After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated that owing to corona virus situation, everyone in the world is anxious.  His Holiness (aba) said that concerned people have been writing to him and request for prayers. People are worried about their relatives and loved ones with pre-existing conditions as they are more susceptible to this virus. His Holiness (aba) said that in reality people are confused about the situation. Moreover, referring to these very conditions that are prevalent today, God Almighty states in the Holy Quran: “And man says, ‘What is the matter with her [i.e. the earth]?’ [Holy Quran, 99:4]

Referring to an address of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) in 1920, His Holiness (aba) explained that after the advent of the Promised Messiah (as) there has been a significant increase in epidemics, earthquakes, famine and storms in the world. This signifies that the world is being admonished to fulfil the rights of their God and fulfil the rights of God’s creations. The days of disasters and epidemics remind us to raise our commitment to God and invite the world to recognise and worship their Creator.

His Holiness (aba) then said that some people say that this epidemic is a divine sign and we do not need to take precautions or seek treatment. His Holiness (aba) said that although heavenly and earthly disasters have increased after the advent of the Promised Messiah (as), we do not know if this is a specific sign. In terms of being a divine sign, His Holiness further said that this epidemic is not like the plague which was a divine sign vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah (as) as a proof of his truthfulness.

His Holiness (aba) explained that it is the law of nature that during the afflictions such as epidemics and famines, divine communities are not entirely exempt. Believers go through these afflictions with prayers while seeking God’s mercy. The Promised Messiah (as) said that he prayed for all his community, but it is a law of nature that pious people will also be affected by epidemics and God Almighty will judge them according to their deeds. The Promised Messiah (as) further explained this by giving the example that during Jihad in the time of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his Khulafah, though Muslims were granted victories, some Muslims were also martyred.

His Holiness (aba) explained that at the time of natural disasters, we should do our utmost to fulfil the rights of God and His people. We must pray with anguish and passion in order to seek the mercy of God. His Holiness (aba) advised that one should adhere to the recommended precautions, show kindness and compassion to those affected by the epidemic, but one should not take any unnecessary risks. His Holiness (aba) advised that people should not go to each other’s homes unnecessarily, sit idly in parks, and any exercise should be done close to home. His Holiness further stated that one ought to take caution against any unnecessary risks and said anything contrary to this would be ignorant and not bravery.

His Holiness (aba) reiterated the message of maintaining extreme cleanliness in homes, observing hygienic practices and keeping clothes clean. Along with physical cleanliness, cleansing and purification of the heart is also required. One ought to bring their deeds in total accordance with the wishes of God.

His Holiness (aba) then further advised the need of prayers, saying one should remember that prayer is the most powerful of means. One ought to pray with the belief and conviction that God listens to prayers. Pray for yourself, your family, the community and the whole of humanity.

His Holiness (aba) said there are people, who are adversely affected by this epidemic; they lack food, protective equipment and treatment of the disease. Ahmadis help people with providing food and medical aid, but unfortunately for doing this humanitarian work, the opponents make false accusations against Ahmadis claiming that they only carry out these works for vested interests. His Holiness stated that one should not be concerned about these allegations as only God Almighty knows one’s intentions. His Holiness (aba) advised to focus greatly on prayers; he said to pray that God enables everyone to witness the acceptance of their prayers.

His Holiness (aba) cautioned Ahmadi businessmen to not to overcharge people in this time of epidemic. He explained that this goes against the teachings of Islam which are empathy for humanity. One ought to seek Allah’s mercy by looking after humanity.

His Holiness (aba) then mentioned the demise of Respected Nasir Ahmed Saeed Sahib – a longstanding and sincere servant of the Jamaat – who passed away on 5^th April 2020. ‘Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ He served under the Khilafat of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) and the current Khilfafat. He was a proud servant of Ahmadiyyat, he leaves behind his wife, son and grandchildren. He was a true and faithful life-devotee.

Many people wrote about his qualities to His Holiness, in which they described him as loving, caring, affectionate, helpful, obedient and a very honest individual. He was extremely committed to his duty and served in an exemplary manner. Amongst many other qualities of his, he would always respect the confidentiality of Jama’at matters and would always advise others with wisdom.

His humility was motivational, and people say that he trained others with love, commitment and prayers. He showed special respect to Jalsa guests and looked after them well. He was a role model for the life-devotees. He served Khilafat to his last breath. Even when extremely ill after suffering a heart attack, his only concern was that he would not be able to attend for his shift. He was being treated for a heart attack, when he developed corona-virus infection.

Nasir Ahmed Saeed Sahib always prayed that may God safeguard him from being dependent on others; God treated him well and he remained active till the last days of his life. His Holiness granted him the honour of being a martyr and said that he will lead his funeral prayers in absentia in due course. In the end, His Holiness (aba) prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness for everyone.

Summary prepared by The Review of Religions