Voice of British Muslim Women

 Nadia Ghauri, Bournemouth

*Huzoor is the term Ahmadi Muslims use to refer to His Holiness, the fifth Caliph/Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community*

It is the spiritual waters of Khilafat which revitalise us, facilitating our growth and flourishment as individuals. These waters reflect the light of Islam, oft captured in pearls of wisdom, imparted in the sermons, speeches and virtual meetings of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the current worldwide Khalifa and head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Every Khalifa’s words have illumined how we must fulfil the greater jihad, that of self-improvement, to achieve our ultimate purpose in life. Our present Huzoor often mentions the importance of ‘assessing ourselves’, reminding us that we cannot let our spiritual states stagnate. We must constantly be striving. For me, as a very weak and flawed person, it has been and sometimes still is confusing navigating the societal pressures dictating how I should look, live or achieve. Ultimately, Khilafat has protected me from the ravages and chains of a society that is becoming ever more materialistic and estranged from our fundamental humanity.

Due to the oasis of Khilafat, the evergreens of virtue, compassion and unity are nurtured, offering a canopy which shades us from the scorches of society. His Holiness is a remarkably gracious nurturer; one of the rare individuals in this world who exemplifies the very guidance he articulates. In an era increasingly termed as “post-truth”, the clarity of the words of His Holiness contrasts with the duplicity of our world leaders.

The noble, tranquil and peaceful countenance that emanates from my Khalifa’s presence, in his voice and in his prayers, are an invaluable source of peace. At times of helplessness and worry, his prayerful words have been a balm for my soul. Despite my sheer insignificance and the thousands upon thousands of letters His Holiness receives requesting prayers, I have been struck by how His Holiness has responded to my concerns in specific terms, be it verbally or by pen. Truly,

“Which leader or dictator is there who keeps a personal connection with each of his citizens…It is Khilafat alone that cares for and feels the pain of every Ahmadi Muslim and prays for them.”[1]

 It is thus by following my spiritual leader I find refuge from the stressors and pressures of the mundane world, nourishing my relationship with the Divine and His Creation.

By holding onto the rope of Khilafat, we are connected to a manifestation of God’s Power and Mercy. Khilafat is a sanctuary, particularly precious at a time when world peace appears to be hanging in the balance. Without Khilafat, we would be lost, wandering nomads finding only barren pasture. Without Khilafat, I would lack any meaningful aim, probably drifting along with the ephemeral whims of society. Without Khilafat, my existence would remain the conundrum upon which man has been musing since time immemorial.

I am immensely grateful for the Divine Institution of Khilafat, whereby peace, harmony and compassion can blossom, beautifying both our inner state and the outside world.

His Holiness not only conveys the crystalline teachings of Islam, but he shows us how we can cultivate this peace in ourselves, our homes and our communities, all of which are symbiotic.

ایک عالَم جل رہا ہے دھوپ میں بے سائباں

شکر ہے مولیٰ! ہمیں یہ سایہ رحمت ملا

“A multitude of people are getting burnt without a canopy; thank God for we have this umbrella of mercy.”[2]

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[1] His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Friday Sermon, 6^th June 2014

[2] https://www.alhakam.org/establishment-of-universal-unity-under-the-institution-of-khilafat/