Lajna Ima’illah: Striving Together for Knowledge

Maariya Thaker, Luton

Exalted then is Allah, the True King! And be not impatient for the Qur’an ere its revelation is completed unto thee, but only say, ‘O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.’ (Holy Qur’an, 20:115)

Aim and Objective 1 of Lajna Ima’illah: ‘Women should strive together to enhance their knowledge and spread the knowledge they have attained to others.’ – His Holiness Khalifahtul Masih II

His Holiness Mirza Bashir-uddin Mahmud Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him, established Lajna Ima’illah in 1922, a favour bestowed upon us by Allah, through him. The first and foremost purpose behind the organization was to enhance knowledge, indeed as it was also stressed by our beloved Holy Prophet^, peace and blessings of Allah be on him. The significance of a woman’s education in Islam dates to the time of our Prophet, as he related how one who wished to acquire one half of the knowledge of faith, was to learn it from Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her[1]. Hazrat Ayesha was so well-versed in religious matters and was so knowledgeable that she often taught Islam to Muslim men.[2]

Acquiring knowledge is synonymous with the acquirement of responsibility and ability. As a Muslim, it is the responsibility and capability to remove any misconceptions or allegations about Islam. The responsibility and capability to extend this blessing of knowledge that Allah has granted you to others. There are numerous, but these two undoubtedly outweigh all others. Firstly, the spread of knowledge is a diverse practice that can be accomplished through treating patients in a hospital, becoming a teacher or simply leading by example and serving as a role model for all. Secondly, our Beloved Caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah his Helper, has emphasised the importance of educating oneself about other faiths, engaging in intellectual debates and working hard to present the true image of Islam.[3]

The Lajna Ima’illah Auxiliary has provided me with opportunities to attend lectures and talks hosted by sisters who are doctors, scientists, teachers, and lawyers. They inspire me to follow in their footsteps, attaining knowledge and applying it for the betterment of the world, spreading Islam and growing closer to Allah.

Before the establishment of Lajna Ima’illah, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him,used to conduct religious classes for women, emphasising the importance and promotion the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community  places on women’s education, and how far we have come since then, with countless programmes and schemes set up to facilitate this.[4] Our own ijtemas (annual gatherings) and classes, organised solely by women, are always planned with the intention to enhance our knowledge in some way, consisting of speeches, presentations, debates, and quizzes that drive us to ask questions and do further research but to also learn from the women around us of a variety of backgrounds, ages and life experiences. In commemoration of Lajna Ima’illah’s centenary, the Luton branch of Lajna Ima’illah recently held a women-only peace conference, with educational stalls for our guests to learn about the hijab, charity work done over the years and presentations focused on the inspiring women in Islam and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, as well as talks from our Mayor and MP. Similarly, smaller groups within Lajna, such as AMWSA (the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Student Association) frequently hold classes and webinars, full of words of wisdom on writing CV’s or a humanity/science-based essay, advice on mock interviews and exams and tips on how to enter professions like law or finance.

In the end I would like to quote something that I hope will continue to motivate us. In one of his wonderfully inspiring addresses to Lajna Ima’illah in 2018, His Holiness may Allah be his Helper, stated:

“I hope and pray that you all reflect upon what I have said and seek to attain the highest standards in your religious training and education and that you are never prone to any form of inferiority complex. I pray that you are the shining stars who leave a spiritual trail behind for others to follow and learn from.”

[1]Islam Ahmadiyya. (2022). Veil is an Islamic Commandment.

[2]Islam Ahmadiyya. (2017). The Equality of Women and Their Role in Society

[3]Islam Ahmadiyya. (2012). Inauguration of the Jamia Ahmadiyya (Theological Institute) in Germany.

[4]Islam Ahmadiyya. (2017). The Equality of Women and Their Role in Society.