37th Lajna Imaillah UK concludes with address by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addresses almost 4000 Muslim women and girls from across the UK
On 25 October 2015, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith inspiring address to conclude the 37th National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of Lajna Imaillah UK, the ladies auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The two-day event which was held at ‘Islamabad’ in Tilford, Surrey was attended by almost 4000 women and children from across the United Kingdom.
During his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that Ahmadi Muslims should continuously seek moral and spiritual development, according to the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“It is essential that before looking at others, every Ahmadi Muslim looks at himself and assesses his or her own state. They must question if they are truly following the teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). They must truthfully assess whether they are abstaining from immorality and sin.”
Referring to the crucial role of mothers within a home, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said it was essential to seek the nearness of Allah the Almighty and the way to do this is to develop a great love of worship and prayer within one’s home. As mothers, you can only inculcate a love of worship within your children when you yourself fulfil the rights of worship and perform all your prayers and manifest true devotion to God.”
His Holiness said that the teachings of the Holy Quran drew the attention of believers towards showing compassion and sympathy to others.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) taught that each Ahmadi Muslim should display true love and affection to others and that if they did so Allah would show love to them. Certainly, Allah’s love is the means to true peace and contentment. Therefore, always seek to spread compassion and kindness within society. You should not just hope for the best for yourself and your families but should desire that all people are able to live with peace, security and in comfort.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
“Those who wish to be counted amongst true believers and who wish to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran must always display love, empathy and kindness. If you respect others and are open-hearted you will see that many bad habits, such as speaking ill of others, will naturally die away and this is extremely important in today’s society.”
His Holiness said that parents must concentrate on the educational needs and well-being of their children and set a positive example for them at all times.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“You must establish the very highest standards and values within your homes. You must act according to Allah’s commands. Sometimes, children can pick up wrong things or habits from their schools or outside and so you must give ample time to your children. You must explain to them what is right and what is wrong.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
“You must instil within your children those values that are to be cherished and protected. You must explain Islamic teachings to them. In terms of their school education, of course you should encourage your children to learn and to attain the highest standards. However, if in the name of freedom, the schools ever teach things that are contrary to Islam then you should explain clearly to your children what our values and beliefs are.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that all Ahmadi Muslims should be regular in watching programmes broadcast on MTA International.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“In terms of MTA, every Lajna member should attach themselves to it and be regular in watching its programmes. At the very least they should ensure that they watch my Friday Sermons and the other programmes of the Khalifa of the time. And they should make sure their children also sit and listen. This will be the means of their spiritual and moral development and will increase their religious knowledge.”
His Holiness recounted a faith inspiring incident of a newly converted Ahmadi Muslim woman who travelled from France to meet His Holiness during his recent tour of Holland. After becoming an Ahmadi Muslim, she said her husband had rejected her and removed her from her home. However she remained firm and resolute in her faith.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Naturally, most women wish to live comfortable lives with their families and to live with comfort and ease. Yet, still there are women who are ready to bear all forms of hardship, difficulty and persecution for the sake of their faith and belief in the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). That is the state of a true believer that he or she is willing to sacrifice all forms of comfort and to patiently bear all trials and tribulations for the sake of their faith.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded by praying:
“May you become torch bearers who shine a light on the true teachings of Islam. And may Allah enable you to spread the true peaceful teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be on him) and to forever abide by the perfect teachings of the Holy Quran.”
During the Ijtema, the members of Lajna Imaillah participated in various academic competitions and activities, which included presentations, exhibitions and quiz and speech competitions.
New features of the Ijtema this year included the introduction of a workshop marquee – which hosted trade and industry and health talks and various demonstrations, as well as a ‘Great Lajna Bake-off’ style event.