In this week’s Friday Sermon Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) started the Friday Sermon by continuing to speak about significant events in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) in particular the battle of Mu‘tah, a battle fought between Prophet Muhammad and his people (sa) and the byzantine empire. 

His Holiness (aba) stated Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) (Third in Command in the Battle of Mu’tah)  asked the Holy Prophet (ra) to provide him with advice that he could remember through the Holy Prophet (sa), in response the Holy Prophet (sa) informed Hazrat Abdullah (ra) that he would be going to a place where people did not prostrate as much and so he should increase his prostrations while there, in regards to this His Holiness (aba) highlighted this guidance as still being significant in our lives as many countries have forgotten God akin to the area which Hazrat Abdullah (ra) would be travelling to. 

In response to the Holy Prophet’s (sa) guidance Hazrat Abdullah requested further guidance, the Holy Prophet (sa) then further adviced that he should constantly remember God, as this will help him with every facet of life. Before Hazrat Abdullah (ra) left, the Holy Prophet (sa) informed him that if he were ever to wrong ten people, he should not despair (be put off) from trying to do good by even one person.

His Holiness (aba) then said that as Hazrat Abdullah (ra) began to leave, he began crying, after he was asked why, Hazrat Abdullah (ra) replied that he overheard the Holy Prophet (sa) reciting ‘And there is not one of you but will come to it. This is a fixed decree with thy lord’ (19:72) This verse is in regard to disbelievers entering the hellfire and so Hazrat Abdullah (ra) stated that he did not know what his state would be on returning, despite God having stated that believers will not enter the hellfire. 

His Holliness (aba) then stated that the army had set out on a Friday, before the Friday prayer. Hazrat Abdullah (ra) on the other hand delayed his own departure to pray behind the Holy Prophet (sa), having informed the Holy Prophet (sa) about this, the Holy Prophet (sa) responded by stating that nothing could compare to the reward that the army that had already departed would receive. 

Around this time the disbelievers had started to spread News about the Muslim’s Movements, to alert the Christian’s in Syria about the army’s imminent arrival, it is recorded that Shurahbil started gathering an army of 1000 or potentially even 100,000 in Syria. 

Even when the Muslims learned of this, Hazrat Abdullah (ra) still encouraged them to keep on marching forward and instilled the idea that they had to disregard the fear of martyrdom, either they would return martyred or victorious  

When the Muslims drew closer they saw an Army well prepared and well equipped, a fierce battle ensued, within which Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah (ra) was martyred after having fought a brave battle. Hazrat Zaid Ja’far (ra) then took up the flag of Islam, he had been holding the flag in his right hand, when it was cut off, he held the flag in his left hand and eventually once that hand was cut off as well, he held it with his chest and elbow, up until he was martyred, in exchange for their two arms he was given two wings by God and his Soul rose to heaven.  

Next Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) took up the flag and fought until he too was martyred. It is recorded that Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra), Hazrat Ja’far (ra) and Hazrat Zaid (ra) were all buried in the same grave. 

The Muslims gathered around the flag and decided it be given to Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (ra), he then led a charge which led to the disbelieving army being defeated. Hazrat Khalid (ra) then rearranged the army, upon seeing this formation the opposing army assumed reinforcements were coming to help the Muslim’s and so they retreated. 

His Holiness (aba) then concluded by making an appeal in regards to the state of world, especially the current conditions of India and Pakistan, praying to Allah to bring an end to injustice, protect the oppressed and give sense to the government of the world to resolve matters peacefully instead of escalating them. His Holiness (aba) urged for prayers for all of those oppressed in the world, highlighting the negative impact of war on both sides while doing so, as not only soldiers lose their lives, but also innocent civilians and those that are oppressed. 

His Holiness (aba) also briefly covered the life of those who recently deceased. Muhammad Asif sahib (age 19) was martyred after going out at night outside of the village to buy some household necessities, but since the stores in the village were boycotted, he had to travel a hundred meters away from his home, where enemies of Ahmadiyyat, were waiting and opened fire, causing significant blood loss, by the time Muhammad Asif sahib got to the hospital he lost too much blood and passed away. 

His Holiness (aba) highlighted his kind and loving personality and how he was always ready to serve the community as well as being regular in offering his prayers. His Holiness (aba) covered how Muhammad Asif sahib’s sister had seen a dream a few days prior to him passing away in which he was shot. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy, elevate his station, and grant patience to the family. 

His Holiness (aba) said that terrorists and opponents of Ahmadiyyat in Pakistan are only becoming bolder. May Allah swiftly procure the means for them to be brought to task.