1989 Conference Speech, by Rashad Khalifa, Ph.D.

The Role of Destiny and Education in Spiritual Growth

Introduction to the Speaker's Message

• The speaker expresses a strong conviction about their message, indicating it is crucial for the audience present.

• They emphasize that destiny plays a significant role in the timing of their speech, suggesting a divine orchestration.

Challenges in Sharing Knowledge

• An attempt to share a schedule was thwarted by rain and lightning, symbolizing obstacles in communication or understanding.

• The speaker draws an analogy between spiritual learning and academic prerequisites, highlighting that deficiencies must be addressed before progressing.

Tests of Faith and Acceptance

• Acknowledges the difficulty of accepting someone as a messenger of God, referring to this as one of the most challenging tests believers face.

• The speaker identifies themselves and others as part of the first generation facing these tests, implying a unique responsibility and honor.

Recognition of Believers' Efforts

• Congratulates those who have accepted their message despite societal norms that suggest otherwise; they are seen as pioneers.

• Mentions specific individuals (Farima and Amir), who overcame traditional beliefs to accept the speaker’s role as God's messenger based on evidence presented.

Generational Differences in Acceptance

• Highlights how children may find acceptance easier due to lack of preconceived notions compared to adults who struggle with belief.

• Reiterates that while children may embrace new ideas quickly, they do not receive equal credit for their acceptance compared to adults who faced greater challenges.

Personal Journey Towards Belief

Reflection on Personal Struggles

• The speaker shares their own journey towards believing in another messenger (Rasha'at Farifa), which took them eight years—indicating personal struggles with faith.

Curiosity Among Followers

• Describes two curious individuals (Perus Karmali being one), emphasizing their desire for deeper understanding about revelations received by the speaker.

Communication Barriers

• Expresses difficulty in conveying complex spiritual experiences to inquisitive followers, leading to feelings of disappointment among them.

Understanding Divine Messengers

Clarifying Misconceptions About Angels

• Discusses Gabriel's role as a divine messenger while addressing misconceptions surrounding his appearance during revelations.

The Nature of Revelation and the Role of Gabriel

Understanding Gabriel's Character

• The artist, Arrohan Amin, discusses human perceptions of Gabriel, emphasizing that he embodies gentleness and respect rather than forcefulness in delivering God's messages.

• Gabriel is portrayed as mild and understanding, contrasting with typical human reactions; he does not demand but rather conveys messages with a profound sense of calmness.

• The speaker describes an overwhelming experience during revelation where his mind is completely taken over by the information being conveyed by Gabriel.

Personal Experience with Revelation

• The speaker reflects on a specific verse from Surah Yaseen (3), which asserts that he is one of the messengers, leading to internal conflict and avoidance due to the weight of this declaration.

• He expresses feelings of being damned like Satan for questioning his role as a messenger, highlighting the struggle between divine communication and personal doubt.

The Announcement Process

• There was no direct order for him to announce his role; instead, it was implied through gentle guidance from God. This indicates a nuanced approach to divine instruction.

• Despite feeling incapacitated during revelations, he acknowledges that there was a destined time for announcing his message.

Challenges Faced During Revelation

• The speaker clarifies that while he felt compelled to preach God's word alone without needing an announcement, external pressures arose during discussions about his role.

• A significant moment occurred at a conference when others speculated about his status as God's messenger, creating tension among attendees.

Confrontation About His Role

• Ismail Barakat expressed anger and determination to confront the speaker directly about whether he is indeed God's messenger. This highlights the intensity surrounding discussions of prophetic roles.

• The speaker recounts praying fervently not to be asked point blank if he was God's messenger due to fear of how he would respond under pressure.

Reflection on Messenger Identity

• In San Francisco, amidst speculation about what constitutes a messenger—specifically receiving scripture—the speaker faced scrutiny regarding his claims.

• Despite feeling determined yet unable to speak up when questioned directly about being God's messenger, this illustrates the complex dynamics between faith and public perception.

Announcement of Divine Message

The Challenge of Sharing the News

• The speaker reflects on the difficulty of announcing their role as God's messenger, expressing concern about how to convey this news to friends and family.

