Isha’at Department of Lajna Imaillah, UK
Over the three days of Jalsa Salana UK 2025, there have been thousands of women sacrificing their time and effort to ensure that every part of Jalsa Salana UK 2025 runs smoothly. The female duty holders have truly shown that a hijab does not limit a woman from helping a microcosm such as Jalsa run so effortlessly. Instead, these women have shown incredible talent and skill in each and every department in which they reside. The following are summaries of what has taken place on the ladies’ side of Jalsa UK 2025 at Hadeeqatul Mahdi from each department.
Tuck Shop
The department’s work commenced at 8 am on Friday, 25 July, with the Tuck Shop opening prior to beloved Huzoor’saa Friday sermon. A short break was taken during the sermon and for Friday prayers. The Tuck Shop was reopened at lunchtime, with services being provided to all guests, with a total of 22 volunteers operating the stall. Many volunteers and guests described this section as one that emitted a “happy and enjoyable atmosphere.”
Khidmat-e-Khalq
The Khidmat-e-Khalq Department spread across two marquees on various ends of the jalsa gah with an estimate of 99 duty holders making these efforts possible. Amongst many other roles, the department aided with transporting guests and luggage and providing wheelchairs and toiletries. This team of Lajna volunteers also coordinated with the First Aid team in order to assist those attendees who needed to be transported or accompanied to a hospital. The team was prepared with a 24/7 team on call, ready at all times to be a friend during these times of need.
The Nazima of the Department provided a reflection of these attributes when describing the example of a guest who was both “hard of hearing and seeing and had no female family members to assist her on Jalsa. We remained in contact with her sons, who would drop her by the entrance, and from there on we assigned a member of our team to be her companion across all three days.”
Cleanliness
The main aim of these services was to ensure that the outdoor and indoor areas of the ladies’ jalsa gah were kept wholly clean. Rubbish was collected and disposed of bin bags replaced in full bins and rubbish collection was made easily accessible. The team this year received an abundance of positive feedback about their efficiency, but more importantly, about the fact that they enabled the jalsa gah to remain a clean and enjoyable environment for attendees to stay in. This year, the ladies’ jalsa gah further progressed in their way by introducing a recycling point separating materials from each other.
Children’s Name Tags
By the Grace of Allah, this year, the Children’s Name Tags Department was newly introduced. The aim of the department was to provide children with wristbands that had their vital information, for example: their names, their mothers’ or carers’ names, their AIMS ID numbers, and a contact number. The aim of these ID tags was to help reunite lost children with their mothers and carers – a lifesaver! The services provided for this department ran from 9 am through until 7 pm, with their peak times being during the morning session and lunchtime. In addition to this, close collaboration was kept with the crèche, the safeguarding team and the Nazima office. Mothers praised the opening of this new department, stating that “these services provided the reassurance that if their child were to get lost, they would be much easier to find.”
Amenities
The first shift for the Amenities Department commenced at 9 am with the team working until 8 pm across all three days. Often, they could be found at their busiest during lunchtime and evening time when guests were departing. There were a total of 11 volunteers working to ensure all the needs of guests were met. For the guest’s ease, Lajna volunteers made sure to operate all workstations, and by the grace of Allah, it was reported that this department proved to be a colossus help for mothers and carers.
Security
The services of the Security Department operated across all three days of Jalsa Salana UK 2025. There were approximately 300 volunteers who were working to ensure the system ran as smoothly and efficiently as possible for both guests and volunteers. This year, with there being four gates for the entrance into the ladies’ jalsa gah, a difference in the speed of ID card check-ins, bag scanning, and all other security procedures were notably managed quicker.
Ticket Issue
This department, consisting of nine volunteers, are responsible for the hassle-free experience for many elderly, disabled or unwell listeners. The team set out to grant chair passes to those who are unable to sit on the floor for long periods of time, and this makes Jalsa Salana possible for a sector of listeners who could benefit from such assistance.
Voice of Islam Radio
15 loyal volunteers, passionate about the impact of the Voice of Islam Radio, could be found selling merchandise, advertising their works, and recruiting talented individuals to join the ever-growing team.
Lost property
As is typical of such populated events, and amidst the excitement of the proceedings, many attendees will find themselves hopelessly searching for an item no longer in their possession – that is, until they visit the Lost Property marquee. Whether it be a pair of gold earrings, a binky, or even a hand-beaded keyring, the team was guaranteed to keep it safe so long as it was in their possession. Therefore, it would come as no surprise to know that most, if not all, guests walked away from the marquee with a smile on their faces.
