Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community addresses female Muslim youth event (Waqf-e-Nau Ijtema) in London

Hazrat Mirza Masroor says up to Muslim youths to be firm in faith and to try to spread Islam's true and peaceful teachings

On 27 February 2016, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the Annual Ijtema (gathering) of the National Waqf-e-Nau Girls Department of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK.

The event took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London and was attended by over 1500 people, including almost 1,000 female members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.

During the Ijtema workshops, academic competitions and discussions took place on a variety of contemporary issues. Five girls who had committed the entire Holy Quran to memory also received prizes from His Holiness for their outstanding achievement.

During his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad reminded the audience of the immense responsibilities placed upon Waqfat-e-Nau members because they have willingly devoted themselves for the sake of propagating the true teachings of Islam.

Mentioning the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities in light of the teachings of the Holy Quran, His Holiness quoted chapter 23, verse 9 which defines true believers as those "who are watchful of their trusts and covenants".

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"As members of that fortunate group of people, who even amongst the believers, have pledged to fulfil their trusts and covenants above all others, you must realise the gravity and importance of your responsibilities. You are the people who have devoted your lives for the sake of your faith. You are the people who have pledged to forgo worldly pleasures for the sake of God Almighty."

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

"As you go about your daily lives, you should not look at which direction the world is moving in and you should not have any complex about the country or culture you are living in. Nor should you be unduly influenced by the latest trends or fashions. Rather, you must pay attention to what your responsibilities are."

His Holiness said it was the responsibility of members of Waqfat-e-Nau to further the mission of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"What was the mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him)? It was to bring mankind closer to God Almighty and to establish the rights of one another. It was to enlighten the world of the true teachings of Islam – through his words, deeds and conduct. It was to spread the true message of Islam to the corners of the globe."

His Holiness said that in the modern era people were moving away from God and increasingly viewed religion as something that was to be mocked or ridiculed.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"It is in such a challenging climate, that you must learn your faith and be firm in your conviction of its truth. You must build a personal connection with God, so that you can prove His existence to others and so you can demonstrate that He continues to listen to those who seek Him."

His Holiness said Waqfat-e-Nau girls should also look to morally reform their society through education.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"You must educate society about what is right and what is wrong. For example, it is your duty to explain to others that promoting immodesty, in the name of so-called freedom, is a means of lowering human values, rather than raising them. It is a means of reducing self-respect, rather than increasing it. You must prove that religious people are those who exhibit the very best moral standards."

Citing examples of how the Holy Quran sets out guidance for creating a peaceful society, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"In the Quran, Allah the Almighty says that a believer must take care of the poor and should feed the hungry. Allah the Almighty says that a person should be willing to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Allah the Almighty says that a person should avoid all forms of arrogance and ill-thinking of others. Allah the Almighty says that a person must always hold firm to the truth and save himself from all forms of falsehood."

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

"Allah says that a person should show gratitude to both Him and to His Creation. Allah the Almighty says that a person should manifest forgiveness and should exhibit patience and forbearance as much as possible. Similarly, Allah the Almighty has given many other commandments and if we act upon them we will purify and beautify our society in the very best manner."

Advising the Waqfat-e-Nau, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"Always remember that it is a great responsibility on your part to forever give precedence to your faith over all worldly matters. If you become too involved in the latest fashion trends you will naturally move away from religion. Similarly, if you become consumed by worldly interests or pursuits, your faith will suffer and become of secondary importance to you. Thus, I repeat, that you must each understand your personal responsibility as a member of Waqfat-e-Nau."

Drawing the attention of the attendees towards carefully choosing their future careers, His Holiness said there is a particular need for Ahmadi Muslim women to become doctors, teachers, journalists and graduates in the field of media. Thus, those who were interested in these fields should try to pursue such avenues and paths.

Addressing the need for members of Waqfat-e-Nau to set a positive example for other members of society Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

"You should think about your faith and your pledge and you should not be adversely influenced by school-friends towards worldly or immoral things. Your goal and ambition should always be to please Allah the Almighty and you should understand that it is your task to reform others. Instead of following the trends, our Ahmadi girls should set the trends of goodness and morality for others to follow."

Concluding, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed:

"May the members of this blessed scheme come to fulfill that noble purpose for which their parents devoted their lives. May they forever live their lives according to the beautiful teachings of the Holy Prophet (sa). May Allah the Almighty bless the members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme in all respects. Ameen"

The event concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness.