In this week’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) spoke about various expeditions in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). One such expedition was led by Hazrat Ghalib bin Abdullah Laithi(ra) towards Fadak.

The expedition of Hazrat Ghalib bin Abdullah Laithi(ra) towards Fadak took place in Sha’ban 7 AH. Hazrat Ghalib(ra) took 30 men with him to face the Banu Murrah, but tragically, all 30 were martyred. Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Zubair bin al-Awwam(ra) along with 200 Muslims to retaliate and not leave those responsible. Hazrat Ghalib(ra) saw the enemy resting and instructed his men to follow his lead and remain united. He emphasized that no two brothers should become separated or unaware of one another’s whereabouts. When the battle began, Hazrat Ghalib(ra) glorified God and the Muslims followed. They ultimately gained the upper hand and secured the spoils of war.

Another expedition was that of Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahb(ra) in Rabi’ al-Awwal 8 AH. He was among the early converts to Islam and had migrated to Abyssinia. Reports reached the Holy Prophet(sa) that the Banu Hawazin were supporting enemies of Islam and looting Muslim allies. Hazrat Shuja’(ra) led the Muslims to victory and obtained spoils of war. He would later be martyred in the Battle of Yamamah.

Hazrat Ka’b bin Umair(ra) was sent towards Dhat al-Atlah in Syria, near Mu’tah, also in Rabi’ al-Awwal 8 AH, with a small group of 15 men. Word reached the enemy of their approach, and they assembled an army. Hazrat Ka’b(ra) invited them to Islam, but they refused and attacked with arrows. The Muslims fought valiantly until they were all martyred, with Hazrat Ka’b(ra) gravely wounded. This news deeply pained the Holy Prophet(sa).

The Battle of Mu’tah occurred in Jamadi al-Ula 8 AH. Hazrat Harith(ra) had been sent with a letter to the governor of Basra but was killed in Mu’tah by Shurahbil Ghassani. This act of treachery led the Holy Prophet(sa) to send an army of 3,000 Muslims led by Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah(ra), with Hazrat Ja’far bin Abu Talib(ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah(ra) as successors if needed. The Prophet(sa) instructed them to maintain high moral standards—no deceit, no killing of women, children, or elderly, no cutting of trees, and no destruction of buildings. The army was to give the enemy three peaceful options before engaging in battle. Just as the Prophet(sa) had foretold, Hazrat Zaid(ra), Hazrat Ja’far(ra), and Hazrat Abdullah(ra) were martyred, and Hazrat Khalid bin Walid(ra) ultimately led the army safely back to Madinah.

Towards the end of the sermon, His Holiness(aba) led the funeral prayers of several devoted members of the Jama’at, highlighting their services and noble qualities. Laeeq Ahmad Cheema was martyred in Karachi on 18 April by a violent mob; he was known for his honesty, prayerfulness, and service to the community. Amatul Musawwar Noori, a granddaughter of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad(ra), was remembered for her patience, piety, and dedication to faith. Hassan Sanugo Abu Bakr, a missionary in Burkina Faso, was praised for his scholarship, devotion, and impact in spreading the message of Ahmadiyyat