Khilafat Day – May 2024

South Virginia Jama’at Celebrates Annual Khilafat Day at Masjid Masroor

South Virginia Jama’at held its annual Khilafat Day at Masjid Masroor on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, marking a significant event for the community. The program commenced with the Tilawat of the Holy Quran from Surah Al Nur, recited by Zafarul Islam Sahib, followed by the translation of the verses by Dawood Aido Sahib.

The majlis then enjoyed an Urdu poem presented by Masood Ahmad Sahib, with its translation delivered by Tifl, Ayan Ahmed Sahib. This was followed by welcome remarks from the Naib Sadr Jama’at SVA, Kareem Ullah Kaleem Sahib. He spoke passionately about the purpose of Khilafat, and the devotion required from every Ahmadi Muslim towards this sacred institution. He emphasized that every Divine community needs a leader for rightful guidance and highlighted Khilafat’s role in Tabligh, Taleem, and Tarbiyyat. Quoting the Promised Messiah (as), he explained that Khilafat serves to safeguard and unite the community, ensuring the continuity of God’s message.

Following the welcome remarks, a special video compiled by Bilal Bashir Sahib was shown. The video provided a brief overview of the prophecy of Khilafat and the history and period of each Khalifa from the first to the current, fifth Khalifa.

The program then featured a young Tifl, Mustafa Qaweem Uddin, who confidently addressed the audience on the importance of Khilafat. He discussed the blessings of Khilafat and suggested practical ways to establish a living connection with the Khalifa, such as writing letters to Huzoor, visiting him for a Mulaqat, and watching MTA.

Another young Tifl, Farhad Ahmed, delivered an Urdu speech on the need for Khilafat in today’s world. He highlighted the warnings from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih (aba) regarding the worsening state of global conditions and the importance of prayers during these times. Farhad emphasized the duty of Ahmadi Muslims to heed the Khalifa’s call and bring about lasting change through prayer.

Khaddim, Saad Karamat then took the podium to discuss the importance of Khilafat. He highlighted prophecies from the Quran and Hadith regarding Khilafat and shared excerpts from the Khulafa expressing their love and sympathy for the community. He narrated a faith-inspiring incident where Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh), the third Khalifa, instructed Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib (rh), later the fourth Khalifa, to undertake an urgent Jama’at-related journey. Despite the fully booked flights, Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib proceeded to the airport the same day with complete faith and obedience and was able to board the flight he needed. Saad Sahib concluded by urging the audience to look within themselves for reformation to attain the promised blessings of Nizam-e-Khilafat.

The keynote address was delivered by Murrabi Shamshad Nasir Sahib. He started by recounting the history of Khilafat from the death of Hadhrat Masih-e-Maud (as) to the election of the first Khalifa. He then discussed the split in the Ahmadiyya Community during the election of the second Khalifa and the resulting loss for those who did not accept the God-appointed Khalifa. This historical incident underscored the necessity of Khilafat for the community’s survival. Quoting from Al-Wasiyyat, he reminded the audience of the resilience of the Jama’at in the face of adversities and the divine support for Khilafat: “Second, when with the death of a Prophet, difficulties and problems arise and the enemy feels stronger and thinks that things are in disarray and is convinced that now this Jama‘at will become extinct and even members of the Jama‘at, too, are in a quandary and their backs are broken, and some of the unfortunate ones choose paths that lead to apostasy, then it is that God for the second time shows His Mighty Power and supports and takes care of the shaken Jama‘at. Thus, one who remains steadfast till the end witnesses this miracle of God.”

Murrabi Shamshad Sahib then shared an intriguing incident that occurred during the passing of the third Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh). When journalists arrived in Rabwah upon hearing the news, they began asking questions like “Who are the candidates?” and “Who has the best chance of being elected?” Members of the Jama’at explained that the system of Khilafat doesn’t involve candidacies or campaigns, as the Khalifa is chosen by God. The journalists, suspecting they weren’t getting the full story, approached a seemingly uneducated villager with the same questions. To their surprise, the villager confidently replied that the Khalifa had already been chosen by God, and the community only needed to pledge their allegiance to him.

Towards the end, Murrabi Sahib explained a quote of Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) regarding selective obedience. He mentioned that once someone has pledged allegiance and given their hand to the Khalifa, the Khalifa will tell you what you should do, and you are to obey what he says. He went on to quote: “If the Imam tells you to stand, you stand. If the Imam tells you to sleep, you sleep immediately. If the Imam tells you to stay awake, you remain awake. If the Imam tells you to wear new clothes, you are to wear only new clothes. If the Imam tells you to wear old and ripped clothing, you are to wear old and ripped clothing.”

The event concluded with silent prayer led by Murrabi Shamshad Nasir Sahib.