Voice of British Muslim Women

Maleeha Mansur, Hayes 

For a Muslim woman, the purpose of all her gatherings is to ultimately draw closer to Almighty Allah. Indeed, ijtema serves as a great means to this end. Our beloved Imam and worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) has beautifully explained that “The primary goal of  ijtemas is to ensure that our youth and children achieve moral, intellectual, and spiritual development.” ⁱ  

In order to do this, beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) explains, “The ijtema provides a place for you to take a step away from the material world and to focus your time and energy on absorbing and experiencing those speeches, competitions, and activities that will increase your piety and standards of righteousness.“ⁱⁱ Indeed, we cannot underestimate the blessings of spending time in the company of the righteous. The Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a group of people are sitting in the mosque for the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and for the purposes of education and learning, then Allah Almighty bestows tranquility upon them and they are covered by His Mercy and angels take them under their wing.”ⁱⁱⁱ 

Whilst further explaining the impact one’s friendship and company have on an individual, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says: “When an individual sits in the company of one who is pious and truthful, then that individual partakes of that truthfulness. However, if one abandons the company of the pious and instead associates with the sinful and wicked, then that individual is influenced by evil thoughts. This is why the Holy Quran and Ahadith have stressed on the fact that one should abstain from the company of the evil and immoral. ” 

Certainly then, ijtema is a wonderful means of spending time in the company of like-minded people, seeking to gain nearness to Allah Almighty. To enjoy the beautiful sisterhood of Ahmadiyyat, under the unity of Khilafat.  

Ijtema provides ample opportunity for one’s intellectual advancement. One is absorbed in the beautiful recitation of the Holy Qur’an and can reflect on the verses of poems recited in most wonderful voices. Presentations allow one to delve deeper into various topics and enjoy the thorough research of presenters, delivered with the greatest eloquence. Whilst the presenters develop their own personal confidence and courage, they are also a means of inspiration for others. 

One of the great beauties of Islam, is that it does not seek to seclude its followers from the world. Rather, Islam teaches us to delve into the world and extract all its beauties and magnificence, so that we appreciate the creation of Allah and reflect on His Magnificence. In doing so, we draw ever closer to Allah and bow ever more to Him. Allah Almighty says, 

“Who has created seven heavens in grades. No incongruity canst thou see in the creation of the Gracious God. Then look again: Seest thou any flaw? Aye, look again, and yet again, thy sight will only return unto thee confused and fatigued.” (The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 67: Verse 4-5) 

To this end,  the opportunities of the modern day ijtema have so greatly expanded to fulfil this objective also. We have for our benefit various exhibitions, space exploration domes from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Student Association and research talks from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association. One is left no excuse to leave ijtema without having found new knowledge. 

But of course, the greatest means of fulfilment of the objectives of Ijtema for us here in the UK is certainly the blessed address of our beloved Imam, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper). Addresses filled with examples of the great women that have gone before us in history, of guidance and explanations of true Islamic teaching, a means of inspiration towards developing an everlasting bond with Allah the Almighty. 

May Allah Almighty enable us to once again partake of the blessings of ijtema and attend ijtema with its true purpose at the forefront of our minds. Ameen.