Ijtema: Holding the Rope of Allah

Fezia Haq, London

A flock of birds. A forest of trees. A galaxy of stars. There’s something about the natural world that is inclined towards sticking together. Nature not being separate from religion, it is understandable why faith has laid so much emphasis on remaining united.  

Ijtema is one of those events that gives us the chance to “hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah” as the Holy Quran sagely advises. From all over the country, people belonging to the different auxiliary organisations within our community come to partake in their respective events where knowledge is shared, competitions held, and exhibitions displayed.

But Ijtemas are more than these activities. They provide us with experiences that go beyond that: by attending, we try to reform ourselves together, serve people together and pray together. The idea of convening for a purpose greater than just going to a festival with numerous attendees is evident from the word ‘Ijtema’ itself. “Meeting” or “assembling” can only be done in its truest sense if we are part of a ‘Jamaat’ (Arabic for “group of people”). Ijtema requires us to join forces, for our moral and spiritual flourishment.

When these competitions take place at Ijtema, another Quranic injunction is followed, that of “Vie, then, with one another in good works.” Not with the intention to beat others, but to improve ourselves and inspire our comrades. In turn, it strengthens and motivates a community towards reaching new levels, collectively and individually.

As a result of the pandemic, regional level Lajna Ijtemas, like other events, took place remotely last year, yet by holding God’s rope, they demonstrated what the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) painted in the words: ‘Believers are to one another like a building, whose parts support one another.’ This year, the Ijtema will God-willing take place in-person once again, fostering what was developed last time, and cherishing the moments we could not experience for some time.

And after having missed out on this blessing last year, just like groupings in the natural world, congregating at the Ijtema will, God-willing, make us stronger, better, brighter.