By Allāh’s bounty and favour we have entered 2012. May this new year be immensely blessed for you all.

While wishing all members of the Jamā`at a blessed new year, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh V^aa has taught us a very important lesson. He said a truly blessed day is the one in which a person’s repentance is accepted. A truly blessed day is one in which a person achieves spiritual advancement. A truly blessed day is one in which a person is forgiven and is pardoned.

On January 1, 2010 Hudūr said,

“By the grace of Allāh, today is the first day of 2010. On this first day, He has gathered us on a Friday, which is in itself a blessed day… May Allāh make this year and all coming years blessed in every way for each Ahmadī…

For a believer, a year, or a day, is blessed when it is a means toward his repentance being accepted, a means towards his spiritual progress, and a means towards his forgiveness. The Promised Messiah^as has also stated at one instance, that a true ’Eīd, a true day for rejoicing, a truly blessed day is one when a person repents [with full resolve]. A day when he is forgiven and receives pardon [from his sins]. A day that guides a person towards spiritual stations. A day that guides a person towards the paths of spiritual progress. A day that brings ones attention towards the rights owed to Allāh and those owed to his creation. A day that brings ones attention towards utilizing all of one’s qualities and abilities to achieve the pleasure of Allāh. A day which invites one to practically endevour to achieve nearness to Allāh.

May this year and every following year also, bring every type of goodness, while safeguarding the Jamā`at, and members of the Jamā`at from grief and difficulties.” (Al-Fadl International Weekly – January 22, 2010)

This announcement was published in Jan 2012 issue of Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada