Women play pivotal and foundational role in society – Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

“Let there be no doubt that when Allah’s blessings descend upon a person, it is akin to that pure rain that pours abundantly from the heavens, revitalising even the driest and most barren of land into a vibrant tapestry of lush green.” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 28 September 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith inspiring address at the 45^th National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of Lajna Imaillah UK, the ladies’ auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The 3-day event which was held at Old Park Farm in Kingsley was attended by more than 7,240 girls and women and served to inspire Ahmadi Muslim women to strengthen their faith whilst joining together in various programmes designed to stimulate spiritual, moral and educational training.

During his address, His Holiness spoke of the lofty status of women in Islam and how women’s role in society is fundamental to a harmonious world.

His Holiness said materialism and worldliness dominate today’s world, with people of all ages “trapped in an endless cycle of materialism and an insatiable hunger for wealth.”

Thus, His Holiness said it is the responsibility of Ahmadi Muslims to not only safeguard themselves but also to protect their future generations by recognising that “true salvation lies solely in recognising and submitting before one’s Creator.”

Explaining how women in particular have been exploited in this pursuit of materialism, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad highlighted the example of the actions of states and their intelligence agencies.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Money, power, and the pursuit of wealth have become the gods of this era, and to secure these false idols, worldly people have long exploited women in deceitful and degrading ways, reducing them to mere pawns for achieving their material objectives. For instance, intelligence agencies have a history of exploiting women, using them as bait to lure men into compromising situations. These debased tactics are used to extract state secrets, classified information and to forge secret deals through coercion.” 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued and stated:

 “Thus, those nations who claim to stand at the vanguard of women’s rights think nothing of demeaning women and using them to fulfil their financial and political interests. In such circumstances, it lies upon Ahmadi Muslim women to take a stand for genuine women’s rights by seeking to establish morality and virtue at every level of society.”

Turning to how women can and should play a leading role in protecting the world from the pursuits of materialism, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“You may wonder how you, as individuals, can save the world? The answer lies in starting from your own home. Women undoubtedly play a pivotal role within their homes and have the power to shape the dynamics of their families. Their influence on their husbands, sons, brothers, and other relatives enables them to act as catalysts for peace and harmony. Conversely, as wives, mothers, mothers-in-law or sisters-in-law, they also have the potential to be the enablers of cruelty and the cause of rifts within families.”  

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:

“So, use your influence to cultivate love, peace and unity within your homes. Similarly, in the wider society, use your voice, skills and capabilities to foster peace and harmony, rather than to ignite division or discord. With courage and pride, be an exemplar of morality and truth.”

His Holiness went on to speak about the immense importance of modesty in upholding a peaceful society. He said that most Ahmadi Muslim women understood and proudly prioritised modesty and their bond with Allah above worldly concerns. However, caution was required at all times to ensure the stability and cohesion of society.

Advising Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The world is so immersed in immorality and vice that supreme caution and a constant effort is required to protect oneself… Every Ahmadi Muslim man and woman should strive to preserve their chastity at all costs. Your target should be to excel in righteousness and goodness purely for the sake of attaining God’s pleasure.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated about the importance of adopting piety:

“It should not be that good habits and qualities come and go like the wind.  Rather, every virtue we adopt, whether linked to fulfilling the rights of the worship of Allah or serving humanity, should become a permanent feature of our lives.” 

His Holiness said that observing the moral decline in society, “the hearts of every Lajna member should be restless and filled with profound sorrow” and should “strive to arrest this moral and spiritual decline.”  

Reminding Ahmadi Muslim women of their immense responsibility, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If today there exist women in the world who willingly and joyfully detach themselves from worldly pursuits for the sake of Allah and unite to collectively pursue spiritual growth and moral excellence, those women should undoubtedly be Ahmadi Muslim women. And, by the Grace of Allah, instilled within many Ahmadi Muslim women, all around the world, is piety, sincerity and goodness. They abstain from evil and wrongdoing. They are firm in faith and possess religious knowledge. They are intelligent and serve the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the wider society with sincerity and devotion.”

