Danila Jonnud, Hampshire
A few years ago I thought the world had become a dystopia.
Even at 13 I knew that the crashing economy, the seemingly incompetent government, and the disparity between the wealthy elite making decisions for the less fortunate public didn’t sit right with me.
I told my friends, “this is how it started in the books. The only difference is we know it.”
We’d study novels about the power hungry making decisions for the oppressed population who had varying degrees of perceptiveness about their own situation, and we’d agree that the world our bravely rebellious characters lived in was one which should never exist.
Then the day would pass on.
Humans love to make books, films and TV shows about how awful we are, how governments will allow terrible things to happen, how villains will kill people, and self-righteous politicians will say it’s sad. We love it. We award the best and most emotional speeches that an actor gives for the sake of fictional people being tortured or suppressed by fictional sadists. We cry and we clap and we all agree that it was a poignant moment indeed.
And then the moment passes on.
We go back to the real world, and look at our phones, we scroll past a brownie recipe and a couple getting married, how technology is changing everything, the various genocides happening in the world, and the latest bombings, massacres, coups, speeches. And we scroll on and now a singer has released a new song, an influencer got a brand deal, now thousands are being killed, now McDonald’s has special offers, now the Met Gala has 5.3 million tweets about it, now people are tired of it all. And we laugh or cry or gasp as is appropriate.
And then the stream passes on.
In Primary School we used to sing a song about counting your blessings, and nowadays, when I’m feeling particularly tired or anxious, I think “at least I’m being allowed to live, at least I’m not being threatened or bombed, at least I’m begging to watch a certain TV programme and not begging to be saved from a genocide.”
Then I stop. And I don’t let the feeling pass on.
Because it’s sickening that according to our favourite movies, and articles, and anecdotes, I’m about to approach the best years of my life, but at the same time, many children in Palestine will never have the best years, they’ll never reach my age or beyond. And if they do, what universities can they go to when they’re all destroyed, what professors can they learn from when they’re all dead, what books can they read or computers can they browse when they’re starving and injured with nothing? What career can they dream of, if they’ve spent their lives dreaming of only having the freedom to exist?
The human race loves moral speeches. They love watching films and TV shows where a character stands for justice, peace, respect, equality and the right to be free from oppression. They feel inspired and motivated when Mr Miyagi teaches Daniel-san that self-defence is about avoiding a fight and protecting yourself, never for attack or revenge. Someone who has read or seen Harry Potter or The Hunger Games will never tell you they agree wholeheartedly with Voldemort or President Snow.
These stories remind us that upholding tyrannical states or thinking cold hearted assault, torture, or killing is acceptable, are the most repulsive traits in existence, and though humans can be bad, we should never allow this.
And that’s why I’m writing this; because the human race loves moral speeches. I’m writing this desperately, hopefully, angrily, to say stand up, be loud, and tell this somehow dystopian world it’s wrong. The world leaders are wrong for allowing Israel to go this far. They’re wrong for funding arms. They’re wrong for upholding lies and allowing biases in the media. They’re wrong for watching as thousands of innocent people have been murdered horrifically by an unrepentant state.
And if you know they’re wrong then say it. Because the reason for every dystopia is that the people think there’s nothing they can do. They get into a routine, learn to take everything silently, and allow the cycle to continue, and in those stories it takes one or two special people to fight back before everyone is fighting back.
Because even in our world – the real world – we are fighting back. People are being arrested on flimsy charges for daring to say that massacres and genocide shouldn’t be allowed. People of all ages, faiths, races are trying and trying.
They’re trying because we do live in a dystopia.
And whether the next chapter brings more suffering and cruelty, or whether it brings hope and change is up to us.
So I pray to our Creator to help us, to give us the strength and morals we so admire when it’s fictional, so that we can overcome the cowards and the power hungry, so that we can bring justice to the murderers and the complicit before it’s too late.
+ Ahmadiyya, Blessings, Caring, Compassionate, Faith, Khilafat, Khilafat, Rope of Allah, Light, Love
Epitome of Unconditional Love and Selflessness
Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn
*Huzoor is the term Ahmadi Muslims use to refer to His Holiness, the fifth Caliph/Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Some days ago, when I wrote a blog about the experience of witnessing fear turning into security and peace because of Khilafat [Caliphate], I did not know that the following Friday, Huzoor, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) would, for the first time, ask for prayers for himself.
