they claim prophethood, there they claim messengership. They are not a prophet and messenger in Islamic terminology. If they claim revelation, they claim inspiration in linguistic terms."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 285

Year 1915 AD

When a claim is made, then it is the revelation of the authority of wilayat. If there were no personality, it would have been sufficient to say, "I am a reformer, I am the Mahdi, I am the Messiah, I am the Hulhum." Then the same person goes on to write, "On the Day of Judgment, your intercessor will be Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed Mujtaba, peace be upon him. There will be no Mirza, no Mahmood. You want to cross the river by holding the tail of a sheep. Then he writes that this Messiah, meaning Mirza Sahib, made such a severe cut in the Trinity and the Cross that the Trinity's peg fell and broke after his death. The one who writes these things is also a sincere follower of the leader of this community, and his letter is published in the Ahmadiyya Community's magazine "Al-Mahdi" under the title "A Sincere Letter to Hazrat Amir-ul-Qom." He writes, "It is true that among them, meaning in Mirza Sahib, there was indeed such a personality that they were eager to be called a messenger and prophet. As soon as they write on one side that they are a prophet, a messenger, they also write on the other side to make a complete sentence that they are a metaphorical messenger and not a prophet. In the literal sense, they are not a prophet and messenger. Here they claim revelation, there they claim inspiration. If they claim revelation, they claim inspiration in linguistic terms. Here they claim prophethood, there they claim messengership. They are not a prophet and messenger in Islamic terminology. If they claim revelation, they claim inspiration in linguistic terms."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 286

Year 1915 AD

It is not like the visions of the self and the Hadith al-Nafs. Such revelation is also free from these doubts. And if you say that the revelations that were given to the previous prophets (peace be upon them) were full of miracles and prophecies, then the answer is that in this respect, there are many more miracles and prophecies of the past prophets compared to them. Some of the miracles and prophecies of the past prophets are not even comparable to these revelations and prophecies. And these miracles and prophecies are events witnessed by thousands of people. And they are of such a status and grandeur that they are incomparable. For example, you write on page 317 of Chashma-e-Ma'rifat: "And Allah has shown such signs to prove that I am from Him. He has gathered a thousand signs in one place to defeat Satan. This was the last era and the final attack of Satan with all his descendants, so Allah gathered a thousand signs in one place to defeat Satan. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) writes about his signs, miracles, and prophecies. But he writes that some inspirations and revelations are only related to his own self, or his associates, or some other individuals or incidents. You have made him a prophet. They have written this because they denied a truth and made an excuse that while they believe in the statements of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him), they cannot believe in anyone else. But in reality, they have not believed in the statements of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) but have abandoned them. They tell us that you have abandoned the truth, but we ask, where have we abandoned it? They have abandoned the truth that they left Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him). Then they will have to leave the seal too, and not only the seal but they will also have to leave God because

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 287

Year 1915 AD

They rejected the truth by calling true things myths of the ancients. Allah Almighty regards such people as:

"No! Rather, a seal is set upon their hearts because of what they used to earn."

By denying the truth, they deny another truth and thus descend into the pit of misguidance. Can anyone prove that among the followers, someone attacked Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him)? Certainly not. If there were attackers, then those who denied the Khilafat. Does it not prove that the truth is with us? If the truth were with them, why did they deny it, and why does one of them write that Mirza Sahib indeed had such a personality that he was eager to be called a messenger and prophet? Attacking Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) is not an accusation against him but, in fact, an accusation against Allah Almighty, and then they attack Hazrat Saleem. Hazrat Saleem will judge with wisdom and justice, meaning he will make decisions and judgments correctly. But the person who writes that some revelations and news of the unseen were given, does he tell that the news given by Allah Almighty to Hazrat Saleem was about him fighting the final battle against Satan and that the news given to Hazrat Saim Qaim was that he will be the nation in which both at the beginning and at the end will be the Promised Messiah?"

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 288

Year 1915 AD

Death cannot be avoided. Those who claim to see dreams and revelations can be presented from among the people of Qadian. Did you ever attribute the shadow of the Holy Prophet to anyone among them? The real reason is that due to the denial of truth, veils have fallen upon their intellects, and what they are writing is a result of denying that truth. If someone is thoughtful, this is also a significant sign of our truth because if they had the truth with them, why would they incline towards the side where God and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet, and the Promised Messiah (peace be upon them) are being dishonored? "Nay, but a seal is set upon their hearts because of what they used to earn." The consequence of denying one truth is that falsehood and idolatry have taken hold of their hearts, and they are led astray from one place to another. Reflect on this and understand it well in your actions and words. Many people dismiss some things in jest, which should not be the case because when a foundation is laid for something, gradually a structure is built upon it. The heart of man is like glass for Allah Almighty. Once it is broken, it does not reflect goodness properly. It is shattered. Similarly, when a person's heart becomes impure, Allah also shatters it because His glory and grandeur are not reflected in it. So, make your hearts capable of showing the glory of Allah Almighty and fear and intimidate others so that denying any truth should never be done, no matter how small it may be. When people have relaxed due to the completion of a sign in prayer for a divine decision, Allah Almighty wants someone else to make a decision now. Among the non-believers, there are also those who have true faith in the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), the Holy Prophet, and Allah Almighty, but they have been convinced that they are on the path of truth, so they are with them. Pray that Allah Almighty enlightens them so that they do not gradually become like them. It is the duty of the entire community to pray that those who understand and follow the truth, may Allah Almighty guide them swiftly. The newspapers have

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 289

Year 1915 AD

Make it known that the entire community should engage fervently in prayers from today until forty days so that those whose hearts hold truth and who are not acting out of stubbornness are guided by Allah Almighty. And then the day will come when the disgraceful stains of the Ahmadiyya Community will be removed, and unity and harmony will prevail. May our community progress day and night. Impure is the person who thinks that leaving Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) can lead to the advancement of Islam. False is the person who says that there was a personality in Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) and very false is the person who writes that Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) received some inspirations and revelations. Such people are far from the court of Allah Almighty, and Allah Almighty says to Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him), "Disgraced be the one who intends your dishonor, I will disgrace him." Here, a person writes regarding Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) that he received some inspirations and revelations, and there it is evident that the impact of Hazrat Saeed is apparent, showing that you have illuminated your powerful writings to those who were considered dead. And you have created a commotion in those natures where there was no remaining strength for any movement."

"Islam was hidden during the time of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him), and people remained dead, but today Maulvi Muhammad Ali has come and illuminated Islam and instilled life in men. Is this not the honor of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him)? So start praying again from today and humbly present yourselves before Allah Almighty that some of our brothers who have inadvertently joined the ranks of the wicked (those who dishonor Hazrat Masih Maud) do not turn blind to the truth, do not deny it like the deaf, and do not flee from it like the insane. Allah Almighty

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 290

Year 1915 AD

May Allah have mercy on them and bestow His grace upon us at all times. Amen and again, Amen, O Lord of the worlds.

Surah Al-Mutaffifin: 8-15

Chashma-e-Ma'rifat Page 332, Ruhani Khazain Volume 23 (March 16, 1915 AD)

Nuzul-ul-Masih Pages 84, 85, Ruhani Khazain Volume 18 Pages 461, 460

Mishkat-ul-Masabih Book of Tribulations, Chapter: The Reward of this Ummah

Tadhkirah Page 34, 4th Edition

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 291

Year 1915 AD

The teachings of the prophets are always against the norms of their time.

(March 12, 1915)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

"And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [That is] so He may make what Satan throws in a trial for those within whose hearts is disease and those hard of heart. And indeed, the wrongdoers are in extreme dissension. And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path."

Then it was said:

Just as Allah Almighty always sends people who, after freeing the world from the clutches of Satan, turn them towards Allah Almighty, similarly, Satan always wants to mislead people in new ways towards corruption and destruction. If on one hand the gratitude of angels initiates pure and righteous movements in the hearts of humans, on the other hand, the offspring of Satan persistently engage in dirty and evil movements in their hearts. And if on one hand the chosen and virtuous servants call towards Allah Almighty, on the other hand, the wicked and impure people attract towards evils and misguidance. And if on one hand the righteous and pure people teach the fear of Allah, on the other hand, there are also those vile ones who teach evil.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 292

Year 1915 AD

Allah and the fear of Allah want to erase the name and sign of Allah. And if on one hand the truth of divine teachings is proven by heavenly attacks, on the other hand, Satan also wants to erase teachings through various deceptions. Allah Almighty says, "And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke, Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]." Many ignorant people have misinterpreted this verse and presented false traditions to support their claims. They say that during the recitation of Surah Najm, you made a prostration because a word of polytheism was uttered by you. O' ignorant ones, did you prostrate because a word of polytheism was uttered by you? Let that be denied. But the polytheists prostrated in joy because a word was uttered by your tongue. This false incident is presented as proof. Then they say that when a prophet started to receive revelations, Satan used to mix something in it. This is such a filthy and indecent claim that it tarnishes the teachings of all prophets, and the name and sign of any Shariah are lost. Because then no one can understand whether a revelation is from Satan or from the Most Merciful. Therefore, holding onto this belief renders the Shariah completely false, and the glory and grandeur of Allah Almighty are diminished. So, the true and pure statement is that Allah Almighty says when a prophet or messenger intends to do something, Satan interferes and tries to hinder it, wanting the prophet to fail in his intentions. Satan creates various trials to mislead people away from the truth and keep them away. But when the offspring of Satan, meaning wicked humans, engage in such evil deeds that lead people away from the truth and try to distance them, and when the prophets face failure, then Allah erases what Satan throws in, and Allah establishes His signs. Allah is Knowing and Wise. He erases the actions and efforts of deceivers and those who try to deceive and promotes the works of prophets and messengers. Allah strengthens the recognition of the prophets, which becomes evident. He strengthens the words and intentions of the prophets.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 293

Year 1915 AD

Indeed, the prophets are also included in the verse "And Allah strengthens their footsteps and manifests their truth, erasing satanic actions. There has never been a prophet or messenger with whom this situation did not occur. If Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) is included among the prophets, then from him to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Promised Messiah (peace be upon them), no prophet or messenger came who did not strive to spread truth, guidance, and pure teachings among people. Whenever a prophet or messenger intended to spread truth, guidance, and pure teachings among people, Satan stood in the way and tried to hinder it. But it is an ancient practice of Allah that those who stood against the prophets, wanting to hinder them, were destroyed and ruined. And if a community succeeded, it was only those who believed in the prophet. Never has it happened that a prophet stood up with truth, guidance, and pure teachings, and Satan hindered the people. Yes, sometimes it happens, but not during the time of the prophet or at his death because Allah says that we erase satanic actions and strengthen the works of the prophets. But what a wonder it is that today it is presented before us that Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) came as a messenger from Allah Almighty and for forty years engaged in guiding people. Then a group, whose number you yourself mentioned as four hundred thousand, while believing in all this, then say that Satan hindered the works of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him), meaning instead of Allah Almighty strengthening His sign, He has abolished it. And only a few people have been allowed to remain believers, while the rest have been led astray. Allah Almighty says that we abolish the actions of Satan and strengthen those who come from us. So, there is no doubt, no suspicion, and no hesitation in the words of Allah Almighty. And if this is not certain, true, and sincere, then it casts doubt on the Holy Quran because Allah Almighty says that those who strive against our messengers, we destroy them and make our messengers successful. But today, this is against

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 294

Year 1915 AD

It is said that Allah Almighty has not supported truth but falsehood and not honesty but lies, as if He has abandoned His ancient practice. But those who say this and observe, remember well that they may receive praise and financial benefit from some of their friends and non-Ahmadis, but this attack is on the Holy Quran because if they prove that a significant portion of the Ahmadiyya Community has gone astray and been ruined, they will have to declare the Quran abrogated. But this cannot happen. We say that why is it not seen that God is diminishing someone and elevating someone? Here, nearly a thousand people pledged allegiance to me, and they were those who were stubborn and powerful in the community and had conspired to eliminate me like the sorcerers of Pharaoh. But do they not see that God Almighty is continuing the same series where they exerted only a little force, and He has elevated those who were with me and diminished those who were against me. Is this not proof that our actions are approved by God Almighty? So, if Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) was true, and if the word of God is true and indeed true, then it must be accepted that the series that God is elevating is true and the one He is diminishing is false. There is no doubt that a time comes when truth emerges, but God Almighty always maintains those who are on His path and diminishes those who obstruct it. Now see who God has strengthened and elevated and who He has weakened and diminished. He has made us thousands from hundreds and brought our opponents down from thousands to hundreds, and even below. It is the practice of God Almighty that those who walk on His path do not become few, but it is also the practice of Allah that there are those who obstruct their path. So, this is also a hindrance in your path that some of you have started diminishing the honor of Hazrat Masih Maud, but Allah Almighty says to stop, they are causing hindrances. Believers should not be disturbed by them. This is how Satan obstructs.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 295

Year 1915 AD

Rahmani works are always present, but it is the Rahmani people who succeed. God Almighty's chosen people bring the people of the world into comparison with the world in a way that a steam engine takes its riders against the flow of the river. But Satan also accompanies people in such a way that wherever the flow of the river is, there he also starts rowing the boat, and wherever the world turns, there Satan also leads. Someone asked me, "Sir, what is the difference between Sir Syed, Mr. Go, and the works of Hazrat Mirza Sahib?" I told him that the difference is that while these people were going against the flow of the river, Hazrat Mirza Sahib was moving towards the flow. So, see that Sir Syed struggled for English education at a time when people were feeling and were ready for education because it was known that government positions and progress depended on it. Certainly, some people opposed Sir Syed, but they were also forced to accept his words. So, those who were moving in the direction the river was flowing and where people were compelled to move, they started moving. Therefore, people responded to his call. Yes, he deserves praise for understanding the hearts of people and revealing their hidden desires, so he is honorable in this regard. Similarly, Mr. Go and Binder Nath are also praiseworthy because they saw that the world was demanding rights, they stood up and said, "Come, join us, we show you the way." Some people also opposed them, but in the end, those who opposed also had to move in the direction where the rest of the world was going. But see in their opposition that Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) stands up when the philosophy of Europe was teaching people that revelation is nothing. Among Muslims, this firm belief had taken root that the door of revelation had closed, and now no one could receive revelation. The world had come with all its beauty and grace and had made the world that had been making man its idol and lover from the beginning. People were perplexed by this. At that time, a voice comes from the Christians to put religion on the world. It can easily be understood that Hazrat Mirza Sahib and Sir Syed and Mr. Go and others' works...

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 296

Year 1915 AD

What is the difference? Sir Syed's time, the world was restless for English education, and Sir Syed said, "Acquire education," and the world responded, "Here I am." Mr. Go's time, the people of India were attentive towards obtaining rights, they said, "Let's get it," so people joined them, and it had to happen. But Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) said, "Put religion on the world," at a time when proofs against him were coming from all sides. The ancient and modern philosophy said, "Do not mention revelation." Muslim clerics had decided that the door of revelation had closed, but you said, "I stand with the revelation from Allah Almighty, and God reveals His revelation to me." In that era of freedom and autonomy, you stood up and said, "Without believing in me, no one can be saved." Your and others' works were different in that their work was like pouring oil on a burning fire, and your work was like pouring water on a burning fire. At that time, the world's love was increasing, and religion's cold. Those people increased the love of religion and cooled the love of the world. This difference in their works is of great significance. When a chosen servant of God comes, Satan tries to lead people towards the flow of the world in various ways. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) brought people towards religion from the world. Satan kept telling people that if you believe in him, you will become humiliated and insignificant, unable to progress in the world, but the worshippers of God did not accept this and made him unsuccessful and insignificant. Allah Almighty says that we erase the works of Satan. Even in our time, Satan is doing the same work that he has always done against truth and honesty. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) established a community. Satan exerted such force and attack on it that until today, he had not done so. He tried hard to prevent people from turning towards God, but the worshippers of God did not accept him and made him unsuccessful and insignificant. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) established a community. Satan exerted such force and attack on it that until today, he had not done so. He tried hard to prevent people from turning towards God, but the worshippers of God did not accept him and made him unsuccessful and insignificant. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) stood up when the philosophy of Europe was teaching people that revelation is nothing. Among Muslims, this firm belief had taken root that the door of revelation had closed, and now no one could receive revelation. The world had come with all its beauty and grace and had made the world that had been making man its idol and lover from the beginning. People were perplexed by this. At that time, a voice comes from the Christians to put religion on the world. It can easily be understood that Hazrat Mirza Sahib and Sir Syed and Mr. Go and others' works...

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 297

Year 1915 AD

To some extent, everything may be correct, but at this time, there is no truth in it because Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) came and used such harsh words about himself that no other prophet could use. You say, "I am a humble servant, not born of Adam, but a source of hatred for humans." People say that he cannot be unworthy of acceptance, but I have become unworthy. In the abode, I have reached a point. Because it was necessary for Satan's last attack to occur at that time, about which all prophets had given news, so Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) crushed his head well. But Satan said, "I am humble, so they said, 'Now another prostration should be made to reduce the status.' The ignorant human says that a sect has emerged in the community. We say that this is a lie because it cannot happen during the time of a prophet or at his death. Then we say that if the previous people raised the status of the prophets and engaged in extremism, then today those who are reducing the status of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) should emerge. Because it was necessary for the path of extremism to be stopped, some people have started reducing the honor of Hazrat Masih Maud. Allah says that we reduce the works of Satan and elevate the works of the prophets. So, we should not be even slightly disheartened by this hindrance. But we also have work to do. Satan wants to hinder them and make them continue to be disheartened and not do other works. He tells people that they put fatwas of disbelief on them, cause discord in the community, but believers, meaning the community of messengers, should do the work that if they remove an obstacle with one hand, they should do the work for which they are standing with the other hand. So, you focus on removing the temptation of this house on one side and try to bring those people onto the right path on the other side who are lost in misguidance and error. Allah says no

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 298

Year 1915 AD

He wants someone to hinder your path. So, do not be afraid of any hindrance from Satan; he only creates obstacles. Pray to Allah Almighty for the end of this trial, but also keep presenting your main work in front of people and expose the weaknesses of false religions to them. This is the work that Allah Almighty wants to do through you today. Satan wants to hinder through divisions. But it is against the practice of Allah Almighty that Satan can succeed against you. So, on one hand, your task is to make that internal enemy, who has become insensitive and inactive, move, and do not fall into his deception. And on the other hand, keep fighting your external enemies because the wise one is the one who is always prepared and ready to escape both attacks. This is a time of trial for us because on one hand, there is a conflict with the internal enemy, and on the other hand, with the external enemy. Pray to Allah Almighty that He makes you successful in this trial and brings reform in the world through you. Bring about a great change within you so that there is a change in the world for you. Take this belief and faith with you; no enemy can ever overcome you. Even if the enemy's army is in billions, they cannot overcome you, and you will move forward, and Allah will eliminate your enemy and make you victorious because He says, "And Allah is Knowing and Wise." Allah is the Knower and the Wise One. They spoil work in two ways in the world. First, in such a way that a person is ignorant. For example, a person kills someone's son in his absence. And the father cannot do anything to help his son. Why? Because he has no knowledge about it. But

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 299

Year 1915 AD

Allah Almighty says, "I am the Knower and I have knowledge of every single thing, so it is impossible for the established series of God to be ruined. Then Allah Almighty is Wise, so none of His works can be in vain. Just as a person cannot see the tree he has planted with his own hands turning into a barking dog before his eyes, how is it possible that God, who establishes a series and then protects it, would not care for it? So, Allah is Wise, and He will destroy the works of Satan and strengthen the works of His prophets. Allah is Wise. He has established this series so that through it, guidance may spread on the earth, so it is impossible for it to mislead those who follow it. Pray earnestly and with great strength that Allah Almighty strengthens our steps on truth and righteousness so that through us, the glory of God may manifest, and we may become deserving of God's blessings. (March 18, 1915)

Surah Al-Hajj: 53-55

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 62

Year 1915 AD

Success lies in your righteousness. (March 19, 1915)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat read the following verse:

"O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty." (Surah Al-Anfal: 29)

After this, he said: "In life, there are many difficulties, pains, and obstacles that come in the way of a person because all the consequences of human actions are related to the future, and no one has knowledge of the future. Therefore, living a life is as difficult as a person raising his hand in darkness to grab something and not knowing where that thing is and where his hand is going. This is the condition of human actions; he thinks he is working in the light, he knows he is working under the sun's light, and he thinks his work is happening in the brightness, but in reality, he is working in darkness, in injustice, and in obscurity. Since the purpose of all human actions is to arrange the results, and the results are related to the future, and no one has knowledge of the future, all his actions are like working in darkness and not knowing what is coming. When this situation arises, it can be asked whether then a person...

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 62

Year 1915 AD

For achieving success and righteousness in your endeavors, what strategy can be adopted? Regarding this, Allah Almighty states:

"O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty." (Surah Al-Anfal: 29)

After this, he said: "In life, there are many difficulties, pains, and obstacles that come in the way of a person because all the consequences of human actions are related to the future, and no one has knowledge of the future. Therefore, living a life is as difficult as a person raising his hand in darkness to grab something and not knowing where that thing is and where his hand is going. This is the condition of human actions; he thinks he is working in the light, he knows he is working under the sun's light, and he thinks his work is happening in the brightness, but in reality, he is working in darkness, in injustice, and in obscurity. Since the purpose of all human actions is to arrange the results, and the results are related to the future, and no one has knowledge of the future, all his actions are like working in darkness and not knowing what is coming. When this situation arises, it can be asked whether then a person...

