On 18 December 2022, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a virtual online meeting with members of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya (Ahmadiyya Muslim Children’s Auxiliary) and Lajna Imaillah (Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Auxiliary) from Italy.
His Holiness presided the meeting from MTA Studios in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Nasirat joined the meeting virtually from the Bait-ul-Tauheed Mosque in San Pietro In Casale, Bologna, Italy
Following a formal session which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the attendees had the opportunity to ask His Holiness a range of questions regarding their faith and contemporary issues.
One of the girls in attendance asked His Holiness how she should reply to her teacher who asked about the Hijab.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said
“Modest Christian women also emphasize modesty. You should tell your teacher that the Hijab is a sign of modesty. The nuns in Italy, which is a Catholic country, cover their heads as well. In the olden times they all used to do that and even now a majority of the nuns do so and wear a Hijab and a loose and long coat which is a sign of modesty. The dress of Hazrat Mary (peace be upon her) was modest and she covered her hair and wore loose clothing. Tell your teacher that you revere Mary and hold her in extremely high esteem. So, what we are doing is in line with what Mary (peace be upon her) did and so, we wear the Hijab too.”
Another questioner asked how Ahmadi Muslim students should react to those who falsely and unjustly malign the blessed character of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and what they should do when their teachers speak truths about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“You should take a firm stand when such things happen by refuting what they say and telling them that what you are saying about the Holy Prophet is wrong. You should tell them about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the truth of his noble character. I have narrated many facts in this regard when speaking of the lives of the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and so you should narrate those. Indeed, the status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was far higher than that of the companions…The false narrative about the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has been concocted by the orientalists whereby they have forged their own history…You should prepare a lecture about the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life and character and ask your educational institution to let you speak as well. University students should organize seminars in their universities and inform them about the message of Islam. Or you can invite your fellow female friends to the seminar and tell them what the true image of Islam is and its real history, and how it is different from the distorted version of history.”
An attendee said that there are Ahmadi Muslims who recite the Holy Quran but also use foul language or speak in an unconsidered way. She asked what should be done to stop such behavior.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“If they do not correct their morals then what is the benefit in becoming Ahmadi Muslims? This is what the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) stated that ‘If you have entered into my Bai’at, then you must create a link with Allah the Almighty and look after one another. If you don’t take care of each other, then what are the benefits in being an Ahmadi Muslim?’ The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) even said that ‘If you fail to be kind towards each other and look after one another’s sentiments and if you do not serve one another then what is the point in coming to the Annual gathering (Jalsa Salana ) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community?’ In fact, due to his displeasure at some Ahmadi Muslims, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) canceled the Jalsa Salana for a particular year during his lifetime. So, those people who do what you have said, they are completely wrong. They should be told that their behavior is wrong. It does not behove an Ahmadi Muslim that they should behave in that way. Other than that their matter is in the hands of Allah the Almighty.”
A girl asked His Holiness how they can create a love for the Holy Quran and the worship of Allah the Almighty in their hearts.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Always try to bear in mind the countless blessings Allah the Almighty has had upon us. Allah the Almighty has blessed us, He has given us life, and as part of His Graciousness He has granted us so many bounties. He also answers our prayers when we pray to Him for something. He has granted us a book that is so magnificent – the Holy Quran – that encompasses everything and we are blessed and fortunate to read it. So we should read the translation as well so we can understand it and increase our knowledge. As your age increases, so too should you read the translation of the Holy Quran more and read its commentary so that your love for it will increase. Similarly, pray during your daily prayers that Allah the Almighty grants you His love and the love of the five daily prayers. When you develop a love for Allah the Almighty then you will also worship Him so that you can express your gratitude to Him. When you go into prostration, you will then be able to become grateful to Him too.”