It was a moment when we all felt our hearts drop for a moment as Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) spoke about his heart-related procedure and asked for everyone’s prayers.
His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) said:
“By the Grace of Allah Almighty the doctors have said that medically speaking the procedure has been successful. Pray that however much life Allah the Almighty is to grant me is one that is healthy and active.” [1]
There was so much to process in those few minutes. Sudden concern, fear, and an unease that Huzoor had been unwell and in discomfort, but then at the same time, by the Grace of Allah the Almighty, there was an assurance that he was in front of us, looking well and that his procedure was successful.
Normally, if one is unwell or has gone through a surgical procedure, they are discomforted, they are in pain and often take some time out from everything else to fully recover and heal. Further, consulting with doctors, going through check-ups and various treatments and so on and so forth – all of these things are tiring and at times frustrating. One struggles to complete one’s usual tasks of the day let alone interact with people around one and maintain a normalcy of one’s life.
It has been a few days but even now as I listen back to Huzoor’s (may Allah be his Helper) words, I feel immense pain, so much that it reduces me to tears. The person who is the most beloved to us in this world had been unwell and in pain yet not for a moment did he let it show to us just so we don’t get concerned.
As His Holiness revealed, this was a problem he was facing for some time – how long, he didn’t say yet it was clear that he had been unwell, yet he continued to fulfil his responsibilities as Khalifatul Masih without pause. All this time he has been meeting members of the Community in person, he has been reading and responding to our letters amidst all the other intense and extensive work he does daily.
Throughout this time, we have been sharing our problems, our grief, our loss, our gains, our happiness, and our sorrows with Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper) through our meetings or our letters to him. And Huzoor, as selfless and as unconditionally loving as he is, has been guiding us, worrying for us, praying for us all day till late in night, putting aside his own discomfort and health.
Some months ago, I had a family meeting with Huzoor (may Allah be his Helper), during which I shared some personal struggles with Huzoor. Now when I look back, I feel regret that while I was sharing my discomfort, Huzoor must have been in discomfort too, but he didn’t let it show. Just like he wouldn’t have shown it to hundreds and hundreds of members that he meets and speaks to on a daily basis. Instead, like he does with everyone, Huzoor listened to me carefully, and very graciously and affectionately assured me in a way that will stay with me for as long as I live.
Even this last Friday, just so we don’t get concerned or anxious by his absence over his health, Huzoor came and delivered his weekly Friday Sermon. Even when he was in discomfort himself, he thought of us and our concern for him. Telling us about his surgery after it happened and doing so in person rather than through an announcement was yet another display of Huzoor’s deep love and affection for his Community.
Hence, we witnessed another moment of fear turn into security and peace. Such is God Almighty’s ways of fulfilling His promises to His believers. Such is the selflessness, love, and humility of the Khalifatul Masih. For the ease and comfort of his people matters to him more than anything else. The bond between the Khalifa of the time and the community is also one of its own kind. For we are his and he is ours.
May Allah grant His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) a swift and full recovery and may Allah Almighty grant him a healthy and active long life. May we, the ones he loves so much, also be from those who are the source of comfort and delight for him. Amin.
References:
+ Ahmadiyya, Allah, Blessings, Faith, Gaza, Guidance, Hope, Islam, Khilafat, Khilafat, Rope of Allah, Optimism, Peace, Prayer, Solace, Turning to God, Voices for peace, War
Khilafat – Our Peace and Guidance
Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn
In a time of great unease in the world, fear and a degree of pessimism could easily take over one’s mind, making them worry for the future. At that point, it is very human to want to look for support, security, and comfort.
For believers in God, that peace and that solace is to be sought from God Almighty. Fervent prayers for peace and stability, for the protection of humanity and the wider world, and for the end to injustices and oppression against all is a powerful weapon possessed by a believer.
Allah the Almighty is so Benevolent and Gracious that in this world as well, He has provided believers with leadership that He has Chosen in the form of Khilafat [Caliphate] that draws our attention towards worship and the remembrance of Allah. In this era, it is the Khilafat that was established on the precepts of prophethood and following the demise of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him).