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 62

Year 1915 AD

Have you seen the tightrope walkers who walk on the rope by placing their feet and balance the weight with the tip of the rope? It is known how carefully they hold their feet and balance their weight, not falling here or there. This is also the condition of a righteous person; he also has to work cautiously because in this world, the path of righteousness leads to paradise. If someone deviates slightly from this path, he falls into the deep pit of hell. Just as a tightrope walker practices balance and caution for a few coins and then walks on it, similarly, a believer's task is to save himself with caution, live a balanced life with righteousness, and not deviate even slightly from the path of righteousness to avoid falling into the deep abyss of hell. Allah Almighty says, "If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion." If you choose the path of righteousness for Allah, the result will be that Allah will guide you on the path you stand on and the truth you want to establish. Allah will manifest with great strength the confirmations on those people, and in this way, a clear distinction between truth and falsehood will be made. The second meaning of criterion is such a path that by following it, a person can escape from all kinds of troubles. So, if you fear Allah, He will show you the way to escape from troubles and will lift you up from the pit of destruction and cover your weaknesses. There are many weaknesses in a person, and his past sins hinder his path.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 62

Year 1915 AD

Lead astray, so He said, "If you fear Allah, He will not only save you from the coming difficulties and calamities but will also protect you from the desires and sins you intend to avoid. And He will cover your past misdeeds and forgive you. That is, covering misdeeds will not mean that He will conceal them or hide them from people's eyes so that you face disgrace and humiliation, but He will shield you from the consequences of past misdeeds and sins. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty. These are ordinary matters stated for the righteous, otherwise, Allah holds much more. These three rewards mentioned for the righteous. First, they will be saved from every difficulty. Second, their sins will be covered, and third, their sins will be forgiven. These are expressed in worldly terms, otherwise, for a righteous person, we have very great rewards. Allah Almighty describes His rewards as "No eye has seen, nor has any ear heard," meaning neither can these rewards be expressed in words nor can the punishment be described because human language is limited. For example, there is a word for pain. If there is a headache, we call it pain, and if there is a thorn's pain, we also call it pain, and even the pain of a mad dog's bite is named pain, although the pain of a thorn is different from a headache, and the pain of a mad dog's bite is different, and there is a significant difference among them. Words can express their pains in the most appropriate words that "very severe pain, but the person who experiences the pain can understand its severity. The person who does not feel the pain cannot bring that pain into his analogy. Similarly, the comfort and ease that a person receives from Allah Almighty, the world has named it comfort and ease. But we say that even going from sunlight to shade brings comfort, but the words do not differentiate between the comfort from Allah Almighty and other comforts, nor can words express the comfort that is received from Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty says we

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 304

Year 1915 AD

And what else can we tell you in your language when you are not capable of understanding it? So, we tell you only one thing, and that is, "And Allah is the possessor of great bounty. He will give you something that you cannot even comprehend at this time. So, know that the only way to escape the world's troubles is to become righteous. The person who runs towards branches and abandons principles is very ignorant. If a person has only a glass of water, he cannot be satisfied with the danger of thirst because after drinking that glass, when he feels thirsty, he will have nothing. Instead, the way to escape thirst is to go to the well, then he will not fear thirst anymore. Look, a person living in jungles and deserts searches for water from afar and endures great pain, but those who have taps in their homes or wells present do not face any difficulty in obtaining water. So, the wise person's task is not to keep a glass of water with him but to search for the source of water and instead of searching for a few fruits, search for a fruit-bearing tree. People adopt various strategies to gain knowledge and comfort. Some study, some accumulate wealth, some remain in the pursuit of honor, some learn skills, and some want to achieve comfort in some other way. But we say that the joys and sorrows of the world are of thousands of types; for them, a person cannot succeed with his efforts. For example, a person learns a skill and profession to avoid difficulties, but due to the passage of time, a defect arises in that profession that he cannot continue. For example, the art of making clothes was taught in the past, which was very excellent, but now it has become obsolete due to the advent of machines, and the work of millions of looms in India has stopped. Why? Because where can they compete with machines. Similarly, look at the field of medicine, which was such a profession that no one thought it would change, but now a defect has also arisen in it. There was Greek medicine in India, and when allopathy came, no one even asks about it anymore.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 305

Year 1915 AD

No. And the same doctor who used to knock on the doors of elephants for food, now wanders around, beaten, beaten, beaten. Today, no one devises a plan, yesterday's plan surpasses and renders the first one useless. This is the state of calamities and troubles. If a person makes a hole in someone's wall and the owner closes that hole, he will make another hole from another place, so the way to escape his mischief is to refer him to the police so that he does not have the risk of making a hole from another place. So, every single thing a person acquires and every path he wants to take to be safe from sorrows and troubles cannot be the cause of complete learning and complete comfort. For this, there is only one way, and that is to establish a relationship with the one whose command and signs are full of learning and sorrows. Then the person will adopt friendship with him, then there will be no fear or grief for him. The person who tries to get a paste from someone, if he tries to meet the one who makes money, and even if he meets him, then what praise will he receive? So, the only way to achieve real comfort and ease is that a person establishes a relationship with Allah Almighty. When he establishes a relationship with Him, then everything will become obedient to him and under his command. I always remember this story that a person went to the king with a complaint that I had kept money as a trust with the city's judge, but now he does not give it back when asked. I had not kept any credible witness with me. The king thought that if I call the judge here and ask him, he will deny it, and there is no proof of taking the money, so it will be difficult. We should devise a way to receive the money from the judge. The king devised that he told that person to sit near the judge's house tomorrow. I will come there and talk to you, and you don't have to worry. The next day when the king's procession came out, the person went near the judge's house, and after talking to him, the king left. After the king left, the judge started saying to him, "Brother, you mentioned something about a trust yesterday. Show some proof so that I can think about it and tell you. He showed the same mark that he had shown the first day.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 62

Year 1915 AD

The judge took out the money and handed it over, saying, "Why didn't you tell me these things earlier so that I could have given you the money right away? So, in this way, he received his money that he was considered a friend of the king. Now, the subjects had no room to oppose him. So, the person who establishes a relationship with Allah Almighty, then the creatures of God cannot harm him. So, remember this well that when one establishes a relationship with the king, then the subjects cannot stand against him. Who can be greater than Allah Almighty, and what is the existence of kings in front of Him? He can take their lives in a second, so they cannot do anything. They have big and capable doctors sitting there that when the angel of death does his work, they remain sitting. What is there with those kings is the grant and forgiveness of Allah Almighty. When He helps you, no difficulty, calamity, or grief can reach you. Because Allah will help you, cover your past misdeeds, forgive your sins, and then He will bestow great favors and rewards upon you because He is the Possessor of great bounty. So, you should pray to Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty make you righteous and grant you success in walking the path of righteousness. And may He show you the fine paths that lead to His pleasure and satisfaction and guide you on the pure and righteous paths and open the doors of His grace upon you and purify you from all kinds of hidden and open mischiefs and include you among His obedient servants. Amen and Amen. (March 25, 1915)

"If you fear Allah, He will give you something that you cannot even comprehend at this time. So, know that the only way to escape the world's troubles is to become righteous." (Surah Al-Anfal: 30)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 307

Year 1915 AD

Quran Sharif is a window to paradise.

(March 9, 1915)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, His Holiness said:

"Allah Almighty's grace and benevolence upon us are immense. When a person begins to count and remember Allah Almighty's favors, blessings, and kindness, a great wave of love for Allah Almighty surges in his heart. The sacrifices and expressions of devotion in the world are all based on this love. When a person falls in love with something, he becomes willing to sacrifice his life, wealth, and honor for it, not caring about his loved ones, friends, or homeland, and to the extent he falls in love with something, to that extent he sacrifices other things for that beloved thing. As much as a person develops love for something, he sacrifices other things for that beloved thing. As much as Allah Almighty's favors are upon His servants, if a person desires to reform his heart, he can do a lot. When every person sees Allah Almighty's favors, he will be so overwhelmed by the abundance of His grace and kindness upon him that he will surpass all others in this regard. The matter of Allah Almighty and His servants is amazing. I have seen that those who had a relationship with Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him), each one of them used to think that their connection with him was the greatest. The same is the case for those who have a relationship with Allah. Those who maintain a relationship with Allah Almighty, they love Him, and upon seeing His kindness and rewards upon them, they think that they are the most favored.

It is a strange matter of love and kindness. I have seen that when people have a relationship with someone, they think that their connection with that person is the greatest. The same happens with those who have a relationship with Allah. They love Him, and upon seeing His kindness and rewards upon them, they think that they are the most favored.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 308

Year 1915 AD

It cannot be said that we have more of God's grace than anyone else, but everyone thinks that they have the most of God's rewards and favors. The purpose is that if a person studies and reflects on God's favors, blessings, and kindness, a great wave of love for God surges in his heart, making him ready to sacrifice greatly for it. This is why the Holy Quran starts with praising God and Surah Al-Fatihah, which is the essence of the Quran, begins with "Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds," all praises are for the One who is the First and the Last. The Quran itself has explained the meaning of God. "He has the most beautiful names," meaning there is no kind of evil or deficiency in Him. He is encompassed by all virtues and all praises. So, "Praise be to Allah" means all praises are for God alone, who is free from all shortcomings and weaknesses, and who possesses all goodness, all virtues, and all beauty. Then He is the Lord as well. It means not only does He have these qualities in His essence, but He also has great favors and rewards upon His creation, to the extent that His relationship with His creation is such that nothing can survive without His grace and kindness because He is the Lord.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 309

Year 1915 AD

It is a being that creates and then fulfills all its necessities, gradually reaching the pinnacle of perfection. Only the Lord, not just the Lord but the Lord of all the worlds, is such that nothing can exist and remain established except under His lordship. And all things are within His lordship. Nothing exists independently of Him. Everything is connected to Allah's help, support, sustenance, and growth because He is the Creator, the Provider, the Sustainer, and the Increaser. And this relationship is not just with one, two, three, or four humans but with all. It is not a matter of beauty or kindness that cannot be found in Allah Almighty's essence. If He is beautiful, then there is no flaw or deficiency in Him, and all beauty is encompassed in Him. And if He is kind, then He not only creates but also nurtures and then grows, and grows greatly. And this is not limited to one or two but to all, whether a believer or a disbeliever. The purpose is not a side of beauty or kindness that is not found in Allah Almighty's essence. If He is beautiful, then there is no flaw or deficiency in Him, and all beauty is encompassed in Him. And if He is kind, then He not only creates but also nurtures and then grows, and grows greatly. And this is not limited to one or two but to all, whether a believer or a disbeliever. No one can sever their relationship with God. It is the human who, by rebelling in his essence, closes the door of His lordship over himself. Look, Allah Almighty's sun rises and enlightens everyone. If an unfortunate person closes himself in darkness and blinds his eyes due to ignorance, then that is another matter. What Allah Almighty has is available to all, and the gifts and rewards of Allah Almighty that are without action are the same for all but due to his mistakes and foolishness, a person deprives himself of them. The greatest gift that the world receives from Allah Almighty is the Noble Quran, and it is for the whole world. If a person desires destruction and ruin and closes his eyes to it, then that is another matter, otherwise, the Quran is for the whole world. It has no specificity for Egypt, Arabia, Africa, America, Europe, etc. Wherever the Quran reaches, it guides everyone, and whoever accepts it can achieve success, and whoever rejects it and perishes, it is his own fault. Allah Almighty has not diminished in His gifts. If a person, due to his mistakes and foolishness, closes the doors of Allah Almighty's gifts and blessings, then

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 310

Year 1915 AD

If someone closes, it is his fault, not that Allah Almighty closes His blessings. The greatest blessing we have at this time is the Noble Quran. The more one reflects and ponders on it, the more doors of knowledge and truths open up. It is mentioned in hadiths that for believers and disbelievers, the windows of paradise and hell are opened in the graves. For believers, the breeze of paradise continues to flow, and for disbelievers, the heat of hell reaches them. Furthermore, if we ponder over the hadiths, it becomes clear that in this world too, these same things happen. When the grave is opened, what is inside will be revealed, but in this world too, these windows open. And it is such that for those who obey and follow Allah Almighty's words and commands, the windows of paradise open in this world, and for those who reject and oppose His words and commands, the windows of hell open in this world. I understand the Noble Quran to be a window to paradise. The more one reflects on it, the more it opens up, and it becomes so vast that in this world, through this window, a person sees Allah Almighty, the angels, paradise, hell, and the punishment of the grave. And it is such a mirror that when a person gazes with reflection and love, the future matters that are gradually unfolding become clear. And a path is established between the person and Allah Almighty, a path through which a person can reach Allah. Therefore, our friends should deeply reflect on the Noble Quran to derive benefit and gain. There is no knowledge that enhances human spirituality that is not in the Quran. There is no deed that leads to Allah Almighty's pleasure and satisfaction that the Quran has not mentioned. When all the necessities of a person are within it, losing this treasure and treasure is great foolishness and lack of wisdom. People make great efforts to gather all kinds of things in one book and ensure that nothing is left out. They create encyclopedias, but still, many things are left out. New sciences and matters emerge, leaving their collection incomplete. This is why

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 311

Year 1915 AD

After fifteen to twenty years, the need arises to replace encyclopedias, and new editions are printed. Then I saw doctors preparing medicines that can cure all kinds of diseases during travel, but where can the treatment of Allah's punishments be found, and how can the rewards be counted? No one has succeeded in this effort. So far, no book has been prepared that can be sufficient for all human diseases, and no encyclopedia has been prepared in which all matters are recorded and there is no need for change. But the Quran Sharif is such a living miracle for spirituality that there is no matter it has not addressed and left out. The progress of the world cannot overshadow its teachings. Intellectuals and scholars collaborate to create encyclopedias, but after a few years, some things turn out to be wrong, some things are left out, and some things are not known at the time but become apparent later. But for the religion of Allah, which is the encyclopedia and treasure, nothing can be altered, and nothing is beyond it. The changes of time, the customs and traditions of nations, and the differences in regions cannot introduce any flaws in it; it is always perfect and complete. So why not benefit from such a book? Therefore, every effort should be made to benefit from the sciences of the Quran Sharif. The Quran Sharif addresses all human diseases, all deficiencies, and all weaknesses, so everyone should derive benefit from it. I have heard that some ignorant people say, "What has Mirza Sahib achieved in this world? Muslims are still becoming more humiliated and weak." I say this is great ignorance and foolishness. Look, who benefits from the heat, but if someone puts a blanket or bandages on a patient with a fever and says it does not benefit him, then where can this statement be correct and rational? How can one benefit from the heat while not even consuming it? I say, have Muslims accepted Hazrat Mirza Sahib, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), and are they acting upon his teachings? Then are they facing humiliation or not?

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 312

Year 1915 AD

When they did not even accept, then how can they benefit? The uselessness of the coming of Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) will only be proven when Muslims accept him and then become humiliated. But since they did not accept, what benefit can they derive? The same is the case with the Noble Quran, and every virtue that one accepts benefits him, and injustice does not reach him. This Quran is in the hands of those Muslims who are being humiliated and degraded, and therefore, they have the manuscript but do not use it. If they do not use it, then what fault does the Noble Quran have? It is very ignorant of a person to think that Allah Almighty has not provided a cure for diseases and weaknesses. Allah Almighty has prescribed a cure for everyone. It is the weakness of humans that they do not benefit from it. So, whether one benefits or not is the responsibility of humans; the provisions of Allah Almighty have been provided. Spiritually, it is not limited to any specific nation or country. Now, if someone does not benefit, it is his own fault. Our community should derive as much benefit as possible from this treasure, the Noble Quran. It is a great favor and grace of Allah Almighty upon us that He has given us the living Quran and has revived the verses that seemed deaf, meaningless, and purposeless, showing that no part of the Quran is useless but always alive and effective. Therefore, in this era, Allah Almighty has proven the Noble Quran to be a living book for us, so it is very essential for us to benefit from it. May Allah Almighty grant us the understanding of the Noble Quran and the ability to act upon it. Amen.

(April 22, 1915)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 313

Year 1915 AD

The Secret of the Success and Triumph of the Companions

(April 16, 1915)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, His Holiness recited the following verse:

"And do not be weak in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they expect not. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise."

Then he said: "The progress of Islam and its triumph is explained in this verse by Allah Almighty. Great brave men have passed in this world, and great steadfast individuals have emerged who have made great efforts to achieve their goals and have set themselves as excellent examples for the world. However, from the study of Islamic history, it becomes evident that the spreading of the Quran Sharif and the lives of those who preached Islam are separate from the lives of all those people. Until today, human intellect is astonished, and after thirteen hundred years, nothing has diminished in this astonishment, that what power and courage did they have that they emerged from a jungle and a non-residential place and how they conquered great empires and spread over the whole world. Brave armies and powerful empires could not stop them, and whoever came in their way was crushed. Just as the sea waves when hitting move forward, small grains of sand as well as large ones

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 314

Year 1915 AD

It carries both, and it is not known when this place was ever dry. Similarly, when the Noble Quran was taken, the companions rose and spread it throughout the world. Do you know what was produced within them that could not be stopped by any worldly enticements or desires, nor could the fear of life and wealth deter them? Neither the spread of religions and sects nor the barriers of swords could hinder their advancing steps. They crushed every obstacle, every barrier, and every difficulty under their feet, moving forward continuously. Look! If a person faces one opponent and finds it difficult, but for the companions, it was not just one or two but the whole world that was the enemy. Then they had neither wealth nor power, nor government nor authority, nor fear nor anxiety, nor the weapons of war and instruments of battle to stop their advancing steps. Through the weapons of war, no matter how strong and powerful the enemy is, he can be defeated because the one who is weak can shoot with a gun while lying down, becoming a means of victory for the weak and the few, but the companions did not have this. Sometimes when the companions went out for battle, some had only a stick in their hands, and due to hunger, they would fall down. This was the condition of their provisions. Even today, the focus is on the weapons of war for victory in battles. So, one thing that is essential for achieving victory over enemies in the world is the equipment of war. The companions did not have anything. They went to conquer fortresses, but they did not have the weapons to break the fortresses, yet no strong fortress in the world was attacked by them and then remained unbroken. So, in worldly terms, to achieve victory over enemies, weapons are needed, which they did not have, and what they had was not even considered among the highest-grade weapons of that time. They had swords and arrows for battle, but those weapons were not counted among the high-grade weapons of the Romans and Persians; they were not with the companions. Then to overcome the enemy, wealth and power are needed. A weak weapon can be a means of victory, but

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 315

Year 1915 AD

Victory through Money, i.e., by secretly bribing the officers of the army and making them join their side, and they make peace. So, money also brings victory, but the companions did not have money, and that was the reason when the companions attacked Iran, the Iranians presented this offer to them: "Take two pounds per soldier and four pounds per horseman, and take more money because you have been dying of hunger. Take this money and leave." This was the condition of poverty of the companions that the Iranian king tried to dismiss them by offering two pounds. The third thing needed for success is the art of war, which even if the army is small, but if it is skilled in the art of war, it can defeat a larger army. Because such an army suggests such strategies that even I, who do not know such skills, cannot compete, but the companions did not have this. They were Arabs, and the Arabs did not know how to fight under an officer, nor did they know the relationship between ruler and ruled. Each tribe had its own separate government. Then some victories are achieved because their bravery and courage's ancient traditions continue, and to maintain those traditions, they succeed by risking their lives. But the companions did not have this either. Then fear and terror also make the enemy terrified and lead to defeat, and even brave people are subdued by them. There is a famous story that only Allah knows how true it is, that a thief entered the house of the wrestler Rustam, and a fight started with Rustam. He defeated Rustam and sat on his chest. Rustam tried to scare him by saying, "Rustam has come, Rustam has come." Hearing this, the thief ran away. Look, he had defeated Rustam and sat on his chest, but Rustam's name made him run away. So, fear also has a great impact. In regions where some tribes' fear and terror are prevalent, even if a weak person goes there, people are afraid of him. But the companions did not have this fear; at that time, the Iranians were afraid, and the Arabs could not compete with them. This was the reason that the Iranians had control over a part of the Arabs. The purpose is something that makes a few overpower many and makes more people submissive than themselves; the companions did not have it. They did not have money, they did not have war equipment, they did not have fear, they did not have the historical deeds of fathers and ancestors

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 316

Year 1915 AD

They were not motivated by what arouses them, and they were not familiar with the art of war. It is not that the companions were weak in front of the enemy; rather, the Romans and Iranians were wealthy, brave, fearsome, and experts in the art of war, ruling over large empires in Europe and Asia. The Romans controlled Constantinople, Anatolia, Tunis, Armenia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and more. The Iranians had Iran, Iraq Ajam, Khorasan, and more under their rule. They received tribute from Asia and China. They collected so much wealth that a carpet would cost three to thirty crores, and the sword of an officer would be worth hundreds and thousands of rupees. They were also highly skilled in the art of war. This was the reason they ruled over such vast territories. They had enough war equipment because there were old empires and great fear. But despite having all these, they could not stand in front of the Muslims and could not stop their advance. Muslims had a small army, but no one had the strength to face them in battle. Muslims were fighting on one side against the Romans and on the other side against the Iranians, and they had surpassed the whole world. Why? Because this command was in front of them: "And do not be weak in pursuit of the enemy." Islam's enemies tried to weaken them through the sword, so you also face them with the sword, and if they do not face you with the sword, then do not even take the sword in your hand because you have been given permission to save lives and stay safe from the enemy's harm. When your enemy only has a sword

