The Love of the Khalifa for the

takes place through the consultation of people, in actuality, it is the hidden hand of God that guides the election process, and this is the true philosophy of the Islamic Khilafat. Apparently, the believers hold an election, but in truth, it is the Power of God which manifests itself. In other words, just as in the case of a Messenger or divinely appointed individual, although God does not physically reveal Himself, His hidden cords pull the hearts of people to the individual who is most worthy of Khilafat.5 In these circumstances, with relation to religious Khulafa’, even though their election apparently takes place through a system of consultation, an appointment for a fixed term, or deposition after an election is absolutely out of the question. It is for this reason that Allah has declared those people who do not render obedience to such Khulafa or disobey them after having sworn allegiance to them as being rebellious. Even if a person contemplates in terms of rationality, the appointment of a religious Khalifa cannot be limited to a fixed-term, nor should the question of his deposition arise after an election, because the foundation of a religious relationship is based on faith and loyalty.

A religious Khalifa holds the position of an Imam, and though he is bound by the commandments of the Shari‘at, and is not entitled to the right of alteration in any respect, but the task of its elaboration and implementation is entrusted to him. The task of religious governance is solely in his hand, and as far as actions are concerned, he is considered to be an example for the community. Therefore, to declare this spiritual relationship as being limited to a fixed term or to make it lawful for people to severe a relationship of this nature is completely in contradiction with the spirit of religion. As a result of this, the fundamental purpose of spiritual relation, and the Bai‘at and company of righteous saints is lost completely. In this manner, the door to unreasonable freedom in religion is opened, the final result of which is nothing other than disbelief and irreligion.

However, in contrast to this, the issue of secular rulers is completely different. The basis of one’s relation to them is not on faith and sincerity; rather, it is based merely on political wisdoms, and nor do any religious disorders arise directly as a result of their election to a term in office or deposition. Therefore, with respect to merely political leaders, Islam has not prescribed any restriction in particular. Instead, people have been left free to limit the elections of their political leaders to a fixedterm if they deem it necessary, or strive to dismiss them in an appropriate manner if they feel it is necessary in extreme circumstances.

(The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets (May Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon him)’, Volume II, By Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad M.A., p.545-548)

References

1 * Ṣaḥiḥul-Bukhari, Kitabul-Aḥkam, Babul-Istikhlaf, Ḥadith No. 7218 * Ṣaḥiḥu Muslim, Kitabul-Imarati, Babul-Istikhlafi Wa Tarkihi, Ḥadith No. 4713-4714 2 And Allah knows best [Publishers] 3 An-Nur (24:56) 4 * Ṣaḥiḥul-Bukhari, Kitabul-Aḥkam, Babul-Istikhlaf, Ḥadith No. 7217 * Ṣaḥiḥu Muslim, Kitabu Faḍa’iliṣṢaḥabati Raḍiyallahu Ta‘ala ‘Anhum, Babu Min Faḍa’ili Abi BakriṣṢiddiqra, Ḥadith No. 6181 5 In light of the political terminology of this day and age, it may be said that in this system, God the Exalted plays the role of a ‘wire puller.’

THE LOVE OF THE Khalifa for the Jama’at By Lubna Waheed

The love between a Khalifa and the people of his community may be confusing to an onlooker or an external observer. It may seem comparable to the love worldly leaders or celebrities have for their fans and followers. However, it must be understood that the love of a Khalifa is no ordinary love. As Ahmadi Muslims, the pull that we feel towards our Khalifa is extremely unique. But what makes it different?

Love is a common aspiration that everyone desires in the world, but the degree of love between a Khalifa and his Jama’at is a more deep-rooted connection. For example, celebrities or worldly leaders can give credit to their fans and supporters for their success. Their work was appreciated and so they gained a following, making them people of influence However, this is not the case for the Khalifa, for he is appointed by God Almighty. His love and sincerity come from God too. He worries about you and prays for your wellbeing. It is a spiritual connection and so cannot be compared to a worldly one. It is the Khalifa who is constantly reminding us to be better in every way to please our Lord.

In a Friday Sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba said:

“Ahmadis are the fortunate ones, for whom the Khalifa of the time constantly worries. There is no difficulty – be it individual or communal – that Ahmadis across the world face and the Khalifa of the time does not address; and to solve it, does not – besides exerting [practical] effort – bow before God Almighty and pray to Him.” (Friday Sermon, 6 June 2014)

Allah the Almighty has blessed Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya with the ability and gift to love all beings, whether they are part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at or not. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba is the world’s leading Muslim figue who promotes peace and inter-religious harmony. As a spiritual leader, by tirelessly speaking to the world about the efforts towards peace that we can make as human beings in general and as world leaders in particular, Hazuraba proves his true desire for love, kindness and harmony between all people.

When people pledge allegiance at the hand of the Khalifa and promise to live by the conditions of Bai’at - for the sake of Allah - then naturally, the love of the Khalifa for these people will be magnified There is a mutual desire between both the Khalifa and his people to want to build a relationship.

“And He bound the believers’ hearts to one another in affection [to the point that they were prepared to sacrificetheir blood in place of your sweat, O Prophet]. If you had spent all that which is in the earth, even then you would not be able to bind their hearts in such a manner. But Allah has placed mutual affection between them [and deep love for you]. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Ch.8: V.64, Tafsir-e-Saghir translation by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra)

It is the Khalifa’s desire to want to see members of his Jama’at successful in the true purpose of life just as any parent desires for their child. Hazuraba addresses these millions of people, all around the world in his regular speeches; inspiring, motivating and pushing them towards religious and spiritual progress as well as guiding them to be better people even in the most basic of morals.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once said:

“You have someone who has true sympathy for you; who truly loves you; who considers your pain and sufferings to be his own; and who is always praying to Allah for you.” (Blessings of Khilafat, p.6)

Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh once said:

“I often pray during the sajda [prostration], ‘O God, in respect of those who have written to me, please relieve them of their anxiety, sickness or worries about their examinations. In respect of those who wanted to write to me but could not, please shower Thy Mercy on them as well. And please show Mercy on those who become averse or lazy.’ I say this prayer because I have a relationship with everyone and deep in my heart lies love and affection for all.” (A Glimpse into the Life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh), by BA Rafiq p.10)

“You have someone who has true sympathy for you; who truly loves you; who considers your pain and sufferings to be his own; and who is always praying to Allah for you.”

A day before migrating to London in 1984, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh told members of the Jama’at in Masjid Mubarak, Rabwah:

“I have not gathered you to address you with a formal speech. I simply wished to see you, for my eyes are cooled and my heart is comforted by seeing you. By Allah, I love you more than a mother could love her own child.” (Monthly Khalid, Syedna Tahir Number 2004, p.36)

These are but some examples of the Khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at expressing love for their followers.

The current Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba receives thousands of letters from Jama’at members from all around the world. Alongside taking the time to read each and every one of these letters and sending replies, Hazuraba holds regular personal meetings with these members. He shows a keen interest in every step of every Ahmadi’s life, guiding them in their future aspirations and responsibilities. With honesty and clarity Hazuraba helps members navigate through their lives, giving direction and guidance in matters that members confidein Hazuraba with and questions that