Voice of British Muslim Women

Sameea Jonnud, Hampshire

The national ijtema has been a regular fixture in the lives of Lajna and Nasirat who attend every year. Many years ago it took place in a small hall in London but now it has become more like a mini Jalsa with marquees spread over a Hampshire field. Day two begins chilly with muddy fields but a clear blue sky and bright sun makes for a cheerful atmosphere.

On entering the Lajna area one can see the Ijtema site with walkways for Lajna to reach the different marquees. The SEND marquee is nearby offering help to those with special needs. An exhibition area has beautiful handicrafts made for the Ijtema and is a popular destination for attendees to appreciate the hard work of Lajna members.

A row of white marquees have people going in and out and voices can be heard speaking. “The death of Jesus is a point of contention with the Abrahamic faiths.” An informative lecture by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association about removing misconceptions is taking place followed by interactive discussions with the audience.

The Umoore Talibaat (students) marquee is full of students and some mothers listening to a presentation. “Sacrifice is hard to do. We do it for Allah and I’m sure Allah will reward every one of us,” they are being told. Leaflets are available with information about different educational subjects and vocations, a book exchange is busy with exam guides and set books being browsed and swapped and an area has tips for writing letters to Huzoor, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, May Allah be his Helper, worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and a source of guidance for all.

Next door is the competitions marquee where passers by are pausing to listen to the melodious voices of Nasirat reciting poems in Urdu. An array of shiny trophies is displayed at the back of the flower decorated stage; at the rear of the Nasirat marquee children jump on bouncy castles, their cries of joy and laughter ringing all around.

Back in the rapidly filling main marquee the competitions continue. “We should pray and make an extraordinary effort to convey the message of Islam at least to the local population.” The English speech competition is taking place, on the theme of conveying the message of Islam. Competitors from the different regions of the UK speak about different aspects of the theme including prayer and knowledge.

As well as competitions there are speeches by guest speakers on different aspects of the Ijtema theme. “Knowledge must be combined with action,” is heard along with examples of conducting ourselves in ways which show what it truly means to follow the teachings of Islam.

During the lunch break the Ijtema site is abuzz with colour, chatter and laughter. “Assalamualaikum! How are you?” Ask many voices in English, Punjabi and Urdu, “I’m well, by the grace of Allah” comes the reply. There are many such meetings as friends and family from places many miles away meet up. On offer for lunch is ‘aloo gosht’, a meat and potato curry, served with rice or freshly made flatbread and an alternative of chicken pasta; anyone with a sweet tooth is able to satisfy it with ‘sevian’ creamy vermicelli.

The bazaar is open for business with freshly made street food available as well as clothes and jewellery for the Ijtema attendees to browse. A relative greets another and tells her that she and her Nasirat age daughter are spending the day while Dad babysits the youngsters. Except the daughter keeps losing her mother’s attention as she greets a stream of friends while walking. This connection with friends is an important aspect of Ijtema which all Lajna greatly look forward to.

After lunch is the key session of the whole Ijtema, the address to Lajna and Nasirat by beloved Huzoor, may Allah be his Helper, where Huzoor guides us to be better mothers and better Muslim women. Songs by Lajna end the session and attendees wave farewell to beloved Huzoor, May Allah be his Helper.

A first time Ijtema attendee sums up the Ijtema experience as being like a mini Jalsa but adds “I feel more connected.” Connection with the traditions we have had throughout our lives, connection with our fellow Lajna, connection with beloved Huzoor, May Allah be his Helper, as we listen directly to his guidance, and connection with our faith, all making for a special Ijtema experience.