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 317

Year 1915 AD

He who does not launch an attack, then you are not allowed to confront the enemy with a sword. Yes, just as your enemy wants to defeat you, similarly, you should attack them, and wherever there are enemies of Islam, seek them out and attack them without showing any mercy. And if you say that this will bring you pain and troubles, then do you not see how they are engaged in spreading Christianity, spending millions of rupees and risking their lives in dangerous places to preach their religion? Christian women who come for preaching are killed, and others are ready to take their place. Allah Almighty has said, "O Muslims! If you make efforts to spread Islam and conquer other religions, and if the enemy raises the sword against you, then confront them with the sword, and if they do not confront you with the sword, then do not even take the sword in your hand because you have been given permission to save lives and stay safe from the enemy's harm. When there is destruction and ruin in your country and crops are destroyed, then the same is the condition of your enemy. If you are wounded, your enemy is also wounded. If your comrades are killed, their comrades are also killed. In these matters, you are equal to them, but one thing that your enemy does not possess and that is what you have placed your hopes in your Lord's favors and blessings, and what you hope from your God, they do not have. You have seen the living examples of your Lord's favors and blessings, so you have hopes, but they do not have any living example, so they do not have any hopes. So when these people endure the hardships and calamities of not having living examples and not having any hopeful prospects, why do you get anxious when you have examples and hopes? So, he was the one who succeeded in every field of the world because he knew that if we die, we become martyrs, and if we live, we become victorious, meaning whether we die or live, there is joy. When the companions had this belief and certainty, then in any situation, they did not fear

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 318

Year 1915 AD

They could not retreat from the battle. The great burden of war is that one may lose their life, but for them, whether they died or returned alive, it was ease. However, their enemies did not understand this. Each one of them used to say that if I remain victorious, there will be triumph, but if I die, I will gain nothing. It is not doubted that every religion and community expects reward and benefit from sacrificing for their faith. But the difference between them and the Muslims was that they had not seen any living miracle of receiving rewards and honors from Allah Almighty, and they read in books that bearing hardships in the path of faith brings recompense. But they had witnessed that Allah bestows rewards, not others, and their hopes were based on certainty and faith, while others' hopes were based on doubt and belief. So, what one can hope for from their Lord, they cannot. It is through these promises, rewards, and hopes that you can show how the companions were always ahead and their zeal and enthusiasm never diminished. The most dangerous thing in human life is death, but for them, it was just a veil that would be lifted, and they would meet their Beloved. It is written that in a battle, two or three companions were martyred in front of Hazrat Zarrar, and then he was called to come out for combat. Zarrar ran back to his tent in a hurry. The enemies thought they had fled. When he quickly returned from the tent, the companions asked him why he had run away. He said that today I had worn two shirts, and I thought it might be assumed that Zarrar fears the enemy and wants to save his life, so I took off one shirt. But I consider death as a veil that, once lifted, leads to the sight of Allah Almighty, after which there is paradise and after which there are blessings and favors. That's why I went back to the tent and came out for combat, then it is written that whenever there was a fierce battle, the companions would take off their shirts from their chests

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 319

Year 1915 AD

They would remove obstacles so that nothing hindered between them and God, and so that they did not become a barrier themselves. Why did they act in this manner? Because they advanced continuously due to their hopes in the bounties of Allah Almighty and the promises He made with them. When a person is convinced that death is nothing, then where can the enemy stand against them? Look, a madman, because he is not afraid of losing his life, even if ten people catch him, he escapes. His strength does not increase, but a veil falls on his mind that makes him fearless of death, so he exerts his strength without considering any aspect of self-preservation and succeeds. Similarly, complete faith in the bounties and honors of Allah also makes a person fearless of death. Look, if a stone is lying there, a person is cautious about touching it if he does not consider it a stone but thinks it is a gem, then he does not exercise caution. Similarly, when a person understands that there is comfort and ease in death, and after that, there is the sight of Allah Almighty, paradise, blessings, and favors, then no barrier remains for them to engage in the battle. So, Allah Almighty said, "O Muslims! Do not show any weakness or hesitation, but seek out your enemies wherever they may be and attack them. If there is a physical battle, then engage physically, and if there is a spiritual battle, then engage spiritually. And if you face difficulties and troubles, they also face them, but what you hope for is not what they hope for. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. If you were so weak that you could not carry out this task and were ready to face the enemies, then this task would not have been assigned to you. He is Wise and does not do anything without wisdom. When a person knows the nature of someone that they cannot bear more burden than one, then no one will burden them more than their capacity. So, where Allah is the Creator of all humans and well-acquainted with all their conditions, He does not burden anyone beyond their capacity. So when Allah assigns a task to a community, it is wrong for any individual of that community to think that we will be destroyed, absolutely incorrect. So, for a believer, sacrificing their life in the path of faith does not lead to destruction

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 320

Year 1915 AD

No excuse can be given for denying. I have read this verse because in those times, God Almighty did a work. And that is that the whole world is putting all its effort into eradicating Islam. It is as if Islam is a snake that comes out in their house, and everyone starts worrying about its killing. Or they consider Islam as impure and filthy and want to eradicate it. Whoever is engaged in eradicating Islam is actually engaged in protecting Islam. Our sword is not against the sword in those times because it is the prophecy of Hazrat Saleem that in those times, the sword will be raised for the protection of Islam. So, whoever raises the sword for Islam and wants to confront the enemies of Islam with the sword will be humiliated instead of protecting Islam. So, at this time, the only legitimate means of protecting Islam that God Almighty has prescribed for us is to confront the enemies through writing, preaching, and prayers. So remember that if you are in pain, they will also be in pain. If we have to spend our time, our wealth, and make sacrifices for the faith, then they also have to do the same for their enemies. There are examples among Christians that they left good things to gather money for the propagation of their religion so that they could sell money. Even though their religion appears to be a dominant religion in the eyes of the world, and then they are also very wealthy. When this is the condition of this nation, you can understand what such a nation should do that is considered a weak nation in the eyes of the world. Look, when a healthy person takes precautions for his protection and avoids harmful and harmful things, then it is very necessary for a sick person to take precautions because he is already sick. So in worldly troubles and sacrifices, you and they are equal, but one thing that is in you and not in them, and that is the promises of God Almighty with you and the hopes you have from God Almighty, they do not have them. So when you have the promises of your Lord and the hopes you have from your God, they do not have them. Therefore, when these people endure the hardships and calamities of not having the promises and not having any hopeful prospects, why do you get anxious when you have examples and hopes?

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 321

Year 1915 AD

It is very important that you make united efforts. Do not doubt that your hopes will not be fulfilled unless you sacrifice for the sake of Allah and do not care about anything else. Indeed, your community is weak, but remember that Allah Almighty says, "And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise." We know and are wise. We have not assigned you this task because you cannot do it, but when we saw that thirty crore people who call themselves Muslims do not have the ability to do this work, we appointed a person to do it. Now you are responsible for this task. When a homeowner sees that a certain wall of the house has weakened and cannot bear the burden, he replaces it with another wall. Even an ordinary person understands the necessity of doing this, so Allah is knowledgeable and wise. If you were so weak that you could not carry out this task and were ready to face the enemies, then this task would not have been assigned to you. He is Wise and does not do anything without wisdom. When a person knows the nature of someone that they cannot bear more burden than one, then no one will burden them more than their capacity. So, where Allah is the Creator of all humans and well-acquainted with all their conditions, He does not burden anyone beyond their capacity. So when Allah assigns a task to a community, it is wrong for any individual of that community to think that we will be destroyed, absolutely incorrect. So, for a believer, sacrificing their life in the path of faith does not lead to destruction

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 322

Year 1915 AD

Do not even slacken for a minute. I am amazed that in the current war, women and children are also participating and sacrificing their lives for the cause that we cannot lose our freedom. The mice are sacrificing for their imaginary freedom. But they keep advancing. If one falls, another takes their place without hesitation. If a man falls, women and children take his place without hesitation. You should be more vigilant in your work than them. It is my intention to announce for the fulfillment of the needs of this community. Our community should understand that our struggle is not for a few months or years but for our entire life. And this is a very dangerous war because it is prophesied by the prophets that in this era, the final battle against Satan will take place. The British government has estimated that the real battle with Germany will occur when we enter their territory, and preparations have already begun for this. But our situation is such that our struggle is against the whole world, and we have to conquer the whole world. But our war is different from the world's war because if soldiers of any army are killed by swords, guns, or cannons, they no longer remain useful. But in this spiritual war, whoever is martyred becomes his own, and when we come back alive, we become alive, and in this way, we receive help. But still, we need to make a great effort. Nations rise after hundreds of years. So, whoever slacks in a nation must be removed so that they do not see and feel defeated. Our current state is that we are at the forefront of the spiritual war, so we must work very diligently. I am the one to alert the nation, but the first center should start a meeting and decide on the contributions. Whatever contribution someone writes with their own will should be accepted, and do not think that how to give contributions like last year. Because this era is of conquests, there should be no sitting comfortably. Remember that when an attack of a nation is halted, and they sit comfortably, it is the first day of their decline because the day someone sleeps in peace, the next day is their downfall. So

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 323

Year 1915 AD

Do you think that the days of your decline have arrived and will not come, and our generations will not come to an end but will continue to progress? But where one side receives mercy, the other side must prepare more for the enemies. Staying in one place is not good; those who progress keep progressing, and when they stop progressing, they start declining. So, do not think that the charity you gave last year should be given now. Whoever remains in this community will always have to give charity. You should keep in mind that if you have to spend your wealth for the faith, then your enemies also have to do the same. Yes, what you hope for is not what your enemies hope for. At this time, there is a great need for money. Publish the translation of the Holy Quran as quickly as possible so that as soon as the translation of the Quran is published in someone's life, it is better for them. For you, these are the days of spiritual warfare. After death, there is rest or punishment. What needs to be done should be done now. You Qadianis are examples for the outsiders, and they should also become examples for others so that there is no weakness in us, and we continue to be victorious. Let the words of the enemies not affect us, but our words should affect them, and we should remain victorious over them. A friend told me that he consulted his wife that jewelry is made for the purpose that it is useful at the time of need in the house. When we can spend jewelry for the need of our house, then why not spend for the need of faith. Therefore, we give all our jewelry. Another friend said that I donate all my land, sell it, and use the money for the propagation of Islam. It is difficult for everyone to do so, but those who spend for the sake of Allah are indeed deserving of great rewards. At this time, great courage is needed. People who call comfort in the world actually lead a life of disgrace and humiliation. The comfort of a believer is in working and attacking the enemy. In this era, it is not an attack of swords but an attack of evidence, proofs, and prayers. The paradise of a believer is in their heart. Good food, fine clothes are worn

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 324

Year 1915 AD

No excuse can be given for denying. People can even steal things. A believer's giving is never stolen from anyone. The real paradise is in the heart. Even outward comfort and ease are granted by Allah Almighty when He wills. So, do not spend a single moment of your life in laziness and idleness, but remain engaged in efforts and sacrifices, and keep hope for success from Allah Almighty. May Allah grant us all success in fulfilling the purpose of spreading Islam and elevating the Word of Allah. Amen.

Grass is very light.

(Al-Fadl, April 25, 1915)

The name of this companion was Zarrar bin Awam (Al-Isabah, Arabic, Volume 3, Page 541).

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 325

Year 1915 AD

Allah's Mercy and Bounty are Vast

(Delivered on April 23, 1915)

Year 1915 AD

Witness

After seeking refuge and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verse was recited: "Say, 'To whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'To Allah.' He has decreed upon Himself mercy. He will surely assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. Those who will lose themselves [that Day] do not believe."

Then it was stated: "The description of Allah's attributes that different religions have presented shows a significant difference. People of each religion discuss distinct aspects compared to those of other religions. Some religions have denied Allah's attribute of creation. Some have denied His Oneness, and some have rejected His mercy, and there are also those who have denied His truthfulness. These are religions that spread various conflicting ideas. Some religions have assigned a false attribute to God, and some have attributed impurity to Him. But Islam, and only Islam, is a religion that attributes all beautiful qualities to Allah and purifies Him from all evils and deficiencies. This is a great proof of the truthfulness of Islam. Every person can easily understand how it is possible that the goodness and beautiful attributes present in the creation are not found in the Creator. It is essential

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 325

Year 1915 AD

Allah's Mercy and Bounty are Vast

(Delivered on April 23, 1915)

Year 1915 AD

Witness

After seeking refuge and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verse was recited: "Say, 'To whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'To Allah.' He has decreed upon Himself mercy. He will surely assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. Those who will lose themselves [that Day] do not believe."

Then it was stated: "The description of Allah's attributes that different religions have presented shows a significant difference. People of each religion discuss distinct aspects compared to those of other religions. Some religions have denied Allah's attribute of creation. Some have denied His Oneness, and some have rejected His mercy, and there are also those who have denied His truthfulness. These are religions that spread various conflicting ideas. Some religions have assigned a false attribute to God, and some have attributed impurity to Him. But Islam, and only Islam, is a religion that attributes all beautiful qualities to Allah and purifies Him from all evils and deficiencies. This is a great proof of the truthfulness of Islam. Every person can easily understand how it is possible that the goodness and beautiful attributes present in the creation are not found in the Creator. It is essential

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 327

Year 1915 AD

It is possible that reform can occur through punishment and correction. Then why does Allah Almighty punish until reform and forgiveness occur? He does not take revenge from His criminals as long as there is room for reform. We see humans, when they seek revenge from their enemies, they do not punish them harshly but show mercy. Even in this world, it is common that people prefer to respond to sorrow with sorrow and pain with pain, and if someone is lenient, they are not taken seriously. Then why does Allah Almighty act this way and why does He not punish those who break His commands? It is because where possible, He shows mercy. He states, "Say, 'To whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'To Allah.' He does not like to punish them. Just as someone wants their son or brother to be treated gently when they make a mistake and does not want them to suffer, and if their death does not cause any harm, they do not feel any loss of honor. But where it is their own property, they will take measures to prevent any loss, for example, if a house catches fire, they will either pour water to extinguish the fire or reinforce the walls of the house. If someone has their own house, they will make every effort to extinguish the fire by any means and not let the house collapse. And if a fire breaks out in the enemy's house, they will say that the house should be demolished quickly so that other houses are not affected. Similarly, some people are like those whose eyes are sick, and due to the weakness of their eyes, the doctor advises them

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 328

Year 1915 AD

Bring this out, but they do not emerge in the hope that perhaps it will turn out well. But the correct and healthy eye of the enemy is struck with stones without any pain. Allah Almighty says, "Look how foolish and ignorant they are. They say that Allah has no mercy and if someone commits a sin, He does not forgive but punishes. But these people themselves are in such a state that if any deficiency appears in their own things, they make every effort to save it completely, and in relation to Allah, they say that when any deficiency appears in people, He destroys them. This is their great foolishness that they do not understand that all things in the heavens and the earth belong to Allah alone. When all these things belong to Allah alone, then how is it possible that He destroys them except when there is no possibility of reform. Just as a person knows that if he does not remove his sick eye, another will also become useless, so he removes it. Similarly, Allah Almighty does as He says, "He has decreed upon Himself mercy." Wherever possible, we show mercy and only give punishment when mercy cannot bring about reform. It is due to not understanding this issue that where Christians have been rejected, Muslims have also been deceived. Nowadays, most Muslims are such that when someone faces any trouble, they say, 'Oh Allah! Let this trouble go away and instead let another come,' for example, if someone's son is ill, they say, 'Oh God! Let my son become healthy, and instead of him, let me fall ill or die.' Such people seem to think that God cannot forgive anyone, so instead of leaving one, they want to exchange with another, but this is a great weakness of faith. Such people do not ponder over the attributes of Allah Almighty that He has decreed upon Himself mercy. A person should ask for mercy from Allah Almighty because He has the power that if a son is ill and the father prays, both are saved. The mercy of Allah is vast; He can do everything. It is disrespectful to the attributes of Allah Almighty to say, 'Take this and give that' or 'Take this and leave that.' Such a statement is very rare for a believer. So, always include in your prayers

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 329

Year 1915 AD

Remember that you should never say that a certain thing will happen and instead of that, another thing will happen, but you should say, "O Allah! Let both happen." Whatever a person asks from Allah, that is what He gives, and there is no shortage in His treasures. Instead of worrying about the end of one thing in your treasure, you should worry about the end of another thing. Allah is free from imperfections. A believer should be cautious of such prayers and should always seek goodness from God. Because the treasures of Allah's mercy and generosity can never be empty, nor can they be diminished. So if He can give one thing and remove one difficulty, He can also give another thing and remove another difficulty, and there is no need to take any retribution. Allah Almighty grants you the understanding of this matter so that your prayers are observed with respect and are in the color that Allah likes. Amen. (Al-An'am: 13)

(Al-Fadl, April 30, 1915)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 330

(66)

Question Regarding the Funeral of a Non-Ahmadi and Its Answer

(Delivered on April 30, 1915)

Year 1915 AD

After seeking refuge, reciting the Tashahhud, seeking Allah's protection, and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

"Those who criticize the contributors among the believers concerning [their] charities and [criticize] the ones who find nothing [to spend] except their effort, so they ridicule them - Allah will ridicule them, and they will have a painful punishment. Ask [forgiveness] for them or do not ask [forgiveness] for them. If you ask seventy times [for] their forgiveness - never will Allah forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient. The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them [accordingly]. Indeed, the hypocrites - it is they who are the defiantly disobedient."

Then it was stated: "Today, a question has arisen in our community regarding whether the funeral prayer should be offered for a non-Ahmadi or not. Some say it should be offered, while others say it should not be offered. Those who say it should be offered argue that it is better to offer it, and those who say it should not be offered argue the opposite."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 331

Year 1915 AD

There are those who argue that it is not permissible to offer the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi, citing that Hazrat Masih Maud (as) prohibited offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi. On the other hand, those who advocate for offering the funeral prayer present a diary entry of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) which states:

"The question arose whether the funeral prayer should be offered for someone who is not part of this community. Hazrat Masih Maud (as) said, 'If he was against this community and considered it significant, then do not offer his funeral prayer. But if he was silent and neutral, then offering his funeral prayer is permissible, provided that one of you leads the funeral prayer. Otherwise, there is no need. Since Hazrat Sahib has given permission, then who are we to decide that the funeral prayer should not be offered for a non-Ahmadi. I am receiving lines from various places asking what should we do? Should we offer the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi or not? Before answering this question, it is crucial to determine what decision should be made among us. Then, based on the agreed decision, we should make the final choice. There is no doubt that the decision of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) is correct, valid, and true, but the way we have reached this point needs to be discussed as it is not free from doubts. This is why Hazrat Masih Maud (as) has recommended some principles regarding the sayings and laws of Islam in the Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). You have written that first, the Holy Quran should be followed because it is the Book of Allah, and Allah Almighty has promised to protect it. And then if someone tries to add or subtract something from it, they are destroyed. Since there is no courage to add or subtract in the Holy Quran, it should be followed first. These are not related to the Ahadith; therefore, the first thing worthy of acceptance is the Holy Quran. So when a decision is reached regarding something from the Holy Quran, it becomes certain and firm. Secondly, after the Holy Quran, you have given importance to the Sunnah, that is, following the things that we

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 332

Year 1915 AD

The actions have reached a point where they are more reliable than the Hadith because the Hadith is only a statement, while actions are deeds. Then a statement is one, two, three, four, or more, as stated by the Companions. For example, the Zuhr prayer consists of four units, the Asr prayer four, the Maghrib prayer three, the Isha prayer four, and the Fajr prayer two are obligatory. Now, if we want to determine them completely and entirely from a single Hadith, we cannot. And if all the Hadiths are taken, they will also amount to ten, and all the Companions did not narrate them, but more than a hundred or a hundred and fifty Companions narrated them. However, in performing actions, all the Companions are unanimous because the Hadiths were less narrated, and doing so was not inappropriate for them. But offering prayers was necessary and obligatory for everyone. Therefore, all of them used to offer prayers, then the followers saw them doing so, and then the followers of the followers saw them doing so. Then those who came after saw them doing so. In the same way, the units of prayer that have reached us today have reached thirty crores of people. The Sunnah, meaning actions, is that thing which is superior to the Hadith. Because many Muslims are witnesses to actions, and then the understanding of the Hadith is superior to the statement. The Hadith is a statement, and sometimes understanding a statement is difficult, and sometimes misunderstanding occurs. The real thing is something else, but the understanding takes something else. So first is the Quran, then actions, and after that is the status of the Hadith. In the Hadith, those that are frequent will be strong and powerful because many Companions will be narrating them. Then those of lower status will come, and lower-grade Hadiths will also be there until weak and fabricated Hadiths will be present. From among those Hadiths of lower status that come against the Sunnah, they will be rejected, those that come against actions will also be unacceptable, and those that are contrary to the Noble Quran will also have to be left. The reason for placing the Sunnah above the Hadith is: This is true and absolutely true that actions can never be against the Noble Quran. Yes, Hadiths may clash with the Quran, but actions and the Quran can never have a conflict. And this is the proof that the Hadith and actions or the Hadith and the Quran, any conflict that occurs

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 333

Year 1915 AD

It happens that due to the narration of a Hadith, a conflict arises, otherwise there is no conflict between interaction and the Quran. Now it has been proven that some Hadiths are in accordance with interaction and some are against it. Similarly, some Hadiths are in accordance with the Quran and some are against it. For this reason, Hazrat Masih Maud (as) has established a principle that if a Hadith is against the Quran and interaction, it can be rejected, and if it is in agreement, it should be accepted. Some people misunderstood this principle of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) and began to speak ill of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, which required clarification. It was explained that we have not rejected the Hadiths entirely but have categorized them. When these categories clash, the lower category statements should be left aside, and this is also a correct and valid statement. For example, in the face of Allah Almighty's clear and explicit command, if someone gives a command against it and against the command of Allah Almighty's messengers, it should not be accepted. But this does not mean that all the commands of parents have been rejected and become inoperative. Because Allah Almighty says, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." In this verse, Allah Almighty says that one should not even say 'uff' to parents, and we see that in battles, when infidels fight, a son can kill his father without hesitation. It is stated in the Torah that after the departure of Moses (as), when the Children of Israel started worshipping the calf, a command was given that every close relative should kill their close relative. Meaning, a father should kill his son, a son his father, a brother his brother. Now this command was correct and true in that context, and whoever opposed it was a sinner. So there is a comparison and a thing, and there is truth and a thing. One command and one truth have their own importance and limits, but when they come against higher commands and higher truths, nothing remains. For example, an administrator has certain powers in his administration, and according to those powers, the commands he gives to his subordinates must be followed. But when those commands come against higher commands and higher truths, they become insignificant. For instance, a scholar has certain authorities in his field and the command he gives to his students must be followed. But when those commands come against the higher authorities and higher truths, they are no longer valid.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 334

Year 1915 AD

When a Deputy Commissioner issues an order in comparison to a Tehsildar, the Tehsildar's order is annulled, but this does not mean that all the Tehsildar's orders are rejected. Rather, it means that in comparison to the Deputy Commissioner, the Tehsildar's order is revoked. Similarly, concerning Hadiths, there is no doubt that Hazrat Salim was a human and a human is just a human, and God is God, but whatever you stated was in accordance with the command of Allah Almighty. Therefore, if it is proven that a certain Hadith is your authentic statement, we never reject it. However, if we leave out a Hadith, it is because there is no evidence of its authenticity, and it is uncertain whether you actually said it in that manner or not.

