Friday Sermon delivered by
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(at) at Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
A Great Servant of the Community – Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would mention the life of a great servant of the Community, Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib, who passed away in recent days, on February 7, 2021.
His Holiness(aba) said that he was currently serving as the Wakil-e-A‘la in Tahrik-e-Jadid Rabwah. He was also serving as the Afsar Jalsa Salana, a capacity in which he served for a very long time.
Parents of Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Sahib’s father’s name was Babu Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib and his mother’s name was Aisha Bibi Sahiba. Chaudhary Sahib was born in 1934 in Qadian. His father had accepted Ahmadiyyat five years before Chaudhary Sahib’s birth, upon seeing a dream, in which the Holy Prophet(sa) directed him to accept Ahmadiyyat.
His Holiness(aba) said that when the Second Caliph(ra) made an appeal for people to devote their lives in service to the faith, Chaudhary Sahib’s mother took him to the Second Caliph(ra), and presented him as a life devotee. Upon this, the Second Caliph(ra) gave certain instructions with regards to his continued education.
Education & Beginning of His Services to the Community
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Sahib taught in the TI College in Rabwah, and upon the instruction of the Third Caliph(rh), he left the college and came into the service of the Community. He was then appointed by the Third Caliph(rh) as the Nazir Dhiyafat. Then the Fourth Caliph(rh) appointed him as the Wakil-e-A‘la of Tahrik-e-Jadid Rabwah. He was later also appointed as the Sadr Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid. He served in these capacities till his demise. He also served as Amir Muqami for some time during the era of the Third Caliph(rh).
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Sahib had the honour of serving as the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, at the time when the headqaurters for the Youth Association were central in Rabwah for the entire world. His Holiness(aba) read out the words of the Third Caliph(rh) at the time of Chaudhary Sahib’s appointment as the President of the Youth Association, in which he outlined the importance of serving with the true spirit, whether one is from the direct progeny, or the spiritual progeny of the Promised Messiah(as). His Holiness(aba) said that this guidance received from the Third Caliph(rh) was because of Chaudhary Sahib. Thus, whenever a worker of the Community, a life-devotee, or a member of the family of the Promised Messiah(as) ponders over these words, they should also pray for the elevated station of Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib.
His Holiness(aba) read out the report read out at the farewell program held, upon the completion of Chaudhary Sahib’s term as the President of the Youth Association, in which his various achievements during this time were highlighted. The Third Caliph(rh) also presided over the program, in which he greatly appreciated the efforts made by Chaudhary Sahib during his term as President and prayed for him to have the ability to serve in other capacities in the future as well.
Services After Migration to London
His Holiness(aba) said that after the Fourth Caliph(rh) migrated to London, upon his instruction, Chaudhary Sahib resided in London for over a year where he played a vital role in establishing the central offices in London.
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Sahib also served as the President of the Elder’s Association for seventeen years.
His Holiness(aba) said that after the demise of the Fourth Caliph(rh), Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib had the honour of serving as the Chairman of the Khilafat Committee. He was also appointed in 2005 as the President of the Khilafat Jubilee Committee. His Holiness(aba) also highlighted the various services of Chaudhary Sahib pertaining to Jalsa Salana. His Holiness(aba) also read out the comments of the Fourth Caliph(rh) regarding Chaudhary Sahib and his great efforts in the organisation of Jalsa Salana Qadian.
Chaudhary Sahib’s Example as a Husband & Father
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. His Holiness(aba) read out the comments of Chaudhary Sahib’s wife and the excellent manner in which he treated her. She said he would often come home late from the office, but he would never bother her, in fact he would heat up his own food and eat it. She said that he would happily eat whatever he was presented with and would happily wear whatever clothes he was given. She said that he was very caring, and His Holiness(aba) commented that if everyone acted in this way, then the majority of domestic issues would automatically be resolved. His children said that he was not only their father, but was also a friend. He always emphasised two things; offering the five daily prayers and listening to the Friday sermon delivered by His Holiness(aba).
Chaudhary Sahib’s Example in His Work
His Holiness(aba) read out some of the comments of those who worked with or under Chaudhary Sahib, in which they outlined the excellent manner in which Chaudhary Sahib used to work, the details he would focus on before making a decision and the kindness with which he treated everyone. His Holiness(aba) said that at times he has instructed the office bearers in Rabwah to travel throughout Pakistan and convey his salam [greeting of peace] to Ahmadi households. Thus, Chaudhary Sahib also undertook such journeys, and at times he went to areas where a car was unable to drive and so he would visit the homes on foot.
His Holiness(aba) said that at times Chaudhary Sahib would himself undertake the training of life-devotees in an excellent manner. Thus, His Holiness(aba) said that at times, he would send life-devotees to Chaudhary Sahib and instruct him to train them. Chaudhary Sahib would advise people that he heard the Third Caliph(rh) say that if one was ever experiencing hardships in their personal life, they should give more time to serving the Community. Chaudhary Sahib exemplified obedience to Khilafat. Whenever he received any instruction of His Holiness(aba), he would always implement it right away. At times he would receive such instructions at night, but regardless of the time, he would ensure that it’s implementation would begin right away.
Chaudhary Sahib’s Humility
His Holiness(aba) said that Chaudhary Sahib was also very humble. Once, he went to the Langar [kitchen of the Promised Messiah(as)] and said that he had just come from a meeting and had to go to another in a few minutes, and asked if there was anything he could quickly eat. Some food was heated for him, but then when it was taken to him, it was seen that he had already taken some of the leftover food left on the table and eaten that, for he feared that the waiting for the food to be heated would make him late for his next meeting.
Chaudhary Sahib’s Exemplary Obedience
His Holiness(aba) said that there are many things which could be mentioned regarding Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib, but he has only taken a few due to the shortage of time. However it is certain that there is no embellishment in whatever has been said. His Holiness(aba) said that he too worked with Chaudhary Sahib, who taught him many things. Then when His Holiness(aba) became Nazir-e-A`la Chaudhary Sahib treated him with great respect. Then, His Holiness(aba) said that when he became the Khalifa, Chaudhary Sahib exemplified respect and complete obedience.
His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah elevate his station in paradise, and may Allah continue to grant Khilafat such great helpers.
His Holiness(aba) again directed the Community to pray for the condition being faced by Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Precautions Regarding Coronavirus
His Holiness(aba) directed members of the Community to strictly adhere to the various safety precautions with regards to the coronavirus pandemic. His Holiness(aba) said that masks should be worn and in the proper manner, it should not be that the nose is left exposed or that the mask is simply hanging around the neck, as there is no use of this. His Holiness(aba) said that social distancing must also be strictly adhered to, otherwise this virus will continue to spread. His Holiness(aba) said that unnecessary travel should also be avoided. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may this virus be eradicated swiftly and may Allah heal all Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike who are suffering from this virus.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayer in-absentia of Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib after the Friday prayer.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.