In the Holy Qur’an where Allah the Almighty gives believers the glad tidings and promise of Khilafat, it is stated that Allah Almighty “…will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear…” [1]
We, as Ahmadi Muslims, have so many moments on count when we have seen the fulfilment of this promise by God Almighty. I am reminded of my father telling me about the period of fear after the demise of the fourth Caliph His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) and the instant restoration of feeling of security and peace after the election and appointment of the fifth and current spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper). I am also reminded of the fear after two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore were attacked on 28May 2010 which was replaced with peace and security after we saw His Holiness deliver his weekly Friday Sermon with the familiar characteristic calm and the peace that he maintains at all times with the Help of God Almighty.
Even when the matter of concern is not related to the Community itself, His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper), as the Khalifa of the time, is still the same source of peace and security for us.
In recent months with the Israeli aggression against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and with the ongoing deterioration of international relations within the Middle East as the conflict spreads, there is uncertainty and fear for the dire state of the world and what it might lead to. But that’s as far as the thoughtfulness would go for someone like you and me, who would see the news, perhaps worry but then, would be immersed in their daily chores.
The attention of the Khalifa of the time is different, however. His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) spends his days and nights guiding the Community and its members in its routine and urgent matters, he is also holding official meetings with office bearers, he is receiving correspondence and also responding to it, he is being regularly informed about the different branches of the Community across the world, and he is holding private family meetings with Community members. Alongside all this, His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) is also aware of the issues and conflicts affecting humanity and he is deeply concerned for them.
With the Help of God Almighty, while doing all that he does during the day till late in the night, His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) is also constantly praying for the Community, for the world, and for mankind.
For perspective, in the period of six months, there are just about twenty-eight Fridays. That translates to twenty-eight weekly Friday Sermons delivered by His Holiness. Except a couple of sermons in all these weeks, His Holiness has consistently drawn our attention towards intense prayers for Palestine, wider Muslim Ummah and the whole world. While world leaders, including leaders of the Muslim world, are busy serving their own political and economic interests, His Holiness is urging restraint and is giving regular in-depth guidance on Islamic principles on conflict resolution through his addresses and sermons.
In a meeting with students from Germany just recently, someone asked His Holiness about maintaining communication with the headquarters of the Community during a possible world war. His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) said that we must be assured that God would provide guidance in such a situation and that even if there is significant destruction, everything will not come to a halt and contacts would be restored after a short period. [2]
God Forbid that we witness any such destruction at all but if it comes to it, and as unfortunate possibilities of its likelihood rise, it only takes one glimpse or one piece of guidance of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) to feel assurance, security, and peace that God has promised His believers.
Ultimately, Khilafat is faith and hope. For only by holding onto the rope of Khilafat can we attain the nearness and Mercy of Allah the Almighty and can in effect, feel the security and peace that safeguards ourselves from all forms of fear and uncertainty.
References
[1] The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 24 Surah An-Nur, verse 56
[2] “Strengthen your connection with Allah: Students from MKA Germany meet Huzoor”, 23 April 2024, https://www.alhakam.org/students-mka-germany-meet-huzoor/
Iffat Mirza, Cambridge
This last Ramadan I had invited some old school friends to break our fast together and have dinner. As we discussed our plans for the rest of the year, events that we had looked forward to for months, tickets bought a year ago, or celebrations coming up, one issue kept coming up: ‘I don’t feel right about it…how can I be having fun and going about my normal day when I know what is happening in the world?’
We all gave each other half-hearted comforts regarding this, reminding each other that the world doesn’t stop, and multiple things can exist at the same time, that we’re all doing our small part to stand for justice and for what is right. But we all knew that these were just comfort blankets for ourselves and quite frankly, I don’t think any of us were convinced by what we were saying.
What does one do when with every click, every scroll, and every conversation we are reminded of the destruction and death taking place in our world? How do our infinitely feeble and insignificant brains comprehend that while we may be living on the same planet, we are living worlds away from our Palestinian brothers and sisters? Or those living in the DRC? Sudan? Haiti? Why is it that at the end of the day I can crawl into my warm bed and a child thousands of miles away from me wonders if he will make it through to the next morning alive?
And how do I go about my life, knowing that not only does injustice exist and as much as I may want to, as an individual, there is in fact, very little that I can do to fix anything?
