1. FRIDAY SERMON DELIVERED BY HADHRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD (ABA) HEAD OF THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY The Syrian Crisis 13 TH September, 2013

2. SUMMARY The situation in the world is bad at present; in particular the Syrian crisis which can involve the whole world. The Promised Messiah as had a Divine revelation “Calamity of Damascus” In 1925, Damascus was bombarded by French forces … and sadly Damascus is a conflict zone again because of its own people! Muslims should try and resolve this conflict according to the teachings of Islam We should all pray for world peace! 13 TH September, 2013

3. The Syrian crisis can spread to the Arab world or even involve the whole world. Sadly, it is not being appreciated that Syrian conflict could lead to a World War. 13 TH September, 2013 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that he has been alerting world leaders and politicians about this.

4. Some eighty eight years ago Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) delivered a Friday sermon on the situation Syria in 1925. Druze tribes wanted independence in 1925, the French air forces bombarded Damascus for 57 hours burning down historical buildings and killing thousands. This fulfilled the Divine Prophecy by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace): ‘Calamity of Damascus’. 13 TH September, 2013

5. Referring to the Divine Prophecy “Calamity of Damascus, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that some Divine revelations are fulfilled more than once. Syria is again facing calamity; it is most regrettable that the current calamity is brought about by Muslims themselves and it is getting worse. The government forces are killing the citizens and the citizens are killing the government forces. Alawis are killing Sunnis and Sunnis are killing Alawis,…... And they are all Muslims Some world powers are backing the Syrian government while others are supporting the rebel forces. This is a most dangerous situation. 13 TH September, 2013

6. Following are some of the sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) about the responsibilities of rulers and public. 13 TH September, 2013 Muslim countries should demonstrate sense of honour even now and act on the teachings of Islam! The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said that on the Day of Judgement the most beloved and the closest to God would be a just and fair ruler and the most disliked and most distant from God would be an unjust ruler. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) advised the public about their unjust rulers: ‘… listen to the rulers and obey them. They are accountable for whatever responsibility has been given to them and you are accountable for whatever responsibility has been given to you.’ The summary of the entire teaching is the last Hadith which states not to be cruel to each other. This is for those who rule, as well as the ordinary people,to follow.

7. May we also be enabled to understand and fulfil our responsibilities! May we always show the world the direction of truth and establish peace. May God protect the world from the horrors and destruction of war! 13 TH September, 2013

8. Please click the following link to view the Friday sermon in full. http://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon