“Even more than other Ahmadi Muslims, it is your duty to stand on the frontline and to be at the vanguard of defending Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and to win the hearts of mankind through the power of love and kindness” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 26 April 2025, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqfat-e-Nau Ijtema, an annual gathering held for female members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.

His Holiness graced the event from the MTA Studios in Islamabad whilst more than 2,070 women and girls, including more than 1370 members of the Waqfat-e-Nau scheme gathered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.

His Holiness began his address by outlining the special status and significance of Waqfat-e-Nau members within the community. He emphasised that Waqfat-e-Nau girls and ladies were not a minor part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but rather individuals of immense value, having been dedicated to the service of Islam from before their birth and later reaffirming that commitment upon reaching maturity.

His Holiness highlighted that their responsibilities to their faith would continue to grow throughout their lives, “like a towering wave,” requiring ever-greater devotion and sacrifice.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Together, as Waqfat-e-Nau, you have the potential to profoundly shape the world around you and inspire generations to come… Understand that with each step you take towards maturity, your connection to your faith must also deepen and mature and the weight of your responsibilities shall grow heavier.”

During the address, His Holiness urged the Waqfat-e-Nau to reflect on how they could honour the pledge they have made to serve their faith. Whether they pursued higher education and professional careers or chose to stay at home after marriage, His Holiness emphasised that each had important responsibilities to fulfil as Ahmadi Muslims. His Holiness further stressed that raising children to be righteous, nurturing within them a deep love for God Almighty, and ensuring that their “home shines as a beacon of Islamic light, lies at the very heart of being a Waqf-e-Nau mother.”

His Holiness reminded them that whilst all Ahmadi mothers bore this responsibility, it was even greater for Waqf-e-Nau mothers – those who had pledged their lives to the faith.

In addition, His Holiness advised that children closely observe their parents, and as such, Waqfat-e-Nau should exemplify virtue and sincerity in all their actions.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“By setting a pious example for your children and attaining the nearness of God Almighty, you shall fulfil the true objectives of your Waqf (devotion to faith). So, at all times, strive to embody the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) which, in this era, have been taught to us by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

His Holiness highlighted the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who, upon accepting Islam, he stated shed immoral practices and experienced a spiritual awakening, and so, their compassion and benevolence inspired a revolution, spreading Islam’s teachings. In light of this, His Holiness urged Waqfat-e-Nau to recognise their true value and potential, regardless of education or qualifications.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“As Waqfat-e-Nau, irrespective of your level of education or qualifications, never underestimate your true value and potential. If you demonstrate the highest moral standards and conduct within your homes, it will not only be a means of cultivating excellent morals and firm faith in your children but will also serve as a powerful means of Tabligh (propagation of faith).”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and said:

“Your good character, integrity, modesty and truthful words will serve as a magnet, drawing the hearts and minds of good-natured people towards you. Thereafter, when you pray for them to be rightly guided, Allah will listen to and accept your prayers. In this way, God-willing, you will become the gateway for many people to embrace Islam. Moreover, your words, deeds and high morals will serve to render futile the false criticisms or allegations routinely directed at Islam.”

His Holiness advised those still in education to recognise that whilst gaining knowledge is essential for personal growth, it should ultimately empower them to be able to confidently defend and spread the message of Islam with logic and reason.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Your pursuit of knowledge shall serve as a resounding answer to those who falsely claim that Islam does not value the education or empowerment of women and girls.  Thus, as you progress through school, college or university do not have the mindset that your education is merely a means of getting a job or earning money. Rather, Ahmadi Muslim students should consider their education as an opportunity and platform to spread the beautiful teachings of Islam through the excellence of their character and the strength of their moral values.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“The way to preach to your friends, teachers or those within your orbit is not through force or harsh words – rather it is through love, compassion and by exemplifying the Islamic values of truth, integrity, kindness and piety at every moment of your life. If and when you reach this high standard, you will fulfil the true spirit of your Waqf (devotion to faith).”

During the address, His Holiness reminded Waqfat-e-Nau to pray that God Almighty saves them from laziness and enables them to serve their faith with distinction and dedication.

His Holiness further outlined how to demonstrate that Allah the Almighty is indeed a Living God.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“How can you prove that Allah is a Living God? Quite simply, it is by establishing a connection with Him. It is by ensuring you observe the five daily prayers on time and with immense humility and devotion. It should not be that you offer salat (obligatory Muslim prayer) very quickly as a token gesture or to satisfy your elders. Salat becomes mandatory at the age of 10, and most of you have reached that age. Consequently, you must prioritise the five daily prayers above all personal tasks and activities. Doing so will never lead to any harm or disadvantage you in any way. Instead, your prayers will serve as the means of your success and continued prosperity. If you are regular in offering salat, Allah the Almighty will bless you and He will also safeguard your future generations.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Allah will never abandon those who put their trust in Him and who make sacrifices for His sake. He will bless such people abundantly – so long as their worship remains sincere. Thus, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) states that our worship should be pure and free from superficiality or a desire to impress others. Nor should we treat our prayers like an unwanted burden that we perform half-heartedly and try to complete as quickly as possible. Allah has no interest in such worship.”

His Holiness went on to highlight the examples set before Ahmadi Muslim women by the female companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who made tremendous sacrifices for their faith, enduring torture, martyrdom, and even fighting in wars with courage.

His Holiness explained that likewise, in this era, Ahmadi Muslim women have also embraced martyrdom and endured imprisonment for their faith.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Recently, a baseless allegation was made against an Ahmadi woman in Pakistan by non-Ahmadi extremists. As a result, she was jailed for months before finally being released on bail. She withstood this trial with exemplary patience and never weakened in faith. As Waqfat-e-Nau, you should seek to emulate and follow such pious examples. Be ready for whatever sacrifices are required by your faith and religion. For this, you must never forget Allah the Almighty.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:  

“Every day strive to strengthen your connection with Him [Allah the Almighty]. Study the Holy Qur’an and seek to understand Allah’s teachings and commands. Only then will you grasp the true value, essence, and importance of making sacrifices for the sake of your faith. Then, whenever you have to chance to make a sacrifice for your faith, instead of feeling pain or loss, you will experience heartfelt joy and delight. You will view sacrifices not as a hardship but as a blessing and opportunity to draw closer to your Creator.” 

During the address, His Holiness repeatedly reiterated the importance of acquiring knowledge, particularly of the Holy Quran and the writings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“As is often said, ‘knowledge is power’. So, if you have religious knowledge, it will not only strengthen your faith but will also empower you to respond to the opponents of Islam and to guide those who are weaker in faith.”

Following this, His Holiness stressed the spiritual role of the Waqfat-e-Nau, highlighting the importance of winning the hearts of mankind through love and compassion.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It is not a physical battlefield upon which you have been called to serve.  Rather, it is in the spiritual arena that you have presented yourself for duty. And your task is to enlighten mankind to the truth and magnificence of the teachings of Islam. So, even more than other Ahmadi Muslims, it is your duty to stand on the frontline and to be at the vanguard of defending Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and to win the hearts of mankind through the power of love and kindness.” 

His Holiness concluded with prayers for Waqfat-e-Nau to remain loyal and obedient to God Almighty, fulfilling their pledge to serve their faith with distinction throughout their lives.