“They (Ahmadi converts) are from different religious backgrounds, different ethnic groups therefore you should make your plan and programmes according to their capacity, capability, knowledge and interest” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 18 October 2025, the National Executive (Amila) of Lajna Imaillah Canada had the honour of meeting with the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

During the meeting, members of Lajna Imaillah Canada had the opportunity to seek the guidance and counsel of His Holiness on a broad range of religious and administrative matters.

One attendee asked His Holiness how members who are less active within the Community can be encouraged to participate more regularly and take a greater interest in the activities and events organised by Lajna Imaillah.

In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated:

“You must try to bring them closer… As long as they identify themselves as Ahmadi Muslims, they are Ahmadis and remain members and therefore, it is your responsibility to include them and to train them… Reach out to them and focus on their moral and spiritual training.

His Holiness continued:

“Do not contact them only when inviting them to meetings or when collecting donations. When that happens, they simply say, “Here, take the donation and leave us,” and they do not give it happily. Therefore, your real task is to make them active – this is the true challenge. If everyone were already active, what need would there be for you? The very purpose of your work is to engage and revitalise those who are distant.”

His Holiness advised to engage such members in an informal and welcoming environment rather than formal meetings. Those members who are somewhat reticent to participate in Lajna events should be encouraged to share their views on how activities can be improved. By seeking their input and valuing their opinions, they will naturally develop a greater sense of interest and involvement in the work of Lajna Imaillah.

His Holiness stated:

“You should organise programmes according to their interests. Do not only hold traditional sessions where a Hadith is narrated, a verse of the Qur’an is recited with its translation, a short religious excerpt is presented, and some advice is given simply to fulfil a formality…  Invite them (who are less active) also speak – perhaps, related to worldly matters, such as healthcare or psychological issues. When they see that the meetings include subjects of their interest, they will attend more. At times, one must move away from conventional formats and ensure that a certain part of the programmes are on topics that interest such people.”

One attendee asked His Holiness how the Community can best support Ahmadi children who experience mental health challenges or require psychiatric care, especially in cases where a medical diagnosis or treatment may impact their spiritual development.

In response, His Holiness advised that Lajna Imaillah should itself encourage and support members of Lajna to pursue training and specialisation in the field of psychiatry. His Holiness emphasised the need for more Ahmadi Muslims to enter in this field so that they can provide ethical guidance, therapy and support to those in need.

His Holiness also encouraged Lajna Imaillah that they should seek out families with children who are struggling with mental illness and create a bond of friendship and sisterhood with them, offering support and care whenever needed.

One attendee asked His Holiness how the Community can stay connected with new Ahmadis and make them feel welcome and involved.

In reply, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“They (Ahmadi converts) are from different religious backgrounds, different ethnic groups therefore you should make your plan and programmes according to their capacity, capability, knowledge and interest… You can prescribe some books for their spiritual development. On a daily or weekly basis, send them excerpts from the books of the Promised Messiah and the Holy Qur’an so that they understand what are the true teachings of Islam. This is how you can create and develop their interest in religion and guide them towards becoming better Ahmadi Muslims.”