Back in school, when I studied history, I would often wonder about the ordinary person who we will never read about nor remember in our textbooks. How did they react to extraordinary world events? Did their lives stop? Did people continue with their laundry the same day Britain announced it was going to war with Germany in 1939? Did they tap their pencil against their temple as they puzzled through a crossword as they would have any other night? Did some other girls get together over dinner and have any similar conversations to the one I did a few weeks ago? Did they feel insignificant too?
Insignificance has most often been a very comforting feeling. I like knowing that ultimately my choices, thoughts, and feelings are of little importance to the universe at large. Not to sound flippant, but it alleviates some of the pressure one can put themselves under. However, in this case, there is a crushing weight of the feeling of insignificance. I used to find it comforting that when I’d step out and stare at the night sky, that feeling of infinite tininess would engulf me and I’d know that the stars don’t care about me. I used to like that that the stars didn’t care about me.
But now I think I was very wrong to think that. Though we feel insignificant against the universe, it is also of some significance that despite our tininess, we still exist. Our actions do matter and we can do something. ‘Insignificance’ is no longer a comfort, but rather it feels like a cop-out. Like it’s an excuse to allow injustices and oppression to happen. My heart was soothed as I heard His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper), the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, address this in his Eid Sermon this year. As many Muslims around the world would have felt, there was a sense of sorrow underlying our Eid celebrations. It was, thus, an important reminder for us all when his Holiness stated:
While we are celebrating Eid here, there are those for whom cruel people have made the earth so difficult that they don’t even have a roof over their heads, let alone food to eat. So, while we seek forgiveness for ourselves and remain grateful to Allah Almighty, we should also remember these deprived people in our prayers. May the Allah Almighty ease their hardships and save them from the torment that is engulfing them.[1]
As His Holiness reminds us, there is no celebration where there is a wilful ignorance of others’ suffering. There is no joy where there can be no compassion. After all, compassion is of the utmost importance in Islam. It is only through basic compassion that we can see a shift in attitudes towards world problems. I do like to believe, that despite our insignificance, that compassion triumphs over selfish and worldly desires. Now, more than ever, is the time to shift our nature to that of a compassionate one. It is time for our actions and our words to be motivated by nothing but a compassion of the purest form.
Yes, while it may be true that there is little that can be done from when we are sat so many thousands of miles away, and whilst we must acknowledge that the barriers towards justice are structural and systemic, it is through creating a local, national, and global attitude of compassion that we can stop making excuses for the selfish and destructive desires that powerful leaders have. It is through the categorical rejection of such desires, and the prioritisation of compassion and empathy, that eventually the popular will of compassion becomes the norm.
[1] https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2024/04/head-of-the-ahmadiyya-muslim-community-delivers-eid-ul-fitr-sermon-from-islamabad/
Natalia Jan, Hounslow South
In recent years, the need to safeguard the planet has surged as one of the most talked about issues amongst politicians, academics, activists, the media and the public. People across the world are demanding that we take action against the existential threats of climate change and global warming.
Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to preserve and protect the environment for current and future generations. As we reflect on the significance of this day, it’s essential to remind ourselves of the teachings of Islam and its profound emphasis on environmental stewardship.
‘And the earth — We have spread it out, and placed therein firm mountains; and We have made to grow therein every kind of beautiful species,
As a means of enlightenment and as a reminder to every servant that turns to God.’
(Holy Qur’an 50:8-9)
According to the Holy Qur’an, everything in the natural world has been meticulously designed with a purpose and operates within a harmonious system to ensure a perfect balance. This divine order encompasses every aspect of creation, from the smallest microorganism to the vast expanses of the cosmos. While we have been blessed with a perfect system, human interference across generations has disrupted this balance. This disruption includes the destruction of plants, the exploitation and extinction of animal species and even the act of taking a human life. Such actions not only violate the sanctity of human creation but undermine the beauty of this perfect system.
In our modern society, we have witnessed countless instances in which this destruction has been perpetuated by governments and large corporations driven by greed. These entities have chosen to prioritise short-term economic gains over the long-term health of our planet, exploiting our natural resources leading to deforestation and pollution of air and water for ecosystems and human communities alike. As a result, this has exacerbated climate change, which continues to have devastating consequences on our society.
In Islam, we have been ordered to acts as stewards of the earth and preserve its beauty and resources. We have been entrusted by God to take care of the world that he has created, not as owners but rather as caretakers.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) stated: “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or animal eats from it, all of it is charity on his part” (Bukhari).
