Voice of British Muslim Women

Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn

‘The Jamaat [Community], by the grace of Allah, is very strong; as strong as a lead-clad wall.’ [1]

The truth of these blessed words of the current Khalifa/Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) engulf me in an overwhelming feeling as I recall the unforgettable day of 28 May 2010.

The day when two of the Ahmadiyya mosques were attacked by terrorists in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Over 90 Ahmadi Muslims died and more than 120 were injured. The grief that had struck the Community back then still stands as one of its own kind. The pain of Ahmadis, no matter where they are, does not have to be felt by blood relations only. Although for me, it was very personal. My father was among the injured and he had suffered from life-threatening injuries.

Looking back, I realise even more how tough that specific day of the incident and the days that followed were not just for my family, but also for all those who were directly affected. But I put aside my own thoughts and I wonder how Huzoor, for whom all victims and their families were his own, would have felt at that time. His grief and concern were greater than ours. For no one can ever love, protect, and care for Ahmadi Muslims the way the Khalifa of the time does.

It was a time when it felt as if everything would come crumbling down. A feeling that instantly eased as Huzoor appeared in Baitul Futuh Mosque in London on the day of the incidents and gave his weekly Friday Sermon as normal. That one sight of Huzoor was enough to heal the restless and aching hearts of Ahmadis around the world. That was when Allah the Almighty’s promise of ‘fear’ turning into ‘security and peace’ was once again fulfilled in the favour of the Community. [2]

Further, Huzoor’s demonstration of extraordinary strength and steadfastness every time there is a difficult time for the Community is itself a testament to the truth that Allah the Almighty appoints His Khalifa.

There were hundreds of victims and their families. To an ordinary eye, it seems impossible that anyone would have the strength and the time to console each one of them personally. But for Huzoor, it was possible because of the help of Allah the Almighty and out of his absolute love for every Ahmadi. Previously, I alluded to the immense amount of work His Holiness does daily. Yet, for him, personally speaking to each victim, and consoling every family of the martyred, was so important that the time it took didn’t matter.

My father was also fortunate to have had the chance to speak to Huzoor over a phone call. He says that on the day of the call, he felt specially energised despite his ill health. He dressed up and prepared for the phone call as if he was preparing to see beloved Huzoor in-person.

My father narrates that during the phone call, Huzoor asked about his health, and calmly listened to what my father had to say. Huzoor also graciously prayed for my father’s speedy recovery and good health. Even to this day, my father recalls that conversation with Huzoor and says how it gave him great strength and comfort. It was like his wounds had healed and the pain from the injuries wasn’t a concern anymore.

As I finish, I think to myself and question what I, or my family or other members of the Community would do if we didn’t have this rope of Allah. I find no answer and that gives me shivers.  

Words will run out but the blessings of Khilafat will never. So, there is no option but to hold on to this rope given to us by Allah. No matter how many storms we may face along the way, never forget that it is strong enough to survive it all.

References

[1] His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), Mash’al-e-Rah, Vol. 5, p. 20.

[2] The Holy Quran, Chapter 24, Verse 56.