Voice of British Muslim Women

Rameen Masood, Leicester 

‘It is He Who has made the earth for you a cradle, and has caused pathways for you to run through it; and Who sends down rain from the sky, and thereby We bring forth various kinds of vegetation.’ (20:54) [1] 

There is something profoundly humbling about the image of the earth as a ‘cradle’. A place of comfort, a place of compassion. A living gift from God. This feels especially poignant as Alhamdulillah we now find ourselves nearing the eagerly awaited days of Jalsa Salana UK. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside with the azure sky stretching above, the gentle sway of trees and the serenity of open fields, we are reminded that the same God Who provides for us also nurtures our hearts. 

Jalsa Salana is an ethereal gathering centred in nature and so when we enter its external grounds, we inherently notice a shift in our inner state. It’s no coincidence that a gathering as spiritually charged as Jalsa UK takes place amidst nature’s opulence. And so, just as we seek to purify our souls during these days, we must also strive to preserve the purity of the space that holds us. Islam places great emphasis on protecting the earth. That responsibility takes on a new layer of meaning when thousands gather for a purpose as noble as Jalsa. Alhamdulillah this spirit of responsibility is already in motion. At last year’s Jalsa, an entire department was established for this very purpose called ‘Environmental Management’. Their primary responsibility was monitoring the recycling at Jalsa Salana and ensuring that recyclable materials were disposed of in the correct bin bags. Many other departments also participated in this endeavour by separating their waste effectively. Even the youngest attendees fulfilled their duty enthusiastically by litter-picking, and I suppose you could say their small hands were taking part in tasks far greater than they may have realised.  

And this year too, the collective commitment to protecting our planet will shine even brighter Insha’Allah. Across the Jalsa site, you’ll continue to notice an increased number of litter bins, the shift towards paper cups and a concerted effort to reduce food wastage, amongst other initiatives. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community once said: ‘Generally, as much as possible, we should use recyclable products. At the events of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community there is usually a team dedicated for ensuring good hygiene. One of their responsibilities is to ensure that the environment and the facilities should be kept as clean and tidy as possible and they should clear rubbish in an appropriate and environment-friendly way.’ [2]    

Indeed, Islam teaches us that this is a responsibility we must all shoulder for it helps preserve the natural equilibrium. The heavens and the earth play a vast role in the grand scheme of creation and enabling us to achieve our purpose. Quite interestingly, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) mentions: ‘The heaven inspires awe by sending down calamities and the earth warns us with the emergence of epidemics. Blessed is one who understands.’ [3]  

Here’s some food for thought: how does the environment or caring for it affect us physically, emotionally or spiritually? The truth is everything in this world is intertwined. At times, the connections seem subtle or hidden to the eye, but they’re there, so intricately woven by our Creator. What’s more, our actions don’t exist in isolation; when we choose to look after our environment, others notice and that quiet ripple spreads further than we realise. Even the thoughts we hold, those small, sincere intentions, have a way of influencing the space around us. Undoubtedly, the good intentions configured in our minds influence others, and further actions. As the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) beautifully elucidates: ‘For one strength affects another and one characteristic affects another.’ [4] 

Adding to this insight, His Holiness Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him), the Second Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community writes: ‘Let external conduct be put in accord, even artificially, with what is desired internally, thus inducing a corresponding inner reaction.’ [5] Therefore, intentional changes in our external behaviour such as choosing to recycle and caring for the world can, and do, stir sincerity, humility and affection within. 

Now more than ever, we need hearts that are green. Etymologically speaking, the word ‘green’ originates from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘ghre’ meaning ‘to grow’. [6] This invites a parallel between the flourishing of the earth and soul reminding us that true growth is not just physical, but spiritual too. As we come together for Jalsa, let us carry this message and spread it far and wide. Let us become unified to make this Jalsa greener than ever, both literally and spiritually. For just as the earth so graciously cradles our existence, may we too rise to our role as its stewards and custodians, showing gratitude to our Khaliq (Creator).  

References: 

[1] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali, Chapter 20, verse 54  

[2] https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2021/11/female-waqf-e-nau-students-from-sweden-have-honour-of-a-virtual-meeting-with-head-of-the-ahmadiyya-muslim-community/ [Accessed 08.07.2025]  

[3] Malfuzat, Vol. II p. 12 Edition 2019  

[4] Malfuzat, Vol. I p. 254 Edition 2018 

[5] Way of the Seekers. By Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him). Available at: https://www.alislam.org/book/way-of-seekers/ p. 105  

[6] https://www.etymonline.com/word/green [Accessed 08.07.2025]