Voice of British Muslim Women

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

Rameen Masood, Leicester

‘If you aim to progress and be triumphant over the world, then my advice to you and my message for you is to maintain a bond with Khilafat and to firmly hold onto this cord of Allah.’ – His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) [1]

As I reflect upon the eighteen years of my existence, I consider how blessed I am to be nurtured under the canopy of Khilafat. Just like our limbs, when separated from the body, are wounded, limp and meaningless in their functions; similarly, my life knows no meaning without Khilafat. Just like the constant pumping of the heart keeps the body alive, Khilafat is the pump that revitalises me. For me, it is even like the body’s immune system that protects from the onslaught of pathogenic attacks; ravages of society – without which, the body would be left estranged, feeble and yearning for a safe haven.

I still vividly remember the first time my family had the blessed fortune of having an audience with His Holiness. I was slightly nervous yet excited to meet His Holiness. When we entered the room, my dad introduced us and explained that he was married to his khala’s (mother’s sister) daughter. As I was standing closest to the wall and had not yet sat on the chair, His Holiness very lovingly urged me to sit by saying: ‘Khala ki beti ki beti idhar ho jao’ (‘Mother’s sister’s daughter’s daughter, move over here’). As soon as I heard those words, all my anxiety vanished, and I think how fortunate we are to be recipients of these cherished moments with His Holiness!

Whether it is a private meeting with His Holiness or having the immense honour of receiving an academic award from the Khalifa of the time, what may seem like supposedly small moments to the wider world, have become precious memories perpetually etched in my mind. Being in the lambent presence of one chosen by God, the spiritual father who loves and shares an affectionate bond with you, is beyond words. As the Fourth Khalifa, His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him), expressed the relationship of a Khalifa and the Community in his Urdu poetic composition :

الگ نہیں کوئی ذات میری ، تمہی تو ہو کائنات میری

تمہاری یادوں سے ہی مُعَنوَن ہے زیست کا انصرام کہنا

‘I am not distinct from you, as you are my universe; It’s you that gives meaning and soul to my life.’ [2]

Another profound moment with His Holiness was when in 2019, I was in a students’ meeting with him. What was even more awe-inspiring was that I experienced the acceptance of prayer in that hall on a personal grand scale. Initially, when I entered the hall, I had to sit in the very back row, where it was only possible to catch a brief glimpse of His Holiness. Nevertheless, I prayed to Allah the Almighty, and after a few minutes, Sadr Sahiba (National President of the UK Women’s Auxiliary Organisation) came to the girls sitting at the back and asked how far ahead we could see. We replied we couldn’t see much at all, she moved us forward and I was blessed to then sit in the very front row, right in the sight of His Holiness! During the meeting, His Holiness also kindly answered my question, and even when I thought the answer had finished, His Holiness continued pondering and even mentioned a parable relating to my question. Not only that, but in the same month, I received a letter written and signed by His Holiness! This incident demonstrated to me not only the humility and benevolence of His Holiness but how clutching tightly to the rope of Khilafat ultimately leads to Allah’s sheer grace and mercy.

For me, His Holiness is unequivocally a great teacher, nurturer and healer of lacerated souls. He is the lighthouse ushering my lost boat towards the righteous path. Whether it is academic success inspired by His Holiness’ advice to pursue excellence or continuous efforts to spread the world of Islam through serving as a volunteer for the Voice of Islam Radio, at every path, I am motivated and empowered by the voice of the Khalifa, to traverse the eddies and whirlpools of life.

Over the years, the letters I have received from His Holiness have always been an evergreen source of great solace. Whenever I look back at the responses I have received, they are replete with love, compassion and erudition. And I can’t help but think that without Khilafat, without the guidance imparted by His Holiness, who would have saved my weak self from drifting into the abyss of societal pressures?

Since my birth, the sanctuary of Khilafat has shaped my existence. And whilst I do not know what the future holds (with many challenges undoubtedly in store), I do know that as long as I continue ascending the rope of Khilafat, everything will fall in its rightful place, God willing.

References:

[1] https://www.alislam.org/library/message20030511.html

[2] Kalam-e-Tahir (pg. 26) https://www.alhakam.org/khilafat-and-the-jamaat-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/