Rameen Masood, Leicester
‘Which, then, of the favours of your Lord will you twain deny?’[i]
1922.
The year when building blocks of Muslim female empowerment were laid, to be realised with knowledge and spiritual enhancement and zeal for service and thus Lajna Ima’illah was formed by His Holiness Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him). Just like the explosion of a luminous supernova sends a flurry of elements catapulting into space, the institution of Lajna Ima’illah has scattered girls and women of all backgrounds to the far corners of the world. Housewives, students, scientists, schoolteachers, solicitors, surgeons and scholars, to name a few.
Pondering over the definition of being a Lajna has sent waves of indebtedness down my spine, tinges of warmth, hues of serenity. I have realised that being a part of this institution is an immense privilege. It is a holy institution – a place of belonging and an inseparable facet of my identity. I entered Lajna Ima’illah when I turned 15, and now four years on, under its gracious canopy, I have learnt, developed and aspired to do my best. Education is the lamp that lights a lost mind to a gleaming future. Seeking knowledge is a significant human right. It’s a right breathed by Lajna Ima’illah. And I don’t say this lightly.
Through the vast plethora of competitions organised by Lajna at its events, ranging from Urdu Speech to English Quiz, to name but a couple, I have developed my confidence and communication skills. But it doesn’t end there. Witnessing countless members of Lajna organise and lead events such as the Lajna National Ijtema has sculpted enduring impressions of compassion, cooperation and creativity upon my mind.
Through the resonating words of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I’ve learnt to aspire to soar high and make my trove of dreams my wings. Being a Lajna offers a blessed opportunity to receive unmediated guidance from His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper), whether through direct addresses delivered to Lajna at the Annual Conventions or regional student meetings with His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper).
In those moments, I hear His Holiness’ sage words reverberating, evermore encouraging us to excel and to shadow the pious conduct of exemplary women from antiquity to modernity. To endeavour to emulate the qualities of inspirational role models such as Hazrat Amman Jan (may Allah be pleased with her), whose life revolved around impeccable worship and pure beneficence.
One quote of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper), which I think is a true emblem of the power of women, in particular motherhood, is as follows: ‘Remember that the key for any nation to thrive and progress lies in the hands of the mothers of that nation.’[ii]
Members of Lajna Ima’illah work tirelessly against the backdrop of various challenges to ensure the threads of morality, modesty, and motherhood continue to weave endlessly. As they brim with soft words of kindness and meekness, solicitously sowing seeds of humility and affection, honouring their pledges. And I consider myself so fortunate to be raised among them. To have been and continue to be nurtured as a part of this organisation.
Whenever I pause to contemplate about Lajna Ima’illah, it leaves me in awe as I ponder upon the vision of His Holiness Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him) and the way His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), currently continues to steer, foster and motivate us. It leaves me in awe considering the ethereal aura that would have suffused that auspicious day one hundred years ago. The profusion of prayers offered for the success of this organisation, whose indelible marks are becoming reality today through the unfaltering progress of this organisation. And I again thank God for the blessing that is Lajna Ima’illah.
[i] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali, Chapter 55 Verse 14
[ii] Address delivered by His Holiness Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) at Waqfat-e-Nau Ijtema in London in 2017. Available at URL: https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2017/02/head-ahmadiyya-muslim-community-addresses-female-muslim-youth-event-waqfat-e-nau-ijtema-london/
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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