On Saturday, 6 April 2019, Waqifaat-e-Nau in the UK gathered at Baitul Futuh, London for their annual Ijtema. Lajna were fortunate that Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, graced the occasion at around 4pm local time.
Throughout the day, all Waqifaat-e-Nau above the age of 7 were taken through a programme starting at 9:30am. Participants were able to revive the pledges they have made as life devotees through various presentations and workshops on topics that included: What it means to be a Waqf-e-Nau; How Waqifaat-e-Nau should respond to peer pressure; Priorities of a Waqf-e-Nau before and after marriage, and Mothers’ role as a Waqf-e-Nau.
Waqifaat then had an examination which assessed their general knowledge and understanding of Islam.
The highlight of the event was the address delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The final session proceeded with the recitation of Surah Al-e-Imran, chapter 3, verses 36 to 39, followed by its translation. This was followed by the recitation of a poem by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
A short report was also presented by the Waqf-e-Nau team to Huzooraa in which a backdrop of the event was described, as well as the happenings of the day.
In his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa began by drawing the attention of the Waqifaat-e-Nau towards their responsibilities towards Allah, after which Huzooraa explained that the best form of guidance for all of us was in the form of the Holy Quran – a set of commandments that are “as applicable today as it was in the time of the Holy Prophetsa.”
As the first addressees of the speech were women and girls living in the UK – a Western country – Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa guided the Waqifaat by saying:
“No matter what allegation or criticism is levelled against Islam, you must never feel any embarrassment or complex over your faith. There is no allegation and no criticism that cannot be refuted.”
Huzooraa went on to explain:
“To understand the deeper meanings of the Holy Quran, it is essential that you read the books of the Promised Messiahas, as well as the other books published by the Jamaat. Certainly, in this era, it is only by reading the books of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa that we can truly comprehend our faith and respond to those who level false allegations against Islam.
“Many of you are now in your teenage years … while many of you are now adults and have been blessed with your own children. As you have reached an age of understanding and maturity, you must make it a habit to set aside time every day to read the books or writings of the Promised Messiahas as they will furnish you with the necessary means to defend your religion.”
With respect to the job of Waqifaat to promulgate the message of Islam throughout the world, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“Irrespective of whether you are working full-time for the Jamaat or not, as a member of Waqf-e-Nau, it is your duty to propagate the true and peaceful teachings of Islam through your words and conduct. It has always been my experience that when worldly and materialistic people, who consider themselves extremely advanced and educated, are presented with the true and beautiful teachings of Islam, they cannot help but be impressed, particularly considering the raging conflict and division in the world.”
Huzooraa went on to explain the importance of taking pride in the identity of an Ahmadi Muslim and not holding back from flaunting the beauties of Islam.
“Unfortunately, some young Ahmadis, particularly teenagers, develop an inferiority complex or feel humiliated and rejected by such ridicule. However, if you are ever mocked for acting upon your religion, you should never take it as a personal humiliation, rather you should consider it to be a badge of honour and feel pride in the knowledge that you stayed strong in your faith in the face of adversity.
“Showing patience and keeping your head held high in such circumstances is the true means of establishing your honour and self-respect in the world. We are the fortunate ones as we have not forgotten our values.”
After this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa described the current social climate, where people have disregarded their religious identities and have given preference to materialistic values. In explaining this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that we were the ones who were strong in our character for not compromising our values and so, there was no need for any such complex.
Huzooraa not only explained the duties of Waqifaat to the world, but towards the family unit also. Huzooraa said:
“Peace in the home is based on good morals and mutual respect between the husband and his wife, and between parents and their children. Thus, always keep in mind that as members of Waqf-e-Nau, it is essential that you manifest the highest morals of all times.
“All of you, whether you are children, teenagers or adults, must fulfil the rights of your parents, your siblings and other family members. Those who are married must treat their children and spouses with love; fulfil their rights and ensure that their home is a mirror-reflection of Islam’s teachings.”
Addressing the married Waqifaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained that they must ponder over the pledge their parents made and the pledge they have now made with respect to their children. They must, Huzooraa said, make a pious example for their children. In this manner, we shall be able to ensure that Islam flourishes throughout the world.
“Only if mothers play their crucial role can the great values of our religion remain firmly instilled in our future generations. Otherwise, we could suffer the same fate as other religious communities who have lost their traditions and values over time.”
Huzooraa expressed the importance of adhering to our religion and the principles it instructs us to adhere to so that there always remains a group of people calling towards the true religion and the One God.
Giving comprehensive guidance to the Waqifaat-e-Nau towards the end of his address, Huzooraa said:
“Be righteous, observe the highest morals, always speak the truth, uphold Islamic principles and strive to be better Muslims every single day of your lives. Only then can we ensure that our children and generations who follow are in safe hands and will grow to be a source of pride for our Jamaat.”
Huzooraa concluded this address with the prayer that we are all able to be part of the victory of Islam and, along with the coming generations, become “shining stars of Ahmadiyyat and a continuous source of pride for Ahmadiyyat”.
Thereafter, Huzooraa led the congregation in a silent prayer.
The event saw a total of 1,154 Waqifaat-e-Nau, an increase of 15 from the previous year. There were 649 Waqifaat-e-Nau between the ages of 7 and 15, while there were 505 Waqifaat above 15.