Voice of British Muslim Women

Arfa Yassir, Swindon

There is a constant chant for rights of women and their empowerment on various platforms. For some the chant is just for the sake of it, and some genuinely believe empowerment can improve health, reduce poverty and inequality.

Islam claims to empower women in the true sense, but the popular perception is otherwise. Many think Islam limits progress and opportunities for women, perhaps Muslim women are trapped in restrictions. Also, there are misconceptions that Islam limits their spiritual growth as well. 

Although it’s kind of funny, as on one side critics want to free Muslim women from the so-called shackles of hijab, at the same time they also want Muslim women be on the forefront of religious activities. Sometimes the debate is why can’t a woman lead men in Prayers? Well, they would obviously have to wear a hijab to do so, if that were to happen. In essence, they want Muslim women to prove that they have avenues for spiritual growth but the spiritual growth must not lead them to hijab! Because that would be suppression!

Reminds me of the government’s ‘Go-to-work, don’t-go-to-work’ policy during Covid restrictions! These allegations are inherently self-contradictory and can fizzle out with a slightly deeper understanding of Islamic principles.

If someone wants to see a practical example of how Islam creates a free, nurturing, competitive environment for women to be part of the wider society and grow spiritually, they can look to Ahmadi Muslim women in Lajna Ima’illah.  This women’s auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community operates around the world under the guidance of the successors of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him).

Lajna exemplifies the empowerment of women with education, training and spiritual uplift along with the enabling environment to put their skills to practice. This leads them to contribute towards the family, community, nation and the world.

A very beautiful aspect in this regard is that many a time His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, our fifth Caliph and worldwide spiritual head gives addresses which are specific to and for women and girls . Indeed, women are the intended audience of all speeches delivered by His Holiness but an address delivered specifically to women means a lot. His Holiness motivates women that they can do better morally, spiritually and also contribute towards the wider society. He narrates historical references of brave, confident women who were not only shining stars of Islam but also served humanity in general. This is priceless motivation for us.

With this backing and an organised structure, we strive to bring out the best in everyone. Be it religious learning or organising our own events, Lajna are on the forefront of spiritual progress. Our events are about Praying, learning and growing together. We strive to understand the principles of Islam, learn the Holy Qur’an, read the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) and his successors. The basic idea is to keep learning, exploring and strengthening our bond with God Almighty. This training can help us become better people, better professionals, better mothers, and better members of the Community.

Spending in the way of Allah is one of the avenues of spiritual uplift. We, as Lajna members can not only spend for our own projects like building hospitals, mosques etc, but also actively arrange fund-raisers for other charities. We have a department dedicated to educate and motivate members to serve humanity, called ‘Khidmat-e-Khalq’; which literally means serving God’s creation.

In short think of an avenue of spiritual progress and there will be resources, education, training and opportunities available under the banner of Lajna!

I cannot think of women as empowered as Lajna, because we have the strong backing of our Khalifa who is championing the cause of Islam the world over.  For Lajna, the journey has always been onwards and upwards, by the grace and mercy of God Almighty.