Voice of British Muslim Women

Saira Rashid, London

In the midst of our everyday problems in life, we often have the tendency to forget our true purpose in this world. It is a weakness that I, for sure, experience quite often when surrounded by the vast amplitude of societal tribulations. The first and foremost priority for which we are created is to obey and worship our One and True God. This utmost important duty is reminded to us by the unity of one voice, the voice of our beloved Khalifa His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper).

Some dreams we often tend to forget even before waking up, whereas some dreams are so vivid that we can recall every feeling and experience occurring. A couple of years ago when I was old enough to develop an understanding of  what life and religion is all about, I had a dream which I remember till today. I remember the aura was that of Jalsa Salana, the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Communtiy. Endless skies, and huge fields beneath my feet. Although I could not see anyone physically, I heard the beloved Khalifa’s (may Allah be his Helper) voice echoing “dua karlein” (broadly translated, it means join me in silent prayer). I immediately put my hands to my face and started praying “O’ my Lord, allow me to walk towards You and in the righteous path.” I kept repeating this phrase multiple times. The next thing I remember was opening my eyes having woken up from this dream and noticing that my hands were physically on my face, and I was reciting these words out loud. This dream was unlike any other I had experienced, I had goosebumps upon awakening.

Ever since this dream, not a day went past when I did not pray in these exact words. And so, the following Jalsa Salana, I lived through this dream of mine, where I was able to pray to the Almighty Lord behind the voice of my beloved Khalifa (may Allah be his Helper) in the same words.

Recognising the importance of worshiping Allah the Almighty is something I am so grateful to have understood. Countless of times, our beloved Khalifa (may Allah be his Helper) reminds us of our priority to obey, worship and remember Allah the Almighty (Dhikr-e-Ilahi). This is also mentioned countless of times in the Holy Qur’an, in one example, it states ‘…and  remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue…’ (Surah al-‘Ankabut, 29:46).

How fortunate we are to be continuously given immense guidance by our beloved Khalifa (may Allah be his Helper) through whom we are reminded of Dhikr-e-Ilahi (remembrance of Allah) and given every opportunity to do so too. Through Khilafat we are given the opportunity to step closer to Allah the Almighty. It is clear to me that Khilafat is the guiding light, paving a way for me to heighten my spirituality. This is why Khilafat is truly the rope of Allah.

May Allah the Almighty bless our beloved Imam (may Allah be his Helper) and allow us to whole-heartedly reap the sheer guidance and blessings we are given, Ameen.