Cautioning Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“However, lurking in the shadows at all times, ready to pounce lies Satan. He seeks to exploit any moment of weakness in order to sow division and divert people from the path of truth and morality. So, your focus on attaining righteousness should not be limited to just the three days of the Ijtema or a few other occasions during the year. Instead, your journey towards spiritual and moral excellence is a lifelong pursuit, not a seasonal endeavour. Always seek those virtues that unlock the treasures of Allah’s grace and rewards.”

His Holiness went on to outline the key attributes of a believing woman as mentioned in the Holy Quran. His Holiness said believing women are those who reject all forms of Shirk (associating partners with Allah). However, Shirk can occur unknowingly, so His Holiness advised Ahmadi Muslim women to remain vigilant and guard against even subtle forms of Shirk by increasing in the worship of Allah.

Speaking of a way they can protect themselves, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“You should reflect upon and understand Allah’s individual Attributes and be regular in Zikr-e-Elahi – the remembrance of Allah. By keeping Allah’s Attributes firmly in mind, you will erect a spiritual shield against the various forms of Shirk that can infiltrate a person’s heart and mind.”

As a further means of protection, His Holiness reminded the attendees that in his recent Friday Sermon, he urged Ahmadi Muslims to engage in invoking blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and seeking the forgiveness of Allah as much as possible, which will protect them from Satan and fill their hearts with Allah’s love.

His Holiness said that whilst Ahmadi Muslim women should encourage their children to pursue academic excellence, they must also ensure that they gain religious knowledge and instil in them the love to serve Islam. In this way, His Holiness said, “the fruits of your noble efforts shall extend across generations.”

His Holiness went on to remind Ahmadi Muslim women that in their pledge, they vow to obey the Khalifa of the time in all his “Ma’roof” decisions.

Defining the term ma’roof, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In reality, ma’roof means and requires you to fulfil and act upon the commands of Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him). It requires you to faithfully act upon all teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) which are a source of perpetual enlightenment for mankind. And it requires you to act upon the instructions and guidance that, in this era, the Khalifa-Waqt gives to the members of the Jamaat, in light of the teachings of Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).  

Highlighting a commandment of the Holy Quran, His Holiness said that it commands the importance of speaking the truth.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad urged Lajna Imaillah to pay particular attention towards encouraging Lajna members to always abide by the truth: 

“Whether intentionally or naively, people sometimes speak in half-truths or in a misleading manner. This is wrong and a sin. One must never speak in a way that deceives others to any extent. Thus, if the Lajna Tarbiyyat department makes a concerted effort to encourage Lajna and Nasirat about the immense value of truthfulness, it can spark a profound spiritual and moral transformation. In fact, I believe that if all Lajna members cultivate the habit of speaking and acting honestly, more than half the weaknesses and shortcomings that exist personally or collectively will be eradicated.” 

His Holiness also mentioned several other vices as outlined in the Holy Quran that Ahmadi Muslims must seek to avoid, including backbiting which is akin to eating the flesh of your dead brother, mocking or insulting others, jealousy, or speaking and acting in a way that “incites ill-will and disorder in society.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Always remember that our mission is to create a pure and righteous society that will be a means of peace and security for the world and filled with love and compassion.” 

Reminding Ahmadi Muslims of the blessing of being united under Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Always consider it a great favour of Allah the Almighty that you are amongst those fortunate people who, in fulfilment of the promise of Allah the Almighty, are united at one hand under the shade of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. As I said earlier, you have made a pledge with Allah the Almighty that you will abide by any ma’roof decision of the Khalifa of the Time. So, as members of Lajna Imaillah always strive to strengthen your relationship with Khilafat and act upon the instructions and decisions of Khalifatul Masih. Never permit any thought to enter your mind that is contrary to the instructions of Khilafat. Never exhibit any form of hypocrisy.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Remaining firmly attached to Khilafat will, Insha’Allah, eternally ensure the unity and progress of our Jamaat. Likewise, it will pave the way for the spiritual improvement of each Ahmadi and open the door to the countless divine blessings of Allah the Almighty. Let there be no doubt that when Allah’s blessings descend upon a person, it is akin to that pure rain that pours abundantly from the heavens, revitalising even the driest and most barren of land into a vibrant tapestry of lush green. And so, through Allah’s Grace and Beneficence, in this life, you will, Insha’Allah, attain true comfort and joy from your children and future generations, as they give precedence to their faith over all worldly matters.”