By Ehtesham Arif

Khilafat (caliphate), in Arabic, means a successor. In Islamic terms, the Khalifa (caliph) is the one who succeeds the prophet. Khilafat is essential as a prophet does not live forever, therefore Allah ordains for his Khulafa (caliphs) to continue the legacy and spiritual blessings of the prophet.

It is clear from the Holy Qur’an that only Allah can establish Khilafat and choose the Khalifa. Surah al-Nur, verse 56 emphatically declares this and none can rebuke it.

There are great blessings that Allah promises with Khilafat and Allah continues to express these blessings for Islam through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Khilafat.

For example, 75 translations of the Quran have been produced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to date, of which 50 are available online for everyone to view. These translations are also spread throughout the world and even non-Ahmadi Muslims greatly benefit from them.

Today, Huzoor (aba) travels the world with authority and conviction in what he preaches and says. Huzoor (aba) has stood up on world stages and conveyed the message of Islam in clear words and in a beautiful manner.

During Jalsa Salana UK, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih (aba) blesses his followers with his august presence. Usually, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih (aba) would inaugurate the Jalsa proceedings through a flag hoisting ceremony, and would also bless his followers by addressing them during the Jalsa Salana several times over the span of three days.

Huzoor (aba) also blesses the guests of the Promised Messiah (as) who have come for the purpose of Jalsa Salana, and spends his time meeting as many as possible through mulaqats [private audiences]. Many non-Ahmadi dignitaries and parliamentarians also visit Jalsa Salana UK and are fortunate enough to hold private audiences with Huzoor (aba) despite his busy schedule.

Traditionally, Huzoor (aba) addresses his follower’s multiple times throughout Jalsa Salana UK. After the flag hoisting ceremony, Huzoor (aba) delivers a Friday Sermon. The following day, Huzoor (aba) addresses the Lajna Imailah [auxiliary organisation for women] and also holds an address for the guests and dignitaries, welcoming them to the Jalsa Salana. Finally, during his concluding address, which takes place on the third day of Jalsa, Huzoor (aba) speaks on the progress of the community throughout the previous year.