Comparison of the Diary of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) and Your Actions:

Similarly, the diaries of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) are acceptable, respectable, and necessary for us to believe in, just like your statements are in accordance with the teachings of Hazrat Salim. So if a matter aligns with what we find in the book of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) or in your own actions, then it is firmly established in truth. If something contradicts, it should be rejected if it cannot be proven to be correct, and if it is not in line with your actions. If a diary entry contradicts and cannot be reconciled, it should be set aside. This is also valid and correct. For example, if a command goes against the clear and explicit command of Allah Almighty or His messengers, it should not be accepted. However, this does not mean that all parental commands are rejected and become invalid. Because Allah Almighty says, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and to parents, good treatment." Even if one or both of them reach old age with you, do not even say 'uff' to them and speak to them in a noble manner. In this verse, Allah Almighty emphasizes showing utmost respect to parents, yet in battles, a son can kill his father without hesitation. In the Torah, after the departure of Moses (as), when the Children of Israel worshipped the calf, a command was given for close relatives to kill each other. This command was correct and true in that context, and anyone who opposed it was a sinner. There is a hierarchy and a truth, and each command and truth have their own significance and boundaries, but when they conflict with higher commands and truths, they become insignificant.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 335

Year 1915 AD

A king said to his subjects, "If a certain person has understood my words well and correctly in meaning, then believe what he tells you, not because he says it, but because the king said it should be believed. Similarly, we do not believe in the sayings of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) because he brought a new law, but because Allah Almighty said, 'This is the true interpretation of My commands and what the Messenger of Allah said.' Now let us compare the diary of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) with your actions. If what is written in the diary about offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi does not have any command from the Quran and no action from Hazrat Masih Maud (as), then we should not reject it. But if it contradicts the decision of the Quran and the action of Hazrat Masih Maud (as), then it should be rejected. However, it should be remembered that this diary should not be rejected because it has no significance in our view, as if we do so, a significant part of our lineage will become invalid, just as rejecting all the Hadiths would render a significant part of Islam invalid. Similarly, leaving the diaries of Hazrat Sahib in darkness makes a significant part of Ahmadiyyat obscure. But if we do not believe in someone's diary, it is because the writer of the diary made a mistake, misunderstood the matter, and this is not an impossible thing but it happens. An example of misunderstanding a matter can be seen in the hidden lesson in Al-Fadl, where a statement attributed to me was written which I never said. It is written, "I wrote 'butter' for 'goat' and 'bees' for 'ants.' However, neither 'butter' is called 'goat' nor 'bees' are called 'ants.' And neither is this written in the lesson, nor is it written in the Hadith, but 'Torah' is written instead of 'Hadith,' which is a mistake in language and has turned the matter due to my mistake. But now, it cannot be said that all lessons are unreliable and that there is no word of mine in them, but the mistake was made by the writer of the lesson that either the notes he wrote for the lesson were not read later or he misunderstood my words.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 336

Year 1915 AD

It is often misunderstood. Sometimes the listener misunderstands, but such misunderstandings cannot be generalized for every situation, claiming that the writer misunderstood and wrote incorrectly. Yes, when a matter goes against the Quran, authentic Hadiths, and the actions of Hazrat Masih Maud (as), then it is said that the writing is based on the writer's misunderstanding. Now, when we conduct the funeral of a non-Ahmadi and examine its context in relation to the Quran and the actions of Hazrat Sahib, those who argue that offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi is permissible should also ensure that Hazrat Masih Maud's actions confirm this because some matters are permissible that relate to showing compassion to people, but they do not involve showing compassion to others. For example, it is permissible for someone to wear a cotton shirt, and if they wear a silk shirt, it is also permissible for them, but it does not entail showing compassion to others. However, offering the funeral prayer is the kind of permissible act that involves showing compassion and mercy to others because it is an act of mercy and compassion towards others. The Prophets were very merciful and kind. Allah Almighty says in relation to Hazrat Salim, "Indeed, you are of a great moral character." So every permissible act that involves showing compassion to people is very important for the Prophets because they come to this world to spread love, affection, and kindness among people. They make enemies into friends, bring strangers close, and unite families. This is essential for the Prophets. So if offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi is permissible and the diary writer understood your words correctly and accurately, then it is essential that Hazrat Masih Maud's actions also confirm this. That is, sometimes a non-Ahmadi dies, and Hazrat Sahib attends their funeral. Well, it is not correct to say that Hazrat Sahib attended someone's funeral, but sometimes such situations arise where compassion and mercy have to be shown. Let us also look at those instances where Hazrat Sahib attended someone's funeral. These are usually close relatives like fathers, brothers, and sons. Your brother and father had passed away before your claim, but your son had passed away during your lifetime, and his name was Fazl Ahmad. His

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 337

Year 1915 AD

I vividly remember that Hazrat Masih Maud (as) used to stroll in the courtyard and would say that he had great affection for someone. He never opposed us; he used to serve us during illnesses. However, because he was a non-Ahmadi, Hazrat Masih Maud (as) did not offer his funeral prayer. I have already mentioned that showing compassion towards people becomes obligatory. During the time of the Prophet (pbuh), a mosque servant passed away, and people buried him without informing the Prophet (pbuh) about his funeral. When this news reached the Prophet (pbuh), he was greatly displeased that he was not informed about the funeral because offering the funeral prayer is related to showing compassion towards people. If offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi was permissible, then Hazrat Sahib would have surely offered the funeral prayer for his son, whom you mentioned had never opposed us. Many people testify that at the beginning when Hazrat Sahib made his claim and you were repeatedly ill, Fazl Ahmad continued to serve you. Furthermore, he was so obedient that during the time of Ahmad Beg's prophecy, when Hazrat Masih Maud (as) instructed him to divorce his wife because she had a connection with him, he wrote the divorce and sent it to Hazrat Sahib, stating that if she did not obey your command, you should send her this divorce letter. So his obedience extended even to significant matters. However, when he passed away, you did not attend his funeral nor did you instruct any Ahmadi to attend. This was your way of showing compassion to close relatives. Moreover, who doesn't know that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was the biggest enemy of the disbelieving clerics, yet he never dared to call Christians infidels. He even addressed Hazrat Masih Maud (as) by saying, "You become a Pir, and I will become a disciple, and we will go to Hyderabad. Whatever we receive there, three parts will be yours, and one part will be for the college." However, when he passed away, a letter arrived from Hazrat Masih Maud (as) in Lahore, stating that our community should offer his funeral prayer so that it becomes clear that we are peaceful. In response to this letter, Molvi Abdul Kareem Sahib wrote a letter that has now been found. In it, he wrote that Hazrat Masih Maud (as) remained silent upon hearing the trustee's news.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 338

Year 1915 AD

Our Lahore community unanimously sent a request that a funeral prayer should be offered there, and then notes should be given that everyone in each city of the community should offer the funeral prayer in the same way. This would assure the youth that our sect is a peaceful sect. Upon this, Hazrat Sahib's face turned red and he said, "If people take any action based on hypocrisy, they may escape, but if we do so, surely the wrath of Allah will descend upon us."

Now, in comparison to this tradition, it has been presented that offering a funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi can be permissible, but it cannot be presented in comparison to the actions of Hazrat Masih Maud (as). Then what is presented that a person said to Hazrat Masih Maud (as), "My mother has passed away; should her funeral prayer be offered?" You said, "Offer it." From this, it is known that you permitted offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi. We say, where is it known that this person also informed you whether his mother was an Ahmadi or not? When he did not mention this, how can it be proven that you allowed offering the funeral prayer for a non-Ahmadi? And saying that because two years ago he prayed for his mother to become an Ahmadi, it proves that you knew he was a non-Ahmadi is also a futile argument because where do you remember such things? Once a person came here, and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I said to him, "Let me introduce you to Hazrat Sahib." He said, "I know Hazrat Sahib; I will meet him myself." He kept knocking for two hours, but you did not recognize him, so do the prophets remember useless and fruitless matters? They remember the matters for which they come. Therefore, Hazrat Masih Maud (as) sometimes brought out such references that even great scholars were amazed. Then we look at the Quran, I have just read the verses, it is mentioned in them. Allah Almighty says, "Hypocrites who do not work with you, do not go for Jihad, do not spend in the way of Allah, and annoy the Muslims, for them is a painful punishment." So despite their apparent Muslim status, the Messenger of Allah was commanded by Allah Almighty to

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 339

Year 1915 AD

If you repent for them or not, and even if you seek forgiveness for them seventy times, it will never be accepted because they have disobeyed Allah and His Messenger, and Allah does not guide the rebellious. Mentioning them, Allah Almighty further states that if any of them dies, their funeral prayer should not be offered, and you should not stand at their grave. Because offering prayers at the grave leads to supplication. So, this is not about disbelievers but about those who came with faith but were actually hypocrites. Reflecting on this, the Almighty says, "Those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways." Those who strive in our love, we will definitely guide them, and if a person is sincere in an incident, Allah Almighty says, "We will definitely guide him." Those who die in such a state and are not guided, it is proven that the assumption that this person was good and righteous was wrong because if he had been good, he would have surely received guidance. Allah Almighty is just.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 340

Year 1915 AD

No, and he does not wrong anyone. So if he had sincerity in the incident, then surely Allah would have granted him the ability to recognize the Command. Here Allah Almighty has used the word "fasiq" so that no one says that this is related to disbelievers, and "disbelief in Allah" means not believing in the words of God. So those people who outwardly claim Islam but in reality do not follow the commands of Allah and the Messenger and die in that state, their funeral is not permissible. So while considering the actions of Hazrat Masih Maud and this diary in light of the command of the Quran, we can never accept that the funeral of a non-Ahmadi is permissible. The truth is that whether someone accepts it or not, I cannot even think for a moment that a person seeks truth and righteousness, and then God does not guide him. God surely guides provided there is sincerity and truthfulness found in a person. There was a person who used to drink excessively to the point of severe illness due to alcohol consumption. He had close relations and associations with many prominent individuals, so it was inconceivable that he would receive guidance. But one day he had a dream that the whole world was in darkness except for the four feet of Hazrat Masih Maud, and he was under those feet. After that, he pledged allegiance to you. Just a few days after the allegiance, he passed away. So no matter how bad and steeped in sin a good and sincere person may be, and even if he opposes vehemently, God surely guides him. And if God does not guide someone, then it should be understood that they were not included in the striving for Us, so offering their funeral prayer is also not permissible. And if a person dies in a place where our message did not reach, concerning their funeral, the question arises, where will we be present to offer the funeral prayer because if we were present, would we not have preached Ahmadiyyat? And if it is said that in a place where our message did not reach, someone passed away, and after their death, an Ahmadi arrived there, what should they do regarding the funeral? This is about the fact that we only consider the outward appearance. Because he is in such a state that he has not recognized the Prophet and Messenger of Allah.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 341

Year 1915 AD

We did not offer his funeral prayer, so if that person is deserving of forgiveness in the sight of God, then God will forgive him even without us offering his funeral prayer. And if he is not deserving of forgiveness, then he will not be forgiven even if we offer his funeral prayer. So where we are present, there will be the propagation of Ahmadiyyat; therefore, it is clear that the matter concerning someone's funeral is straightforward where we are present, and where we are not present, the opportunity to offer the funeral prayer will not arise. May Allah Almighty grant our community true understanding and may our lives be in complete obedience and compliance with His commands and His pleasure. (Al-Fadl, May 6, 1915 AD)

Al-Tawbah: 79-84

Notes Volume 2, Page 207

Children of Israel: 24

Friday: 4, Al-Qalam: 5

Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, Chapter: Prayer at the Grave, and Bukhari, Book of Funerals, Chapter: Prayer at the Grave after Burial

Al-Fadl, March 28, 1915 AD, last page

Al-Ankabut

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 342

(67) Only Allah is the Knower of the Unseen

(Stated on May 7, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

Hazrat recited the following verse after Tashahhud, Tawwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah:

Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

Since Allah is unseen, and His essence is beyond the reach of these material eyes, no human can see Him. If the delicate things in the world were visible, they would have been seen. A poet has said something delicate. He says:

If there were a scent of perfume, it would have been perceived somewhere. But since it is unique, it does not meet anything else. It is not a partner, nor is it a part of its essence and species; therefore, it cannot be perceived.

When this is the case, how can one see with their eyes the creatures and the things created by Him? So, Allah does not show anyone with these eyes the things He has created, but where can He be seen with His power, His glory, and His

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 343

Year 1915 AD

Business and special relationships are only visible through the chosen and beloved servants of God. Since God Almighty is seen through His chosen and beloved servants, some ignorant people consider these servants as God or attribute divine qualities to them. Just as an ignorant person sees the reflection of the sun in water and claims that this is the sun itself, although the real sun is elsewhere, similarly, these people deceive many by making humans into gods. Even those who believe in the descent of God have fallen into greater polytheism. They have made Hazrat Ali a son of God and considered someone else as the inheritor of divine attributes. As the Holy Prophet (pbuh) vehemently opposed polytheism, as no other prophet did, Allah Almighty has saved your community from many dangers. Muslims bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger. Although you could have made people into gods or bestowed divine attributes upon them, you did not increase polytheism. However, the later generations fell into even greater polytheism. Therefore, I have seen with my own eyes people prostrating fully on graves just as it is done for Allah Almighty, and those who prostrate in this manner are fully convinced that they are gaining blessings in doing so, even though the Quran has uprooted the evil of this polytheism from the beginning to the end. If Muslims understood, the Quran had already stated that Satan does not attack them with polytheism, but unfortunately, they completely abandoned the Quran and fell into Satan's trap. At this point, my discourse is about a specific issue, whether knowledge of the unseen is possessed by any human or not? There have been great debates on this issue, whether you also had this knowledge or not. The Hanafis say no, so they issued great verdicts against you for saying this.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 344

Year 1915 AD

It is alleged that Hazrat Salima has been disrespectful, whereas the verse I have read clearly states that no one can encompass the knowledge of Allah, neither Hazrat Salim nor anyone else. Undoubtedly, Hazrat Salim becomes the leader of all prophets and the great and beloved of Allah, but despite this, you were in need of Allah's creation and His provisions. Therefore, the inner qualities of yours will remain within humans, and those qualities that are exclusively reserved by Allah cannot be acquired by anyone. The knowledge of the unseen is also among those qualities, so only Allah knows what happens and what will happen. In these verses, Allah has clearly stated the requirements for having the knowledge of the unseen. Firstly, "Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep." This means He is always alive, sustains Himself, and sustains others. Sleep does not overtake Him, nor does He tire. Secondly, "To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth." He holds the power over everything in the heavens and the earth. He protects them and oversees them. These are all necessary attributes for the knowledge of the unseen. When it is said that someone has the knowledge of the unseen, all these attributes must be present in them. Hazrat Salim, you were born and you also experienced death, which has been more than thirteen hundred years now. So how can it be said that you have the knowledge of the unseen? Therefore, whether you or any other human, neither Hazrat Moses, nor Hazrat Jesus, nor Abdul Qadir Jilani, and others, nor any human from our community possesses the knowledge of the unseen. Some people ignorantly say that everything is clear to the Prophet, and the Prophet can know hidden thoughts, etc. These are words of polytheism and a dangerous form of polytheism. Our community and Hazrat Masih Maud (as) have been saved from many dangers. Muslims testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger. Although people could have attributed divinity to individuals or given them divine attributes, you did not increase polytheism. However, later generations fell into even greater polytheism. Therefore, I have seen with my own eyes people prostrating fully on graves as if it is done for Allah Almighty, and those who prostrate in this manner are fully convinced that they are gaining blessings in doing so, even though the Quran has eradicated this polytheism from beginning to end. If Muslims understood, the Quran had already stated that Satan does not attack them with polytheism, but unfortunately, they completely abandoned the Quran and fell into Satan's trap. At this point, my discourse is about a specific issue, whether knowledge of the unseen is possessed by any human or not? There have been great debates on this issue, whether you also had this knowledge or not. The Hanafis say no, so they issued great verdicts against you for saying this.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 345

Year 1915 AD

So this situation remained separate, our master, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), did not have everything revealed to you. Nor could you unveil the unseen by yourself. Then what are we who come to the teacher's presence, it is the same as coming to the students. When our teacher did not possess this knowledge, from where would it come to us? We have learned only what was with Hazrat Ali, the one who was with the Prophet of God. Therefore, the community should carefully choose their words and keep their thoughts so guarded that they are completely free from polytheism. Allah Almighty says, "We will forgive all kinds of sins, but not polytheism." So every believer should speak words that contain praise, glorification, and exaltation of God. Allah Almighty grant our community the ability to understand that they should recognize God as God and creation as creation, and attribute no evil to God. (Al-Baqarah: 256)

Al-Fadl, May 16, 1915 AD

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 346

(YA) Opposition and Hatred Distance a Person from the Truth

(Stated on May 14, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

Hazrat recited the following verse after Tashahhud, Tawwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah:

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, believing in jibt and taghut and saying about the disbelievers, "These are better guided than the believers"?

