Voice of British Muslim Women

Sameea Jonnud and Lajna and Nasirat members  

Lajna Ijtema has been a constant annual event in the lives of Ahmadi Muslim Women over the years. My own memories are varied, covering many aspects of Ijtema; standing on the stage in competition, excitement at receiving a prize for Nasirat team quiz, watching my daughters take part and volunteering in different departments over the years. Above all I remember just being there, from mosque halls to college and leisure centres to the great marquees we currently have, seeing familiar faces and new while gaining knowledge and celebrating the achievements of Ahmadi Muslim women and girls. Ijtema has changed a great deal, with educational presentations, interactive exhibitions and even cake decorating competitions adding to the original academic programme, offering a variety for everyone to enjoy. 

As Lajna Ima’illah’s centenary year comes to a close, I asked some Lajna and Nasirat members to share their thoughts and experiences of this special event.  

Asifa has been attending Ijtema in the UK all her life. 

“The Lajna organisation ensures that we better ourselves, that we assess and evaluate our spiritual self and strive to achieve more spiritual growth. What I have seen is those that attended Jamaat functions from a young age will always stay attached to the rope of Khilafat. National ijtemas are at times a massive childhood friends reunion. Nasirat I grew up with, near and far, I competed against, I have over the years forged such a strong bond and become lifelong soul sisters with them. Many have inspired me to become a better individual.  Many have excelled in their roles in Lajna Ima’illah.  It’s a beautiful thing to watch little girls grow into formidable strong women running national departments within Lajna Ima’illah.” 

After taking part in the Nasirat, Aalia, has recently joined Lajna. 

“When I had just turned 7 years old, I took part in my first ever ijtema. I remember being so scared of doing my nazm in front of all those people at my local ijtema. But I can also remember that afterwards so many people came to tell me I did so well. That year I ended up going all the way to nationals. That was terrifying to 7-year-old me! This year was my last year competing as a Nasirat and when I stood up in front of everyone at regional ijtema, I was so nervous. But then I just thought back to 7-year-old me, and I knew that it would be alright. And Alhamdolillah, it went well. I didn’t make it to nationals, but I’ll always remember when I was 7 years old, and I made it all the way.” 

Madiha experienced her first UK Ijtema in 2022. 

“Last year was my first National Lajna Ijtema after moving to the UK from Pakistan. While attending the Ijtema, I realised how lucky and blessed Lajna Ima’illah UK is to have the constant guidance of our beloved Huzoor, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper), worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Under the supervision of Sadr Lajna UK, I have seen Lajna members belonging to different fields of the world working together independently without the interference of men. They worked day and night and made all the arrangements by themselves from organizing the main Marquee, cleaning of the toilets and most importantly, the security of our beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper). This has inspired me and reminded me of the real purpose of Hazrat Musleh Maud, second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (may Allah be pleased with him) in creating the auxiliary of Lajna Ima’illah which I was missing in Pakistan.” 

Nusrat is inspired by new members of the community who take part in Ijtema. 

“When I think about Lajna and our National Ijtema, I am reminded of the beautiful contributions made by our newly converted New Ahmadi sisters every year, who, even when attending for the first time, jump straight in, take to the stage and impress and move us all by delivering a beautiful recitation of the Holy Qur’an or couplets of a Nazm (poetry) written by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), self-written English poetry or a heartwarming and emotive speech on their individual spiritual journey toward accepting Ahmadiyyat. As we celebrate our 100 years of Lajna, we look forward to hearing, once again, the speeches delivered by our new Ahmadi sisters that are truly inspiring to listen to and serve as a reminder to all Lajna and Nasirat on how blessed and thankful to Allah we are, that He has blessed us to be Ahmadis and a part of Lajna Ima’illah, Alhamdulillah.” 

Zoya has discovered the rewards of taking part in Nasirat Ijtema. 

“This ijtema was my first time writing all of my speech completely by myself and it was very rewarding knowing that every word I spoke I had written myself. I’m now looking forward to an amazing day at National ijtema with my friends and cousins.” 

Different voices with memories of different aspects of Ijtema, but all with the common belief in the importance of Lajna Ijtema. As the next centenary of Lajna Ima’illah gets underway we all look forward to seeing how our Ijtema continues to develop and inspire.