His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has consistently noted the teachings of gratitude from the Holy Prophet (sa) while also demonstrating these principles through his own conduct. This emphasis on gratitude as a path to blessings is a core tenet, according to these teachings. The Promised Messiah (as) similarly grasped and embodied these lessons of thankfulness, establishing an enduring example for contemporary adherents. He instructed his children that expressing gratitude to God leads to receiving further divine benevolence. This principle was illustrated through a narrative he shared with them, involving a bald man and a blind man, showing how thankfulness for blessings can result in additional divine favor.
The Promised Messiah's Teachings
The Promised Messiah (as) wrote that the enumeration of God Almighty's bounties is an impossible task. He further conveyed that when an individual reflects on the faith bestowed by God, they come to understand that Allah alone is deserving of all praise. According to the Promised Messiah (as), God Almighty dispatched a Heavenly Light for the universal good, with the purpose of demonstrating Islam's supremacy, promoting the light of the Holy Prophet (sa), assisting Muslims, and purifying their inner condition. This divine intervention was a testament to God's boundless mercy and His desire for humanity's spiritual upliftment.
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that God Almighty made a promise to forever remain the Guardian of the Qur’anic teaching. He also affirmed that God Almighty would continue to raise a servant at the beginning of every century to revive His Religion. This promise ensures the perpetual renewal and protection of divine guidance for mankind. The Promised Messiah (as) declared himself to be the one sent at the appointed time for the reformation of mankind, ensuring that the Faith could be firmly established afresh within hearts. He wrote that individuals should express gratitude to God for His timely aid and for establishing this dispensation. This gratitude acknowledges the profound mercy of God in sending a reformer when the world was in dire need of spiritual revival.
According to the Promised Messiah (as), no individual can expound any matter with full strength in a rightful manner without God's support. This notes the absolute reliance on divine assistance for any meaningful spiritual endeavor. He stated that Islam represents a magnificent bounty and possesses a philosophy that cannot be truly realized through mere lip service. The depth and truth of Islam require sincere engagement and understanding, not just superficial adherence. The Promised Messiah (as) further wrote that God Almighty demonstrated His power by creating all souls and bodies without any preexisting matter or substance. This act of creation from nothingness showcases God's infinite power and sovereignty. He also explained that God manifested His grace by imparting knowledge to and perfecting the morals of prophets without the need for a teacher or mentor. This divine education of prophets is a unique aspect of God's grace, enabling them to guide humanity with pure knowledge and exemplary conduct. Additionally, the Promised Messiah (as) detailed that God provided for physical sustenance through natural elements such as the sun, moon, clouds, and winds. These natural phenomena are constant reminders of God's provision for all creation, sustaining life on Earth.
Exemplars of Divine Grace
The Promised Messiah (as) cited the example of Miyan Abdul-Haqq, who abandoned a life of luxury to visit Qadian, as evidence of God's grace overcoming obstacles. Miyan Abdul-Haqq's journey was a powerful illustration of how divine attraction can lead individuals to sacrifice worldly comforts for spiritual truth. He also expressed gratitude for the souls gifted by God who foster brotherhood and join the movement established by God. These individuals, through their dedication and unity, become pillars of the community and instruments for the propagation of the faith. The Promised Messiah (as) specifically mentioned Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddin (ra) as a spiritual brother who rendered religious services by spending lawfully acquired wealth for the propagation of Islam. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddin (ra)'s financial sacrifices were a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam. He further stated that Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddin (ra) did not hesitate to sacrifice his life and honour for this cause. This level of devotion exemplifies the ultimate commitment to one's faith, placing the service of God above all personal considerations.
According to the Promised Messiah (as), God satisfied spiritual needs by sending down the Torah, Gospels, Qur'an, and other heavenly Books. These divine scriptures serve as sources of guidance and spiritual nourishment for humanity across different epochs. He invoked blessings upon Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sa), his progeny, and companions. This invocation reflects the profound respect and love for the Holy Prophet (sa) and his blessed household and companions, who were instrumental in establishing Islam. The Promised Messiah (as) described Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sa) as a teacher, benefactor, healer, physician, light disseminator, and miracle-worker. These multifaceted roles highlight the full nature of the Holy Prophet (sa)'s mission, addressing the spiritual, moral, and physical ailments of humanity. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins, sincere love for God, and refuge from punishment and calamities. These prayers encapsulate the yearning for divine mercy, spiritual purity, and protection from all forms of adversity.
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that God bestowed a religion that serves as a means of attaining knowledge of God and the fear of God, a religion he considered unmatched in any age. This emphasizes the unique and profound spiritual insights offered by Islam, leading to a deep understanding and reverence for the Creator. He viewed Ramadan falling in winter as a blessing because fasts are less taxing and allow for more work to be done during the day. This perspective reveals a practical appreciation for divine arrangements, recognizing ease and opportunity even in religious observances. The Promised Messiah (as) expressed gratitude to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddin (ra) for helping to alleviate people's pain and to God for bestowing that ability. This dual gratitude acknowledges both the human instrument and the divine source of benevolence, recognizing that all good ultimately originates from God.
The Eternal Cycle of Blessings
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes the importance of gratitude, stating: "If you are grateful, I will, surely, bestow more favours on you; but if you are ungrateful, then know that My punishment is severe indeed" (14:8). This divine declaration shows a fundamental principle regarding the relationship between thankfulness and divine benevolence. Ingratitude to Allah the Almighty, according to Islamic teachings, can lead to the withdrawal of blessings that have been bestowed. This notes a continuous cycle where acknowledgement of divine favor is depicted as essential for its continuation and increase. When a person fails to recognize and appreciate the blessings they have received, they risk losing them. Conversely, a grateful heart opens the door to an abundance of further divine gifts. The teachings of the Promised Messiah (as) and the example of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) consistently reinforce this profound truth, guiding believers towards a life characterized by deep appreciation for God's endless bounties. This spiritual posture of gratitude is not merely a verbal expression but a state of heart that influences one's actions, leading to greater devotion and service. The understanding that every blessing, whether spiritual or material, originates from God, fosters a continuous connection with the Divine. This connection, nurtured by gratitude, becomes a source of strength and contentment, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) is scheduled to lead the funeral prayer in absentia for Hafiz Shahbaz Ahmad, a missionary who served in Ivory Coast. Hafiz Shahbaz Ahmad was characterized by numerous positive attributes during his lifetime and service. He was described as hospitable, kind, and sociable, reflecting his ability to connect with people. His commitment to his faith was evident in his devotion to Khilafat and his dedication to serving the faith. These qualities made him an approachable and effective ambassador of his faith, fostering goodwill and understanding among those he served.
Hafiz Shahbaz Ahmad's profile also included qualities such as patience and a strong passion for propagating Islam and Ahmadiyyat. His patience allowed him to persevere through challenges, while his passion fueled his tireless efforts in spreading the message of peace and truth. His work ethic was noted; he was described as hard-working and diligent. This dedication ensured that his missionary efforts were thorough and impactful. He was recognized for being virtuous, wise, and perceptive. These intellectual and moral strengths enabled him to understand and address the diverse needs of the communities he served. A quieter aspect of his character was his helpfulness, indicating a practical and supportive demeanor in his missionary work. These characteristics collectively portray a dedicated individual whose life exemplified service and commitment to his religious duties, leaving a lasting legacy of spiritual dedication and community upliftment in Ivory Coast. His life serves as a testament to the power of embodying the teachings of gratitude and service, much like the examples set by the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Promised Messiah (as). His passing is a loss for the community, but his exemplary life continues to inspire those who knew him and learned of his devotion.