Dated: 26 September 2023
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addresses over 6,700 Ahmadi Muslim women from across the UK as the 44th Lajna Imaillah UK Ijtema concludes with faith inspiring address during centenary year
"May it be that your sacrifices and unwavering loyalty to your faith come to be recorded in the history of Islam" - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
On 24 September 2023, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith inspiring address to conclude the 44th National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of Lajna Imaillah UK, the ladies auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The 3-day event which was held at Old Park Farm in Kingsley was attended by more than 6,700 girls and women and served to inspire Ahmadi Muslim women to strengthen their faith whilst joining together in various programmes designed to stimulate spiritual, moral and educational training. This year marked the centenary of the establishment of the Lajna Imaillah within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, having been founded at the turn of 1922.
Commencing his address by referring to this, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Where this (centenary) is a means of happiness, we must also remember that we are not like those worldly or secular groups that look for any excuse to hold celebrations and who would be satisfied merely at the thought of reaching 100 years of existence. Instead of euphoria and elation, such milestones should serve as a means of reflection and an opportunity to express our gratitude to Allah the Almighty for His favours and blessings."
His Holiness said that members of Lajna Imaillah should seek to fulfil the objectives set by the founder of Lajna Imaillah, the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who made it clear that "no Ahmadi Muslim woman should ever consider herself inferior to any man or remain hidden in his shadow. In all respects, men and women are equal."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is certainly true that, according to the commands of Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), women must play a fundamental role in safeguarding their home and family environment, especially in terms of raising their children. At the same time, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) made it clear Ahmadi Muslim ladies are duty-bound to serve their society and to strive for its prosperity, especially by conveying the teachings of Islam."
His Holiness reminded the attendees that propagating the message of Islam is a task that is not solely assigned to men, but equally women too.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"Consider it your mission to spread Islam's teachings by living up to its values and beliefs and preaching its message far and wide. It is up to you, as members of Lajna, to show the world what Islam is and what it truly represents."
His Holiness highlighted how false allegations are routinely raised against Islam in relation to the women's rights.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"If a Muslim woman directly responds to such allegations by proudly exhibiting her faith and using her intellect and positive experiences to educate those ignorant of Islam's teachings of how it has protected women's rights, it will hold much greater weight than if any man responds on her behalf."
His Holiness explained the roles of man and woman within a household and how equal rights are upheld in Islam.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"It is true that Islam has prescribed a division of labour, wherein men are given the principal responsibility for providing financially for their family, whilst women are given the primary duty of running the home affairs and morally training their children. Irrespective of this distinction, Islam has greatly emphasised the importance of educating girls and ladies so that their potential is unlocked, and they become assets to their community."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad added:
"Furthermore, being educated will enable mothers to nurture and guide their children in a way that they develop into well-rounded and responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities. So, even if there is a degree of divergence in the responsibilities of a man and a woman, Islam has established equal rights in terms of their value as human beings and their feelings and emotions."
Thereafter, His Holiness explained that during the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Muslim women attained a lofty spiritual rank despite facing severe persecution.
His Holiness mentioned how early Muslim women had to leave their homelands due to persecution but they never forgot the objective of their migration, "which was to attain religious freedom. Thereafter, they devotedly practised their faith and prioritised it above all else."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad called on members of the Lajna Imaillah to assess their commitment to faith and stated:
"Today, many of you or your elders were also forced to leave your homeland due to religious persecution. Having done so, you must ask yourselves whether now, having attained religious freedom, are you giving precedence to your faith over everything else? Are you ready for every possible sacrifice?"
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad gave further guidance to mothers and stated:
"Vulgar activities and beliefs are taking root that are incredibly harmful and a means of driving the coming generations away from religious teachings and moral values. Hence, guiding your children and helping them navigate between right and wrong is essential and a great challenge to which Ahmadi Muslim mothers must rise."
