Sarah Ward, London
Continuity and change; as a geographer, these two themes are the lens through which I view life. I have studied varied corners of the globe from these perspectives and it is abundantly clear that continuity and change are central to the human and physical worlds. They are natural systems through which balance is sought and found. Continuity and change can be seen in our own personal lives as we revolve through the phases of our childhood, adolescence, youth and maturity. They are seen in the constant turning of the seasons and the inevitability of the dawning of each new day.
Perhaps less frequently discussed is the presence of continuity and change in the spiritual world, in our relationship with God Who is our Creator. Just as physical health is subject to change and illness manifests through perceptible symptoms – our spiritual lives too do not remain static. It is only human and natural that our spiritual lives are affected by our inner and outward circumstances. This may be one of the only guarantees in life – that continuity and change are constant.
Islam acknowledges that our spiritual and worldly lives are full of change. And our faith gives us reassurance in the form of promises from Allah. One of the most significant of which is ‘Surely there is ease after hardship. Aye, surely there is ease after hardship[1]’ God does not promise that there will be no hardship and no suffering, He does however promise that hardship is not permanent and that ease will come. In times of anxiety and stress, I have often found this quote from the Holy Qur’an to be a comforting refrain that improves my sense of perspective. In those moments when difficulties seem overwhelming, it is a blessing to recall that this too shall pass. It enables me to step outside of the immediate circumstances and view the bigger picture.
One of the most challenging hardships to face is that of change. Major life events such as moving house, getting married, experiencing the loss of a loved one are all unpredictable or momentous events, some of which lie outside our control. In times of uncertainty, we crave constancy and support.
For me, as an Ahmadi Muslim, one constant in my spiritual life has been Khilafat. It has been a consistent, reliable and comforting source of peace throughout my life. My travels have taken me across the globe, living in foreign and unknown lands. But the bond Khilafat provides has given me security and friendship – a solid foundation upon which to gain confidence. Ahmadiyya Khilafat is a binding force of love which bonds together Ahmadi Muslims of all linguistic, cultural and national backgrounds. It is a common thread throughout the Community and is a rope that all can grip firmly too – regardless of age, education or economic status. It is a unifying force for good, spreading peace and unity to all corners of the earth. Every Ahmadi pledges their obedience to their Khalifah and adheres to them in everything good.
By the grace of God, today marks 115 years of the establishment of Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. There have been five Successors to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) who founded the Community in a small village in rural India. So, change has also been a feature of Khilafat itself.
This year marks 20 years since the fifth Khalifa, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) was elected to lead the Community. I remember the grief and shock at the passing of the fourth Khalifa and a sense of questioning arising as I faced this change within my own spiritual life. I had been attached with love to the fourth Khalifah since childhood and did not know how this change would impact me. And, if not fear, there was a sense of uncertainty at that time. I remember firmly the following verse of the Holy Qur’an being repeated regularly:
‘Allah had promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear[2].’
And as I reflect on those events 20 years later, I am struck by how profoundly true this promise of Allah remains. There was a sense of security and peace on the election of the new Khalifah. The bonds of love immediately flourished, and that sense of unity was overwhelming. The heart is ever ready to expand to make room for more love and the bounds of the heart in the capacity are expansive.
That change seems now so far in the past, so much of my life has changed since those days in April 2003 both personally, physically and spiritually. The world in general has developed and changed and my own world has also shifted. My children have grown, my home has moved location, I have lost family members and gained new ones. The constant in those two decades has been my Khalifah, I have listened to his addresses, consulted him on important matters, written and received letters of guidance and support. The bond has been a fixed feature in my life.
Continuity and change; through it all I hold firm to the bond of Khilafat, secure in the knowledge that this is a source of peace for me, for my Community and for the world.
[1] Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Inshirah, verses 6-7
[2] Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Nur, verse 56
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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