The underlying message here, is that any acts of kindness and beneficial deeds towards the environment are considered acts of charity (sadqah). By positively contributing to the ecosystem and helping other living beings, individuals are rewarded spiritually. This should encourage us as Muslims to promote environmental conservation, which includes planting trees, sowing seeds, reducing our carbon footprint and nurturing the natural world.
As Earth Day 2024 draws closer, let these examples serve as a reminder that we have a duty to collectively protect and safeguard the environment. By aligning our actions with the principles of sustainability and social justice, we can fulfil our duty as stewards of the Earth and leave a legacy of environmental preservation for future generations and fulfil the teachings of Islam.
Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman, London
We have just gone through a month of fasting in Ramadan which is, as we all know, much more than just refraining from eating and drinking. Ramadan is the month of generosity, alms and charity. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) used to give charity “like the fast wind” in the month of Ramadan, as his wife, Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) described.
Ramadan also reminds us to be grateful and content with what we have and calls our attention to help the less fortunate of society. It is the month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, good deeds are rewarded manifold, prayers are answered, and people are forgiven.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into performing every type of virtuous acts and the month in which seeds of new righteous deeds are sought and sown. Our relationship with those around us is worked on; forgetting the faults of others and spreading love and harmony. Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) drew our attention to this in his saying that Allah does not need our fasting if we do not refrain from false speech and unkind words.
In this blessed month, we are encouraged to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on our relationship with Allah the Almighty. This month is a blessing to help us build a stronger relationship with God and carry out the good deeds we inculcate within us for the rest of the year. It’s a refresher course for how to live the rest of the year, before the start of Ramadan 2025, or 1446AH.
The Promised Messiah (peace be on him), on one occasion, explained:
“Both fasting and salat are forms of worship. The fast affects the body powerfully, and salat affects the soul powerfully. Salat generates a condition of burning and melting of the heart, and is, therefore, a higher form of worship than fasting. The latter fosters the capacity for visions.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 378-379; The Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, p. 316).
We see in our everyday lives whether it is being a student, professional or housewife that consistency, steadfastness and perseverance are the key to success. The teachings of Islam have laid great emphasis on this and performing salat five times a day, at the specified time, throughout one’s life with consistency is regarded as one of the most significant acts of worship In Islam.
The Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings be on him) hadith, “The best of deeds is that which is done consistently,” (Ibn Majah, Kitab al-zuhd) also sheds light on the significance of remaining consistent in one’s efforts to perform good deeds. This saying is a constant reminder for us that one must remain consistent in righteous actions to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.
Whilst this is the case for our spiritual health, we can perhaps understand this more easily when we consider the effect of consistency in exercise and good diet to improve our physical health. Without consistency and dedication, the gains that have been made through spurts of hard work will be lost. Some research has, for example, shown that regaining lost weight causes a detrimental increase in the fat content of the body (1). Likewise, if good deeds are only performed during Ramadan and neglected throughout the rest of the year, we cannot truly achieve the purpose of fasting and may even experience a regression in our spirituality.
Counselling on keeping the spirit of Ramadan alive throughout the year, His Holiness Musleh-e-Maud (may Allah be pleased with him)said:
“Out of twelve months, people consider Ramadan, i.e., fasting, to be limited to only one month, but for us [Ahmadis] the entire year should be Ramadan and our whole life should be spent like it.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 27, p. 531)
The discipline and self-control achieved while fasting during Ramadan can only be beneficial if we keep up the same momentum with consistency. His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, said:
“We should strive in all those matters which we have been reminded of during the month of Ramadan and all the virtuous deeds which we were able to carry out during the month, and continue them even after Ramadan. In fact, we ought to try and excel in them. Otherwise, if we do not maintain these virtuous deeds and pious changes and do not excel in them, then there is no benefit in us simply passing through the month of Ramadan.” (Friday Sermon, 7 May 2021; Al Hakam, 4 June 2021, Issue 168, p. 31)
Hence, we should never let the spirit of Ramadan ebb away lest our achievements also disappear in vain. To get the most out of this blessed month, we should make it a never-ending Ramadan.