His Holiness went on to narrate examples of how Muslim women gave precedence to their faith over the world in the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"After the Battle of Uhud, where Muslims sustained losses, the state of the Muslim women was such that they did not care whether their husbands, sons or brothers had died. They enquired only about the well-being of the Holy Prophet (sa) and were overcome with relief when they learned that he was alive and well."
Urging Ahmadi Muslim women to reflect upon the examples of such devout women, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad:
"In light of such magnificent examples from early Islam, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) expressed his heartfelt belief that if, in today's era, Ahmadi Muslim women were infused with the same spirit and passion of the early Muslim women, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would prosper and progress at great speed. Thus, as Ahmadi Muslim women, you must recognise your duties to spread the message of Islam amongst other ladies so that future generations of society can be rightly guided. Given the pivotal influence of women on their progeny, the long-term effect of preaching to women will have a more profound and longer-term impact on society."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:
"In front of all Ahmadi Muslim women is the example of Hazrat Ayesha (ra) who, in terms of religious knowledge, attained a rank far beyond the men of her time or indeed any other era. Accordingly, women have the potential to scale the greatest intellectual heights and so you must never underestimate yourselves. Rather, seek to fulfil your rich potential, as it will provide you with the capability to raise your children in a way that they grow to be beneficial to society. It will also enable you to defend your faith and beliefs."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he reminded of the vast task that lay ahead for Ahmadi Muslim women.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As the page turns on the first century of Lajna Imaillah, a blank page now lies before you in the shape of the coming century and your conduct and standard of faith will determine what is ultimately written upon it. May it be that your sacrifices and unwavering loyalty to your faith come to be recorded in the history of Islam, just like those women who accepted Islam in the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). May it be that when the time comes to write the history of this era, the blank page of which I spoke, is decorated with stories of countless Ahmadi women from this era who proved that they were ready for every sacrifice for the sake of their faith and who gloriously fulfilled their responsibilities to their religion."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
"May it be that history bears witness to the fact that Ahmadi Muslim women were at the vanguard of establishing the Oneness of God in the world. And may we soon come to witness the momentous spiritual victory of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) where the people of all nations and races spiritually unite and embrace Islam's true teachings. Surely, only in that lies the salvation of the world."
On 24 September 2023, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith inspiring address to conclude the 44th National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of Lajna Imaillah UK, the ladies auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The 3-day event which was held at Old Park Farm in Kingsley was attended by more than 6,700 girls and women and served to inspire Ahmadi Muslim women to strengthen their faith whilst joining together in various programmes designed to stimulate spiritual, moral and educational training. This year marked the centenary of the establishment of the Lajna Imaillah within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, having been founded at the turn of 1922.
Commencing his address by referring to this, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Where this (centenary) is a means of happiness, we must also remember that we are not like those worldly or secular groups that look for any excuse to hold celebrations and who would be satisfied merely at the thought of reaching 100 years of existence. Instead of euphoria and elation, such milestones should serve as a means of reflection and an opportunity to express our gratitude to Allah the Almighty for His favours and blessings."
His Holiness said that members of Lajna Imaillah should seek to fulfil the objectives set by the founder of Lajna Imaillah, the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who made it clear that "no Ahmadi Muslim woman should ever consider herself inferior to any man or remain hidden in his shadow. In all respects, men and women are equal."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is certainly true that, according to the commands of Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), women must play a fundamental role in safeguarding their home and family environment, especially in terms of raising their children. At the same time, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) made it clear Ahmadi Muslim ladies are duty-bound to serve their society and to strive for its prosperity, especially by conveying the teachings of Islam."
His Holiness reminded the attendees that propagating the message of Islam is a task that is not solely assigned to men, but equally women too.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"Consider it your mission to spread Islam's teachings by living up to its values and beliefs and preaching its message far and wide. It is up to you, as members of Lajna, to show the world what Islam is and what it truly represents."
His Holiness highlighted how false allegations are routinely raised against Islam in relation to the women's rights.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"If a Muslim woman directly responds to such allegations by proudly exhibiting her faith and using her intellect and positive experiences to educate those ignorant of Islam's teachings of how it has protected women's rights, it will hold much greater weight than if any man responds on her behalf."
