Fezia Haq, Fazl Mosque
Contrary to the criticism levelled at Islam that it prescribes segregation of genders, it is in actual fact a blessing of Khilafat or Caliphate within the same religion, that this separate venue has meant that Ahmadi Muslim women and girls get to be the direct recipient of our spiritual leader’s attention and guidance.
Ijtema – the yearly gathering held by the various auxiliary organisations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – is an event where knowledge is shared, competitions held, and various exhibitions and activities are put in place. But the highlight of the event, which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association (Lajna Ima’illah) UK has been blessed on countless occasions with, is the presence of the Khalifa.
Instead of being overlooked amongst a fast growing and expanding community, the Khalifa has repeatedly made women in Islam the subject of his addresses. Issues directly pertaining to women have been the centre of these speeches, which empower us rather than suppress, walk us towards betterment rather than locking us away somewhere. I recall many instances of guidance given by our Khalifa in Ijtemas over the last few years.
2017: Citing examples from the time when a true Islamic society was in place, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) instructed us to reflect: “Every one of you should constantly analyse and think about whether you have the same spirit and devotion for serving your religion that the female companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had? Ask yourselves if you have same true and sincere love for Allah the Almighty and His noble Messenger (peace be upon him) as the companions did.”
2018: Having previously guided us as to whom we should look for inspiration in, His Holiness began his uplifting address with the following words, which remain as motivating as ever: “Be amongst those women and girls who light up the world through their sincerity and morality and through their readiness to give up everything for the sake of their religion and nation.”
2019: How can this be achieved in this day and age? His Holiness shed light on this: “It is the task of Ahmadi men, women and our youth, as members of the community of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), to use modern-day technologies to counter the influence of irreligious and immoral forces and to show that upholding religious values in the contemporary world is not just possible but is absolutely vital.”
2021: Much changed with COVID-19, but His Holiness continued to guide us following this uncertain period of time across the world: “You should set an example of modesty for others to learn from and demonstrate your power, confidence and self-worth through the manifestation of your faith.”
2022: The year Lajna Ima’illah neared 100 years of its establishment, His Holiness brought our attention to prayers towards the end of his Ijtema address, saying: “The prayers of a sincere woman have immense value.”
2023: His Holiness blessed Ahmadi Muslim women and girls with numerous prayers, and reminded us of the female companions he spoke about in 2017: “As the page turns on the first century of Lajna Imaillah, a blank page now lies before you in the shape of the coming century. And your conduct and standard of faith will determine what is ultimately written upon it. May it be that your sacrifices and unwavering loyalty to your faith come to be recorded in the history of Islam, just like those women who accepted Islam in the time of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).”
Now that we are approaching Lajna UK Ijtema 2024, this time can be utilised as a reminder to review what women have specifically been guided on, and think about how to implement these visions of our beloved Khalifa (may Allah be his Helper).
Refs:
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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