By A. Abdul Aziz

 Stand ever ready to wipe away the tears of those who are in distress or hurting in any way” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 31 October 2021, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith inspiring address to conclude the International Conference of the charity Humanity First.

The 2-day event, which was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London and then in Islamabad, Tilford on Sunday was themed as ‘Poverty alleviation through empowerment’.

The Humanity First Silver Jubilee conference, delayed a year due to COVID-19, was attended either physically or virtually by more than 1200 people, comprising Humanity First delegates and members from over 60 countries around the world.

The Gist of keynote address that covered the objectives of Humanity First, outlining its mission to serve those in need. by Ahmadiyya Head as below:

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad first mentioned that Humanity First International was unable to hold its conference last year, and that this year marked 26 years since its inception.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

It has now been 26 years since Humanity First was first formally registered and, with the Grace of Allah, ever since its inception, Humanity First has continued to grow and develop and has conducted a lot of impactful work in many parts of the world. It has served in some capacity or other in over sixty countries, including in the Americas, Europe, throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.”

His Holiness mentioned some of the humanitarian initiatives carried out by Humanity First across the planet including providing water, education and sustainable skills projects in underdeveloped countries.

His Holiness also mentioned that Humanity First had progressed and developed so much over the past few years that it had now started to be a globally recognized institution.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

 By the Grace of Allah, Humanity First is now a very well established and well-respected international charitable organization. Indeed, Humanity First has now reached the stage where external NGOs or similar humanitarian organizations are seeking to partner and collaborate with it to fulfil their own charitable obligations and objectives.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: 

It reflects the fact that Humanity First has earnestly strived to fulfil that noble objective which Allah the Almighty has commanded us to pursue in the Holy Quran – and which ought to be the life-long objective of a Muslim – to serve humanity and to fulfil the needs of those who are facing any adversity.”

His Holiness explained that this objective is one vouchsafed to Muslims through the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

There are countless traditions and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that illustrate how he spent his entire life serving mankind and striving to inculcate the same spirit of sympathy for others within his followers. Certainly, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was an everlasting source of mercy for mankind and through his blessed words and deeds, he shone an illuminating and everlasting light upon the magnificent teachings of Islam and demonstrated that serving mankind is an inherent and truly fundamental part of our faith.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

Islam teaches that one’s neighbours have great rights upon them. Muslims have been taught that they must treat their neighbours with grace and compassion and be ever ready to help them in their times of need and grief… Furthermore, the definition of a ‘neighbour’ in Islam is extremely vast and far-reaching. It not only includes people who live nearby, but also includes people who live much further afield, a person’s travel companions, work colleagues, subordinates and many others besides.”

His Holiness also spoke about the need to look after and support the orphans, the sick and the needy in society.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: 

On one occasion, whilst speaking about fulfilling the rights of mankind, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (peace be upon him) said: ‘To love mankind and to show compassion to others is an immense form of worship of God Almighty and an outstanding means of attaining His pleasure and rewards.’

Enlightening us on how to serve humanity, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Allah the Almighty repeatedly commands that, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, you should show love and compassion to all people.’ Allah commands us to feed the hungry, free those shackled in bondage, pay off the arrears of those mired in debt, shoulder the burdens of others and truly fulfil the duties owed to mankind.”

Nearing the end of his address, His Holiness told Humanity First to look to the future and to ensure that it continues to progress.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Certainly, I am pleased that the workers and volunteers of Humanity First throughout the world are serving with great zeal and determination and a true spirit of service and devotion. It is my prayer that this spirit never diminishes but only ever increases.”

The Conference concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness.

Prior to His Holiness’ address, Chairman Humanity First International, Ahmad Yahya presented a report of the works of Humanity First over the past 26 years.

Humanity First” – Its Mission is to serve disaster struck and socially disadvantaged individuals and families in the poorer communities of the world.

Founder: Mirza Tahir Ahmad – 4^th Khalifa of the World-wide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam.

Founded: 1994