His Holiness explained the roles of man and woman within a household and how equal rights are upheld in Islam.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:
"It is true that Islam has prescribed a division of labour, wherein men are given the principal responsibility for providing financially for their family, whilst women are given the primary duty of running the home affairs and morally training their children. Irrespective of this distinction, Islam has greatly emphasised the importance of educating girls and ladies so that their potential is unlocked, and they become assets to their community."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad added:
"Furthermore, being educated will enable mothers to nurture and guide their children in a way that they develop into well-rounded and responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities. So, even if there is a degree of divergence in the responsibilities of a man and a woman, Islam has established equal rights in terms of their value as human beings and their feelings and emotions."
Thereafter, His Holiness explained that during the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Muslim women attained a lofty spiritual rank despite facing severe persecution.
His Holiness mentioned how early Muslim women had to leave their homelands due to persecution but they never forgot the objective of their migration, "which was to attain religious freedom. Thereafter, they devotedly practised their faith and prioritised it above all else."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad called on members of the Lajna Imaillah to assess their commitment to faith and stated:
"Today, many of you or your elders were also forced to leave your homeland due to religious persecution. Having done so, you must ask yourselves whether now, having attained religious freedom, are you giving precedence to your faith over everything else? Are you ready for every possible sacrifice?"
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad gave further guidance to mothers and stated:
"Vulgar activities and beliefs are taking root that are incredibly harmful and a means of driving the coming generations away from religious teachings and moral values. Hence, guiding your children and helping them navigate between right and wrong is essential and a great challenge to which Ahmadi Muslim mothers must rise."
His Holiness went on to narrate examples of how Muslim women gave precedence to their faith over the world in the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"After the Battle of Uhud, where Muslims sustained losses, the state of the Muslim women was such that they did not care whether their husbands, sons or brothers had died. They enquired only about the well-being of the Holy Prophet (sa) and were overcome with relief when they learned that he was alive and well."
Urging Ahmadi Muslim women to reflect upon the examples of such devout women, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad:
"In light of such magnificent examples from early Islam, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) expressed his heartfelt belief that if, in today's era, Ahmadi Muslim women were infused with the same spirit and passion of the early Muslim women, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would prosper and progress at great speed. Thus, as Ahmadi Muslim women, you must recognise your duties to spread the message of Islam amongst other ladies so that future generations of society can be rightly guided. Given the pivotal influence of women on their progeny, the long-term effect of preaching to women will have a more profound and longer-term impact on society."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:
"In front of all Ahmadi Muslim women is the example of Hazrat Ayesha (ra) who, in terms of religious knowledge, attained a rank far beyond the men of her time or indeed any other era. Accordingly, women have the potential to scale the greatest intellectual heights and so you must never underestimate yourselves. Rather, seek to fulfil your rich potential, as it will provide you with the capability to raise your children in a way that they grow to be beneficial to society. It will also enable you to defend your faith and beliefs."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he reminded of the vast task that lay ahead for Ahmadi Muslim women.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As the page turns on the first century of Lajna Imaillah, a blank page now lies before you in the shape of the coming century and your conduct and standard of faith will determine what is ultimately written upon it. May it be that your sacrifices and unwavering loyalty to your faith come to be recorded in the history of Islam, just like those women who accepted Islam in the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). May it be that when the time comes to write the history of this era, the blank page of which I spoke, is decorated with stories of countless Ahmadi women from this era who proved that they were ready for every sacrifice for the sake of their faith and who gloriously fulfilled their responsibilities to their religion."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
"May it be that history bears witness to the fact that Ahmadi Muslim women were at the vanguard of establishing the Oneness of God in the world. And may we soon come to witness the momentous spiritual victory of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) where the people of all nations and races spiritually unite and embrace Islam's true teachings. Surely, only in that lies the salvation of the world."
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