In this week’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) continued to speak about the Conquest of Makkah.

The Victory of Makkah was one of the most magnificent moments in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), filled with the power of divine help, but also deep humility and mercy. After years of persecution, exile, and hardship, the Prophet of Islam (sa) finally returned to the city from which he had been forced to flee. Yet he returned not as a conqueror filled with vengeance, but as a servant of Allah, humble, forgiving, and full of gratitude. The believers who accompanied him were not an army of soldiers but a spiritual community whose hearts were filled with submission to God.

As the Muslims reached a place called Dhi Tuwa, they waited for the arrival of the Holy Prophet (sa). He was riding his camel Qaswa and softly reciting verses of Surah al-Fath, The Chapter of Victory. When he entered Makkah, the people saw his head lowered so much in humility that it touched the saddle. The Prophet (sa) wore a black turban, and his flag was also black. Sitting behind him was Usamah (ra), the son of Zaid bin Harithah (ra), the Prophet’s freed companion, a reminder that this victory was not one of pride but of equality and honour for all believers.

The Prophet (sa) entered the city on the 20th of Ramadan. When asked where he would stay, he replied that he would stay at Khaif Banu Kinanah, the very place where years earlier, the Makkans had made a cruel pact to cut off all ties with Banu Hashim, leaving them to starve in the valley of Shi’b Abi Talib. This choice showed the Prophet’s deep connection to the trials his people had endured and his immense gratitude to Allah for turning the tide of history in their favour.

It was also a Monday – the same day he had left the Cave of Thaur to begin the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. On that day, he had looked back at Makkah with love and sadness, saying that no place was dearer to him, but its people had not allowed him to stay. Now, years later, he returned – not in anger, but in peace. When he arrived, his cousin Hazrat Umm Hani (ra) came to him with a concern: she had granted protection to two of her relatives, but Hazrat Ali (ra) had said they would be killed. The Prophet (sa), however, reassured her that whoever she gave protection to would remain safe. Even in victory, he honoured the promises and values of kindness.

The time had come to purify the Ka’bah. The Prophet (sa) wore his armour, mounted his camel, and entered the Sacred Mosque. Around the Ka’bah stood 360 idols. One by one, he struck them with a staff while reciting the words of the Qur’an: “Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to vanish.” He touched the Black Stone, declared the greatness of Allah, and his companions echoed the cry. He then performed Tawaf (circling) of the Ka’bah, and sent Hazrat Umar (ra) to remove all the images from inside. The Prophet (sa) himself only entered after the images were erased.

Standing near the Maqam-e-Ibrahim, the Prophet (sa) offered two rak‘at of prayer, drank from the blessed well of Zamzam, and used the water for wudu. He ordered the destruction of the largest idol, Hubal. Hazrat Zubair (ra) turned to Abu Sufyan, once an enemy of Islam, and reminded him how he had once glorified Hubal at the Battle of Uhud. Abu Sufyan responded with truth, admitting that if there had been any god besides the God of Muhammad (sa), this day would never have come.

Then came a moment of great peace and mercy. The Prophet (sa) called for the key to the Ka’bah. After entering and praying, he came out and stood at the doorway. He addressed the people—those very people who had once driven him out and persecuted him. What did he do? He forgave them. Just as Prophet Joseph (as) had once said to his brothers, the Holy Prophet (sa) declared, “No blame shall lie on you this day.” This was not just a personal forgiveness; it was a moment that showed the world the true spirit of Islam: justice with compassion, power with humility.

The Prophet (sa) reminded the people of the sacredness of the Ka’bah: no bloodshed, no killing of animals, no destruction of nature. He declared that the most honourable among them were those who were most righteous in the eyes of Allah. The ten thousand Muslims who accompanied the Prophet (sa) that day acted like angels—disciplined, obedient, pure in their hearts. Just as the idols of stone were destroyed, so too must believers remove the idols from their hearts. For Allah says, “He indeed truly prospers who purifies it.”

At the end of his Friday sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) announced the funeral prayers of two members of the Jama’at.

Syeda Lubna Ahmad sahiba, wife of Syed Maulood Ahmad sahib, lived a life of quiet piety. From a young age, she supported her father during his service in Ghana, even helping him during operations by holding the torchlight. She continued her devotion despite health difficulties, listening to the Holy Qur’an online when her vision weakened. She was known for her simplicity, her adaptability, and her love for family. May Allah grant her forgiveness and elevate her status in Paradise.

Naz Moon Bibi Zubair sahiba of Germany, wife of Muhammad Shafi Zubair sahib. She was a woman of strong faith, unshakeable even during her illness. She kept her prayers even when sick and had a deep connection with Khilafat. She was gifted with true dreams and was deeply loved by her family. She treated her daughters-in-law as her own and lived a life of sincerity and trust. May Allah grant her mercy and accept her prayers for her children.