While speaking about steadfastness, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said:
“The true and perfect grace that conveys a person to the spiritual world depends upon steadfastness, by which is meant that degree of sincerity and faithfulness which cannot be shaken by any trial. It means a strong relationship with the Divine which a sword cannot cut asunder and fire cannot consume, nor can any other calamity damage it.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, 2017, p. 111)
May Allah the Almighty enable us to make continuous spiritual progress so that our Eid is a day of true happiness on our journey in building our relationship with our Creator. Whilst we are celebrating Eid, the act of remembering and praying for those who are hungry and suffering cannot leave us. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Yemen, those caught up in war anywhere in the world and all those who are suffering. Let our supplications be offered in way that is most acceptable to Allah.
Reference
Impact of weight loss and weight gain trajectories on body composition in a population at high risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort analysis Yates et al 14 December 2023
Iffat Mirza and Bareera Ghaffar talk about how even when faced with horrendous circumstances Islam encourages believers to remain optimistic, rooted in the Quranic principles of hope, faith, and trust in Allah. An optimism intricately tied to the proactive engagement of individuals in fostering personal betterment and ethical conduct.
Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn
A few months into the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip I came across a social media post that recalled all the mundane things we do during our day, like eating a warm meal with our family, having a conversation with a friend, going out for a walk or sleeping under a roof that’s ours and how, while doing all of these usual and trivial things, the poster remembered Gaza. It was such a relatable comment because I had been feeling the same (and still do). There is hardly anything I do during the day that doesn’t remind me of Gaza.
This is not because of overthinking or being overly anxious about their situation and feeling helpless, rather, it’s a reflection, a constant moment of pause to acknowledge and recognise that the basics we take for granted, are expensive privileges for some at the very moment. I mean, how many of us can imagine ourselves going days without food? Can we imagine sleeping not knowing if, by the morning, the roof sheltering us wouldn’t instead crumble overnight by an airstrike?
By the Grace of Allah the Almighty, we are also passing through the blessed month of Ramadan – so it’s a given that the moments of pause and reflection have increased tenfold and so have the thoughtfulness. Every day at Iftar (the breaking of the fast), I glance at our dining table and think about the Palestinians in Gaza. While I, like many more around the world, get to have a drink of our choice, a meal of our liking and all the time in our lives to eat however much and for however long as we want, people in Gaza have been eating boiled grass for their meals. Finding plain bread has been a task and a privilege not many can have and those who go out to try and buy some have to leave behind their families not knowing if by their return, their loved ones would still be alive and whether they themselves would return safe and alive.
Where these reflections have been eye-opening and have provoked me to show and express gratitude towards Allah the Almighty for the ease and the privileges of my life, this is also the time where my instant move is to pray. For there is nothing more powerful and miraculous than a prayer made with a sincere heart.
In Chapter 40, Verse 61 of the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty states:
‘…Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer…’
This is an assurance from Allah the Almighty that our prayers will not go unanswered – the nature in which they are fulfilled and accepted depends on the Will of God Almighty but the prayer one makes, nevertheless, still does not go in vain. It can move mountains and can make the impossible possible.
Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. With fervent prayers for the oppression that innocents endure to cease, we can fight the injustice in this world despite having no political or economic influence. A powerful prayer in humility and with concern for humanity, can give us the hope that Allah the Almighty will restore peace and stability in the world.
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has explained the power of prayer and has said:
‘When a child becomes restless with hunger and screams and wails for milk, a woman’s breast begins to fill with milk. A child has no conception of prayer, but how do the cries of a child bring forth milk? Everyone is experienced in this regard. At times, it has been noted that a mother feels no milk in her bosom, but as soon as her child cries, milk begins to flow forth. Now can our cries before Allah the Exalted bring forth nothing? Indeed, divine favour does flow forth and all our cries are heard…’ [1]
During his Friday Sermon on 13th October 2024, the current and fifth worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) stated that Ahmadi Muslims should ‘use the spiritual weapon of prayer more than ever before.’ [2]
As another Ramadan passes before us, let us pray that Allah the Almighty brings an end to all oppression and pain faced by the Palestinians and everywhere else where injustice and wars are rife. May His Mercy encompass the whole of humanity and the world. Amin.
