Bareera Ghaffar, Nottingham
National Ijtema comes at a very good time, a time when Lajna and Nasirat need a spiritual top up. Almost two months after Jalsa, Ahmadi women from around the United Kingdom once again come together for the blessed three days. National Ijtema is unique in that it offers a space for Lajna and Nasirat to compete region by region in various competitions such as Tilawat, Nazms, English and Urdu speeches…etc. as well as engaging in panel discussions, exhibitions and other activities. Ijtema is where, up close, you can see the sheer depth and breadth of knowledge and talent that Ahmadi Muslim women possess. Not only that, through various speeches one gains a deeper perspective on Quranic verses and quotes all three days. Many are able to engage with the writings of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) and the different addresses of Huzoor (may Allah be His Helper) through the personal lens of sisters around them.
This year’s Ijtema theme was Taqwa- Righteousness. Taqwa is to avoid all kind of evils for the pleasure of God, to abide by all His commandments and to avoid all that He has forbidden. In today’s world where materialistic things take over and at times take one away from faith, it is important that one always remembers that Allah the Almighty is the Bestower of all the worldly things one wants to achieve, it is only He Who can make it happen – For all He has to say is “Be and it is” (36:83).
Let us not be fooled by the mirage of comfort that the world around us creates but rather find comfort in the supplication of Allah the Almighty. Huzoor (May Allah be his Helper) quoted the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) in a Friday sermon in January 2026 and said “The truthful remain steadfast even at the time of trials, and they know that in the end God Himself will be their supporter. This humble one although grateful to God Almighty for the presence of such perfect friends, nevertheless, firmly believes that even if not a single person remains with me, and all abandon me and go their own ways, I have no fear. I know that God Almighty is with me. Even if I am crushed and ground down, reduced to something more insignificant than a particle, and if from every direction I face persecution, abuse and curses, I shall still ultimately be victorious…” such unwavering conviction in Allah the Almighty is one that we should all strive for in our lives.
A highlight of our Ijtema is having Huzoor (may Allah be His Helper) address us. Again, what a blessing from Allah the Almighty that we may get to be in Huzoor’s presence. This year Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) spoke on the character of a true believer. Taqwa was at the centre of this address, there were two words that stuck out “dignity” and “integrity”. Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) encouraged Ahmadi Muslim women to go out into the world and reach their full potential, but to never forsake Allah and to hold one’s dignity and integrity close. Thus, it is vital that as we gather and listen we must also reflect and look into ourselves and feel it incumbent upon us to change ourselves and to strive for closeness with Allah the Almighty.
As much as Ijtema is about the academic competitions and sisterhood, at it’s core it is spiritual rejuvenation and changing oneself for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. It is taking a look at one’s own soul, it is paying heed to the words of the Khalifa of the time and it is staying close to Islam Ahmadiyyat, so that one’s whole progeny is touched by this spiritual light.
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