Voice of British Muslim Women

The unique Jalsa of 2021 gave Lajna members the opportunity to serve the Jama’at by giving duties on a large scale after two years and led to much happiness and emotion. Here, more Lajna members reflect on their experience of Jalsa Salana.

“It was a truly blessed experience serving in my role this year, alongside all my sisters in Islam,“ said volunteer Sabiha Iqbal. “Serving in any duty during Jalsa has the potential to change hearts and minds and this year’s experience shaped my thinking and humbled me so I pray that I was able to fulfil my obligations to the guests of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in the best manner, which proves most pleasing to Allah the Almighty. On Friday I was fortunate to live out the very act of Praying outdoors in the pouring rain that Huzoor-e-Aqdas (may Allah be his Helper) had mentioned in his Friday sermon. This year I served in the security team, where I was when beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) visited Ladies Jalsa marquee. The only way I can understand how I ended up being face-to-face, waving and smiling to the Khalifa of the Messiah is:

فَاذۡکُرُوۡنِیۡۤ اَذۡکُرۡکُمۡ وَ اشۡکُرُوۡا لِیۡ وَ لَا تَکۡفُرُوۡنِ

‘Therefore remember Me, I will remember you; and be thankful to Me and do not be ungrateful to Me.’ (Holy Qur’an 2:153)

It felt like a dream but I knew the peace that had descended to lock that moment in my memory could not be mistaken for a mere dream.

I also managed over 40,000 steps in 4 days. This, by the grace of Allah, met my goal of doing 10,000 steps a day. Attending Jalsa, and sacrificing time and energy never ever sets you back from your worldly objectives!”

Another volunteer, Bushra Sami, spoke about serving in the ziafat team. “When I found out we had to pack 4000 boxes in such a short time I knew with Allah’s help it will happen but it did amaze me when it was all done and I thought it is only because this is Allah’s Jama’at and He has given everyone the strength and capability to do their duties and fulfil the task.”

Zahida Rana also served in the ziafat team and said “Allah granted duty holders the blessed opportunity to attend Jalsa on all 3 days and to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which we were waiting impatiently for the last 2 years. All the team members were overwhelmed to see their beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) after such a long time which filled them with spirit and strength to carry out their duties throughout Jalsa. Food bags were made for the guests to take away; this was a new experience and a big task for a small team but once we started, it finished quickly and once again I was reminded of our beloved Huzoor’s (may Allah be his Helper) saying that all this work is not a result of a single individual or our efforts but merely Allah’s doing without which, none of this would have been possible for us. We plough through each hurdle together as one Jama’at, one team with one mission as stated by our beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) that no matter what the weather or circumstance there should be no reduction in the level of hospitality shown to the guests of the Promised Messiah.”

Sheila Ahmed was on duty and relates an incident, “On the last day of Jalsa I was helping to guide Lajna to exit safely saying farewell and wishing all a safe journey home. A lady came up to me insisting I should lower my mask and once I had lowered it said ‘I wanted to see your face and say thank you for all security staff that stood in the heavy rain and continued to do their duties with smiles and such respect.’ This really made Jalsa even better and I felt very honoured to be part of it and of this blessed community.”

This was a different Jalsa, as Ghazala Ahmad remembers, “We anticipated that this year would be different, but all the days that I attended were really humbling. Everyone was very caring towards each other, followed the rules properly and we didn’t have any problems. I was very lucky to have been able to serve the Jama’at all the days, and cannot thank Allah for this opportunity enough.”

Reflecting on the concluding address of Huzoor which was on the rights of friendship, Roohi said that she will try and always foster love for all her friends. She said she was grateful to everyone who accepts her as she is and will try and fulfil the rights of friendship of all.

Munawara Jalil said that everything went very well on the inauguration day. With the blessings of Huzoor’s presence everyone was energised and no problem arose with the grace of Allah. The guests and the duty-holders alike were very happy and there was no sense of tiredness among anyone.

Nusrat Safir reflected on Jalsa Salana being held after two years. “Alhamdolillah, attending the Jalsa Salana this year, was a very blessed and unique experience. For so many months, we have been unable to see and spend time with our sisters in Islam, to be in the presence of each other and to have the opportunity to serve our faith. But after meeting for the spiritual gathering of the Jalsa Salana UK, where hundreds of Lajna were brought together once again, to see their Beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) for the first time and to offer their Prayers behind him after so many months. It was faith inspiring and humbling to see, that even the heavy rain and the deep mud did not deter our ladies from coming. To see so many ladies attend this most blessed event, come rain or shine, for the sake of their faith, has reignited my passion once again. Attending Jalsa Salana has shown just how much the physical meeting between friends and sisters in Islam has been missed and how much it is needed.

Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah that Jalsa was held once again, and the bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood in Islam have been strengthened once again.”