Then he said: Opposition and hatred distance a person from the truth. If there is no hatred in a person's heart, then mistakes and weaknesses may occur, but a person stumbling repeatedly while walking eventually stabilizes and most of the time remains safe. So weaknesses and mistakes are associated with a person. Yes, to avoid them and to stay separate, the means have been provided by Allah Almighty. Therefore, a person who is a glutton for mistakes and weaknesses, stumbling repeatedly, eventually stabilizes just as a child falls while walking and then becomes strong. But where hatred, envy, and animosity come in between, accepting something and acknowledging the truth becomes very difficult. Look at the denial of Adam (peace be upon him) by the angels and their objection that when Adam would be created, there would be corruption or his offspring would cause corruption. But their objection was based on good intentions. Since they did not understand the need for such a creation that would

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 347

Year 1915 AD

Spilling blood will lead to two. Therefore, they inquired about the acquisition of knowledge. In contrast, Satan also denied Hazrat Adam, but his denial was out of arrogance and wickedness. So he said, "I am created from clay, and I am created from fire, how can I obey him?" The angels did not say this; rather, they said that a Khalifa is needed at that time when there is a danger of corruption. So, by making you a Khalifa, it was also concluded that you will create a being that will cause corruption. The purpose of his creation was revealed to us. It was not just an objection but was done for the sake of knowledge in a particular color. Satan's objection was not for this purpose, but he was envious of why he was considered great and I was considered small. The angels were granted understanding, but Satan was not, and he was forever doomed. So opposition is not a bad thing; opposition happens, and people do object, but those who do so with good intentions are guided and those who do it with envy, malice, and ill intentions are not guided. Allah Almighty has said in the Quran about such people, "Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, believing in jibt and taghut and saying about the disbelievers, 'These are better guided than the believers'?" Look at the people of the Book, to whom God had revealed the Book, and they believe in the prophets of God, but despite the fact that God's word is with them and a prophet was born in their time who recognized their prophets and confirmed their books, they spread hatred and enmity to such an extent that on one side, they follow the evil polytheists and worshippers of Satan, and on the other side, they reject the believers.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 348

Year 1915 AD

They say that on one side, they believe, and on the other side, they say that those people are better than Muslims, and those who believe in that Prophet and call themselves Muslims are very dirty and bad. They have become so foolish that a person who believes in their books, believes in their prophets, declares the oneness of God, and condemns polytheism, they call him misguided, disbeliever, and filthy. They say bad things about those who believe in their prophets, consider their books false, commit polytheism, and are entangled in various sins. Why do they say this? Because due to stubbornness and hatred, they have exceeded the limits. They say that events repeat in the world, and the same things are repeated. Perhaps some people are surprised that how could Jews say to Muslims that they are better than them, that Muslims are misguided and disbelievers, but polytheists and idolaters are better than them. It is also possible that many people say that this is impossible, who can say such a thing? But no, it is the practice of Allah that just as good people are born in one era, they are also born in another era, and just as evil people exist at one time, they also exist at another time so that people of every era know that past events are not stories but real events. For example, there was a time when if someone's brother or son became an Ahmadi, they would say it was good if he became a Christian, but they should not accept that the Ahmadi respects the Prophet (pbuh) from the heart, understands the Quran as the word of God from the heart, but they will not accept it, and they will have to accept that the Ahmadi does not consider God as three but as one, and they say that if that relative of ours had been a Christian, it would have been better than being an Ahmadi. So, these are the people who are the embodiment of the meanings of this verse.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 349

Year 1915 AD

Those who deny Jesus and attribute various false beliefs to you consider God not as one but as three. They also declare a human as the son of God and attribute divine qualities to him. They mislead the Ahmadiyya community who honor you, believe in you as the Seal of Prophets, and firmly believe in the oneness of God, not associating anyone with Him, into greater misguidance and distance them from guidance. Allah Almighty is very jealous, so He has shown many incidents where non-Ahmadis had to face severe humiliation. There have been many incidents, but I will narrate only one. When a boy was inclined towards Ahmadiyyat, his father, upon realizing this, wished that his son would become a Christian instead of an Ahmadi. After some time, that boy indeed embraced Christianity. Now, when his father regained consciousness and came to the Ahmadis, he said, "Make him an Ahmadi and remove him from Christianity." So, there was opposition within us. Let it be known that we may be wrong, but some among us and some among them should acknowledge those who oppose with good intentions. Let's assume (By Allah's grace, we are not wrong), but it will still have to be acknowledged that some among us are not opposing out of animosity and hatred. Similarly, if it is said that they are wrong, and indeed they are wrong, then we will have to acknowledge that some among them are opposing out of animosity and malice. But it is Allah's power that the things previously said by others are now being started by this opposing group, and they have adopted the same color. Allah Almighty says, "Their hearts are alike." So, their hearts have become like those who oppose the truth with enmity and stubbornness. They started objecting just like the group that comes in opposition to the truth. They were once told to forgive the polytheists, and they could have been forgiven.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 350

Year 1915 AD

Although they are forgiven, Ahmadis will not be forgiven. They have also stated that while everyone can be forgiven, those who pledge allegiance will not be forgiven. The non-Ahmadis did not pledge allegiance to the Khalifa of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) and did not accept the Prophet of God. Even the Unitarian Christians, despite insulting Hazrat Masih Maud (as), disrespecting the Holy Quran, and considering Islam a false religion, will be forgiven, but the non-believers will not be forgiven because they pledged allegiance to a Khalifa. Then a subject emerged from this that

Now the question that arises is that those who insult and call those people whom Hazrat Masih Maud (as) has called Muslims, disbelievers, what do they become themselves by doing so? Then Mahmood, who considers those who oppose their beliefs as Muslims, should tell us what they understand from this Hadith, and they should also solve the mystery of whether a believer can become a disbeliever by pledging allegiance.

Look, despite the non-Ahmadis insulting Hazrat Masih Maud (as), calling him false, deceitful, and a shopkeeper, and considering the promises of Allah as lies and denying the signs of Allah, they will be guided, but they will not be forgiven because they pledged allegiance to a Khalifa. Then it was also revealed in a subject that

They are more astray [than the disbelievers] such as those who insult the Prophet of God, deny, deceive, and lie, and deny the signs of Allah. They are more astray and misguided. This is the result of hatred and opposition. The people of our community should remember that they should not exceed the limits due to hatred and envy. There is no doubt that hearing insults can arouse emotions in a believer, but the believer should stop at the limit and not take further steps. It is understood that they insult you and cause you grief, but you should not do the same to them. It may be that some among you say that since they have crossed the limit so much, we should also give a verdict about them, but this should not be done. Look, they have said about us that we should also give a verdict about them, then who will remain a believer in the world? It is a difficult issue that how does one become the one who calls a believer a disbeliever? Their

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 351

Year 1915 AD

People have misunderstood. But remember well that if fatwas are issued so broadly, then no one in the world can remain a Muslim. As much as the great Imams have passed, fatwas of disbelief have been issued against them. So if this hadith is interpreted as they do, then all would be considered Muslims. Many fatwas of disbelief have been issued against the Mu'tazilah sect, although Hazrat Masih Maud (as) called them Muslims. So from the time of the emergence of the Mu'tazilah sect until now, as many Muslims as there have been or at least most of them will have to be declared disbelievers. Even Ibn Taymiyyah, such a great Imam, declares Hazrat Mohiuddin Ibn Arabi as a disbeliever and mentions Satan and the chief of the disbelievers. Hazrat Masih Maud (as) views both with the same perspective. Then what would be said about this Imam? If this hadith is interpreted broadly, then until now, not a single Muslim can be proven. So think about how much these people call each other Muslims, and what proof do they have to call them Muslims. First, they all call each other disbelievers, and if a part of the educated group is clean from this, then he also calls those who issue such fatwas as Muslims and thus becomes a disbeliever. Then why do they call those who oppose their own beliefs Muslims? In fact, people have not understood this issue. My intention is that if Allah wills, I will write about this issue sometime and inform people of the meaning of this hadith. Nowadays, the community is divided into two factions. One can say whatever they want about each other, but both were part of the allegiance to the first Khalifa. Did the faction that used to issue fatwas of disbelief against non-Ahmadis call them disbelievers? If not, and indeed not because they used to offer prayers behind those people, then now the question arises that according to the fatwa of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) that the one who calls a disbeliever a Muslim also becomes a disbeliever, what will those who issued fatwas against us say? In fact, due to their ignorance, these people make the whole world disbelievers and no group remains of Muslims. Non-Ahmadis call each other disbelievers because they used to pray behind those people, so now the question is that if Hazrat Masih Maud's fatwa is that the one who calls a disbeliever a Muslim also becomes a disbeliever, what will those who issued fatwas against the first Khalifa say? The purpose of their ignorance is that these people make the whole world disbelievers and no group remains of Muslims. Non-Ahmadis call each other disbelievers because they used to pray behind those people, so now the question is that if Hazrat Masih Maud's fatwa is that the one who calls a disbeliever a Muslim also becomes a disbeliever, what will those who issued fatwas against the first Khalifa say? Their ignorance makes the whole world disbelievers and no group remains of Muslims.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 352

Year 1915 AD

They consider those who call others disbelievers as Muslims. The Ahmadiyya community calls some disbelievers and others Muslims. They do not issue a verdict of disbelief against them. And there is a third group that considers the Ahmadiyya community as disbelievers who actually understood them as Muslims. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

My friends! Remember well that issuing fatwas is not everyone's job because not everyone can understand complex issues. It is easy to issue a verdict of disbelief against those who call Muslims disbelievers and do not consider disbelievers as disbelievers. But think and tell, then who remains a Muslim? Hazrat Masih Maud (as) emphasized this issue according to established principles because it was a direct way to make them realize their disbelief. When we consider ourselves believers, then those who call us disbelievers become disbelievers themselves. This was an easy way to call them disbelievers, otherwise the real reason for their disbelief was Hazrat Masih Maud's denial. So, in this matter, one should not exceed the limit. Non-Ahmadis, whether they leave disbelievers as disbelievers or issue fatwas against them, it is easy, but it is necessary to think about who remains a Muslim. Hazrat Masih Maud's denial was the reason for their real disbelief. Therefore, one should not exceed the limit in this matter. Non-Ahmadis used to consider Hazrat Masih Maud as a disbeliever, insult him, and call him a liar, but they will be guided because they did not consider him a disbeliever. Then it was also mentioned in a subject that

They are more astray [than the disbelievers] such as those who insult the Prophet of God, deny, deceive, and lie, and deny the signs of Allah. They are more astray and misguided. This is the result of hatred and opposition. The people of our community should remember that they should not exceed the limits due to hatred and envy. There is no doubt that hearing insults can arouse emotions in a believer, but the believer should stop at the limit and not take further steps. It is understood that they insult you and cause you grief, but you should not do the same to them. It may be that some among you say that since they have crossed the limit so much, we should also give a verdict about them, but this should not be done. Look, they have said about us that we should also give a verdict about them, then who will remain a believer in the world? It is a difficult issue that how does one become the one who calls a believer a disbeliever? Their

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 353

Year 1915 AD

They have been given the light of faith, yet they are included in the believers because they believe in all the prophets of God. However, we, in comparison to Christians and non-Ahmadis, do not consider non-Ahmadis as Muslims because non-Ahmadis only deny the final appointed one. While they are only deniers of the final appointed one, they prove a thousand degrees better than Christians. Even though non-Ahmadis deny the appointment and the Holy Quran, they will be guided because they are only deniers of the final appointed one. Similarly, in the comparison of Christians and Jews, we will not call Jews as Christians because they are closer to Muslims than Christians in accepting the truth. The degree to which a person believes in the words of faith, even if they are not a Muslim, we still consider them lower in status. The judgment of punishment and reward is in the hands of Allah, and it is His work. The person who enters someone into hell or paradise is foolish and ignorant. Allah forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. There are some rules established which are apparent and some are hidden. We do not know to whom the hidden rules may apply. However, we can judge based on the apparent rules. But the judgment of punishment and reward will be based on internal thoughts, circumstances, and beliefs, so we cannot decide who will be hell-bound or paradise-bound. It is possible that a person is a Muslim but due to their actions, they may deserve hell, and it is possible that a person's name did not reach the ears of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but their actions indicate that if they had heard the name of the Prophet (pbuh), they would have believed. And as the Prophet (pbuh) said that on the Day of Judgment, people will be given a chance, it is possible that a person may enter paradise by accepting the truth at that time. Similarly, an Ahmadi may face punishment, but a non-Ahmadi who is unaware of the name of the Promised Messiah may, upon being given another chance, accept the guidance and become the inheritor of divine blessings. Therefore, issuing fatwas of disbelief regarding faith and Islam is very difficult. Until non-Ahmadis interpret the claims of the Promised Messiah according to their understanding and do not deny them, and until a person does not come who is denied by God, and this denial is not denied, until then

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 354

Year 1915 AD

Despite our belief that their beliefs are against the claims of the Promised One and they misinterpret the claims of the Promised One, we believe that they are Ahmadis and better than non-Ahmadis. Their calling us disbelievers is due to stubbornness and hatred, and this is also a great proof of their weakness because they call us disbelievers, but they consider the staunch opponents of Hazrat Masih Maud as believers. Such people are very rarely guided, but we still pray that may Allah guide them. Ameen.

Al-Nisa: 52

Al-Baqarah: 31

Al-Baqarah: 119

May 1915 AD

Page: 77

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 355

Year 1915 AD

Allah's Blessings Have Made Us Brothers

(Delivered on May 21, 1915)

Surah Al-Imran: 102

Surah Al-Imran: 103

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]. And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.

Then it was stated:

For the progress of any community, it is essential that all its members unite as one. Until a community does not become like one individual, progress cannot be achieved, whether it is a religious or worldly community. Because for all successes and progress, Allah Almighty has established the rule that until the entire community does not become one, stop fighting, quarreling, enmity, hypocrisy, envy, hatred, and animosity, at that time progress cannot be made. Just as a person cannot achieve peace and comfort until there is harmony and correctness in all its members, and they are supportive and helpful to each other. Similarly, no nation can achieve peace and comfort until each of its members considers the pain of others as their own pain and the comfort of others as their own comfort. Just as a doctor cannot treat there.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 356

Year 1915 AD

Where treating one illness leads to the emergence of another. Why? Because if one treats the liver, the stomach gets damaged, and if one treats the stomach, the chest gets damaged. So when two things come into conflict in such a way that one disease leads to another and one member becomes sick due to another, at that time a person cannot find peace. Similarly, when the individuals of a community become distant from each other, if one feels pain, the other feels it, and if one is in pain, the other finds comfort, then there is no hope for the progress of that nation. This is why Allah has repeatedly drawn attention in the Holy Quran that if you want progress and to become a successful nation, then unite as one, leave your disputes, and hold firmly to the rope of Allah. Allah says, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." When all humans unite like one body, I have seen that if one part is in pain, all feel as if Allah has shown the sign of unity and agreement. It should be noted that until a community does not unite as one and all members sacrifice personal interests for the collective interests of the community, progress will not happen. So, my friends, pay great attention to this because until the entire community is united and all are connected in one path and each considers the pain and joy of others as their own, progress is impossible. No one will ever see that if one's eye is in pain and the rest of the body is at ease, or if there is pain in the nose, ear, hand, foot, etc., the other organs do not feel pain. Therefore, our community should become like the organs of a body, not like sick organs but

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 357

Year 1915 AD

Let the members become healthy just like a body, for until this does not happen, national progress is difficult and extremely difficult. Then, in their disagreements, many disputes arise, and if the result is seen, it happens that by considering a relative, whether they are non-Ahmadis, why not, Ahmadis are harmed. So whoever does this disrupts national unity and agreement and breaks the national unity. It should be remembered that whoever enters a community becomes one of them, they become rich and poor, they become dear to each other, they become friends and lovers of each other. Where can they be considered relatives when religious separation has occurred, then where can they be considered bodily relatives? So this is our brotherhood that Allah has created in countless numbers. Whoever is an Ahmadi is our relative, our dear one, and our beloved, they are from us and we are from them, and whoever is not an Ahmadi is nothing to us. Yes, at this time and to this extent, there is a relationship where the benefits of peace and security in the world are obtained from it, and worldly affairs are related to it. But civilization, national unity, and community benefits are related to it, and where that community and nation are harmed by it, then nothing will happen, and they will be our brothers, and their benefits will be under our observation. Until this point is not reached, then it is impossible to think that Allah's help and support will come to us. Allah says, "And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers." Remember my favor upon you, when you were enemies, I made you brothers. What a delicate matter was stated that when I removed your enmity and made you friends and you became brothers, is it difficult to love your brother? How did brothers become? Brothers are called those who are sons of a father and their relationship is such that they say we are sons of a father. When fights and corruption arise in the world, Allah Almighty sends His messenger. So as many people establish a relationship with this messenger, they become brothers to each other. So Allah says that when we establish a relationship with a person, they become brothers to each other. So, my friends, pay great attention to this because until the entire community is united and all are connected in one path and each considers the pain and joy of others as their own, progress is impossible. No one will ever see that if one's eye is in pain and the rest of the body is at ease, or if there is pain in the nose, ear, hand, foot, etc., the other organs do not feel pain. Therefore, our community should become like the organs of a body, not like sick organs but

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 358

Year 1915 AD

Allah has made you brothers like sons of a father, and this was done when you were enemies of each other. Establishing friendship from enmity is very difficult. When we made you brothers from enemies, you should avoid actions that turn brothers into enemies. Our community should remember that Allah, by His grace, has made us brothers, so now it is your duty not to weaken this brotherly bond but to strengthen it. It may happen that there are disagreements and conflicts, but if one brother is warm, the other should be soft. If you do this, you will see that such unity will be established that you will be ready to shed blood for each other. If one raises a hand for a fight, the other should not. After some time, you will see how beneficial it is. It is foolish to disrupt national unity and agreement by prolonging disputes for a little while. Our community should pay great attention to this. Our brotherhood and kinship should be of the Ahmadiyya community, not just being Ahmadis but being Muslims. Because Islam is what we have. Ahmadis have been named for distinction. Islam wipes out all blood relations and establishes a broad kinship where people of all nations, countries, and classes come together, and whoever accepts Islam becomes a brother to others. May Allah grant our community the success to connect all members in one bond and make the path to progress clear and remove obstacles that hinder the development of any community. (Surah Al-Imran: 102, 103)

May 27, 1915 AD

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 359

Year 1915 AD

Faith Cannot Be Complete Without Fear and Hope

(Delivered on May 28, 1915)

May 28, 1915 AD

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, the following was stated:

It is the practice of Allah Almighty that not only with every individual but also with every nation and every community, He chooses to deal in such a way that attention is not focused on one side only. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty repeatedly mentions that true faith becomes perfect and beneficial only when it is between fear and hope as stated: "Their sides forsake their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend from what We have provided them." In the consequence, it was stated: "No soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do." So, complete faith that leads to benefit and improvement is the one that is between fear and hope. That is, if on one side, one contemplates the mercy, compassion, grace, Lordship, and generosity of Allah Almighty and thinks that the kindness and benevolence of the worldly beings do not hold any comparison to the mercy and benevolence of Allah Almighty, on the other side, they are also engrossed in the thought that Allah Almighty sometimes punishes for the betterment of the individual. And then, on the other side, they are also thinking that there is no being in the world and in what it contains that can give a punishment equal to the punishment of Allah, whether they are scholars or wise men, creators or inventors, or

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 360

Year 1915 AD

Worldly rulers and kings, whether they are rulers of great empires and kingdoms or common people, none of them possess the power to escape the punishment and grasp of Allah. So, it should be remembered that until a person's faith does not come between these two walls, it cannot be complete but remains in danger because perfect faith occurs only when it is between fear and hope. Complete faith is achieved when these two aspects are balanced: fear as a cause of hope. The manifestation of a person's perfection is not possible until faith is complete. And complete faith is not possible until fear and hope are not present. Therefore, it is an ancient practice of Allah that for any nation or community He wishes to elevate or any individual He wishes to raise in status, He provides both these aspects. This is why the chosen ones of Allah, where they receive the greatest favors of Allah and are showered with His blessings at all times, also have to pass through more severe trials than other people. It is observed that the foolish person thinks that the trials they face are due to their exalted status and progress in faith because the progress of a believer happens in this manner. So, if Allah Almighty provides means of progress in faith, He also brings difficulties in their path so that if one side inclines towards hope, the other side brings fear so that they do not deviate. In Surah Al-Fatihah, Allah Almighty has taught the prayer that also directs attention towards the attributes of Allah: "All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense." This means that He is the Lord of the worlds who is Merciful and Compassionate, and He is the Sovereign who rewards based on deeds. We praise Him. This verse can be interpreted as these are not just divine attributes but the world's experience also affirms them. Therefore, it is said that these attributes are not just divine

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 361

Year 1915 AD

Indeed, experience shows that when one side is experiencing the descent of divine favors, showers of blessings, and comfort and peace, on the other side, there is also the wrath of Allah descending on those who break His commands. Both these aspects prove that if one group is heading towards the door of Allah Almighty, the other is straying from that path. It should be remembered that trials are necessary for human progress because faith cannot be complete until it progresses between fear and hope. If a person is so engrossed in the love and affection of God that they cannot forget Him for a moment, then on the other side, they should also not bring thoughts of going against the commands of Allah Almighty even for a moment. If one side contemplates the boundless mercy and benevolence of Allah, on the other side, they should also be aware that Allah sometimes inflicts punishment for the betterment of the individual. And then, they should also understand that no being in the world can give a punishment equal to the punishment of Allah, whether they are scholars, wise men, creators, or inventors. If there is light, there is darkness in contrast; if there is health, there is illness in contrast; if there is good, there is evil in contrast; if there is comfort, there is pain in contrast. These contrasts are necessary for human progress because both aspects are essential. Sometimes a community and a nation progress when they are in comfort and ease, and sometimes they progress through trials. Believers progress through both states, but some people are such that they walk together in comfort and ease but separate when trials and tribulations come. A believer passes through both states. If one side thinks that they have received the favors and blessings of Allah, then on the other side, they should be happy even with trials because it strengthens their faith. When they pass through both trials, meaning fire and water, safely, Allah Almighty elevates their status significantly. So, a believer should be happy in both comfort and trials because it leads to their progress, not their removal. They are purified, not erased. Does a blacksmith put iron in the furnace to burn it, or does he put it to cleanse it? Similarly, Allah Almighty puts people through trials not to destroy them but to purify them. When Allah puts them through trials, it is for the purpose that

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 362

Year 1915 AD

Many people are consumed by trials, but it should be remembered that faith cannot be complete without hope and fear. No one has reached a higher status than the prophets of Allah, yet even they had to go through both these states. Since our community has been blessed with great promises from Allah, remember that while we rejoice in these promises, we should also be prepared for the trials that come with the fulfillment of these promises. Success comes to those who remain steadfast in these trials, and those who endure find success. If a person who desires success only in comfort and ease is not acquainted with the Sunnah of Allah, they may stumble today or tomorrow. Therefore, where there is hope for worldly success, be prepared for the trials from Allah as well. May Allah keep our feet firm in ease and hardship, show mercy on our weaknesses through His grace, and open paths of progress and success for us. (June 3, 1915 AD)

Surah As-Sajda: 18, 17

Surah Al-Fatihah: 2

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 363

Year 1915 AD

Do Not Behave Unjustly in Confrontation and Fighting

(Delivered on June 4, 1915)

June 4, 1915 AD

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verse was recited:

"And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."

