Today the Annual Convention of Qadian is taking place, and at the same time several other countries are also holding their Annual Conventions. This Khutba is being used as the inauguration of these Conventions, which also include some African countries. There was a time when only in Qadian the Convention would took place. After partition, the Annual Convention also started in Pakistan. Later, the Government of Pakistan outlawed the holding of the Annual Convention, depriving thousands from the blessings of this spiritual gathering. The enemies of Ahmadiyyat did not consider that while they may be able to instigate physical prohibitions upon us, they will never be able to inhibit our spiritual inclinations. These bans could never remove the love we have deep rooted in our hearts for the Holy Prophet (peace be on him). Whereas these Muslims who also recite the same Kalima will never be able to remove the love of the Kalima from our hearts.

The month of December brings about a nostalgic emotional state in the hearts of Ahmadis in Pakistan. May Allah comfort these emotions and the pangs of pain are one day replaced so that they too are able to hold again their Annual Convention in Pakistan and partake in this blessing. Our enemies do not understand, that in fact the Convention started in Qadian first, and then in Pakistan. Today, by the Grace of Allah, Conventions are being held in every country where Ahmadis have spread. Political and religious leaders around the world have acknowledged our Conventions as a source of true and real guidance.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said do not think that this Convention is an ordinary gathering. “The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits; they may enhance their knowledge and - due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted - their perception [of Allah] may progress...."

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that the Annual Convention is based on Divine decree. Soon many communities will join in this Convention and all erroneous beliefs will be rectified, leaving nothing but the pure teachings of the Holy Quran. Now our Conventions throughout the world are fulfilling this prophecy of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). Today we witness that 31 countries from around the world are joining in this Annual Convention with Qadian. Our enemies are fools and do not realise that the Annual Convention is the Decree of Allah.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) gave valuable advice to those attending the Convention. Have Taqwa, display a sense of brotherhood, keep away from idle gossip, display high morals, and sacrifice your comforts for the sake of others, as was the example of the companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah on him). Hudhur (Allah strengthen his hands) then read some extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (peace on him).

Only those can be counted in our Jamaat who give precedence to their religion over worldly affairs. Mere words of allegiance are not enough, it is necessary to understand the spirit of your Bai’at. Endeavour to bring about a spiritual change within yourselves. It is your spiritual progress that is more pleasing to Allah.

The Holy Quran says that whosoever killed a person without justification it shall be as if he had killed all mankind. Likewise if anyone is not compassionate to his brother is as if he has not shown compassion to the whole world. During the Convention, cooperate fully with the organisers who work very hard. Do not harbour any misgivings on any inconvenience, instead bear it cheerfully and with patience. Bring your own beddings, and inform in advance the organisers of the Convention of your intention to attend. Keep away from worldly gains and be focussed on the spiritual aspects of the Convention. During the Convention, seek the blessings of Allah, and continue to pray for its success, and for Khilafat and for your steadfastness. Pray also for the protection against the mischief of the enemy. Finally, Hudhur announced the funeral absentia of one of our missionaries, Shamsheer Sookia Sahib.