Voice of British Muslim Women

Kholood Munir Tahir, London

A hundred years ago, in the small Indian village of Qadian, His Holiness Mirza Bashir-ud-din Mahmud Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him) founded Lajna Ima’illah – an organisation devoted to empowering women through education and service to humanity. A hundred years from then, it was an honour for me to be able to visit the place, where it all had begun and attend the centenary celebrations of Lajna Ima’illah in Qadian.

The Jalsa (annual convention) to mark the occasion was held at Lajna’s very own property in Qadian, known as the Lajna Hall and the adjacent fields; this itself being a testament to the growth and success of Lajna Ima’illah over the last century. Looking around, despite being an outsider, I felt an overwhelmingly beautiful sense of sisterhood, belonging, and unity. The hall and open space outside were filled with colourful banners and a sea of sisters which made it hard to imagine the humble beginnings with only fourteen pioneer members. The warmth and shared love for Khilafat and the Jama’at (community) were palpable in the passion of the speeches, the beauty of the poems, and the joyful expressions on the faces of the women as they raised jubilant slogans. It was truly an honour to be a part of the historic celebration alongside other sisters, most of whom were complete strangers, but also whom I shared a beautiful unbreakable bond with as fellow members of Lajna Ima’illah.

The day of the Jalsa was my first day in Qadian, having only arrived from the UK the night before. Therefore, I had yet to acclimatise, and the sandy air had left my throat dry and in need of water and fresh air. So, during the break, I ventured out to look for some.

I learnt two things very quickly about walking on the roads of Qadian. Firstly, to not be surprised about walking alongside cars, motorcycles, humans, horses, stray dogs and to my surprise, even goats, cows and hens! And the second, wherever in Qadian you are, it is near impossible to get lost as you have the magnificent Minaratul Masih towering in the distance to guide you. Walking towards it was where I met a sweet little girl who was making her way towards the Jalsa site with some relatives. Upon asking them for directions, the girl excitedly exclaimed “Baji, (meaning older sister) let me take you! I’ll show you the way!” As we walked, I learnt about her life, her educational pursuits, her hobbies, and the aspirations she holds for her future. It filled my heart with joy to see such a beautiful spirit of goodness in her heart and eyes bright with energy to do good in the world. May Allah grant her and all Nasirat the ability to reach their potentials and fulfil their desires to make a positive impact in the world, Ameen.

I spent the next week or so after the Jalsa venturing through the streets of the blessed home of our beloved Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Having previously only visited as a young girl, being back as an adult was an extremely special and faith inspiring experience. I had the opportunity to visit the blessed grave of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) at Bahishti Maqbarah (The Heavenly Graveyard) and those of many elders of the community including my beloved grandfather, my Dadajaan, Bashir Ahmad Bangarvi Sahib, Darvaish Qadian. The atmosphere surrounding Bahishti Maqbarah  was one of unearthliness and utter serenity; one that left tears streaming down cheeks and goosebumps settling on arms without even realising. Further, it was truly humbling to be praying at Masjid Mubarak, in those very blessed rooms our beloved Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) prayed for the community; indeed, it being an acceptance of those very prayers and a sign of his truthfulness that I was able to stand there and for Lajna Ima’illah to have reached its centenary milestone. I spent those days and nights as if in a trance with feelings of utmost awe and humility at the significance and grandeur of it.