References
[1] Malfuzat, Vol. I, p. 126
[2] ‘Global Muslim Leader Calls for De-Escalation of Palestine-Israel War’, Press Release, Press Ahmadiyya, 13 October 2023. https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2023/10/global-muslim-leader-calls-for-de-escalation-of-palestine-israel-war/
Bareera Ghaffar, Birmingham
This year Ramadan comes at a time when hearts are heavy, when the soul needs nourishment, and when the world at every corner is crying for help. The holiest month in the Islamic calendar is not solely about abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset, but rather about deep reflection of oneself and the world we live in. It is an ideal time to ponder on the role one plays in the world and how we can stand up for people who are less fortunate than ourselves or are enduring the most grievous of circumstances at the hands of their oppressors. Notions surrounding justice, equity, compassion, and empathy are themes that are at the foundations of Islam, with the one central theme being peace. The Holy Quran states in chapter 6 verse 116 “And the word of thy Lord has been fulfilled in truth and justice. None can change His words; and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing”.
When we look at the state of the world currently, especially when we look over the plains of Gaza, are these the words that come to mind? Is it justice that echoes or is it the cries of helpless people? Is it peace that is known or the fact that the value of human life is being disregarded?
The thirty days of Ramadan are split into three ashra’s (parts): ten days of mercy, ten days of forgiveness and ten days of seeking refuge with Allah. Each of these I find extremely significant when it comes to social justice, equity and anchoring the voices of our brothers and sisters in their times of difficulty.
The days of mercy teach us to make God the Being with Whom we seek mercy and find solace. It encourages us to seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings and understand that if we want God to forgive us, we must also learn to show compassion for others. This helps to relieve us of the burden from holding on to the weight of pain and grudges, helping to cultivate inner peace which, with time, shows itself externally.
The days of forgiveness teach us about accountability and being intentional in our actions. The Quran and AHadith have many accounts relating to these qualities, and so we are encouraged to reach for and instil this need to be just and accountable in our lives.
The days of seeking refuge teach us about intensified worship, devotion, and protection from hellfire. It is the realisation that we all are in need of our Lord. We are reminded that we all have a responsibility towards one another and to call out injustice when we see it.
These ashras require us to form a deep acknowledgment of ourselves and where we stand, which necessitates the understanding that though our circumstances can change in an instance and life is fleeting, our one true constant is Allah. He is the One, The Everlasting and Master of the Day of Judgement.
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah be his Helper, has been urging us all to pray for one another, to use our voices in standing up for the oppressed and to practice service to God and service to mankind.
We are blessed to see the new moon of Ramadan upon us once again; it means we have been given an opportunity by the Almighty to move closer to Him, as He has granted us this month so that our Prayers, fasts and sacrifices for our brethren across the world are heard and so they too can have the freedom to worship and the freedom to exist without fear. Ramadan brings the vigour of a new life – it is as though all is possible, and no act is too big for our Lord. These blessed nights must be used for sincere and heartfelt worship for the pain and suffering to end. Enough is enough. The ending of Ramadan should see that our brothers and sisters who are suffering feel as though we have heard their cries. May our prayers be a shelter for them, may our humble acts of charity be a means of help for them, and may they know and feel our voices telling the governments that we do not stand for injustice.
An attack on human life anywhere, and in such an unjust manner, is an attack on all humanity.
May this Ramadan be one that starts revolutions within ourselves and the world. Ameen.
Nooresahar Ahmad, Hampshire
Like many, I find myself entering Ramadan wondering how to deal with the knowledge that, in Gaza, the Palestinian people continue to face horrors beyond comprehension. I wonder what it means to fast knowing that in the Gaza strip, at least 576,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. One in six children under the age of two are suffering from acute malnutrition.
This knowledge is paradoxically combined with a complete absence of knowledge on other matters. For example, not knowing what to do. Not knowing how to help. Not knowing how to reconcile the comfort and privileges of one’s own life with what is happening in Palestine.
In the Quran it states, regarding Ramadan, ‘O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.’ [2:184] In the next verse, it goes on to state, ‘The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation — the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.’ The key principles of Ramadan are encapsulated in these verses: the purpose of fasting is achieving righteousness, the sick and the travellers are exempted from fasting, there is a strong emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and the need to do good acts. And yet, I find myself dwelling on the final words of the verse: ‘…if you only knew…’
There is something in those words which seems to me, in my present frame of mind, to epitomise mankind’s fateful lack of knowledge. It is almost painful to think of the choices we would have made, of the good we would have enabled for ourselves and others if we really knew, if we truly understood what was good for us. In an age where information is easier to access than ever before, it seems we have only strayed further and further from understanding what is right.
