The instruction to obey the commandments of God Almighty and His Messenger (SA) has appeared repeatedly in these verses [The Holy Qur’an 25:52-58]. These verses pertain to the continuation of the establishment of Khilafat [Caliphate]. Thus, in other words, God Almighty is stating that the institution of Khilafat comes under the commandment of showing obedience to God Almighty and His Messenger (SA). Hence, it is incumbent for one to act upon the directives of Khilafat as this is also among the commandments of God Almighty. In fact, in order to secure the continuation of one’s worldly and spiritual life, it is essential for believers to raise the standard of their obedience.
The Holy Prophet (SA) has stated, ‘One who obeys the Amir [leader] appointed by me, in fact obeys me and one who obeys me, in fact obeys God Almighty. One who disobeys the Amir appointed by me, in fact disobeys me and my disobedience equates to the disobeying God Almighty.’ The obedience of the Khalifa [Caliph] of the time however is even more important than the obedience one shows to an ordinary Amir. We find accounts of complete and absolute obedience in the lives of the companions of the Holy Prophet (SA). I will present one such example. During one of the battles, Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) was appointed as the leader of the army. However, owing to some reason, Hazrat Umar (RA) replaced him while the battle was at its peak. In any case, the instruction of the Khalifa of the time that came at that occasion was that Hazrat Abu ‘Ubaidah (RA) should take charge. However, Hazrat Abu ‘Ubaidah (RA) initially did not take the charge from Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) thinking that he was already commanding in an excellent manner. However, Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) said, ‘You must immediately take the charge from me because that is the instruction of the Khalifa of the time. I will serve under you with full obedience as you require of me without complaining or any thought of an ill will.’
Thus, this is the standard of obedience required of a believer and it should not be the case that if a decision is made against an individual’s wishes, they begin to object to it. Or, if an office-bearer is replaced by another individual, they stop doing their work. Whoever acts in this manner, does not show any obedience and fails to instil the fear of God Almighty and righteousness.”
“…the institution of Khilafat {Caliphate] was established after the demise of the Promised Messiah (as). However, the mere establishment of this institution does not hold any significance unless there is a relationship between the Khalifa [Caliph] of the time and members of the Community based on sincerity, loyalty, devotion and love, and such a bond can only be created by Allah the Almighty.
No individual or human endeavour can create or sustain such a bond. It is this very bond that is the guarantor of the unity and progress of the Community.
Moreover, this is also evidence for the fulfilment of the promise of Allah the Almighty and of His continuous support of the Promised Messiah (as) and of the truthfulness of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The relationship that members of the Community have with Khilafat is possessed by those who have been Ahmadi from birth as well as those who have recently joined, including children, youth, men and women and also by such Ahmadis who live far away and have never even seen the Khalifa of the time.
All these people have excelled in sincerity and loyalty and they continuously try to excel further. Whenever they receive a directive from the Khalifa of the time, they try to act upon it. They express their love and relationship in such a manner that one is truly astounded.
All these things are a practical evidence for the fulfilment of the promise of Allah the Almighty and also the progress of the Community is also dependent upon this relationship. As I said, the relationship that the Community has with Khilafat and in turn, the Khalifa of the time has with the Community, is evidence of the continuous support of Allah the Almighty.”
(FRIDAY SERMON – 29 MAY 2020)
