Dated: 27 May 2024
"Be Confident and Proud in Who You Are and What You Represent" - Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Addresses Female Muslim Youth Event (Waqfat-E-Nau Ijtema) In London
"Acquire the inner strength and courage to manifest your faith fearlessly" - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
On 25 May 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfat-e-Nau Ijtema, an annual gathering held for female members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.
His Holiness graced the event from the MTA Studios in Islamabad whilst more than 2300 women and girls, including more than 1360 members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.
During a faith inspiring address, His Holiness emphasised that Ahmadi Muslim women must develop an unshakable conviction in their faith. His Holiness outlined in detail the story of how Hazrat Umar (may Allah be please with him) completely changed his views against Islam and converted to Islam as a result of the "boundless courage" and "resolute faith" of a Muslim woman.
As His Holiness began his address, His Holiness said that whilst Waqf-e-Nau members had pledged to dedicate their lives in the service of the faith in line with the wishes of their parents, many such Waqf-e-Nau women had now become mothers themselves and so they carried an additional responsibility.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The responsibilities placed on the shoulders of such [Waqf-e-Nau] mothers is two-fold. Not only must they strive to fulfil the demands of their pledge, but they must also endeavour to instil within their children those moral values and exceptional qualities that should be the hallmark of a Waqf-e-Nau. Indeed, the primary responsibility of such women is to ensure the proper moral training of their children so that Islamic teachings and values are instilled within them from a young age and they grow to become devoted servants of their faith."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:
"Furthermore, such women should impress upon their husbands the fundamental importance of acting righteously at all times. Only then will you lay the foundation for your children to develop the highest morals, the best manners and inspire them to establish a firm bond with Allah the Almighty. Hence, it is paramount that your homes are filled with virtue, piety and, above all, the worship of Allah the Almighty."
In order to fulfil the rights of their worship, His Holiness highlighted the significance of Namaz, the five daily prayers.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Ensure you offer every Namaz on time and with humility, sincerity and deep concentration so that you may develop an unbreakable bond of love and loyalty with Allah the Almighty. Likewise, in each prayer, bow down before Allah and pray that your children grow to be pious, truthful and firmly attached to their religion."
His Holiness went on to narrate examples of women who showed exemplary bravery to uphold their faith in most challenging of circumstances.
Referring to the examples of the female companions of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"When Jesus (peace be upon him) was put on the Cross his male disciples all fled in fear. Yet, his female disciples stayed loyal to him in spite of the grave threat of punishment and persecution from the governing authorities. They found the tomb in which Jesus (peace be upon him) had been placed after he was taken down from the Cross and tended to his wounds and took him to safety. Those pious women proved themselves ready for all possible sacrifices for the sake of their faith."
His Holiness then turned to the examples found in Islamic history and how the sacrifices shown by the female companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) "reached a pinnacle that shall forever remain an example for all mankind."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad introduced the example of the sister of Hazrat Umar (ra) and stated:
"Every fibre of her being was infused with a passionate desire to learn the teachings of the Holy Quran so that she could act upon every one of its commands."
Narrating her story, His Holiness outlined how Hazrat Umar (ra), who was a staunch opponent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in the early days of his Prophethood, had found out that his own sister and her husband had converted to Islam.
Upon finding out, he launched at her husband to attack him, only to find that his sister came in between the two and shielded her husband with incredible defiance and bravery.
Narrating the story further, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As a consequence, she was violently struck in the face, but even as blood poured from her nose, she did not take a step back or become frightened. Instead, with monumental bravery and utter fearlessness, she proclaimed that Hazrat Umar (ra) could do whatever he wished but that they would never forsake the teachings of Islam."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further said:
"Observing his sister's faith and courage profoundly affected Hazrat Umar (ra). Suddenly, his rage was tempered, and he felt ashamed and embarrassed at having caused her injury."
His Holiness said that Hazrat Umar then asked to see the Holy Quran, however his sister set some conditions before he could do so. Having met the conditions, when Hazrat Umar (ra) finally heard the recitation of the Holy Quran, he was overwhelmed by its magnificence and thus, his life was completely changed forever.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Having entered his sister's home as a fierce opponent of Islam, he left convinced of its truth and immediately went to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and accepted Islam. This was all due to the boundless courage of one woman, whose bravery and resolute faith proved the means of bringing Hazrat Umar (ra) into the fold of Islam."
Referring to the exemplary character of the female companions of the Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"They fearlessly partook in battles, patiently withstood horrific persecution and spent their entire lives dedicated to the service of Islam. They manifested unconditional love and obedience to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and serve as a timeless example for Ahmadi Muslim women and girls, especially all of you who are members of Waqfat-e-Nau."
As Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address, he expressed his desire and prayer for the Waqf-e-Nau and said:
"May all of you come to possess an unshakeable conviction in the truth of your faith so that you can respond confidently and without hesitation or fear to all those who raise questions or make false allegations about the teachings of Islam. May it be that you never fall prey to any sense of embarrassment or complex about your faith and religious beliefs."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Indeed, may it be that you acquire the inner strength and courage to manifest your faith fearlessly and to live according to the teachings of Islam at all times. For instance, upon reaching the age of maturity, you should wear a headscarf in public and dress modestly at all times. Never fear what other people will say or think. Be confident and proud in who you are and what you represent...May all of you be at the forefront of bringing about a spiritual and moral revolution in the world. Ameen."
