Voice of British Muslim Women

Sameea Jonnud, Aldershot

After Jalsa Salana and before winter sets in, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community auxiliaries hold their annual “Ijtema”, where members assemble to learn about their faith and its teachings. To me going to Ijtema holds the same importance as going to Jalsa Salana, something that, while not obligatory the way Eid Prayer is, I can’t think of not doing.

The very earliest Lajna and Nasirat Ijtemas I remember were held in the Mahmood Hall of Fazl Mosque where there would be competitions in recitation of the Holy Qur’an and poems, memorised speeches and a quiz on Islamic knowledge. After this, as numbers increased, Ijtema moved to different locations including the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex for many years. Currently it is held at Country Market, near Bordon in Hampshire. Academic competitions are still held but alongside them is a programme of lectures and exhibitions as well as outdoor activities for the girls.

The theme of this year’s ijtema is “Attributes of Allah the Almighty”, a theme I find especially fitting as our new local Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, is unique in being decorated with examples of God’s Attributes in beautiful Arabic script so whenever you enter and look around, you see His Names and can reflect on them. With the Attributes of Allah being researched and presented at Ijtema, the audience will be able to spend the weekend reflecting on them.

In addition to the religious academic events there are lectures planned on different topics which are so important in our daily lives, for example physical and mental health, special needs and disabilities. Exhibitions include sustainability and environmental issues which are important for our future.

Wherever we go in Ijtema, whether watching the presentations, listening to lectures or learning about science and life it is Allah and His different attributes that we will be reminded of and be grateful to for all that He gives us, which, ultimately is the purpose of Ijtema.

All of this is alongside the opportunity to meet up with friends and family from across the country plus the great example for our children of women planning and running their own event. I’ve always looked forward to Ijtema each year and this year is no different.