Voice of British Muslim Women

Sameea and Danila Jonnud, Hampshire

The sense of unity begins before we even reach the site, as while we’re driving, we see other cars around us with Ahmadi Muslim women also on their way to the Ijtema. The entrance requires scanning of our ID cards and a check of our bags after walking through the metal detectors. Alhamdolillah, with the expansion of the community, the area used for Ijtema has changed from being within the Fazl or Baitul Futuh mosques, to being held in various marquees set up on a large field in the Hampshire countryside. This is the immediate view upon entering the site; deep blue sky overhead, and a cool breeze fluttering over the white tents.

In the main marquee, the voice of a speaker rings out as we enter the rapidly filling area, “Hug your sisters, be the first to say ‘Salaam’”. This is just one of the presentations taking place during Ijtema.

Opposite the marquee stands a sign made up of letters spelling “Ijtema UK”; smiling ladies and children making their way to the marquees, stop and take photos to commemorate this historic Ijtema. Straight ahead is the accommodation area filled with colourful bedding; “Asslaamoalaikum, what is your name and region?” newcomers hear as they arrive, trundling their suitcases along the walkways.

We make our way to the Nasirat area where a melodious voice rings out “Assalaamoalaikum” before beginning an Urdu speech on the topic of mothers. Behind the marquee a large colourful inflatable slide indicates the location of the girls funfair, a place filled with laughter and excitement. We proceed on past the AMWSA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Students Association) marquee where a talk about Journalism is going on. “For example you might be photographing in Syria…” is heard by the students attending.

Next we go to the exhibition area buzzing with energy from old and young alike who can all find something to interest them. An exhibition of intricate embroidery made by the Lajna regions covers the right hand side, a colourful commemoration of one hundred years of Lajna Ima’illah.

As we move towards the AMRA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association) area we can hear encouragement “Try and make a DNA model from gummy bears and twizzlers” children are guided on one table. In another a circuit lights up, “You’ve got the neuron working!” An inflatable observatory is set up on the far end, where an astronomer shows us the sun set and the night sky as it will be tonight, with the beautiful Milky Way stretching across the dome.

We exit, and as we make our way back, stop to greet old friends from Nasirat days, asking after one another’s health and remembering one another’s mothers. As we continue walking, “Asslaamoalaikum” is called towards us from various family members and friends. Groups of ladies can be seen laughing and talking and greeting each other sometimes after a long time apart.

Re-entering the main marquee, we settle down for the rest of the morning session amidst a general knowledge and religion quiz. The presentation which follows shares the financial sacrifices of Ahmadi Muslim Women throughout the 100 years since its inception, such as contributions to charities and the building of various mosques around the world. “Women, bringing communities together and creating havens of peace around the world through their financial sacrifice.” The English poetry competition is filled with writers who reflect on God, faith and Lajna Ima’illah. Attentive silence accompanies a speaker as she ends her poem “Do You think that they will find a rope back to You? Do you have faith in the human race? ‘Yes’ said God, ‘I know and I do.”

At lunchtime we are served delicious chicken and chickpeas with keema aloo (mince and potatoes) and chicken pasta also available, with bananas for pudding. After that many Lajna head over to the bazaar and browse the clothes and jewellery or enjoy a treat of pakore or cake. Walking around the Ijtema site we meet many friends and relatives with hugs and conversation, renewing bonds and making new ones – a special feature of Lajna Ijtema.

As the afternoon session begins we settle down for the speech of Sadr Lajna before making our way home in anticipation of the final day and the expected presence of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) with his wisdom and guidance to Lajna and Nasirat. And after that, we can still look forward to future Ijtemas which will continue to be a source of knowledge, inspiration and unity, insha’Allah .