Voice of British Muslim Women

Unaizah Ahmad, Inner Park

With the preparations completed, duty holders were diligently engaged in their work, ladies  spent the morning queuing up for entrance to the main Marquee and many have gave husbands babysitting duties for the day. A more-than-usual jubilant atmosphere took over the Ladies Jalsa Gah and faces were adorned with broader smiles. All gave away that it was the second day of Jalsa Salana, UK and Lajna were to be blessed with the  arrival of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper) on the ladies side of Jalsa.

Indeed, the highlight of Jalsa Day 2, as Lajna, is our great fortune to be directly addressed by His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper). Among the many glimpses we catch of the love that our Khalifa has for us, Day 2 of Jalsa is an occasion saturated with such moments.

This love and benevolence is reflected in the words of the address of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper). They elevate our spirits, rejuvenate our faith, and demonstrate the high status of women in Islam; hence reminding us of our great responsibilities as members of the community of the Promised Messiah (upon whom be peace).

This year as well, the address of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper), was incredibly inspiring and a reminder of the high expectation His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) has of Lajna Ima’illah.

In his address, His Holiness mentioned inspirational incidents from the lives of the female companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) illustrating their love for worship of Allah, love for the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), standard of financial sacrifice; the sacrifice of their lives and the upbringing of their children to have the same firm and unwavering faith.   

The love and zeal for Allah’s worship in female companions of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was such that they would continue to pray even after they were tired and had to be reminded to practice moderation. An important piece of guidance His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) reminded us of was the importance of consistency in worship.

Their love for the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) far exceeded their love for any other relation whether it be their fathers, their brothers, their husbands, or children. 

The financial sacrifice of the female companions of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Alah be upon him) was such that they had no care for any materialistic desires and were ready to give away all their property in the way of Allah.

Where they themselves excelled in sacrifice, they had inculcated the spirit of sacrifice in their children as well. Love of the world and concern of their own selves paled in comparison to their love for Allah and His Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

After the address, His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper)  led everyone in silent prayer. Lajna and Nasirat recited poems expressing their gratitude and their joy at reaching Lajna centenary. Their love for Khilafat and yearning to put those words they had just heard into practice was palpable as they raised slogans.

As with every address of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper), today’s inspirational address will also be our guiding light for the year ahead and for years to come, God Willing. Raising our standards of prayers, inculcating within us and our children the love of Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), giving precedence to faith over all else, as His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) has guided us, is the path to achieving our purpose as Lajna Ima’illah- Community of Servants of Allah as we begin our next centenary.