Wadiah Mirza, Hayes
As we step into the New Year, we are forced to reflect upon the momentous year we just went through. Indeed, 2020 will go down in the record books as the year in which we witnessed a whirlwind of unexpected and unimaginable events. Whilst reflecting we may ponder over all that we have gained and lost. Undoubtedly, we set ourselves a multitude of targets and promises this time last year. But were these of the worldly nature, or spiritual? Have we paused to reflect upon our spiritual responsibilities?
We Ahmadi Muslims have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Every year we renew our pledge at the Jalsa Salana convention at the hand of our beloved Khalifa (may Allah be his Helper). But have we remained committed to the conditions of this pledge? His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) has illustrated the responsibilities which this pledge entails. In his own words, “although the conditions of Bai’at are ten, however, broadly speaking they carry more than thirty responsibilities laid on Ahmadis. If true happiness is to be commemorated at the start of a New Year these responsibilities should be kept in view.” [i]
So, no. Reflection in this scenario does not imply literally looking in the mirror. It also does not imply recalling the purchase of our dream car this year, or the acquisition of our dream handbag. No. Reflection involves asking ourselves a plethora of questions at the end of a year – questions which His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad drew our attention to in 2016 which we should be asking ourselves. For example, were we regular in offering our five daily Prayers? Did we attempt to pray Tahajjud? Did we seek forgiveness from Allah for our sins? Did we make financial sacrifices? Did we do humanitarian work?
It is through this self-evaluation that we ultimately find peace. It is through this self-evaluation our weaknesses are highlighted. It is through this self-evaluation we can comprehend that we are not perfect. We are human. And there is and will forever remain room for improvement. For who can truly declare that they have fulfilled all their responsibilities, in a manner even remotely similar to walking in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), the most perfect man to ever grace the Earth?
I certainly can’t.
If we, as a result of conducting self-evaluation, recognise weaknesses we possess, we should pray to God to seek forgiveness and seek His aid to overcome and eliminate our flaws.
Being a dental student, the pandemic has affected my studies gravely. However, the increased time at home has, in hindsight, been a blessing in disguise as it granted me the opportunity to act upon my own spiritual reformation.
Recently, I stumbled upon a quotation of Lee Tolstoy who states, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself,” and this resonates more powerfully than ever, depicting that establishing goals is futile and will remain delusions of grandeur if we do not strive to change. By the grace of God Almighty, we are extremely fortunate to have the blessings of Khilafat, which continues to remind us of the true teachings of Islam, provides unambiguous instructions and guides us to be better Ahmadi Muslims.
I have witnessed many to say “next year cannot be any worse than 2020.” Alas, we can all appreciate that this knowledge only lies with God, for He is Al-Aleem – The All-Knowing. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that God has the unwavering ability and power to do anything He wishes and transform our lives in a blink of an eye, a concept which us mere humans cannot comprehend. So, let us commence the New Year in the most righteous manner – by offering Tahajjud Prayer, and pray that: May God Almighty provide us with the strength and ability for self-reformation. May God forgive us for our shortcomings. May God eradicate the pandemic that continues to affect our lives in every aspect. And may God grant us all a successful and prosperous year to come.
Often, I am reminded of this verse in the Holy Quran where God Almighty states:
“…Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts…” (13:12)
Indeed, we should endeavour to possess the intention from deep within us to commit ourselves to self-reformation so that we may achieve the place in the Hereafter which we all yearn for.
[i] https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/printer-friendly-summary-2015-01-02.html
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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