“And the servants of the Gracious God are those who walk on the earth in a dignified manner, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’ ” (24:56)
Imagine a man who served his people throughout his life; trained them physically and spiritually; took care of their needs; selflessly put others before his own comforts; preached the message of God. However, in return he was treated extremely harshly, litter was thrown at him and he was attacked, pelted with stones, persecuted and excommunicated from his city.
Yet, these things never wore him down.
Not once did he complain about anything. He continued his mission, as commanded by Allah. After years of persecution and harsh circumstances, he was given victory, marching back into his city, peacefully, with 10,000 followers at his side. With such a large gathering, never once did he react with arrogance. With such a monumental victory, he returned to his home as a living embodiment of the aforementioned Qur’anic verse.
Regardless of his bitter persecution or the harsh treatment he was subjected to, he showed an astonishing response; It is undoubtedly stated that in his virtue and being was, and is, the most perfect example of humility and humbleness and one which every Ahmadi, young or old, is asked to adopt.
He was given the news that:
لو لا ک لما خلقت الافلاک
‘If you had not been created, I would not have created the universe.’
But did he show any pride? Not in the slightest!
This blessed and unique man was the greatest of creation the world had ever witnessed; he was Muhammad, the blessed Holy Prophet of Islam (may the peace and blessings of God be on him).
He was and is the Khatam al-Nabiyyeen, Seal of the Prophets, yet he was never boastful. He was referred to as the Mercy for Mankind. He was called Awwalul Mu’mineen, the Foremost of the Believers, yet he never spoke of his own self-worth.
Attaining a higher and superior rank over the whole of mankind, yet his gaze would lower in meekness when being addressed by someone older.
Despite all these titles that God has given him, when a Jewish man asserted the higher status of Moses (as) to a Muslim, the Holy Prophet (saw) said: ”Do not give me preference over Moses.”
In his person is the most excellent example. That is why our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) was described by God (33:22) as follows: ‘Verily you have in the Prophet an excellent model’.
The Promised Messiah (as) too, in total adherence, replicated the same manner and discipline as shown by the Holy Prophet (saw). Beloved Huzoor (aba) too, is a living embodiment of this element – how he turns his face in total humility when his praise is being mentioned and despite bearing the workload no one in the world can imagine, he still receives his followers by standing up each time someone enters his office, smiling and shaking hands with everyone in the most serene way possible!
So, my dear brothers and sisters, the Jalsa is a time when thousands of volunteers descend upon this global village to serve in the Garden of the Messiah. Many will want to meet deadlines and work by the hour. Inevitably, tempers will feel rushed and a little agitated but as Huzoor (aba) has repeatedly emphasized, the standards we are setting can only develop to become better and we should always be rushing to vie with one another in good deeds; to embrace each other with love and patience.