• After a sleepless night, the speaker delivers a sermon (Khutbah) with eloquence, revealing their divine appointment amidst personal anxiety.

• Friends and family seem unfazed by the announcement; they had anticipated it, highlighting a disconnect between the speaker's stress and their reactions.

Reactions from Close Ones

• A humorous moment arises when Ehsan Ramadhan acknowledges the speaker's status but questions if they are aware of it themselves.

• The speaker mentions their daughter's perspective on this revelation being a tough test, indicating familial support amid uncertainty.

The Nature of Belief and Testing

Directness in Addressing Concerns

• The speaker emphasizes honesty in addressing individuals who may not genuinely believe, suggesting that some may face dire consequences for their disbelief.

• During lunch discussions, there is an acknowledgment that challenges remain ahead despite initial positive responses to the announcement.

Understanding Tests of Faith

• The nature of belief is explored; those lacking true faith often fail tests easily due to external influences or doubts.

• An example illustrates how superficial believers can be swayed by negative comments from others, leading them away from faith.

The Importance of True Believers

Sifting Through Hypocrisy

• The necessity for testing believers is highlighted through references to Quranic verses emphasizing that true faith must withstand trials.

• Many individuals appear devout but may falter under pressure; this reveals deeper issues regarding genuine belief versus outward appearances.

Personal Connections with Believers

• The speaker expresses affection for true believers, noting that forming connections with them is one of the privileges of being God's messenger.

• Transparency in communication is encouraged; there should be no mysteries or taboos when discussing faith-related matters.

Challenges Faced by Believers

Recognizing Rare True Believers

• True believers are described as rare treasures within society; many will ultimately reject faith despite exposure to its truths.

Influence of External Voices

• The impact of charismatic yet insincere individuals on potential believers is discussed. Such figures can lead others astray through persuasive rhetoric while lacking genuine commitment to faith.

The Role of Ego in Faith Testing

Arrogance as a Barrier

• Ego is identified as a significant reason why individuals fail tests related to belief. God’s revelations emphasize humility and recognition of shared humanity among all people.

Understanding the Role of God's Messenger

The Nature of Humanity and Divine Messages

• The speaker emphasizes that both humans and God's messengers are not perfect, highlighting the shared human experience in receiving divine information.

• A key verse is referenced: "Manut al Rasul al Khattata Allah," indicating that obeying the messenger equates to obeying God, clarifying that this does not imply idol worship.

• The importance of submission to God's judgment is stressed; true belief requires individuals to seek guidance from the messenger without hesitation.

Personal Encounters with Belief

• An anecdote about a woman named Christina illustrates differing beliefs regarding the messenger's role; she acknowledges respect for the message but denies its divine origin.

• The speaker recounts a similar incident in Vancouver, emphasizing how personal beliefs can shift when discussing faith publicly versus privately.

Warnings Against Misguidance

• The speaker warns against following misleading teachings, citing past experiences where leaders failed to guide their followers towards God alone.

• A cautionary tale about a minister who led his congregation astray by not focusing on God’s teachings is shared as an example of potential pitfalls in faith.

Faith and Relationships with Opponents of God

• A significant verse states that true believers will not befriend those who oppose God and His messenger, regardless of familial ties or close relationships.

• The speaker challenges others' beliefs about God's messenger, asserting that disbelief equates to blasphemy against divine messages.

Judgment and Accountability

• A principle is introduced: "do not search," which is framed as a satanic tactic to discourage inquiry into faith matters.

• Emphasizing accountability, the speaker asserts that one must judge based on both human laws and divine commandments regarding belief and actions.

• The discussion concludes with reflections on personal integrity in conveying messages from God, stressing the seriousness of being truthful in one's faith journey.

Discussion on Representation and Misunderstandings

Importance of Representation

• The speaker emphasizes the need for representation from all sides in discussions, indicating a commitment to inclusivity during the conference.

• A brief interruption occurs as volunteers are requested to assist with transportation, highlighting logistical aspects of the event.

Personal Reflections and Relationships

• The speaker expresses personal feelings towards others involved, mentioning love and concern for their spiritual journey, suggesting a deep emotional connection within the group.

• There is an acknowledgment of past silence from certain individuals in the movement, hinting at underlying tensions or unspoken issues that may need addressing.

