Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Walsall
Lajna Ima’illah, meaning women dedicated to the service of God, provides a unique platform for women to learn, grow and serve their communities. As an organisation of Ahmadiyya Muslim women, its role extends beyond spiritual development. It encourages women to support and empower one another, while creating opportunities to promote physical health, emotional wellbeing, social connection and personal development. It was within this community that an idea close to my heart found a place to grow: bringing breast awareness, early diagnosis and support for women affected by breast cancer directly into the community.
As a breast surgeon, I have always felt that my responsibility extends beyond the hospital clinic and operating theatre. My passion is not only to treat breast cancer, but also to help women understand their breasts, recognise changes and feel confident seeking medical advice early. Over time, this has become a personal mission. Through this work, I have discovered one of the great strengths of Lajna Ima’illah: its ability to turn ideas into meaningful initiatives. It provides the trust, the people, the community and, importantly, the willingness to make things happen.
Let me share my story.
From an idea to a field breast clinic
I first approached the then Sadr Lajna with the idea of providing a field breast clinic and promoting breast awareness using a breast examination model at our annual Ijtema. I was conscious that Ijtema is primarily an educational and spiritual gathering, and was not sure whether a clinical service, with all the requirements around confidentiality, privacy and professional standards, would be feasible. I was therefore both surprised and delighted when, after some understandable initial hesitation, the answer was yes.
What followed was a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together behind an idea. The Lajna team worked tirelessly to make the clinic possible. A practical examination couch was purchased, naturally in pink in keeping with breast awareness. A private cabin was organised, chaperones were arranged and timings were carefully considered. There was, however, one small detail we had forgotten: a clinic diary! We had expected women to attend the clinic steadily throughout the day. We had completely underestimated the demand. Before long, there were long queues of women waiting to be seen, and the whole team worked tirelessly to keep things moving. Some women came with concerns that required further assessment, while others simply wanted reassurance and the opportunity to ask questions. The two days of the clinic were exhausting but incredibly rewarding. I remember driving to work on the Monday morning thinking, perhaps I did overdo it over the Ijtema weekend! It was certainly a strong learning point for future field clinics.
But there was also something very special about those two days. We were not simply providing a clinical service. We were creating an opportunity for women to learn about their health in a familiar, trusted environment. Since that first clinic, successive Sadr Lajna have continued to support breast awareness initiatives with great enthusiasm. Breast awareness has become a regular feature at Ijtema, allowing the message to reach more women each year.
We have seen women become more aware of their breasts, understand the importance of attending breast screening and feel more confident about seeking medical advice when they have concerns. There have also been occasions where early breast cancers were detected and diagnosed in a timely manner. For me, this is one of the most powerful examples of how awareness can lead to action.
Empowering women through knowledge
The purpose of the field clinic was never simply to examine women. It was also about education. We used breast examination models to promote practical breast awareness. Women were encouraged to understand what is normal for them, recognise changes and know when they should seek medical advice. For me, this is the real value of breast awareness. Instead of fear, give women knowledge and confidence that if something does not feel right, please do not ignore it. Go and get it checked.
One of my favourite parts of these events has been the practical breast examination teaching. Some women initially feel hesitant even to touch the model. With a little encouragement and support, that hesitation soon changes. They begin to examine the model, ask questions and learn what they should be looking for. Gradually, their confidence grows. Seeing participants leave feeling more confident and empowered is incredibly rewarding. It is also a reminder that health education is most powerful when people are given the knowledge and confidence to take action for themselves.
Supporting women after a diagnosis
As a breast surgeon, my commitment to women does not end when a diagnosis of breast cancer is made. A breast cancer diagnosis can affect every part of a woman’s life. There are questions about treatment, surgery, family, work, relationships and the future. Sometimes women need medical information. At other times, they simply need someone to listen.
This is why I am particularly passionate about our small, warm and informal breast cancer support group, Safinatul Afia (a voyage to wellbeing and health), supported by Lajna Ima’illah. It is a safe space where women touched by breast cancer can come together, talk openly, ask questions, listen to one another and share their experiences. There is something very powerful about women sitting together and realising that the worries they have been carrying are shared by others. Sometimes what a woman needs most is not another medical explanation, but the reassurance that she is not alone.
Caring for the whole woman
As Muslims, we understand good health as a blessing, a trust from Allah. We have a responsibility to care for that trust. Looking after our own health and supporting the wellbeing of others are therefore deeply meaningful to me. I believe Lajna Ima’illah provides a wonderful environment in which these principles can be put into practice.
It supports women’s spiritual development while also creating opportunities to learn about health, strengthen friendships, develop confidence, support one another and pursue personal development. It creates a space where women can share knowledge, identify areas of need and turn those needs into practical initiatives. My work in breast awareness is just one example of what this can look like.
Whether through a field breast clinic, a breast awareness session, practical teaching, a support group or simply a conversation with a woman who has a concern, the aim is the same: to help women feel informed, supported and empowered. Empowered by this experience, I have also been privileged to take breast awareness beyond Lajna gatherings, visiting churches, temples and other community settings. Wherever women come together, there is an opportunity to share knowledge that may make a difference.
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