Voice of British Muslim Women

Jalsa day 2 by Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn

Jalsa Salana (the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) in its entirety is an exciting and spiritually uplifting weekend for the attendees, the volunteers and even the audience of thousands watching from home. But for Lajna Ima’illah in the UK and worldwide, the second day of Jalsa is always a special one, for His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, graces the ladies’ Jalsa Gah with his presence and addresses the session.

Every year, His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) covers a specific theme, it is always something different and new – giving us all an opportunity to learn and progress in our religious knowledge. And because of this, every year, we are inspired and empowered through different layers of Islamic teachings, Islamic history and the legacy of exemplary Muslim women of the past.

In the ladies’ session today, His Holiness addressed Ahmadi women and expounded on the theme of righteousness, highest standards of worship and fulfilling the pledge made to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).

Speaking of the inspiring example of Hazrat Sayyedah Nusrat Jahan Begum (may Allah be pleased with her), who was the blessed wife of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) shed light on her extraordinary steadfastness and standards of worship. For example, even while she had ladies of the Community visiting her, she always prioritised offering her Prayers on time and constantly guided the women that were in attendance to do the same.

We are living in a time when devotion to faith and following its commandments are looked down on by the people of the world who see the glamour and the razzle-dazzle of the world as more attractive and significant. The words of the Caliph today served as a profound reminder as to why our outlook on this is different and why we Ahmadi Muslim women, choose to have it. Instead of being influenced by the glitz and glamour of the world, which is not only temporary but also void in essence and purpose, Ahmadi Muslim women seek to influence and guide the world with their good example.

His Holiness, in his address, urged us to remember our purpose which is bigger and far more important than what this world – engulfed in indecency, worthless practices and immorality – has to offer. Safeguarding one’s Prayers, instilling contentment in one’s life, seeking to attain the love and mercy of God Almighty and giving precedence to faith is how we can try and fulfil the pledge we made to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) by entering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

It is not the materialistic world with its façade of progress and civilisation, but Islam and its empowering teachings and principles which enable women to excel and exceed their own potential in their lives. Further, the institution of Khilafat, our rope that leads and guides us to attain the love and pleasure of God Almighty, is a tremendous inspiration.

Rather than settling for the bare minimum or any less than what we are capable of, rather than giving in to the pressures and ill influences of the world, His Holiness is consistently urging Ahmadi Muslim women to carve their own path in this difficult world. Rather than succumbing to the toxicity of a world which can be all consuming, Ahmadi Muslim women are instead empowered to guide and influence the world with their faith-inspiring examples.

For the current Caliph of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), as was the case with the Caliphs before him, entrusting Ahmadi Muslim women with the responsibility to try and bring a spiritual revolution in the world with our examples is a huge trust placed in us.

As this year’s ladies address gets added to the long list of highly empowering and inspiring addresses, and as anticipation for the next year’s begins already, for now, we must reflect on the responsibility that we have been trusted with. May Allah enable us all to fulfil it to the best of our abilities. Ameen.