My First Handshake with Huzoor

Abdul Qudus Yahya

I was one of the 100 Ansar who went to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his helper) during the ALC 2016. During my visit, I experienced love, witnessed the acceptance of prayer, and expressed my gratitude to Allah’s grace and mercy for selecting me for this blessed journey.

This was my first religious trip to London, UK. It cemented my faith in Allah, Prophet Mohammed (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him), the Promised Messiah and the Mahdi (may peace be on him) and Khulafa.

I experienced unconditional love from my Ansar brethren during this trip. Love that no amount of gold and silver can bring about among people of different hues and backgrounds. The hugs, the pictures, the memories. While the cameras might have captured some of these moments, but the imprint that is left on my heart is most adorable and endearing.

I will never forget when Huzoor shook my right hand and held on, firmly, to my shoulder. It was like Huzoor shouldered all my problems. This was my first ever meeting and a first ever hand shake with Huzoor.

One remembers things he cares about, and Huzoor does care. I was born and raised in Ghana. When I introduced myself that I was from Ghana and Wa, Huzoor named my tribe. This shows Huzoor’s knowledge of his diverse Jama’at.

Huzoor did not ask me for a report but listening to Huzoor’s questions I thought: “How well could I have prepared myself to answer these questions?"

The National Amila of Majlis Ansarullah, USA had prepared but Huzoor’s questions were more profound. It showed that we should make room for Allah. He is the best planner and His representative on earth pointed out how things could have been done differently.

Among the Ansar brothers of our caravan, I felt humility. I witnessed such brothers sleeping among big snorers like myself in one large hall whom Allah has blessed with luxurious private homes. Yet no one complained. They endured every hardship for the sake of Allah. It was a demonstration of “we hear and we obey.”

Before ending my account, I must share the prayers that Hazrat Muslih Mau’ud (may Allah be pleased with him), made when he laid the foundation stone of the Fazl Mosque, London. It cemented my conviction in acceptance of prayer. Hazrat Muslih Mau’ud prayed for the growth of the Jama’at and for the Fazl Mosque to become a sun of spiritual light. Reading this prayer, offered in 1924, left me awestruck.

Seeing Jama’at’s progress today, I bear witness that the prayer of Hazrat Muslih Mau’ud was accepted. Allah has provided the means, prayed for by Hazrat Muslih Mau’ud, in the form of Baitul Futuh which is the largest Mosque in Western Europe. Allah has provided a Jami’a in UK to train missionaries. Allah has provided such great means of hospitality to the Jama’at that a person like me is humbled to even express. As the Holy Qur’an states that we should travel in the world and see the signs of Allah. The sign that I saw on this trip is that Allah provides for His servant from where he expects not.

Allah has also provided dedicated people who are sacrificing their time wealth and honor for the service of religion. The Ansar of London did a marvelous job hosting us. They were always standing by to help. I envy them for their service and goodness.

Finally, Allah granted me a special bounty. On the night before my departure, I was allowed to sleep in a guest house where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V used to stay during his UK visits prior to becoming a Khalifah.

I will never forget this trip.