In a lecture given in the months before October 7th, British-Palestinian writer Isabella Hammad described the strange feeling of existing in a time of crisis. Though we are unsure of what the future holds for us, we try to look for a coherent narrative even in the midst of chaos. We try to know how things are going to turn out, using the familiar rhythms of stories as our guide: ‘the crisis should suggest the encroachment of the end, even if, in real life, the end is a receding horizon. The flow of history always exceeds the narrative frames we impose on it. Generations continue to be born, and we experience neither total apocalypse nor a happily-ever-after with any collective meaning beyond the endings of individual lives.’
In other words, when disaster occurs, we expect a complete ending of one kind or another. Instead, we experience continuation. Life goes on. Those who have no idea how to go about living anymore, continue to wake up. As witnesses to the disaster, we are acutely aware of our own cluelessness and confusion. And somehow — another Ramadan has arrived. It remains a blessing to be able to partake in it. Our obligations remain the same, too: striving for righteousness, feeding the hungry, performing good works. All this is good for us. If we only knew.
Dr Sarah Waseem, London
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. (https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme)
One of the most important ways this can happen is by helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health. Global health statistics for women make for grim reading. Life expectancy for women across the world varies, with the lowest expectancy in Chad, where the average woman can expect to live up to 55 years, according to the UN. In the UK, the average life expectancy is 84 for women and 80 for men.
According to WHO “The latest global figures show that around half a million women die from cervical cancer and half a million from breast cancer each year. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries” Ten top issues for women’s health (who.int)
In 2020 one woman died every 2 minutes from preventable causes related to pregnancy – the equivalent of 800 women dying daily, a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 223 maternal deaths per 100 000 livebirths. The highest numbers are found in Chad, Nigeria and South Sudan, where in 2020 MMR exceeded 1000 deaths per 100,000 live births –countries high levels of deprivation.
The UK is not immune from disgraceful levels of maternal mortality, given its relative affluence. According to MBRRACE-UK in 2019-21, 11.7 women per 100,000 died during or up to 6 weeks after pregnancy . Asian women were 1.8 times more likely to die than white women and the figure rose to 3.8 times higher for Black women compared to white women. (https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/mbrrace-uk)
Women are also more likely than men to suffer with anxiety, and depression. Suicide is a leading cause of death for women under 60. Ten top issues for women’s health (who.int)
Worrying statistics indeed! So how do we inspire change? In my opinion, the best way is for women to work to educate, advocate and empower for other women. Those in positions of leadership and authority need to use their influence to help their disempowered sisters, through education and delivering health care.
That desire to educate and support is embedded in the work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Lajna Imaillah (Women’s organisation) which is run by women for women. For over 100 years, they have not only provided religious but also secular training to members.
According to Lajna constitution, every branch should have a secretary for Health and Fitness whose role it is to educate other women on maintaining better health. Many have now added mental health to the work that they do. In local classes, women are given information about health issues and local health initiatives. Women are actively encouraged to take care of their health.
Let’s take a look at the Lajna Ima’illah Constitution: (i)
Secretary (Physical Health) shall organise her work mainly in the following two areas:
a) To provide the members with necessary information about hygiene, healthcare and first aid.
b) To promote participation of members in various games and sports as well as exercise programmes. Where possible she shall make arrangements for holding competitions of individual games and tournaments.
It shall be the responsibility of Secretary (for Physical Health) from time to time, to arrange for talks…on the subject of the rules of maintaining good health.
At the last UK national meeting of Ahmadi women from around the UK, (2023), a breast cancer surgeon set up a clinic to offer women free advice on how to perform breast exams. The Ahmadiyya Women’s Research Organisation also serves to update members on the latest advances in various areas of knowledge including health.
To celebrate 100 years since the establishment of Lajna Ima’illah, the UK Lajna pledged to build a new maternity hospital in Sierra Leone, a West African country with one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world. For every 100,000 live births, 1360 mothers die due to complications during or after childbirth.
Why do Ahmadi women do this? Because they are directed by their faith to serve God and mankind. Every day is International Women’s Day for members of this community whose motto is ‘Love for all, hatred for none’.
i Lajna Ima’illah Constitution 2024 Edition
Official Blog of Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association UK 
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