Ijtema: A Pathway to Opportunity

Navida Sayed, London

Every year, thousands of Ahmadi Muslim women and girls congregate at a national two-day gathering called Ijtema. The worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad(may Allah be his Helper) at an Ijtema address stated that the “Ijtema itself was a proof of the freedom and independence Islam grants to women.”[1] Attending the Ijtema enables girls and women to be empowered, spiritually rejuvenated, and educated. The engagement enables an ongoing process of personal development, gaining life skills, and professionalism, silently paving the path for opportunity and employability in the future.

At the Ijtema, young girls and women gain excellent communication skills. The competitions encourage participants to improve written skills by researching and writing their own speeches. Verbal skills shine through delivering speeches, reciting portions of the Holy Quran or poems of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and the Khalifas in melodious voices.  Participating in contests strengthens public speaking and boosts morale. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is fortunate to benefit from the guidance and blessings of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) even in the planning and management of the Ijtema, the success of which requires an immense preparation, and in relation to this His Holiness said:

“From an administrative perspective, this Ijtema has been organised and run by women from start to end, and they will have made a programme that is attuned to the needs and preferences of our ladies and girls. Hence, this Ijtema is a collective and practical demonstration of the great status bestowed upon women by Islam.”[2]

Excellent leadership and management skills enable a successful event. Ahmadi women have their own auxiliary organisations for girls and women, which is overseen by a national President with a team of national departments. The respective local, regional and national women’s departments contribute to work for the national Ijtema, in various duties assigned by the national President.

A successful Ijtema requires cooperation in working independently and as part of a team in the relevant departments. This spirit of unity in a voluntary capacity reflects commitment, dedication and passion. Women may be part of the wider national team, judge competitions, deliver lectures, set up and lead exhibitions, serve food, maintain hygiene, or support the discipline team ensuring smooth running of the event is uninterrupted.

Other skills that girls and women gain through Ijtema participation are emotional intelligence, empathy, etiquette, negotiation, decision making, conflict management, leadership skills and team work. Supporting the President and her national team in the planning, organising and delivery of the Ijtema, equips girls and women with the ability to take responsibility. Contributing to the Ijtema enhances analytical, creative and critical thinking using a flexible and adaptable approach. Managing budgets in different departments, including setting up and managing the bazaar and various stalls establishes financial management skills.

Ijtema enables girls and women to showcase arts and crafts skills in exhibitions. The health and fitness departments organise fun games, as well as deliver educational lectures on various physical and emotional health topics. The Ijtema serves as a platform to discuss contemporary topics with an opportunity for question and answer sessions. Supporting the work of these departments, enables contributors to gain skills which could lead to employment in the health, education and social care sectors. 

Ijtema competitions on a national scale teach key skills from an early age including resilience, coping, self-awareness, thoughtfulness, asking for help and a willingness to not give up. This process also helps with learning how to handle criticism in the form of constructive feedback and remaining positive, motivated and inspired by the success of others. These skills develop over time and enable an ability to overcome challenges in the workplace.

Girls and women gain countless skills by attending and supporting the work of the Ijtema including organization management, time management, problem solving and prioritising. The best part is the sisterhood; meeting girls and women on a national scale and developing and maintaining new and lasting friendships. This enhances social skills, confidence and the ability to network and liaise with new people, a demanding skill in the workplace. At the Ijtema young girls can establish new friendships, growing up to become empowered and educated women who not only reap the spiritual benefits of Ijtema participation, but along their life journey gain many skills leading to opportunity in all walks of life.

[1]https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2017/09/39th-lajna-imaillah-ijtema-uk-concludes-address-head-ahmadiyya-muslim-community/

[2]https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2017/09/39th-lajna-imaillah-ijtema-uk-concludes-address-head-ahmadiyya-muslim-community/