*Huzoor is the term Ahmadi Muslims use to refer to His Holiness, the fifth Caliph/Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community*
Arfa Yassir, Swindon
Human migration across the continents has been ever increasing owing to industrialisation, persecution, wars; further augmented by improved modern transportation [1] with obvious cultural and social implications for migrating families. Generations of Asian and Africa Muslims are being born and brought up in the West. It can be challenging for migrant families to integrate and yet maintain their religious identity.
When I came to the UK from Pakistan some five years ago, I experienced a bit of a cultural shock. It was not pleasant being ‘the odd one out’ in a hijab at public places and I felt a need to conform to this change to get rid of this feeling. Giving up hijab would have meant giving up a part of my personality. Almost everyone wearing hijab here in the West can relate to those ‘stares’ specially during warmer days which seem to say how can someone be so silly and wear extra clothing in the summer!
It is of course said ‘when in Rome do as the Romans do’, and there is the view, ‘you need not be a ‘poster’ of Islam, given how the west perceives Muslims and Islam’ etc.
We are most fortunate that as Ahmadi Muslims we have our Khalifa to guide us through every aspect of our lives, including changing circumstances and what adjustments to make.
Our Caliph/Khalifa His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, (may Allah be his Helper), time and again, addresses the very core of the issue, the technologically advanced, modern, and wealthy society that unconsciously intimidates us and urges us to change.
In one of such inspiring addresses [2] His Holiness said:
“We are living in a time of ever-rising materialism and worldliness where, despite being intelligent and despite having eyes to see with, most people are living a life of spiritual and moral blindness in which they consider anything that shimmers or glistens to be made of gold.”
It is very difficult to pick points from this address, every word being a gem, but here are a few more:
“You should seek to integrate but, as I have said in the past, integrating and contributing to your country does not require you to violate your moral compass and forsake your religious values. Rather… contribute to the success of the nation, whilst maintaining your religious identity…this should be the hallmark and distinguishing feature of Ahmadi Muslims living in the West. Sacrificing your moral standards and values is not going to help your country in any way.”
“…you must not only shield yourselves and your children but you must also play a great and prominent role in conveying the message of Islam throughout the world…win the hearts and minds of humanity so that one day, insha’Allah (God willing), the people of the world will all join as one under the banner of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”
“It is up to us to bring about a moral and spiritual revolution in the world and so train your children so that they grow to be ready to take up the mantle of serving the mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). May Allah enable all of you to fulfil your duties in the best way and may you all prove to be shining stars of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”
Hence, I have learned that when in Rome, yes, contribute positively towards the Roman society but don’t lose your inherent values, rather, take pride in your religion and be a poster of Islam! This is how the West will come to know about true Islam. Guidance from His Holiness took me from lacking the confidence to face the challenge of being the ‘odd one out’ to aspiring to try and be a shining star! Ahmadi Muslim ladies are doctors, engineers, researchers, councillors, teachers and so on without giving up their spiritual values.
I cannot resist but say: JazakAllah (may Allah reward you) Huzoor*.
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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