On 6 June 2014, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered his weekly Friday Sermon in Frankfurt.

During his hour-long address, His Holiness addressed the differences between the Institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) and secular or other forms of leadership.

His Holiness categorically rejected the accusation that Khilafat could be considered similar to a dictatorship. He said that whilst worldly interests and a desire for power consumed dictators, the Khalifa of the Time had entirely spiritual objectives.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Whilst worldly leaders have secular goals, the purpose of Khilafat is to draw the attention of all people towards fulfilling each other’s rights. It is to instil a spirit amongst Ahmadi Muslims of giving precedence to their faith over all worldly matters and Khilafat makes every effort to peacefully establish the Unity of God in the world.”

Continuing, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Let me make it clear to every Ahmadi Muslim, every youth and every person that Khilafat and dictatorship have no link whatsoever… There is no compulsion in religion and so when a person willingly and entirely of his own volition accepts Ahmadiyyat then for the sake of the religion it is necessary to fulfil that pledge.”

Speaking of the unique relationship between the Khalifa and Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Which leader or dictator is there who keeps a personal connection with each of his citizens? On the other hand the Khalifa of the Time maintains a personal connection with Ahmadi Muslims from amongst every race and from all parts of the world. It is Khilafat alone that cares for and feels the pain of every Ahmadi Muslim and prays for them.”

Speaking of his own love and connection with the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community across the world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: 

“Before sleeping at night there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake. I am not doing any favour because this is my duty and may Allah enable me to ever increase in assuming my responsibilities. The only reason I have said this is to make it clear that there can be no comparison between Khilafat and other worldly or secular leaders.”