On 25 May 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfat-e-Nau Ijtema, an annual gathering held for female members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.
His Holiness graced the event from the MTA Studios in Islamabad whilst more than 2300 women and girls, including more than 1360 members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.
During a faith inspiring address, His Holiness emphasised that Ahmadi Muslim women must develop an unshakable conviction in their faith. His Holiness outlined in detail the story of how Hazrat Umar (may Allah be please with him) completely changed his views against Islam and converted to Islam as a result of the "boundless courage" and "resolute faith" of a Muslim woman.
As His Holiness began his address, His Holiness said that whilst Waqf-e-Nau members had pledged to dedicate their lives in the service of the faith in line with the wishes of their parents, many such Waqf-e-Nau women had now become mothers themselves and so they carried an additional responsibility.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The responsibilities placed on the shoulders of such [Waqf-e-Nau] mothers is two-fold. Not only must they strive to fulfil the demands of their pledge, but they must also endeavour to instil within their children those moral values and exceptional qualities that should be the hallmark of a Waqf-e-Nau. Indeed, the primary responsibility of such women is to ensure the proper moral training of their children so that Islamic teachings and values are instilled within them from a young age and they grow to become devoted servants of their faith."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:
"Furthermore, such women should impress upon their husbands the fundamental importance of acting righteously at all times. Only then will you lay the foundation for your children to develop the highest morals, the best manners and inspire them to establish a firm bond with Allah the Almighty. Hence, it is paramount that your homes are filled with virtue, piety and, above all, the worship of Allah the Almighty."
In order to fulfil the rights of their worship, His Holiness highlighted the significance of Namaz, the five daily prayers.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Ensure you offer every Namaz on time and with humility, sincerity and deep concentration so that you may develop an unbreakable bond of love and loyalty with Allah the Almighty. Likewise, in each prayer, bow down before Allah and pray that your children grow to be pious, truthful and firmly attached to their religion."
His Holiness went on to narrate examples of women who showed exemplary bravery to uphold their faith in most challenging of circumstances.
Referring to the examples of the female companions of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"When Jesus (peace be upon him) was put on the Cross his male disciples all fled in fear. Yet, his female disciples stayed loyal to him in spite of the grave threat of punishment and persecution from the governing authorities. They found the tomb in which Jesus (peace be upon him) had been placed after he was taken down from the Cross and tended to his wounds and took him to safety. Those pious women proved themselves ready for all possible sacrifices for the sake of their faith."
His Holiness then turned to the examples found in Islamic history and how the sacrifices shown by the female companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) "reached a pinnacle that shall forever remain an example for all mankind."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad introduced the example of the sister of Hazrat Umar (ra) and stated:
"Every fibre of her being was infused with a passionate desire to learn the teachings of the Holy Quran so that she could act upon every one of its commands."
Narrating her story, His Holiness outlined how Hazrat Umar (ra), who was a staunch opponent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in the early days of his Prophethood, had found out that his own sister and her husband had converted to Islam.
Upon finding out, he launched at her husband to attack him, only to find that his sister came in between the two and shielded her husband with incredible defiance and bravery.
Narrating the story further, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As a consequence, she was violently struck in the face, but even as blood poured from her nose, she did not take a step back or become frightened. Instead, with monumental bravery and utter fearlessness, she proclaimed that Hazrat Umar (ra) could do whatever he wished but that they would never forsake the teachings of Islam."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further said:
"Observing his sister's faith and courage profoundly affected Hazrat Umar (ra). Suddenly, his rage was tempered, and he felt ashamed and embarrassed at having caused her injury."
His Holiness said that Hazrat Umar then asked to see the Holy Quran, however his sister set some conditions before he could do so. Having met the conditions, when Hazrat Umar (ra) finally heard the recitation of the Holy Quran, he was overwhelmed by its magnificence and thus, his life was completely changed forever.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Having entered his sister's home as a fierce opponent of Islam, he left convinced of its truth and immediately went to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and accepted Islam. This was all due to the boundless courage of one woman, whose bravery and resolute faith proved the means of bringing Hazrat Umar (ra) into the fold of Islam."
Referring to the exemplary character of the female companions of the Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"They fearlessly partook in battles, patiently withstood horrific persecution and spent their entire lives dedicated to the service of Islam. They manifested unconditional love and obedience to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and serve as a timeless example for Ahmadi Muslim women and girls, especially all of you who are members of Waqfat-e-Nau."
As Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address, he expressed his desire and prayer for the Waqf-e-Nau and said:
"May all of you come to possess an unshakeable conviction in the truth of your faith so that you can respond confidently and without hesitation or fear to all those who raise questions or make false allegations about the teachings of Islam. May it be that you never fall prey to any sense of embarrassment or complex about your faith and religious beliefs."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
"Indeed, may it be that you acquire the inner strength and courage to manifest your faith fearlessly and to live according to the teachings of Islam at all times. For instance, upon reaching the age of maturity, you should wear a headscarf in public and dress modestly at all times. Never fear what other people will say or think. Be confident and proud in who you are and what you represent...May all of you be at the forefront of bringing about a spiritual and moral revolution in the world. Ameen."
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