Dear Khuddam

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

An old companion of the Holy Prophet (sa) recalls a sentimental memory. He was casually minding his own business when he happened upon an intriguing sight. He saw for the first time the Holy Prophet (sa) offering congregational prayers with just 4 or 5 of the very early pioneering companions in the open desert of Arabia. Their gracefulness in prayer, bowing in harmony, excited his curiosity and he thought to himself ‘What a marvelous sight!’

But he says a would-be feeling of fondness is spoiled by a profound regret that he did not join the line of prayer. He did eventually join of course, but much later when it had already become a norm in society. He missed that early time in his life and in the life of the ministry of the Prophet (sa). An ​inner voice had spoken to him but he did not take heed.

My dear brothers, Allah has provided you a similar time in the life of our nation where hardly anyone is praying in congregation in your town, your city, your suburb, or your country. You have a chance to be among its earliest pioneers. The Jamaat is launching a ‘Week of Prayer’, starting Monday, February 20th. It is a pledge for congregation prayers not for a week, but for a life. Hadrat Ameerul Momineen (aba) has reminded us that the best Majlis is that which is best in congregational prayers. This is not a new call but one revived from the deserts of Arabia which beckons every listening heart.

May Allah the Almighty enable us to take heed.

والسلام

Bilal Rana
Serving Majlis Khuddāmul Aḥmadiyya