Huzoor Addresses Ahmadi Women at Jalsa Salana UK 2024

Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 27 July 2024: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, addressed the Ahmadi women at the Jalsa Salana UK 2024, emphasizing the critical role of worship and modesty in the tarbiyat (upbringing) of their children.

The session began with Rubina Kashif Sahiba reciting Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.36-37 of the Holy Quran, followed by its translation. Showkat Hadi Zakaria Sahiba then presented an Urdu poem by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. The achievements of Lajna students were acknowledged, highlighting their academic excellence.

Gratitude and Worship

In his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude to Allah through worship, particularly through diligent observance of salat (prayer). He reminded the attendees of the immense favour bestowed upon the Jamaat by Allah, enabling them to recognize and accept the Imamas of the Age.

“It is a great favour from Allah that He has granted us the ability to recognize and accept the Imamas of this age. We are fortunate to witness the fulfilment of Allah’s promises and the prophecies of the Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H). True gratitude to Allah is expressed through His worship, specifically the five obligatory prayers, along with additional voluntary prayers. This command applies to both men and women,” said Huzoor.

Worship: Now and Then

Huzoor highlighted the fervent worship of the female Companions of the Holy Prophet, who often endeavoured to surpass even men in their devotion. He drew parallels to contemporary examples within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, where women continue to display exemplary standards of worship.

“In this era, Allah has blessed the community of the Promised Messiahas with women who are elevating their standards of worship. There are many examples of this [in our Jamaat],” noted Huzoor.

Significant Influence of Hazrat Amma Janra

Hazrat Amma Janra, the blessed wife of the Promised Messiahas, was presented as a profound influence on the spiritual life of the women around her. Huzoor highlighted her immediate response to azan (call to prayer), often leading to the cessation of all discussions, as a testament to her prioritization of worship over worldly matters.

“Children are gifts from God. Consider them as such. Do not make them the reason for you not worshipping. Allah the Almighty is displeased with this. It is not an excuse to say my clothes are dirty,” emphasized Huzoor.

Parental Responsibilities in Tarbiyat

Huzoor stressed the pivotal role of parents in the spiritual nurturing of their children. He articulated the necessity for parents to establish a religiously conducive home environment, enabling their children to find answers to spiritual questions within the home, thereby strengthening their faith from a young age.

“Every mother, filled with deep fear and gratitude, should pay attention after the birth of their child. Allah says that initially, both men and women pray for the child, but once Allah grants them a child, they associate [them as] partners with Him,” said Huzoor.

Navigating Modern Challenges

Huzoor expressed concern over the distractions and potential moral pitfalls presented by modern technologies such as the internet and television. He called for vigilant parental oversight to safeguard children from harmful influences pervasive online and in media.

“By purifying the environment of your home, you will ensure that the frivolities and innovations of the times do not influence your household. These are the things that undermine efforts for pure transformation and consume them like a pest,” cautioned Huzoor.

Practical Guidance on Modesty and Hijab

The discourse on modesty and hijab was particularly emphatic, with Huzoor providing practical guidance on observing hijab in accordance with Islamic precepts. He urged adherence to the principles of modesty even when contemporary styles might suggest otherwise.

“The concept of modesty and decency is fading away. Parents often dismiss concerns, saying that if girls have a desire for fashion, let them do it, what’s the harm? While it’s acceptable to follow fashion, it must be limited when it leads to immodesty,” explained Huzoor.

Guidelines for Social and Family Life

Guidance was also extended on maintaining decorum in social interactions and family life, advocating for a harmonious domestic environment conducive to spiritual growth. Huzoor underscored the importance of upholding appropriate purdah (seclusion) between genders, as ordained in Islamic teachings.

Empowering Women and Girls

In concluding the address, Huzoor inspired women to assume active roles in leading tarbiyat initiatives. He encouraged them to embody piety and contribute constructively to the overall welfare of the Jamaat, positioning Ahmadi women as exemplars of Islamic virtues in the broader societal context.

Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Huzoor prayed for Allah’s support for all women to achieve the high spiritual and moral standards discussed. He reinforced the notion that true empowerment and societal respect for Ahmadi women come from their unwavering commitment to Islamic values, their role in nurturing future generations, and their efforts to promote the true teachings of Islam globally.

“We have to bring about a revolution in the world. We have to show the world the right path. We have to make the world such that they prostrate and submit to God. We have to bring the world under the banner and the flag of the Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H). For this, we would have to reform our states, and reform the states of our children and future generations. When this occurs, it will bring about a revolution in the world,” said Huzoor.

Huzoor concluded with a prayer, “May Allah enable all of you to fulfil the right of this bai‘at. May you all be those who reform yourselves. And may you be those who give precedence to their faith over worldly matters. May all of you bring about a revolution in the world, while acting upon the commands of Allah the Exalted. May Allah enable this to be so.” Amin.

Following the address, Huzoor led everyone in silent prayer, after which the girls presented some choral poems. The session concluded as Huzoor took leave.