Then it was stated: The Holy Quran has clearly explained all the essential matters for human life. Therefore, a person who believes in the Holy Quran and has a connection with it does not need any other book for spiritual progress or to maintain spirituality, nor does he need to ask for any religious rulings from scholars of other religions, nor does he need to search for any rulings from the books of other religions, nor does he need to investigate any matter related to his intellect and reasoning. Yes, if there is a need, then he should contemplate, ponder, and reflect on the Holy Quran because the solutions to all the necessities and the obstacles in his path are present there. Human life where many friends, dear ones, and lovers exist, there

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 364

Year 1915 AD

It is necessary to confront even enemies. And if there are people who sacrifice their lives for its honor and comfort, then there are also people who do not care about causing pain and suffering to themselves. There are many who ruin their lives, wealth, and honor with the thought that others' lives, wealth, and honor will be destroyed. Every person faces these situations where one is filled with love while another is engulfed in the fire of enmity, one cherishes while the other thirsts for blood, one is willing to give life while the other is ready to take it. So, the book that has come for the spiritual advancement of humanity should also shed light on how to deal with enemies and opponents. The Holy Quran has shown both paths. If one side deals with parents, siblings, relatives, friends, acquaintances, and all kinds of human beings, whether they belong to any nation, religion, or country, whether they are of any age, male, female, children, old, all the instructions and guidance on relationships and conduct are provided, on the other side, it is also instructed to deal with enemies and adversaries. The verse I have recited explains how to deal with the enemy. It says, "And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors." It was stated where and with whom you should fight. Fight those who attack you. If they make it difficult for you in matters of religion and try to divert you from your faith or destroy and eliminate your religion, then you should fight them, but also remember that you are not allowed to attack a nation just because they do not follow your religion and do not accept your faith, do not believe in the Holy Quran. Yes, if a nation attacks you to turn you away from religion and to destroy your religion, then you are not only allowed to fight back but it is a command, so you must fight, but another thing to remember in battle is that you should also keep in mind that during the fight, your senses are clouded by excitement and anger. Many people of gentle nature

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 365

Year 1915 AD

People are usually calm and composed, but once they get angry, their zeal knows no bounds. They forget all moral teachings and ethical considerations and are willing to endure many hardships without any anger. However, when these individuals get angry, their anger is so intense that they forget all gentleness. Allah Almighty has stated in this verse that if you are in a war with your enemies, then remember not to exceed the limits of zeal and anger because Muslims are not permitted to do so. In this, Allah has mentioned two conditions. One is to fight those who attack you and not to fight women, children, and the elderly, those who come to fight with a sword. The other condition is to fight in a way that is not oppressive. It is also considered aggression to attack by wearing the enemy's clothes, showing their emblem, or attacking under the guise of peace. All these ways are not permissible even when fighting with enemies. During battles, a person should stay within human limits. Allah does not like aggressors. It was stated that Muslims are a community that should become beloved to Allah. If you engage in aggression during times of war due to temporary anger and zeal, you will not become beloved to Allah. Because if you cross the limits during the time of war, it will prove that your fights are based on personal and selfish desires, not for the sake of Allah. Allah has emphasized this point repeatedly. I have explained that during war, one loses their senses. Look at those civilized nations whose biggest objection was that the Quran teaches war and imparts lessons of killing and looting. Today, such shameful

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 366

Year 1915 AD

When they mention the name of those they are fighting, they feel ashamed. Why do these people act in such a manner? Because in anger and rage, they forget everything. Allah Almighty has instructed Muslims to be very cautious in such situations so that they do not speak unjustly. I recited this verse for a specific purpose, but the throat is sore. Therefore, I will not speak much. However, I will briefly state that an article was published in the newspaper on May 30, which was written by a person who claims to have understood the teachings of Qadian. He writes that another hypocritical way has been adopted, where allegiance is taken that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib is the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, and the Prophet of God is considered the Seal of the Prophets. When one enters the community, they gradually realize that the Promised Messiah himself is the Seal of the Prophets. There were prophets in the past, then they became real prophets. "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" is the declaration of the Prophet. The Holy Quran was lost from the world. The present Quran was revealed on the Promised Messiah again. If this is not hypocrisy, then what is it? Then he lies that Qadianis claim that visiting Qadian is equivalent to the pilgrimage to the House of Allah. Then he attributes to us that the Holy Quran was taken from the world and was placed on the Promised Messiah again. We have no favor from the Holy Prophet. The Promised Messiah is the Seal of the Prophets. The Promised Messiah is a real prophet. He has spoken many such lies and boldly uttered lies. I am amazed at where their intellect and understanding have gone and what has happened to them. But this enmity and hostility are the result that it clouds the intellect and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The Holy Quran has indeed stated a delicate matter that, "O Muslims! Fight your enemies. If it is a war of the sword, then with the sword, and if it is a war of speech and discourse, then in that manner. And it is your right to have a good debate with those who do not understand the truth and argue strongly as far as your strength allows, and the Arya has the right to do the same. But no one has the right to accuse, lie, and speak ill of others.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 367

Year 1915 AD

Attributing something to someone that they did not say or do, or that is not part of their faith, is a grave sin. Similarly, it is the duty of a believer, and every believer has been assigned this task by Allah Almighty, to convey the message to Aryans, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and others with full vigor. However, in discussions, it must be kept in mind that falsehood and slander should not be used because a nation that uses lies and slander admits its defeat. It seems as if they see no fault in us, our enemies, and opponents, so we create falsehoods for them. If there is a religion that spreads falsehood and suppresses truth, then what is the need for falsehood and lies in it? There will be many things in it that confirm its flaws and label it as a false religion. It is said that the followers of Hazrat Isa (Jesus) do not consider Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) as the Seal of the Prophets. But I regret those people who say that after Hazrat Isa (PBUH), no prophet can come, and yet they also call Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) the Seal of the Prophets. He is the seal, meaning the seal that is not placed on anyone's throat and has not confirmed any paper. When no seal of prophethood was placed on a person, and no prophet came after you, then you are not the Seal of the Prophets. And if there is no prophet in your Ummah, then you are not the Seal of the Prophets. Remaining is that to consider someone as honorable, if a person holds such a belief, I consider his belief as cursed. Because no honor and greatness can be achieved except through obedience and submission to Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) before Allah Almighty. Honors and greatness related to the world are only related to the world, but before Allah Almighty, no one can achieve honor except through servitude, obedience, and submission. Whether it is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad or any other person, only Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) has honor in your servitude. Therefore, Hazrat Masih Maud (Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) also says, "Leave the mention of Son of Mary, Ghulam Ahmad is better." Here, Hazrat Sahib has added an extra attribution to Ahmad. So if we consider Mirza Sahib as a prophet and believe in his elevated status compared to some previous prophets, then this does not mean

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 368

Year 1915 AD

They consider you to be of high rank, not realizing that whatever you have attained and acquired was found in the servitude of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). And you were indeed a servant of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or the Holy Prophet's slave. Whoever attributes anything against you to us, they commit aggression and speak lies. There is no one here who is not a hypocrite. Allah Almighty has also made Qadian like Medina. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that it is like the ditch of Bani Bhati. The wicked who fall into it are thrown out. Even though those people had everything in their hands and were the owners of black and white, Allah Almighty has thrown them out from here. Even if someone stays here, they remain in a state of hypocrisy, not daring to reveal their true selves. So why should I say something different or hidden in front of people who are all my well-wishers? How long has it been since you came to Qadian? Have I ever said to anyone that the real Seal of Prophets is Hazrat Masih Maud (Mirza Ghulam Ahmad)? When I did not say that, then the unfortunate person who came here for God knows what purpose, within ten days, said such hidden things that no one should say. So attributing something to someone that they did not say is the work of a cursed person. It is not our concern. If Allah Almighty wishes, He can punish such a person, and if He wishes, He can forgive. But it is a matter of joy for us that Allah Almighty has blinded our enemies and they do not see our faults, so they create falsehoods for us. If someone is exposed to a true and correct fault, they feel ashamed. We also have many faults because we are human, and no human is free from faults. But it is Allah Almighty's grace that our enemies do not see our faults, so now they need to fabricate lies. This is a sign of our victory and success. I have seen that some people are falsely accused, and they feel hurt and suffer, but they should be happy because the enemy's actions are a sign of Allah Almighty's grace and mercy. This is in such a way that when a person is afflicted with a sin, and that sin keeps increasing

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 369

Year 1915 AD

It reaches a point where it becomes punishable, so Allah Almighty exposes any enemy who falsely accuses and seeks to defame. However, since the truth ultimately prevails, wise people consider the accused innocent, and thus, their dignity is preserved. If the accusation that was made against him had been true, he would have been disgraced and dishonored. But because of the enemy's false accusations, his dignity is maintained. They say that one day, the son of Ranjit Singh's cook added too much salt to the food, so he ordered the servant to be beaten. He said, "This is a great injustice to him because he has fed many of our goats." Now, I have given him a severe punishment for a small matter so that in the eyes of people, his dignity remains intact, and defamation is avoided because they will think that he was beaten for adding too much salt, and the real issue will remain hidden from them. Great people are the manifestation of Allah's ethics, so they also behave in a manner that prevents any defamation and maintains dignity. Because they will think that he was beaten for adding too much salt, and the real issue will remain hidden from them. Great people are the manifestation of Allah's ethics, so they also behave in a manner that prevents any defamation and maintains dignity. It is Allah Almighty's grace that our enemies do not see our faults, so they resort to fabricating lies. But remember, you also have many enemies, but even if you have to face dangerous confrontations, never speak falsehood. If someone does not believe in your words, then let them be, you are not responsible for them. If Allah Almighty did not send you as a messenger, then who are you? Allah Almighty did not send you as a messenger, so who are we to make you one. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not send you as a messenger, so who are we to make you one. It is Allah Almighty who tells you that we have not sent you as a messenger. So the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not send you as a messenger, so our task is also to convey the truth to people. Whoever Allah Almighty deems appropriate will accept and act accordingly. Those whom Allah Almighty considers deserving of rest and comfort, He will grant them rest and comfort, and those whom He deems worthy of punishment and retribution, He will deal with them accordingly. Many people vehemently oppose the truth but find guidance before their death. So it is not in the power of any human to force others to accept their views.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 370

Year 1915 AD

It is in the power of Allah Almighty. So, whoever desires to accept the truth or desires to take the powers of Allah Almighty into their own hands, leave the task of convincing them of the truth to Allah Almighty. Yes, tell Allah, "O Allah! We can present evidence in favor of the truth and thus silence the opponent, but we cannot speak lies in the face of lies. Therefore, we entrust those who speak lies and make false accusations to You. Deal with them as You see fit, and protect us from such deceptions and falsehoods. Amen and again Amen." (Al-Baqarah: 191, June 10, 1915 AD)

It is narrated in Bukhari in the Book of Virtues of Medina, in the Chapter of the Virtue of Medina and that it expels people:

Al-Ghashiyah: 23

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 370

Year 1915 AD

It is possible for a person to achieve success by following the prescribed paths of Allah Almighty.

(June 18, 1915 AD)

God Almighty has instructed with justice, kindness, giving to relatives, and forbidding indecency, evil, and rebellion. He advises you so that you may remember.

After reciting the above verse, Hazrat mentioned:

"For every task, Allah Almighty has set certain ways and doors. Those who follow these ways and doors achieve success. But those who abandon these paths and close the doors, seeking success in other ways, will never achieve success. Believing that by leaving the paths made by Allah Almighty and going towards other ways and doors, they will be successful is entirely futile. Therefore, it is the duty of every person that if they wish to see success, if they desire to be fulfilled, if they want to attain salvation and victory, then when embarking on any task, consider which paths Allah Almighty has set and which doors He has opened. If they see that they are not stepping on those paths and not passing through those doors that Allah Almighty has prescribed, then understand that success

is not for them."

It is the responsibility of every person who wishes to see success, desires to be fulfilled, aims to achieve salvation, and seeks victory to carefully consider the paths and doors prescribed by Allah Almighty for each task. If they find themselves not treading on those paths and not passing through those doors set by Allah Almighty, they should realize that success is not meant for them.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 372

Year 1915 AD

It is not just difficult but rather impossible. However, if one is walking on those paths and passing through those doors that Allah Almighty has recommended for that task, then success is assured. These paths have been prescribed by Allah Almighty for every task, whether spiritual or physical. Look, diseases afflict humans if they do not seek treatment through the prescribed ways. For example, some treatments are beneficial for chest diseases and some for stomach ailments. But if the treatment meant for chest diseases is used for stomach ailments or vice versa, there can be no cure. Similarly, if medicine meant for the eye, no matter how beneficial it is for the eye, is put in the ear, it will not provide any benefit. Therefore, for every task, there are paths that one must follow to reap benefits, and abandoning these paths and closing these doors, seeking success through other means, will lead to failure. Believing that by forsaking the paths set by Allah Almighty and choosing other ways for success is entirely futile. Hence, it is the duty of every individual that if they seek success, fulfillment, salvation, and victory, they must consider which paths Allah Almighty has set and which doors He has opened for that task. If they find themselves not treading on those paths and not passing through those doors prescribed by Allah Almighty, then understand that success is not meant for them.

It is the responsibility of every person who desires success, seeks fulfillment, aims for salvation, and strives for victory to carefully consider the paths and doors prescribed by Allah Almighty for each task. If they find themselves deviating from those paths and neglecting those doors set by Allah Almighty, they should realize that success is not destined for them.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 373

Year 1915 AD

No. But if one has done it, perhaps they may present the excuse that the person they were arguing with had insulted the dignity of Salim, so I did the same. But isn't this the same thing that falls under indecency, evil, and transgression? Should one person's transgression be a reason for another to transgress as well? Should one not refrain from indecency and evil? Certainly not! Can anyone's excuse be acceptable that because someone else spoke a lie, I also did. Because someone else stole, I also did. Because someone else committed blasphemy, I also did. Such responses will be given by the people of Hell. Just because our elders did it, we did it too. So this excuse is very unreasonable and is like a person walking and accidentally injuring someone, then injuring themselves to the same extent so that the one who got hurt is hurt because of the injury they caused. This is not the act of a wise person. A believer should be very cautious. Is it humanity that two brothers fight and one abuses the other's father while the other abuses his mother? One was foolish, but the other was even more foolish. Similarly, if a Jew insults Hazrat Masih (Jesus) and upon hearing that, a Christian insults Hazrat Musa (Moses), this is a very filthy act. Likewise, if a non-Muslim insults you, it is not the work of a Muslim to insult back by insulting Hazrat Masih, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Ishaq, Hazrat Yaqub, or Hazrat Sulaiman. If someone insults you, it is not the work of a Muslim to insult back by mentioning Hazrat Masih, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Ishaq, Hazrat Yaqub,

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 374

Year 1915 AD

Prophets like Hazrat Ibrahim and others (peace be upon them) are cursed by those who insult them. If someone does that, they are in fact cursing themselves. It is important to remember that such behavior is a severe act of rebellion and transgression. The desecration of the prophets of Allah Almighty is not a minor sin; it leads to disbelief, and the Quran refers to it as blasphemy. No one has the right to insult them in front of worldly rulers and escape unscathed. The punishment meted out by the divine rulers to those who desecrate the prophets is severe. Who can dare to speak against them? Worldly rulers may punish some for insulting them, but no one can escape punishment for desecrating the prophets of God. Why? Because the hand that punishes the criminals of the world is not as long as the hand of the divine rulers. Some escape capture by hiding in jungles, caves, seas, high mountains, and dark caves, but the hand of Allah Almighty reaches them even in the most remote places. So, facing the rulers of the world is not as challenging as facing Allah Almighty. A king dies, and no one remains to confront him. For instance, Alexander the Great has passed away; today, no one questions him. But before Alexander, there were other prophets, and the one who insults them is present even now and will surely face consequences. An ignorant person thinks that by retaliating with an insult, they have taken revenge. But they have done the same as someone who, upon being hit on one cheek, hits themselves on the other to match the injury caused. This is not the act of a wise person. Allah Almighty prohibits indecency, evil, and transgression. Every prophet holds great respect in the presence of Allah Almighty, so the one who desecrates them will surely be punished. If someone insults a believer's prophet, we are not allowed to insult their prophet, whom we also believe in. If a person disbelieves in Pandit Dayanand, it is not our job to insult him, but it is not our task to insult a Hindu's prophet whom we also believe in.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 375

Year 1915 AD

What benefit is there in using foul language? The one who is dead does not hear, and even if they were alive, what good can come from such behavior other than spreading discord and corruption? Therefore, it is forbidden to even curse those who are close to Allah Almighty and are righteous. So, always be cautious and extremely careful because the consequences of your actions affect the community. Make every effort not to become a cause of stumbling for anyone because the one who causes stumbling also bears the sins of the one who stumbles. May Allah Almighty guide you on the right path and protect you from deviating paths. Amen. (An-Nahl: 91, June 19, 1915 AD)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 375

Year 1915 AD

Strive so that you may attain a higher degree of death.

(June 25, 1915 AD)

After Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verse was recited:

"O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]." (Al-Imran: 102)

Then it was mentioned:

"The conditions of every human being vary with different relationships, different actions, and different events. What one person experiences is not the same as what another experiences. The strong and powerful have weaknesses, the knowledgeable and aware have ignorance, those with reasoning and creativity do not understand even the most obvious matters, the devout to religion are indifferent, and those deeply engrossed in worldly affairs do not think about dinner after breakfast. The purpose is that each person's condition is different from another's, and under different conditions, changes continue to occur. A person's thoughts differ from another's, just as relationships with different people differ. Just as there are differences in everything among humans, such as in knowledge, health, respect, honor, strength, weakness, wealth, and poverty.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 376

Year 1915 AD

There is a significant difference in the outward appearance and manner of death. One person dies in childhood, perhaps even in the mother's womb. Another dies a few days later, then in youth, in old age, and at the lowest point of life. Physically, someone's death may be due to fever, someone's from a cough, someone's from a cold, someone's from a headache, someone's from cholera, someone's from pneumonia. Some die by a bullet, someone's life is cut short by a sword. Some fall from a building, someone's foot slips and they lose their life, someone is murdered. Deaths are not just of babies or hundreds but of thousands of types through which humans experience the taste of death and depart from this world. Another difference is: (1) One death is such that it is only the death of the deceased. (2) One death is such that it is the death of the deceased and life for the world. (3) One death is such that it is the death of the deceased and also the death of the world. (4) One death is such that it is the life of the deceased and has no relation to the world. The deceased whose death is their own death is a person who is filthy and impure in themselves but does not harm the world. For example, a person who denies God and the Prophet but does not make an effort to include others in their denial. Such a person who dies every day in every way. In the world, the punishment of God Almighty

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 378

Year 1915 AD

The matter at hand was based on both mercy and compassion, but after death, only mercy remains. Therefore, in life, if someone curses God, speaks ill of the Prophet, Allah Almighty continues to provide sustenance. However, after death, the time comes when the rotten is cut off. Hence, the death of a filthy and impure person is still death even there.

(2) There is a death where the deceased dies but it brings life to the world. This is the person who is filthy within themselves but also wants to corrupt the world. For example, a false claimant who spreads falsehood or a tyrant who oppresses the world. When they die, death comes upon them, but it brings life to the world because many who were afflicted by their filth or oppressed by their tyranny are freed.

(3) There is a death where the deceased dies, and the world dies with them. This is the person who is filthy within themselves and also harms the world. For instance, someone who spreads corruption and many are trapped under their oppression. When they die, not only do they face death, but the world also faces death because the necks of those who were under their tyranny are freed.

(4) There is a death where the deceased's life continues, and it has no relation to the world. This is the death of a believer whose death is in accordance with the saying, "A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands Muslims are safe," meaning that their actions do not harm others. When such a person dies, they die beneath their own deeds. Their death does not affect the world's gain or loss. Beyond all these deaths is another death that befalls a highly progressive individual. It is a death where the deceased's life continues, but it brings benefit to the world. This is the death of those who preach the faith and are dear to Allah Almighty and His Messenger. Their death is a celebration because they see that today, by fulfilling their responsibilities, they are going lightly to their beloved. But the day of their demise is such a dark day for the world that no other day can be darker. A glimpse of this is the demise of Salih. You said at the time of your demise:

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 379

Year 1915 AD

To the Supreme Companion, meaning O Allah, I no longer desire the life of this world; I only wish to come to You. Here, a companion speaks about your demise. "You were the light of our eyes; when you departed, now the whole world mourns. So, the ultimate and highest degree of death is when a person's death brings life to them and death to the world. A poet beautifully said, 'Your mother wept when you were born, and people around you laughed with joy. So, strive for an action that when your time of death comes, people cry, and you laugh with joy.' People cry because this person was a beneficial presence for us, and now their absence will cause loss. And you laugh because now you will receive the reward in the presence of Allah. Thus, Allah Almighty has said, "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]." It is essential that different deaths come into the world. A believer should strive to reach such a level of piety that when death comes upon them, they die as Muslims. What does it mean to be a Muslim? It means to be safe, obedient, and obedient. Allah Almighty says that when death comes upon you, you are engaged in the obedience of Allah. It is worth noting that when someone dies in the state of being engaged in the work of Allah, how joyful their death will be. Then the definition of a Muslim was mentioned: 'A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands Muslims are safe.' In another place, it was said, 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.' No one becomes a Muslim until he does not like for his brother what he likes for himself. So, in the definition of a Muslim, two things happened: one is that they do not harm anyone, and the other is that they want to benefit others as much as they want to benefit themselves. When such a person dies, their death is of the same high degree.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 380

Year 1915 AD

Death will come. This verse encourages choosing such a death that when death comes upon you, the world mourns over you, and you rejoice. May Allah Almighty grant us all such deaths. Amen.

(Al-Imran: 103, July 1, 1915 AD)

In Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter: A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands Muslims are safe.

In Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Battles, Chapter: The last words spoken by the Prophet in his illness.

Oh Supreme Companion, meaning O Allah, I no longer desire the life of this world; I only wish to come to You.