Addressing Past Interactions

• The speaker recalls specific instances where kindness was extended to those perceived as disbelievers, raising questions about loyalty and belief systems within their community.

• A narrative unfolds regarding previous visits and interactions with individuals who have differing beliefs, emphasizing hospitality despite ideological differences.

Misunderstandings Among Leaders

• The speaker suggests there has been a misunderstanding among leaders regarding support for disbelievers versus maintaining faith integrity.

• A call for positive communication is made, indicating that misunderstandings can lead to negative outcomes if not addressed properly.

Translation Issues and Divine Guidance

Translation of Religious Texts

• Discussion arises around the accuracy of translations of religious texts, particularly concerning interpretations that could mislead followers.

• The speaker asserts that every word in their translation is divinely inspired, reinforcing their authority on the subject matter.

Stages of Divine Message Delivery

• It is noted that divine messages are delivered in stages; thus, earlier versions may become obsolete over time as understanding evolves.

Human Imperfection and Perception

• The speaker reflects on human imperfection while discussing how perceptions can vary based on individual experiences with divine guidance.

Commitment to Faith Amidst Challenges

Personal Commitment to Support

• A strong declaration is made about unwavering support for the messenger of God despite challenges faced by them or potential misinterpretations by others.

Concerns Over Recent Translations

• An urgent tone emerges regarding discrepancies found in recent translations of religious texts which could pose risks to followers' understanding.

Discussion on Beliefs and Interpretations

The Nature of Knowledge and Mistakes

• A participant reflects on a conversation where they were questioned about their knowledge compared to another individual, emphasizing that everyone can make mistakes.

• The speaker warns about the danger of being labeled an "unbeliever" for pointing out errors, highlighting the risks involved in such discussions.

Concerns Over Division and Unity

• There is a call for unity among believers, referencing the Qur'an's message of one community (Oma), stressing that division is harmful.

• The speaker urges sincerity in discussions about interpretations, suggesting that open dialogue is essential for understanding any changes made.

Importance of Following the Qur'an

• A strong assertion is made regarding adherence to the Qur'an as the sole guide, dismissing practices not rooted in it.

• The speaker critiques previous statements made by another participant that diverged from Qur'anic teachings, advocating for accountability in beliefs.

Reflection on Past Claims

• The discussion revisits claims made last year regarding prophetic events and their implications, questioning their validity based on outcomes.

• An invitation is extended to clarify what significant changes were expected from past predictions, emphasizing transparency in belief systems.

Emphasis on Open Dialogue

• Participants are encouraged to express their thoughts freely within this space, aiming for a supportive environment unlike others they may have encountered.

• A commitment to honesty and support among participants is reiterated while expressing concern over potential negative influences within their community.

Closing Thoughts on Responsibility

• Personal reflections highlight the importance of spiritual integrity and caution against leading others astray through misguided actions or beliefs.

• The session concludes with references to Surah 49 from the Qur'an, underscoring the definition of true believers and acknowledging both blessings and responsibilities tied to faith.

Assessment of Belief and Judgment

The Consequences of Proximity to Truth

• The speaker reflects on an assessment of Christy, suggesting that without God's mercy, she risks being among the most unfortunate on Judgment Day due to her close proximity to truth.

• Emphasizes the danger of being close to the truth, stating there are only two extremes: those who are fortunate and those who are disbelievers, with no middle ground.

The Nature of Belief

• Expresses indifference towards numbers or popularity in belief; instead, he finds joy in the number of believers present.

• Discusses hypocrites who claim belief but lack true faith. They will seek sustenance from true believers on Judgment Day but will be denied.

The Reality of Hypocrisy

• Highlights a conversation between hypocrites and true believers where hypocrites acknowledge their past association but are reminded they were misled by illusions and doubts.

• Stresses that God desires solid believers rather than those filled with doubt. He expresses a wish for everyone to reach the status of "elite of the elite."

Acknowledgment and Encouragement

• Concludes with congratulations to attendees, recognizing them as some of the most important people both in this life and the hereafter.

Open Discussion Invitation

• Invites questions or discussions from attendees, indicating a willingness to address any objections or clarifications needed.