Sawera Munir, a member of the security team spoke of the rain and blessings of Jalsa. “No words can describe the feelings of immense gratitude to be back on the blessed grounds of Hadeeqatul Mahdi, to be of those who were able to serve at this year’s Jalsa Salana UK 2021, to know that Huzoor e Aqdas (may Allah be his Helper) graced us with his presence we were able to get a glimpse of him, Alhamdolillah. This year’s Jalsa was rain and rainbows of blessings. The rain, sunshine and more rain emphasized nothing but the amazing grace of Almighty Allah and His blessings. We felt a great sense of gratitude, tranquillity and love serving. Being part of the security team meant that our post at the gates could not be left uncovered. With the persistent rain, over four days, our team stayed united, served diligently and with forbearance and not a whisper of complaint. The rain felt as if the Almighty is preparing a crop for love, unity and spirituality on the Mahdi’s land. With every drop that fell on us, our hearts warmed with love for our Khalifa, with the increasing desire to better ourselves.”

Mariam Saud was also serving in security. “During the inauguration, seeing Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper), when he came to the Lajna security marquee, was a blessed and emotional experience for me. Huzoor’s motorcade also drove past the Lajna security entrance during Jalsa and I was fortunate to see Huzoor in his car on Saturday and Sunday. This was another blessing. On Sunday when we left the security marquee to go to the Country Market car park, the Khuddam kindly helped me by making sure I got on to the shuttle bus safely. As a wheelchair user, I was very pleased with the help and support provided as this shows how inclusive we are in the Jama’at.”

Covid-19 has been a concern but Annchel Rathore felt reassured. “This Jalsa was a real privilege to attend. The whole experience was nothing less than spiritual and reflective. The organisation around precautions for COVID19 made me feel extremely safe. It was very emotional seeing my Ahmadi sisters after ages and as always there is a unique atmosphere when we are gathered together! The highlight of this year’s Jalsa was seeing our Beloved Huzoor in person. When he walked in it felt like the whole marquee lit up; I felt truly blessed.”

For Nilgun Ahmed serving at Jalsa ”was an absolute pleasure and honour. After such a fantastic spiritual experience, I literally had to re-programme myself for the world on Monday.”

Atiyyatul Hai says she “saw people crying while seeing Huzoor e Aqdas in front of them after such a long time. Even older Lajna were saying that they couldn’t walk properly and couldn’t attend in that weather but just came to see the Huzoor e Aqdas. Some of them were saying that they have been refreshed again and attending Jalsa has given them new energy.”

Amtul Hai Shakir said, “my experience of Jalsa was incredible, Alhamdulillah. I feel so lucky that I was given the chance to do duty at this special and unique Jalsa. Seeing Huzoor after two years made me very emotional and I will talk about this event for many years to come. The passion to serve that our team had even during the rain was quite special. May Allah continue to bless us and may we be able to continue to serve the Jama’at and Huzoor, Ameen.”

Ziafat department found their job changed from previous years but were happy to serve once more. “This is our good fortune to have the opportunity to serve at ziafat at this year’s Jalsa Salana 2021,” said Faiza Anees. “By the grace of Allah and the prayers of Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) all the work was done in a very good way, and we didn’t feel tired at all; it was as if some unseen help was with us.”

Another volunteer, Ismat Tahir said “Our team in ziafat was so lovely and patient to work with! Everybody made such a friendly and loving environment and without these efforts we would have not enjoyed Jalsa and benefited from it.”

Fouzia Khalil spoke of “a wonderful experience working with everyone in ziafat. Everyone was so friendly loving and caring and always had smiles – despite wearing masks their smiles were seen in their efforts.”

Amtul Majid commented that “Jalsa Salana was very enjoyable and our team was very well organised.  We were able to accomplish big tasks despite a small team with the strength of sisterhood and blessings of Khilafat.”

Rashda Chaudry was grateful to serve as a volunteer and said “Alhamdolillah it is only with the grace of Allah that I was able to serve. I really enjoyed working with the whole team in ziafat. May Allah continue to keep us in good health and give us the ability to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him).” 

Sania Imran appreciated serving at Jalsa. “Although Jalsa was very different this year, it went very well and brought everyone together as a community. I was very appreciative of the fact that we had Jalsa happening this year and that we were fortunate enough to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). My duty was a lot more relaxed compared to previous years as we had only 1 marquee instead of 7 so it gave me the opportunity to help more with serving and packing dinner for the guests rather than just focusing on the health and safety/hygiene aspect. It was amazing to see everyone come together and be part of this extraordinary experience even with Covid restrictions in place. All together it was a heart-warming experience that was much needed after a very difficult year and a half.”

As you can see, volunteers on duty had common thoughts of teamwork and appreciation of being able to serve at Jalsa Salana for the pleasure of Allah and with the prayers of Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper), and wish to do so in future, God Willing.