"Your mother wept when you were born, and people around you laughed with joy. So, strive for an action that when your time of death comes, people cry, and you laugh with joy." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter: A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands Muslims are safe)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 381

(74)

The Important Duty of Preaching to Muslims

(Delivered on July 2, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

After Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, it was stated:

"Allah Almighty has given an amazing lesson to Muslims in Surah Al-Fatihah. Different religions are found in the world, but very little attention has been paid to spreading the teachings of Allah Almighty and His Word to all people. The reason for this is that religions are specific to each nation. Therefore, there was no need to exert so much effort in preaching their teachings to the followers of other religions. If we look at these religions, their teachings are temporary and entirely related to their respective nations. For example, the commandments given to the Jews mostly focused on the welfare and betterment of the children of Israel, such as prohibiting usury. It was explicitly stated that taking or giving interest to the children of Israel is forbidden. By imposing this condition, it was made clear that the religion introduced by Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) had a special relationship with the children of Israel. Then the command came that no slave could be made from the children of Israel. However, slaves could be made from other people. This command also indicated that the teachings of the Torah were only related to the children of Israel, considering its benefits and giving it distinction from other nations. After that, the teachings brought by Jesus, in which it was stated.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 382

Year 1915 AD

The ones who extract pips are those who consider it for the whole world and declare this teaching universal. However, Hazrat Masih himself says, "It is never the case that a woman snatches bread from her child and gives it to someone else. I will throw my pearls before swine, meaning everyone except the Children of Israel, they are not deserving of my preaching. These are religions that are very close to Islam and those before it, it can be estimated from their limited teachings that they do not consider the whole world as worthy and from their perspective, the Children of Israel are not humans but angels. Can a nation that believes in such religions preach to the whole world? Certainly not, and how can a universal religion be like that? Yes, Islam came, and only Islam came, which by expanding its teachings opened the doors for the whole world to enter. Because the teachings of Islam were for all nations and not for a specific time, it was necessary to draw the attention of its followers, meaning Muslims, to its preaching so that they do not confine it to their homes but spread it throughout the world. The Quran has emphasized this greatly in one place where Allah says, "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." O Muslims! You should be the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. The best nation is the one created for the benefit of people, meaning it is every believer's duty to spread the pure teachings that have reached them through the Quran to others because the purpose of this religion is to establish peace in the world and create a servant of all kinds. So, it is the duty of every believer, whether a merchant, a farmer, a shopkeeper, a school teacher, a college professor, a government employee, or anyone else working, and who is called a Muslim, to impart to people the pure teachings that they have received. Because it is their fortune that they have received this knowledge, for Allah says, "You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind," that your creation is for the benefit of people.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 383

Year 1915 AD

Allah Almighty has emphasized this matter greatly. Surah Al-Fatihah, which every Muslim recites repeatedly in prayers day and night, also contains the prayer "Guide us to the straight path" (Quran 1:4), indicating that a believer is not self-centered. Their duty is to spread the message throughout the world, and they cannot force anyone into belief. Until they make efforts to guide someone, they cannot lighten their own burden. Therefore, these words were included in the prayer of Surah Al-Fatihah that the whole world joined in, and Allah Almighty revealed that every believer strives for the guidance of others and fulfills their duty, becoming selfless. Every Muslim is a preacher; they should not delegate this responsibility to others and should not assume that someone else will fulfill this duty. Some of our Ahmadis are preachers; how can it be possible for them to preach to the whole world? Thus, the key to successful preaching is for every Ahmadi to understand their duty in such a way that they do not entrust it to anyone else and do not think that someone else will come and fulfill this duty. Some of our few preachers are such that how can they preach to the whole world? Therefore, the way to successful preaching is for every Ahmadi to understand their duty in such a way that five to seven hundred thousand individuals can become preachers. May Allah Almighty grant success to all our community and make the difficulties in the path of preaching easy, providing them with the necessary resources. Amen.

(Al-Fazl, July 8, 1915 AD)

Do not cast your pearls before swine. (Bible Society, Anarkali, Lahore, 1994 AD)

Al-Imran: 105

Al-Imran: N/A

Al-Fatihah:

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 384

(75)

Judge the Judges: Establish a Connection with God

(Delivered on July 9, 1915 AD at Lahore)

Year 1915 AD

After the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, it was stated:

"The rulers of the world, kings, and princes whose powers are limited, governments are limited, wealth and riches are limited, knowledge and intellect are limited, and whose ability to benefit is limited, we see that man makes great efforts. But even if we consider a ruler who rules the entire world or even two-thirds of it, his dominion is still limited. Even if we assume that there is a ruler who governs the whole world, still, because he is human, his rule is limited. There are places where a person can hide in caves and mountains, change their appearance, and avoid capture because man, no matter how great a king he may be, does not possess complete knowledge and is not the Knower of the unseen. Therefore, man can devise ways to escape, and sometimes even succeed, but the dominion of Allah Almighty is not only over the entire world but there is nothing in the heavens and the earth that is not owned by Him. Since everything is His creation, everything is also His property. When the rulers of the world make great efforts to achieve success in the presence of kings and spend even life and wealth without hesitation, God Almighty, whose glory

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 385

Year 1915 AD

To the worldly rulers, it is necessary to strive and show courage to gain honor in their presence. Then, how fortunate and honorable is the person who gets the opportunity to meet God Almighty. From a worldly perspective, we are governed, and He is the Ruler; we are servants, and He is the Master. The Quran commands us to obey Him, but there is an even higher authority in whose presence we and the worldly rulers are equal. He is such a magnificent King that even the mighty rulers bow before Him, and the powerful rulers lower their heads in submission to Him, and no one else has any choice but to submit to His command. We see that when the rulers of the world disobey God Almighty, He humbles them in such a way that their name and sign vanish. Look at Pharaoh, who stood against Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) with all his power. He inherited immense wealth, held vast dominion, ruled over Egypt with its flowing Nile and fertile valleys that spread across the world, instilling fear in all the populated regions of Syria and Africa. But Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was the one for whom even ten years of herding someone else's goats were required to marry. Pharaoh

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 386

Year 1915 AD

It is stated in front of Pharaoh, "Obey my Lord and follow my commands." Instead of obeying, Pharaoh disobeyed and did not understand anything in his confrontation. From a worldly perspective, what power did Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) have to command a king like Pharaoh to send the Children of Israel with him? When Pharaoh refused, he said, "You have not obeyed me; my God is such that He will punish you." But when Pharaoh confronted Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), he drowned in such a state that he saw Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) safely crossing the same river in front of his eyes. Then he uttered how painful words at the time of drowning. "I believe that there is no god except Him in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of those who submit to Him." This expresses his extreme humility and submission, that now my arrogance is broken, and I am ready to follow Moses and Aaron whom I used to insult and look down upon. Great necks have passed through but God Almighty destroyed them and erased their name and sign. How fortunate and honorable is the person who gets the opportunity to meet God Almighty, who is the King of all kings, and to whom it is said, "Whoever opposes you opposes me, and whoever attacks you attacks me, and whoever denies you denies me." When this voice comes to a human from God, what will be their state? How fortunate are those people who have a relationship with those who hold honorable conversations with God Almighty, which no one else can have. Yes, those who have such a relationship with those who hold honorable conversations with God Almighty cannot be compared to others.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 387

Year 1915 AD

So, it is the right of such people that they should start their worship with "Alhamdulillah Rabbil 'Alamin." What a glorious and praiseworthy God He is, who has bestowed upon His creation such a status that Say, "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins." O Messenger! Tell those people that if they desire to love Allah, they should obey me. By doing so, Allah will start loving them. How fortunate is the community that has been blessed with a time in which they have a direct relationship with Allah, hear His words of love and mercy, receive His confirmation and blessings. After the noble companions, great saints and elders have passed, but their desire remains that they were part of the companions. By the grace of Allah, we found that era through Hazrat Masih-e-Ma'ud (peace be upon him). We benefited from your company and received your blessings. The greatest favor and reward is that Allah speaks to someone, but the next level is that the one with whom Allah speaks has a relationship. Because the prophets have a direct relationship with Allah and the believers of the prophets are at a lower level. But I see that some individuals in our community have a direct conversation with Allah without any intermediary. This is a great favor for which the people of our community should express gratitude. Now, what can the powers of the world show them when Allah has taken charge of them? When someone goes to someone's house and the owner is kind to him, the servants and workers automatically show respect, but if the owner is displeased, even the servants do not speak. So, when someone gains the pleasure of Allah, what care can be taken of anyone else? People may throw them down the mountain, throw them into the river, burn them in fire, they are not concerned. In the case of Martin Clark, Hazrat Masih-e-Ma'ud (peace be upon him) advised everyone to seek guidance. I also saw that there is a house filled with oil lamps, and people are setting them on fire. When I looked towards the door, it was written: No one can burn the pure servants of God. Today, upon hearing this verse of Hazrat Masih-e-Ma'ud, which says:

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 388

Year 1915 AD

The incident came to mind that the beloved of God cannot be killed, burned, or harmed by mountains. Why? Because they belong to God. Hazrat Masih Maud (peace be upon him) received the revelation, "The fire is our servant, not the servant of slaves." Hazrat Masih Maud witnessed a miracle where a furious elephant was roaming around but upon encountering him, it became helpless. Then the revelation came to him. "The conduct of God Almighty is not limited to one person but many have experienced this virtue. Islam honors all of them, and this virtue is only achieved by honoring every prophet, whether in any country, era, or nation. There is a book written by the minister of King Gushtasb of Iran. It is mentioned in it that three prophets will appear in Iran. One of them will be called the Messiah. There will be a final battle between him and Satan, and he will defeat Satan not with a sword but with prayers. This prophecy is confirmed by the words of Hazrat Masih Maud and then by the words of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Now, how can anyone compete with such a dignified person? Hazrat Masih Maud's revelation that I am Krishna, Avatar, Ramchandra, Adam, Moses, Abraham. People tried to harm them greatly but could not cause any harm because God Almighty became their protector. So, by having a relationship with God Almighty, a great reward of the honor of conversation is obtained, and those who receive this blessing are not afraid of anything in the world. This is why the servants of Allah do not fear any event. During the time of Hazrat Masih Maud, such incidents occurred that friends were afraid but he did not care. Molvi Sarwar Shah Sahib narrates an incident from Gordaspur where the magistrate said he would not release Mirza without handcuffing him. Hazrat Sahib heard this while lying down.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 389

Year 1915 AD

Rising, he said, "He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. He had two sons, both of whom perished. Even though he could not succeed in his intention, no one can harm those people. God Almighty's help is with them, so whoever confronts them cannot succeed. I am amazed at the increase in denial and opposition to the Caliphate and Islam. Do people consider those who come towards God as mere humans? Even Sultan Salim was a human; no one denies his humanity. People of every religion and nation know that you were a human, so denying you as a human is not the issue. Yes, denial is that a human comes from God, but the ignorant say he did not come from God. This denial is not the denial of that human but the denial of the sender, i.e., God Almighty. Similarly, a fool says that Hazrat Masih Maud was a servant of Sultan Salim, so how can his denial be established. We say that the denial of Hazrat Masih Maud, as a human being and a servant of the Holy Prophet, is not because of disbelief but because God Almighty has sent him, and the denial is of Him who sent. So, the ignorant differentiate between humans and say that one's denial is significant and the other's is minor. But they do not understand that this is the denial of God, and His denial is significant, not minor. No one can come from His side, and His denial can never be minor. There was a count in Russia; he was the first chamberlain of the king. One day, the king told him not to let anyone in. After a while, a duke came and said he wanted to go in. The chamberlain said he would not let him in. When he insisted, the chamberlain stopped him. The duke started hitting him and tried to go in, but he stopped him again. This struggle continued for a long time. The czar was watching. He brought them both in and asked the duke why he hit him. He said, "I am the duke; he stopped me from entering, so I hit him." He asked the chamberlain why he stopped them. He said, "I stopped him because a greater one had ordered me to stop him." He asked the duke why he stopped him.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 390

Year 1915 AD

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. He had two sons, both of whom perished. Even though he could not succeed in his intention, no one can harm those people. God Almighty's help is with them, so whoever confronts them cannot succeed. I am amazed at the increase in denial and opposition to the Caliphate and Islam. Do people consider those who come towards God as mere humans? Even Sultan Salim was a human; no one denies his humanity. People of every religion and nation know that you were a human, so denying you as a human is not the issue. Yes, denial is that a human comes from God, but the ignorant say he did not come from God. This denial is not the denial of that human but the denial of the sender, i.e., God Almighty. Similarly, a fool says that Hazrat Masih Maud was a servant of Sultan Salim, so how can his denial be established. We say that the denial of Hazrat Masih Maud, as a human being and a servant of the Holy Prophet, is not because of disbelief but because God Almighty has sent him, and the denial is of Him who sent. So, the ignorant differentiate between humans and say that one's denial is significant and the other's is minor. But they do not understand that this is the denial of God, and His denial is significant, not minor. No one can come from His side, and His denial can never be minor. There was a count in Russia; he was the first chamberlain of the king. One day, the king told him not to let anyone in. After a while, a duke came and said he wanted to go in. The chamberlain said he would not let him in. When he insisted, the chamberlain stopped him. The duke started hitting him and tried to go in, but he stopped him again. This struggle continued for a long time. The czar was watching. He brought them both in and asked the duke why he hit him. He said, "I am the duke; he stopped me from entering, so I hit him." He asked the chamberlain why he stopped them. He said, "I stopped him because a greater one had ordered me to stop him." He asked the duke why he stopped him.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 391

Year 1915 AD

After the demise of Hazrat Sahib, Molvi Sahib did not feel inclined to write a book until his last breath. Some people also said that with the passing of Mirza Sahib, this chain will not continue. Then when their statement was not fulfilled, they started saying that we used to attribute the continuation of the chain to Molvi Sahib, but since he is no more, the chain will not continue. Some said that Molvi Sahib is an Arabic scholar; what does he know about maintaining the chain? In reality, we are moving forward with the guidance of M.A., Doctor, and Pladera. What zeal of Allah that He separated both at the same time. On one side, if Molvi Sahib passed away, on the other side, those people were separated who were considered unworthy of the chain. Then it was not within anyone's power to object. One day, an announcement was made by the deniers that a significant portion of the community is with us, and they were not showing joy in this. Then it was also said that a Qadian Mission Compound will be established, but one day it happened that Allah had seized a large part of the community and bent them down, and the propagation of Islam in Qadian is such that it is not happening anywhere in all of India and the rest of the world. Through this, Allah has shown that this is my own work. On one side, the person who was considered to rely on the knowledge of religious sciences for the continuation of the chain was taken away. On the other side, the worldly knowledgeable people were separated, and thirdly, the ship's rudder was handed over to a person who was not considered capable.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 392

Year 1915 AD

If someone looks at my weaknesses and opposes me in the pride of their knowledge, then it is their foolishness. Their focus should not be on me but on the one who established this chain and supported me because in reality, He is the one working. Has anyone so far denied the truth that despite the opposition of deniers of Khilafat, they exerted great force against me, but God Almighty made them unsuccessful, and a zeal was created in the community as if it was newly formed, and this zeal will not diminish because this is the chain of God. People may die, but God cannot change. "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." As long as Ahmadis are Ahmadis, this community will continue to grow. Great powers will intervene, and a time will come when many great necks will bow down, and those who attack Islam with filth and indecency will be put to shame. Once I was shown that "There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" was written in the sky. So Islam will progress, and it will be through Hazrat Masih Ma'ud, and no one will be able to stop it. Those who tried to kill Ahmadis like Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, such honorable people, but they could not harm Islam. If there were around forty million Muslims at that time, then later they became millions because the religion which is from God is always alive and will be. Therefore, our community should be very grateful to God Almighty. There is a border, and the center of our opponents and the capital of Punjab, here Ahmadis should be very vigilant. Allah Almighty emphasizes in the Holy Quran to keep the borders strong. The downfall of Muslim governments is also due to not strengthening the borders. Allah Almighty commands to tie horses at the borders. Lahore is also a border; here Ahmadis should always be vigilant compared to their opponents. Border and frontier soldiers are not allowed to sleep and rest; they must always be vigilant. If they neglect, the punishment will be severe than others.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 393

Year 1915 AD

The Ahmadis of Lahore should always be prepared and ready. They should not resort to insults because whoever insults others acknowledges their own defeat and weakness. So, you should be gentle, but not without modesty. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Modesty is part of faith." Treat people kindly regardless of their religion or background, but maintain your modesty. There are many who do not understand the difference between modesty and weakness. On one hand, I advise you towards humility and gentleness, on the other hand, I also prohibit you from immodesty and lack of honor. I will explain it to you in a way that while I advise you towards humility and gentleness, I also prohibit you from immodesty and lack of honor. I will explain it to you in a way that while I advise you towards humility and gentleness, I also prohibit you from immodesty and lack of honor. Some people do not have a connection with us nor with the deniers. They are in between. Engage in conversation with them. Then there are those of different religions who do not understand. Emphasize prayers with them. Some people are such that they do not have a connection with us nor with the deniers. They are in between. Engage in conversation with them. Then there are those of different religions who do not understand. Emphasize prayers with them. The teaching in Surah Al-Fatihah is twofold. Firstly, to look towards the Divine Names. Secondly, to pray. I understood the delicate meaning of "Guide us to the Straight Path" very well. It is like when Hazrat Aisha was very generous, her nephew, Ibn Zubair (who was her sister's son), said, "His hand should be stopped." When this reached her, she became very displeased and said, "This stops me on the path of my religion and prevents me from giving charity. If I meet him, I will have to give charity. When some time passed, the companions suggested reconciliation. Abdur Rahman ibn Awf was a person related to Hazrat Aisha. He took some people with him and also took Ibn Zubair. They went to Hazrat Aisha's house. At the door, they called out that they wanted to come in. Hazrat Aisha said, "Come in." Ibn Zubair also lifted the curtain and went inside, and after meeting you, he kissed your hand and sought forgiveness. Upon this, they freed forty slaves. This resolved the matter that Guide us means to guide us. When this is said, Allah will not say that He accepts the prayers of some and rejects those of others. He will say, "Come in." Then all will enter into the mercy of Allah, and those who maintain righteous deeds will also be weak.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 394

Year 1915 AD

Just as Ibn Zubair was given the opportunity to enter by saying, "Come in," similarly, the weak will also be allowed to enter. So, you should strive on one side and pray together on the other. Then whoever is weak, their prayer will also be accepted by all. Allah has made you all capable. Amen.

July 18, 1915 AD

Yunus: 91

Al-Fatihah: 2

Al-Imran: 32

Reference Page 397, 4th Edition

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. (Al-Fadl, Part 1, Page 96, by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad)

Note: Duke: The highest chamberlain after the prince, chief. (National English-Urdu Dictionary, Page 631, Delhi 1993)

Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Volume 2, Page 22, Printed in 1317 AH, Cairo Press

Ar-Ra'd: 12

Al-Imran: 201

References: Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter on Modesty in Faith; Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter on Migration

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 395

Month of Ramadan, a Blessing from Allah

(Delivered on July 16, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

After the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verse was recited:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."

Then it was said:

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful."

It is by the grace of Allah that many people have been given the opportunity again, and it is the mercy of Allah that He provides the chance for goodness. There were many who were strong and powerful sitting in that place. But after the last Ramadan and before this Ramadan, they left the world and did not get the opportunity to do good in this Ramadan. Then there will be many who, despite being alive, will not be able to benefit from this month because they do not understand the benefit of implementing the commands of Allah. Then there are also those who, due to various illnesses, cannot reap the benefits of the month of Ramadan that healthy individuals enjoy.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 396

Year 1915 AD

So those whom Allah has favored, firstly, He made them Muslims. Secondly, He granted them understanding to comprehend the purpose of fasting. Thirdly, He bestowed them with health to observe fasting. Fourthly, He granted them a long life so that they may witness another Ramadan. It is obligatory upon them to be very grateful to Allah. This month brings great blessings with it. The first great blessing is that those who usually miss Tahajjud due to laziness throughout the year, in this month, they also wake up for the pre-dawn prayer. The essence is that experience has shown that in the noise and bustle, sleep does not come easily. Since people generally wake up for Sehri, even the lazy ones also rise and get the opportunity to offer Tahajjud at night. Tahajjud is from the voluntary prayers, and fasting is obligatory. Therefore, the lazy ones are encouraged to wake up for Sehri and also get the opportunity to offer voluntary prayers. And this reward is also attained. The second blessing is the reward of fasting. Regarding this, Allah says that the reward of the fasting person is with Him. Then there are many other benefits; a person is saved from many calamities and troubles.

July 18, 1915 AD

Yunus: 91

Al-Fatihah: 2

Al-Imran: 32

Reference Page 397, 4th Edition

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. (Al-Fadl, Part 1, Page 96, by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad)

Note: Duke: The highest chamberlain after the prince, chief. (National English-Urdu Dictionary, Page 631, Delhi 1993)

Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Volume 2, Page 22, Printed in 1317 AH, Cairo Press

Ar-Ra'd: 12

Al-Imran: 201

References: Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter on Modesty in Faith; Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter on Migration

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 397

Year 1919 AD

This month is a month of blessings from Allah, so avail the benefits as much as you can. Just as there are many people who have not been fortunate enough to witness this Ramadan, there will be many who will not be able to see the next Ramadan. And who knows that I am not among those who will not see the next one? Therefore, everyone should strive to benefit from the goodness of this Ramadan. Our community is not a worldly society; therefore, it is the duty of its members to pray for their children, their difficulties, their loved ones, and their other purposes, and if they pray sincerely, they will be successful by the grace of Allah. They should also strive for the progress of the chain. Because the most deserving of abundant prayers and supplications are Islam, truth, and righteousness. Why? Because the success of prayers will come through Islam. Are there not millions of people upon whom Ramadan comes and goes, but they remain heedless? So those who pray have this opportunity through Islam and the intercession of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and through the intercession of Hazrat Masih Ma'ud (peace be upon him) to pray for the propagation of Islam. I wanted to say much more, but due to the fear of a throat ailment, it is better not to prolong it, as the throat ailment is a serious matter. Therefore, I conclude on this note.

