The Purpose of Faith: Developing Righteousness and Closeness to God

The 60th three-day international annual convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was held last weekend in the United Kingdom. It is a unique spiritual gathering that brings people together to strengthen their relationship with God, foster brotherhood, and promote peace.

This year's convention welcomed more than 51,000 attendees from across the world. People gathered to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus on becoming better human beings in an atmosphere that reflects the Community's motto: "Love for All, Hatred for None."

In his inaugural address, the 5th Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, explained the true purpose of the Convention (Jalsa). He said: "The purpose of Jalsa is to develop righteousness and closeness to God."

His Holiness explained that the foundation of Islamic teachings is taqwa (righteousness or God-consciousness), which means having such profound reverence for God that it protects a person from wrongdoing. He quoted the Holy Qur'an: “Surely, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous." (Holy Qur'an 49:14)

Righteousness is not merely an outward display of faith. It is an active state of the heart that remembers God at all times, whether others are watching or not. It is the true measure of honor before God, surpassing race, nationality, or social status.

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), beautifully explained this principle, saying:

"God-consciousness is the root of every virtuous deed. Ultimately, it is this piety—this God-consciousness—that encompasses everything."

His Holiness reminded us that the Holy Qur'an can truly guide us only when our hearts remain filled with the remembrance of God. He warned that today we face even greater challenges due to social media and other worldly distractions that draw us away from our Creator.

He further emphasized that true purification of the soul is achieved by avoiding all forms of evil solely to attain God's pleasure, by obeying His commandments, and by refraining from everything He has forbidden. A true believer constantly strives to adopt virtues and practice them with the love of God, seeking only His pleasure.

Concluding his address, His Holiness highlighted the importance of prayer, explaining that it protects a person from evil, covers shortcomings, and is the means of attaining God's pleasure. May God enable us to continually reflect upon ourselves, strengthen our relationship with Him, cultivate every virtue, purify ourselves from all forms of evil, and constantly strive to attain His pleasure. Amen.