13 years ago, when I was introduced to Ahmadiyyat, I had only heard about the very special bond Ahmadis shared with their beloved Khalifa. I was told of people’s accounts which spoke of unparalleled obedience and faith in Khilafat; but most of all I was amazed to see the love that members of this community have for their leader. Being a Hindu, I had not known such affection could exist for a religious leader. It seemed like the kind of love you would only be able to have for your parents. Subsequently, my bond with Khilafat grew as I entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat.
I had only ever seen beloved Huzoor (aba) on MTA until I was fortunate enough to have a mulaqaat with him before my conversion. As I nervously waited for my turn, I tried to think about what I would say. When I finally came face to face with Him, I couldn’t help but notice how radiant his face was. There was a certain glow that wasn’t visible on the TV screen. Huzoor (aba) advised me to keep my research going, which reassured me I was on the right path.
Later that year, I attended Jalsa Salana UK and was completely overwhelmed by the sense of sisterhood all members shared. During the International Bait, I was overcome by that sudden rush of emotions for the first time which I’m sure all of us experience every time. But what really touched me was when I heard our beloved Huzoor (aba) weeping during the silent prayer that followed. My heart was filled with love for Him as in that moment I came to realise how deeply he cared for not only every member of our community but for all of Allah’s creation.
After my conversion we were to move back to Germany and I was afraid I would have little or no support as a new convert as I lived in a small town away from the city where there was hardly any Asian community let alone any jamaat presence. At this point Huzoor (aba) reassured me: ‘Fikar na karein, koi mil jaega.’ (Don’t worry, you will find someone) . So I went ahead with the move to Germany where I contacted the local Jamaat, however the nearest center was an hour’s journey away in the main city and I felt quite distant from the Jamaat. A couple of months had passed and one day I was waiting at a station, when I saw an Asian girl staring at me from across the road. Eventually she crossed over and came up to me and asked, “Are you an Ahmadi?” I answered “YES” as my heart filled with joy and confusion at the same time. She was an Ahmadi too and had got off at the wrong stop across the road from me. It turned out her family lived in the same town as me. They went out of their way to make me feel welcome into the jamaat there. I could not help but think back to Huzoor’s (aba) words at our last meeting. This incident for me proved that our Khalifa is surely chosen by God Almighty and so God Almighty makes sure to bless his every word.
Our beloved Huzoor (aba) meets hundreds of people every day, yet he is able to give everyone the best possible individual advice they need. He spares time and pray for all of us? Even before our letters reach Him, our hearts feel reassured and our issues start resolving. Khilafat is a true blessing from God Almighty. Thanks to our beloved Khalifa, we know there is someone always praying for us, as a mother would for her children. That is why it is so important that we understand this divine gift and hold onto it with as much love and faith as possible so we can gain from its innumerable blessings.
By Saloni Rashid