Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Recorded on 13th January 2017. Some people claim that religion limits their personal freedoms. In the Holy Quran, Allah has said وما جعل من دین حرج which means that Allah has not made anything outstandingly difficult in the matters of religion. The very purpose of religion is to remove our troubles and difficulties. Some matters seem small, but produce horrific results if left unchecked. For example, in this age, we see that nudity or nakedness has become common among men and women. It is natural that this also impacts our children. There are Ahmadi women who question that why can’t we dress like the women of these societies? Firstly, we should remember that if we want to stay on our faith, then we must follow its teachings. The Holy Prophet(saw) has taught us that Haya or modesty is part of faith. About Pardah, the Promised Messiah(as) said that these days people are supporting the European ideas of freedom of men and women. In reality, due to such freedoms of women, sin has become widespread and men have become like wild animals. Hudhur(aba) said that looking at vices in society today, each word of the Promised Messiah(as) is being proved to be true. Therefore, to safeguard ourselves and our children, Ahmadis should follow the teachings of Islam in their entirety. Huzur said that an Ahmadi girl wrote to me to seek permission if she can work in a bank without her Hijab. In reality, many Ahmadi girls and women have such questions. Huzur said that I had given a limited permission, but it was only for doctors and such girls who are in research. Sometimes, the doctors and researchers in a lab cannot fully function with traditional purdah and their own clothing is also loose. A job in a bank isn’t for the service of mankind and therefore such an exception cannot be made. We should always remember that modest dressing is important and vital for having modesty. Hudhur said that in the name of freedom of expression, the opposing forces are trying their best to do away with the teachings of religion. But we should remember that the community of the Promised Messiah(as) has been given the responsibility to serve the true faith in this age. We are not going to fight them, rather deal with them with wisdom. We should also pray that may Allah help us. If we are upon truth and we certainly are, then know that we will be victorious. The Jihad in this age isn’t of sword, rather against one’s self. Ahmadis living in Western nations should come forward to serve their countries. When this happens, such satanic forces will automatically vanish away. We should know that these are dangerous times and we cannot be saved if we let go of our moral and religious teachings. Do not think that our progress is linked with the progress of these nations. Their morals are now such that it will bring about their downfall, Therefore, out of sympathy, we should guide them according to our teachings. Hudhur explained in detail the teachings of Pardah in Islam for both men and women and the wisdom behind each commandment. It is important for men to observe the Pardah of eyes meaning lowering their gaze in front of women and important for women to observe Pardah from all men who are non-Mahram or not directly related to her. May Allah enable all of us to follow the teachings of Islam. Twitter: @muslimtv Instagram: @mta_international Facebook: @tv.mtainternational Official MTA Website: http://www.mta.tv/ © Copyright MTA International