CoB.book Page 178 Tuesday, June 6, 2006 9:46 AM
CONDITIONS OF BAI‘AT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN AHMADI
of good decisions). Therefore, they think that they have the right to speak against the decision wherever and whenever. First of all, no one has the right to speak against the Jama‘at anywhere. I have already explained this topic in depth. Your duty is only to obey. What is the standard of obedience? Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:94
And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths that, if thou command them, they will surely go forth. Say, ‘Swear not; what is required is actual obedience in what is right. Surely, Allah is well aware of what you do.’
The subject of obedience is being discussed in the preceding verses. Believers always say that we heard and accepted. Because of their piety, they are granted nearness [to Allah] and become triumphant. In this verse, we are enjoined to adopt the ‘hear and obey’ attitude like true believers. Do not swear that we will do this and that. Hadrat Musleh-e-Mau‘udra has written in its commentary that the hypocrites also make a lot of claims. But the good way is to practice obedience. Allah the Almighty is commanding that such people should adopt the good way to practice obedience according to the proper standard. Be obedient according to the proper customs. The Prophet is not going to give you a command that is against the shari‘ah and against common sense. For example, the Promised Messiahas says that when you have accepted me, you 94. (al-Nur, 24:54) 178