July 25, 1915 AD

Al-Baqarah: 184

Al-Baqarah: 186

References: Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter on the Virtue of Fasting; Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter on Saying 'I am Fasting' When Abused

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. (Al-Fadl, Part 25, July 25, 1915 AD)

Note: Duke: The highest chamberlain after the prince, chief. (National English-Urdu Dictionary, Page 631, Delhi 1993)

Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Volume 2, Page 22, Printed in 1317 AH, Cairo Press

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 398

Year 1919 AD

The Quran is a Guidance for the World

(Delivered on July 23, 1915 AD)

Year 1919 AD

After the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

"Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful."

Then it was said:

"The Quran is a guidance from Allah, revealed for the world, at a time when there were many religions and their roots had spread far and wide. There were millions, even billions of people who believed in it, as if their roots had spread far and wide. At that time, Islam, like a small plant, grew under the shade of those trees, and it is evident that small plants do not flourish under big trees, and trees do not bear fruit under the shade. Lawyers come out of the shade and always start practicing in places where there are not many lawyers. Why? Because at the beginning, there is not enough competition."

July 18, 1915 AD

Yunus: 91

Al-Fatihah: 2

Al-Imran: 32

Reference Page 397, 4th Edition

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. (Al-Fadl, Part 1, Page 96, by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad)

Note: Duke: The highest chamberlain after the prince, chief. (National English-Urdu Dictionary, Page 631, Delhi 1993)

Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Volume 2, Page 22, Printed in 1317 AH, Cairo Press

Ar-Ra'd: 12

Al-Imran: 201

References: Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter on Modesty in Faith; Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter on Migration

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 399

Year 1915

Just as it is very difficult for a lawyer to start practicing by coming out of the college and then leaving all the other lawyers behind and moving forward, similarly, it is very difficult for the lawyers to leave all the others behind and move forward. Therefore, when someone starts practicing law, they go to a place where there are few lawyers, and when they become famous, they go to famous places because it is very difficult to compete. The Quran was sent to the world at a time when there were many religious champions and their big claims. There were big groups and big books. At that time, Islam came forward with a challenge, not just a claim but a challenge. It is a different matter to uphold one's own religion. For example, when Christianity came, there were only Jews in opposition, and the rest of the world did not oppose. So, Hazrat Masih (peace be upon him) kept saying, "I do not throw pearls before swine and do not take bread from my children to give to others," etc. Non-Jews invited Hazrat Masih (peace be upon him), but he did not accept because he knew that he was sent only to the Israelites. If he paid attention to other nations, he would not succeed in his mission. Preaching Christianity spread to the whole world, but at that time when there was already a group established. The purpose of the Quran came at a time when all religions had spread. It came challenging everyone to compete, and it was not just an ordinary challenge but it said, "Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful."

July 18, 1915 AD

Yunus: 91

Al-Fatihah: 2

Al-Imran: 32

Reference Page 397, 4th Edition

He who strikes the lion of God will suffer losses. (Al-Fadl, Part 1, Page 96, by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad)

Note: Duke: The highest chamberlain after the prince, chief. (National English-Urdu Dictionary, Page 631, Delhi 1993)

Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Volume 2, Page 22, Printed in 1317 AH, Cairo Press

Ar-Ra'd: 12

Al-Imran: 201

References: Bukhari, Book of Faith, Chapter on Modesty in Faith; Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter on Migration

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 400

Year 1915 AD

One cannot fully comprehend the knowledge until they themselves, by their own grace, acknowledge that they have not said, "Come, let me teach you." Through this, Allah has informed the world that when you compete with Islam, its foundation will be based on your knowledge. For instance, someone may ask, "What was the need for this religion? What was the need for this book?" This religion's success depends on your knowledge. In the beginning, Allah declared, "I am the Greatest. Can I not send a religion that cannot spread and is not needed by the world?" So, the Quran is a complete book sent to the world. No book can compete with it. It holds immense power. Look, Islam emerged like a small plant under the shade of lush trees but grew so much that it uprooted all others and took their place. Mecca was the center of idolaters in Arabia, and Islam emerged from there, uprooting idolatry to the extent that its name vanished from all of Arabia. The religion of idolaters in Arabia, of Zoroastrians from Iraq, and of Christians from Egypt was eradicated. All the regions that opposed Islam had their religions uprooted. How? Not through the sword because victory does not come from swords but Islam's victories were on hearts. Allah says, "This is such a perfect book that it brings victory through its perfection, and the one who is conscious of Allah cannot be separated from it. Wherever it goes, it guides and directs, not just verbally conscious but those who worship Allah, obey all His commands, and remain prepared to receive the rewards of their deeds one day through the Quran. Therefore, in another place, Allah has explained this subject in such a way that "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways." (Al-Ankabut: 69)

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 401

Year 1915 AD

Our Paths - Part 5

Whoever, regardless of their religion, strives in our path, we show them the way. The Noble Quran came for the guidance of the world at a time when opposing forces were strong, yet Allah protected it, and those who connected with it succeeded, and no one could overpower them. This is a living proof that has risen to such high levels that the hand of the highest enemy has been pushed far below, and the one who intended harm fell upon themselves. With such a book that no religion, book, or teaching can stand against, how astonishing it is. In that era, the downfall of Muslims is due to abandoning the Quran. They either do not read it at all, or if they do, it is merely a formality. Their situation is like a thirsty person in a well, naked despite having clothes, hungry despite having food, sitting in the sun near a tree burning, because they have left their religion, they started to suffer and became so disgraced and humiliated that the world considered their disgrace as the result of their religion. But if they pondered over the Quran, reflected upon it, and acted upon it, no one could have dominated them. Allah says, "Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful." Even those who act according to the highest standards of Islam cannot be overpowered. In our time, Allah, by His grace, sent a person who gathered people from all walks of life and taught them to act upon the teachings of the Quran. Therefore, our community should appreciate him, for in a house where the Quran resides, Satan cannot enter, and whoever possesses it cannot be attacked. It is possible that where there is a lion, a jackal may enter, but it is impossible for falsehood to penetrate where the Quran is. Whoever has the teachings of the Quran in their heart, Satan will never enter, and the one in whose heart Satan instills doubts and false beliefs, surely, surely, there is no Quran in their heart.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 402

Year 1915

The Influence of Ramadan and the Significance of Quran

In this month, Satan enters. The days of Ramadan have a special connection with the Quran because it was initiated in it. Then Gabriel used to conclude the recitation of the Quran in the month of Ramadan. Therefore, this month is especially for contemplating the Quran, and the Quran is like an ocean where the diver never returns empty-handed. Our community should engage in more Quranic study this month so that Allah fills their hearts with knowledge and spirituality. (Al-Baqarah: 2-6)

August 3, 1915 AD

Do not throw your pearls before swine. (Matthew 7:6, British and Foreign Bible Society, London 1887)

Al-Baqarah: 256, Al-Ankabut: 70

Al-Baqarah: 186

References: Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter on the Best Practices of the Prophet during Ramadan

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 403

Year 1915 AD

Obeying the Messenger is Essentially Obeying Allah

(Delivered on July 30, 1915 AD)

Year 1915 AD

After the Tashahhud, Ta'awwuz, and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited:

"And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah. And if, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you, [O Muhammad], and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Accepting of repentance and Merciful. But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission."

Then it was said:

"The evildoers are of two types. One type does not consider evil as evil, and the other group is such that they commit evil considering it evil. Those who do not consider evil as evil are of different religions because there are many things that are sins and evils in the true and heavenly religion of Allah, but they are permissible and acceptable in their religion. For example, some Christians drink alcohol, and it is permissible in their religion to the extent that the act of drinking is part of their worship. Therefore, when they use alcohol, they do not consider it bad but understand it as permissible and a religious command. However, if a Muslim indulges in it, they will do it considering it evil. Similarly, there are sins that are sins in every religion, but some people are unaware of them, and in such a situation, they become the perpetrators of those sins."

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 404

Year 1915 AD

Many evils are prevalent among Muslims, but due to ignorance, they consider permissible and rewarding what is actually sinful. For example, to lie, deceive, and slander. They consider these actions favorable. Some evils are such that they are not committed considering them evil but to a certain extent, they are bearable. In terms of the fact that these evils will cause harm and loss, it is necessary that the one who commits them will not be punished because they did not break the command of God knowingly. It can also be seen that if someone consumes poison by mistake and survives, the government will not punish them because they committed self-harm unintentionally. If they die, the next government will not consider them a criminal because punishment is for rebellion, and punishment is the result of an action. Therefore, because they did not do it knowingly, they will not be harmed, but because the consequences of their mistake will cause them discomfort, it is necessary to treat them. These are sins and sinners of two types. One type commits sins while considering them sins and when asked about it, they admit that they are indeed the perpetrators of that evil but are forced due to weaknesses and lack of strength to avoid that evil. The other type commits sins considering them sins and wants to prove that evil as good and is determined to overcome that evil, insisting and struggling to eliminate their shame and embarrassment. These people want to prove that evil as good and are determined to overcome it, persisting and resisting to remove their shame and embarrassment. This type of people wants to commit evil considering it evil and then strive to make it good, showing persistence and determination to remove their shame and guilt. These people are of two types.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 405

Year 1915

Those who cause more harm to people are the ones who not only destroy themselves but also become a source of guidance for many. As someone has said, "I did not harm myself, beware of yourself." These people destroy themselves but become a lesson and advice for others. But those who commit evil thinking it is good and then insist that what they did was right, they become a target of great punishment because they not only harm themselves but also lead others astray. The verses I have recited mention those who commit evil thinking it is good and do not regret it but start justifying their actions. If we do not accept a decision that was the intention of the messengers, then what was the point? It was not just a command of God that we denied. Allah says, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah." Some commands are issued under the color of law that the government enforces and publishes. Following these commands brings joy and breaking them brings sorrow. But some commands are the responsibility of the authorities, for example, those issued by the Deputy Commissioner or the Lieutenant Governor. Those who disobey them face punishment because these commands are issued by the rulers to be followed. Since the government has made their decision as the final decision and their command as the ultimate command and their obedience as mandatory, their commands are acceptable to everyone, and those who do not obey them face punishment. Allah says that the purpose of sending messengers is also this, and it is a general rule that we did not send any messenger except to be obeyed. So, whoever gives a command must be obeyed, and do not think otherwise.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 406

Year 1915 AD

This obedience is to the servant, but understand that it is obedience to Allah because the obedience of this servant is under the command of Allah. So, if they had wronged themselves, they should have come to you seeking forgiveness from Allah, and the Messenger should have sought forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. If they had done so, they would have found forgiveness from Allah, but instead of doing that, they said, "We accept the command of God through you." So, the forgiveness was through the Messenger. Allah says, "If they had done so, they would have found Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." But instead of that, they said, "We accept the command of God through you." It was not just a command of God that they denied. Allah says, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah." Some commands are issued under the color of law that the government enforces and publishes. Following these commands brings joy and breaking them brings sorrow. But some commands are the responsibility of the authorities, for example, those issued by the Deputy Commissioner or the Lieutenant Governor. Those who disobey them face punishment because these commands are issued by the rulers to be followed. Since the government has made their decision as the final decision and their command as the ultimate command and their obedience as mandatory, their commands are acceptable to everyone, and those who do not obey them face punishment. Allah says that the purpose of sending messengers is also this, and it is a general rule that we did not send any messenger except to be obeyed. So, whoever gives a command must be obeyed, and do not think otherwise.

By your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.

It means that if there is a disagreement on something for which there is no explicit command from Allah, then they should refer it to you for judgment. If they do not feel any discomfort in their hearts after your judgment and submit to it willingly, then they are the true believers. Those who do not do this are not true believers because they denied the command of the Messenger. Allah says, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah." So, whoever gives a command must be obeyed, and do not think otherwise.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 407

Year 1919 AD

The direction is towards the year 1919 AD, and it has been said before that seeking forgiveness through the intercession of the Messenger could have led to forgiveness, and breaking the commands of the Messenger is no ordinary matter. So, the question is very filthy whether the command of the Messenger is a revelation or his own. By asking this question, a group has been ruined, and they are a misguided group, and before that, there were also different people. I have come to know that this question is also found in our community, that Hazrat Sahib has said this through revelation or just said it. Just yesterday, it was mentioned that a person wrote that an Ahmadi was about to give a non-Ahmadi a drink, and I prohibited it and said that it is the command of Hazrat Masih Maud that non-Ahmadis should not be given a drink. So, he said, "Is this command from revelation or self-made?" If it is from revelation, then it must be obeyed, and if not, there is no harm in going against it. But he is ignorant, not knowing that Allah says, "Nay, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission." If someone says that this is about Hazrat Saleh or Salim and specifically relates to you, then this disease has also spread among some people, and they make general things specific and specific things general. Some people make a general verse specific and some ignorant make specific things general, as a person has argued against the prophethood of Hazrat Masih Maud that since he came for Yahya, he was not given the name before. And because this is not found in Hazrat Masih Maud, he is not a prophet. Although the characteristics of the prophets are such that their identity is known by their words. These general signs are such that each prophet's truthfulness is related to them. For example, Allah says to the opponents of Hazrat Saleh, "And if he had invented about Us some [false] sayings, We would have seized him by the right hand; Then We would have cut from him the aorta." Regarding this, if it is said that this is only about the noble prophet and not for anyone else, then claiming prophethood becomes an easy task for everyone.

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 408

Year 1915 AD

For example, if someone says, "Because there is a mark on my face, I am a prophet," they should be asked how this mark is a sign of prophethood. So, if I were not a prophet, this mark would never have existed. This issue is personal, so having this mark on my face is a sign of my prophethood. Hence, no one's claim can be proven false. Therefore, making a general rule about the prophets specific and the specific general is a great proof of general ignorance and foolishness. So, it is possible that even if someone says, "By your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission," someone might argue that this is related to obeying the commands of Allah's messengers, making it specific is ignorance. On the other hand, there is also a reference to its generality. Therefore, first, Allah Almighty has stated, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah." This is a general rule that Allah has revealed that every messenger sent by Allah is to be obeyed by his people. Now, if someone says that Hazrat Sahib has said something through revelation or on his own, they should understand that the Holy Quran also emphasizes obeying the authorities. So, does one follow their commands because they are inspired or because they are from their own judgment? Try opposing it and see what the result is. Therefore, it should be understood that not every command requires inspiration. Allah Almighty says about the deniers of the caliphs, "Whoever disbelieves after that - those are the defiantly disobedient." Then Hazrat Saleh and Salim say that whoever obeys the ruler, obeys me, and whoever does not obey the ruler, does not obey me. Then the wife obeys the husband's command, and the husband can rule over the wife without inspiration. Then the rulers can rule over the subjects without inspiration, but (we seek refuge with Allah) when it comes to the filthy opinion of the prophets of Allah, it happens that whatever command they give, they are asked whether it is from inspiration or their own opinion. If they

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 409

Year 1915 AD

It is essential to obey when it is said, and if you say it yourself, there is no need to obey. Some ignorant people present a tradition that supports wrongdoing. I say, did Hazrat Salih or Salim ever give any command to the esteemed companions like Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, etc., or not? If they did, provide an example where they were asked to confirm the command first, whether it was given through revelation or their own decision. Talha, Zubair, Saad, Saeed, and others, who held high ranks and even testified by the actions of Allah, never said anything like that. This is a woman's testimony, how faithful she was, how sincere she was. This cannot be proven by anyone regarding the esteemed companions. If they are ready to leave the actions of such esteemed companions, can the action of a woman like Talha be considered as evidence? Then it is said that Hazrat Umar was asked where he got his clothes from, but I say that neither Uthman, Ali, Talha, Zubair, etc., were there, nor did they say anything like that. The one who said it was a Bedouin who cannot even be considered an ordinary companion. If this saying was a righteous and courageous act, then the esteemed companions would have said something, and their reward would have been evident, but that did not happen. Similarly, if someone presents that Abdullah bin Abi Ibn Salul put a rope around the Prophet's neck and said that if you set them free, I will let them go. This was a great act of audacity and bravery. He was a hypocrite. Doing such a thing is a very bad act, not worthy of evidence. Such talks have only emerged from people of lower intellect. Brira was an ignorant woman who spoke in this manner. And Hazrat Saini Pitam laughed at her ignorance, so what happened? No one can show any esteemed companion committing such an act. Then no one can prove anything from the actions of the caliphs. Instead, it will only show that someone said to the Prophet that you did not act justly, so they stood with swords and wanted permission to

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 410

Year 1915 AD

When a command is given, they will not behead themselves. It will never be seen that they said that this command was revealed to you or not. Those who say such things will be those who did not have the opportunity to be in the company of the Holy Prophet or are from the group of hypocrites, and later they will be desert dwellers. Questioning the revelation of the Messenger's commands is the work of people who are not knowledgeable about the religion or whose faith is not strong. If obeying every command of the Messenger was not necessary, then why did Allah Almighty say, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah"? If it was necessary to obey the command that came through revelation, then it should have been said that we give commands because they are inspired. Giving importance to obeying the Messenger proves that this obedience is beyond the obedience found in the inspirations of the messengers. Here, what Allah Almighty has said, "And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah," emphasizes obedience to the commands of the messengers. Our community members should be very cautious about this. It is a serious blasphemy, so it should be avoided. And let it be known that we did not accept only one thing when we pledged allegiance, that we will obey only what you say through inspiration, and it is impossible for a prophet to go against the command of enjoining good. As Hazrat Shu'aib said to the disbelievers, "We would not have returned to it unless Allah wills." I cannot accept your religion except if Allah wills (while it is impossible for a prophet to adopt the religion of disbelievers). So, this condition is set for the glory and might of Allah. Otherwise, the Prophet does not go against any command of enjoining good. So, the person who says that such and such thing was said by the Promised Messiah through inspiration or not should remember

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 411

Year 1915 AD

When such a question is raised, "By your Lord, they will not [truly] believe," a verdict will be issued. Hazrat Saleh states that the Promised Messiah will come, meaning he will decide on various issues and will be just. That means the decisions made by the Promised Messiah other than revelations need not be accepted, and it is necessary to accept those inspired by revelations. Hazrat Saleh says, "Where did you say that God Almighty has said this about you?" It means that the Promised Messiah himself will make decisions that are beyond dispute and will be just and fair. When Hazrat Saleh says that the Promised Messiah will decide justly, it means that every decision made by him will be just and in accordance with truth. When Hazrat Saleh says, "By your Lord, they will not [truly] believe," it means that those who disobey the commands of the Promised Messiah will be committing a great sin. It is not a trivial matter. The Quran states that such a person is not a believer. So, how regretful is the person who does evil but presents it as good for themselves. Instead of this, it is better for them to say that the command of the Promised Messiah is acceptable, but due to their weakness, they cannot adhere to it. If they do not say this, then understand how sinful they will be. This is not a minor issue. It is a Quranic decision that such a person is not a believer. Therefore, it should be understood that we must obey all the commands of the Messenger. This question has always been raised by those whose nature is filthy, neither by the caliphs nor by any of the esteemed companions, nor by the reformers and saints. If this question is raised, it is from the people with dirty intentions. But the conditions of Abdullah Chakralvi and his people are known. But those who know their condition know very well. The first Caliphate of the Promised Messiah never said such a thing. Those who have seen Hazrat Maulvi Sahib know how much fear, piety, and righteousness were in you. But despite this, when you went on a journey once, the Promised Messiah said to you, "Do not go to that city." But

Sermons of Mahmood (Volume 4)

Chapter 412

Year 1919 AD

There have been situations where the interpretation of this command is crucial. When you left due to some necessity and returned severely ill, the companions started treatment, and you said, "I know what this is. Pray for me to recover from this illness." The disobedience to the command of Hazrat is to be prayed for by the Prophet. So, the prayer was made, and Allah Almighty granted healing. So, this immediate grasp was also due to the fear and piety of Hazrat Maulvi Sahib so that you could immediately reform. And the saying, "The good deeds of the righteous are the bad deeds of the close ones," is famous. The purpose of Hazrat Maulvi Sahib was never to ask whether this command was revealed to you by Allah or not. And neither did Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib say so. So, the one who says this should see if his spirituality is as high as that of Nooruddin or not. If not, then understand that he has been deceived by his ego. May Allah grant our community the ability to understand all the commands of the Prophet. Those who hold such thoughts can never progress in faith and spirituality; instead, they are ruined. So, fear the belief that eats away like rust from within. And a person becomes ruined like an old tree. (Al-Fazl, 5th August 1915 AD)

Surah An-Nisa: 65-66
Surah Maryam: 8
Surah Al-Haqqah: 45-48
Surah An-Nur: 56
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad and Expedition, Chapter: Fighting behind the Imam and seeking protection with him
Surah Al-A'raf: 90
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prophets, Chapter: The Descent of Jesus, Son of Mary