Story by Fadl Rahman Essel, Muhtamim Isha’at, MKA Ghana
Maulvi Mustapha Usman, a missionary serving at the Wasiyyat Secretariat, National Headquarters, has emphasized the crucial link between obedience to authority and the concept of Taqwa (righteousness).
He said this in a speech delivered during the 42nd Annual National Ijtema’a of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ghana, where he highlighted the significance of these principles in fostering unity and spiritual growth within the Ahmadiyya community.
Opening his address with verses from the Holy Quran, Maulvi Mustapha Usman quoted Surah Al-Nur (24:54) to underscore the importance of actual obedience to what is right, rather than mere oaths of allegiance.
Taqwa and Its Significance
Maulvi Mustapha Usman delved into the concept of Taqwa, emphasizing its meaning as "forbearance, fear, and abstinence." He explained that Taqwa involves being prepared to face all forms of difficulties and trials for the sake of Allah, always keeping in mind His pleasure and commandments.
Citing the Promised Messiah's conditions of Bia’at, he emphasized the need to remain faithful to God in all circumstances, be it in times of sorrow, happiness, adversity, or prosperity.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Taqwa means giving precedence to the pleasure of God over everything else, recognizing God as One and Incomparable, and paying both God's rights and the rights of His creation.
Obedience to Authority
Transitioning to the topic of obedience to authority, Maulvi Mustapha Usman elucidated that obedience encompasses compliance, submission, duty, respect, and deference. He emphasized that the Holy Quran marks true believers as those who say, "We hear and we obey."
The speaker stressed that obedience to authority is incumbent on Ahmadi Muslims, particularly to the Nizam-e-Jama’at (The Jama’at System). He reminded the participants of the 10th Condition of Bai’at, which requires obedience to everything good for the sake of God, comparing it to worldly relationships.
Maulvi Mustapha Usman urged the participants to practice obedience to the Nizam-e-Jama’at, as it ensures the unity and harmony of the community.
Respect and Prayers for Those in Authority
Maulvi Usman made an appeal for respect and prayers for those in authority as they are not perfect. He reminded the participants of the sacrifices made by officers and servants within the Nizam-e-Jama’at and encouraged members to strengthen the system through active participation.
Maulvi Mustapha Usman also called for the separation of personal differences from obedience to authority and called on all to settle their individual differences. He quoted ahadith which underscored the importance of maintaining respect and obedience even in the face of perceived injustices.
In closing, the speaker linked obedience to authority to progress and spiritual growth, asserting that the level of obedience directly affected the pace of advancement in both divine and worldly matters.
