Voice of British Muslim Women

Bareera Ghaffar, Birmingham

What is a tree without its roots? Without its foundation, without the very thing that makes it stand. Likewise, what is a tree without its branches and stems. It is the branches and stems of a tree that makes the tree come alive and stretch, reaching new heights. It is with the structure of the branches that fruits and flowers grow and birds sit on. The branches are a means of transportation, it is how water and nutrients from the roots makes its way to the leaves, but it also holds on to these things for times of need. The Holy Quran Chapter 14, verse 25 states “Dost thou not see how Allah sets forth the similitude of a good word? It is like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches reach into heaven”. This verse emphasises that when a pure thing is from Allah the Almighty and one pays heed to it, acts upon it and is intentional with its delivery, one can bask in the spiritual bliss that it offers, in fact that spiritual bliss can extend and take one to new heights.

There are over one hundred branches of Lajna Ima’illah in the UK alone, there are of course branches of Lajna across the globe. With these branches the root message of the coming of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) and the guidance of the Khalifa of the time is passed through the local branches of Lajna and to the members of the Community. The message of Lajna Ima’illah is spread far and wide and many in their towns and neighbourhoods know of their local Lajna branch and the work they are committed to, which is, among many other, serving humanity. During this centenary year, it is vital that one ponders on this. It is human nature to get accustomed to something, due to it being an everyday occurrence. But I remind myself and urge all Lajna, especially at this time to think about our specific Lajna branch and what it has offered over the years. The very concept of Lajna Ima’illah is blessed and has seeking Allah’s pleasure at its core, therefore it will flourish as such.

We see from the different Lajna branches that there is the same model across the board, with the same positions for their members to volunteer for. Each Lajna branch holds local meetings for its members as well as Ijtema (an event of academic competitions), Meena Bazaars, Ta’lim and Tarbiyyat classes, Qur’an Classes and of course classes run by Lajna for the younger girls amongst many other things. The point is, Lajna holds a space for all to learn and try to reach new spiritual heights. Not only that, but by having these smaller branches in one’s local area it offers a space. A space to be, and a space to exist as an Ahmadi Muslim woman with all our different cultures and personalities. The branches of Lajna offer a sisterhood and a welcoming environment for one to participate, learn and to thrive in.

I have often seen when Ahmadi women move to new cities and new countries, one of the first things they look for is their nearest Lajna Ima’illah branch. It is the one thing that makes them feel at home, at home in their heart and at home in a spiritual sense. Often, these ladies will relay back how settling in was easy for them and how it feels like they have known these women for years. The thing is not only is Lajna there for spiritual purposes but also there to help with day to day concerns. One will find a haven in the women of their local branches. As stated earlier, if you have moved to a new area by talking to the members of your local branch you can find out where the halal shops are, the good schools in the area and much more. Lajna Ima’illah is a support system for all the highs and lows that women go through in life. What makes it even more unique is that Lajna spans across all the ages, girls enter Lajna at 15 years of age. This therefore means that within our local branch we will find individuals of varying age groups, which in turn means different life experiences; we will always find someone who can help us, guide us and advice us. This I think is a real beauty of Lajna Ima’illah and the unity and love that is created by its members.

Lajna Ima’illah across the globe are at the forefront of spiritual sacrifice, which we hear about in the sermons of the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Lajna come together and have a united front in their approach, so that they can make big impacts not only in their local branches but worldwide. Here in the UK, currently Lajna have pledged to plant 100,000 trees across the country to commemorate the 100 years of Lajna Ima’illah

The branches of Lajna are made of humble women who strive together in their unity to spread the beautiful message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat and are held together at the root by the prayers and guidance of the Khalifa of the time.