Voice of British Muslim Women

Bareera Ghaffar, Nottingham

Jalsa Salana UK, is an eagerly anticipated three days for Ahmadis across the world. In Hadeeqatul Mahdi, The Garden of the Mahdi, men, women and children gather in their numbers across the country and across the world, to feel the spiritual brotherhood that envelopes all, and to hear, listen and reflect on the many awe-inspiring speeches delivered by various individuals especially those by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper).

Day two of Jalsa holds a lot of significance. Today, on the Lajna side in particular, not only is it a long Jalsa day, but it is also the day His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper) delivers his address to the ladies. There is always an air of excitement, everyone hoping to go and sit inside the main ladies marquee, mothers sending their babies to fathers or male members of their family, so they can sit fully present, and hear the words of the Khalifa of the time. For me, Jalsa day two carries an air of quiet reflection and emotion. Often and consistently we as Muslim women, see headlines, blogs, radio broadcasts about how people perceive us and how “oppressed” we are. With shape shifting cultural standards, Islam is a constant and at the forefront of women’s rights – our right to just be as we are,one that does not define us by mere labels but by respect, dignity and the search for the highest spiritual potential. It is an honour of immense privilege to be in the presence of His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper) and to hear him speak directly to us. As we sit in the Lajna Jalsa Gah, an environment built on the dedication and hard work of volunteers across the country, we all sit, draped in our headscarves, ready. The hustle and bustle of the marquee settles into a pin-drop silence, and we listen.

Today, as I sat and listened to His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper), I was struck again and humbled by how much Huzoor advocates for the the rights of Lajna, consistently teaching us of them, and making sure each and every one of us has the opportunity to reach a high spiritual level. Who else do you know cares so deeply and earnestly about one’s righteousness? And in the same breath ensures that the rights of women, within society and in our homes are of the highest standard. His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper) mentioned a few times in his address, that the best amongst us are those who are kindest to their wives.

The second day is truly a blessed day for Lajna; the entire ladies Jalsa area comes to a standstill, as all the volunteers that have travelled from around the UK, planning for this Jalsa to get a moment to really bask in the presence of His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper). In the crowd, many would have travelled from different countries, some may have never been in the presence of Huzoor before. With this knowledge, the sheer peace and security that washes over one when your spiritual head address you and makes it a point to say that this address, though from the ladies side, is for the men too— and to say that if his treatment of his wife is bad there is no way he is on the path of God. How powerful, how moving and how deeply necessary in the current climate. There is nothing, outside these very sentiments, that would give me better security and confidence as an Ahmadi Muslim woman, no need to go and look at the ever changing algorithms of what a woman should be, when the rights of Muslim women are God given, which the Khalifah of the age today further emphasised at Jalsa UK. This address given by Huzoor is one we must listen to multiple times to really understand the depth, love, and safety enveloped in it. Further, the link to righteousness and spirituality is emphasised by verses from Surah Ahzab of the Holy Qur’an recited by a Lajna member before His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper) delivered his address, which encapsulates what he was saying regarding how what separates men and women in Islam is their spiritual merit. Huzoor made it a point to say that if women (and of course men) focused on piety and peace in their homes it would lead to a revolution not only in their homes, but also in their local communities and society at large.

I deeply pray that we heed the sentiments of the Khalifah of the age. May the ladies of Ahmadiyyat be the trailblazers for a moral society, may we lead with kindness, patience and humility. May we continue to know our God-given right and heed the responsibilities we have. May we have courage and strength to speak when those rights are being overturned. May we all heed the Khalifah and his word. Ameen