Tea stall
The tea stall can be found in the Langar area of the Jalsa Salana site, where around 250 volunteers serve around the clock. The range of duties undertaken by these Lajna spans from serving tea, coffee, lemonade, hot chocolate, and milk to maintaining overall cleanliness, ensuring health and safety with the presence of fire marshals, managing supplies, washing dishes, and more. There are even fire marshals present at the site, ready for any problems that may arise, as well as a designated crèche for children, away from the hot stoves for those duty holders with younger children.
Throughout Jalsa Salana, the tea stall received much positive feedback and comments. Many Lajna members expressed both their love for the variety of teas available each year and the speed of service. Mothers, especially, appreciated the milk services where hot and warmed-up milk was provided.
Site Safety
The Site Safety Team consists of around twenty volunteers, all working tirelessly throughout the day to ensure safety around the Lajna site. The team was in charge of checking every area for any issues (trip hazards, loose wires, uneven flooring, etc) and simultaneously addressing any broken items, such as ramps. They aim to make Jalsa Salana safer for all the guests of the Promised Messiahas and take pride in being able to help out, saying it gives them “satisfaction knowing they were able to aid people”, which motivates them to keep going.
Pushchair
The Pushchair Department is a team of 15 Lajna working tirelessly to aid the mothers/carers in attendance at Jalsa Salana. Their role entails a variety of duties, from receiving hundreds of pushchairs from mothers who want to sit inside the Mother and Children marquee to facilitating and helping them unload their pushchairs. All this is done while managing the children, as a pushchair is put away or picked up. Furthermore, the team was incredible in helping out with carrying luggage to and from the marquee and even putting rain covers onto pushchairs outside during the rain. Therefore, the pushchair team received a great deal of positive feedback for their hard work and dedication. Many mothers expressed that the team was a very organised system and that the duty holders served beautifully, keeping the prams safe and helping wherever they could, all while maintaining a fantastic spirit. The team also made an effort to be located nearer to the SEND marquee for the ease of guests visiting both stops.
Discipline Ziafat
With over 50 volunteers working to maintain discipline in and around the Ziafat marquees, the team took it upon themselves to manage crowds, guiding guests to their correct areas, and overall keeping the breaks safe and accessible for all.
Nazima Office
Divided into three teams of six to eight volunteers, the Nazima Office succeeded in troubleshooting, managing communications at the jalsa site, managing radios and receiving and reporting any issues occurring at the jalsa site. They were also responsible for providing duty badges and supporting all Nazimas to complete their roles to the best of their abilities.
Hospitality
There were a total of 22 volunteers working within the Hospitality Department. The services provided by the team consisted of helping the elderly with their luggage and transport. Whether it be arranging a buggy, giving directions, or simply helping a guest be seated in a buggy, the team were readily available to do all. Alongside this, team members were constantly alert and ready to assist individuals with their wheelchairs and guide Tabligh guests during their visits.
Humanity First
The Humanity First Department brought with them 25 volunteers to help raise awareness and money for many humanitarian crises; one key focus of this year was the devastating happenings in Gaza. With beloved Huzooraa having mentioned this topic many a time in his speeches, it became apparent that now was the time to truly make a difference. Thus, Lajna appeared to be extremely passionate in their donations and purchases at the stall this year.
Bazaar
The services provided by the Bazaar were an essential aspect of Jalsa, with over 50 volunteers. The team could be found busy preparing and selling food, jewellery, clothes and much more to the attendees of Jalsa Salana.
Ziafat
There were approximately 150 volunteers who worked tirelessly to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to the greatly welcomed guests of the Promised Messiahas. A recurring comment was made by both guests and volunteers relating to the high morale present across all three days. Ranging from daal to aloo gosht, down to the highly anticipated Jalsa Pasta, all was served with nothing less than a plate full and a smile to all who asked.
Buggy Transportation
The Buggy Transportation Team consisted of around 15-20 dedicated Lajna members who skilfully dodged and drove buggies around the Jalsa site. While doing so, they ensured the safety of elderly members of the community and all others for whom this service could ease the Jalsa experience. The team gave a notable shoutout to the Cleanliness Bairoon Department, who ensured all tracks remained clean, making travel safe and easy for the drivers.
Hygiene
The Hygiene Department is one of the largest Departments at Jalsa Salana, with over 190 volunteers working in a range of roles throughout the site, from maintaining cleanliness and managing supplies to overseeing queues and ensuring the upkeep of toilets. This dedication is highlighted by the constant hard work put in, not only by elder Lajna members, but also by younger nasirat and student Lajna members, who were very enthusiastic about serving, even when told to take breaks. Their resilience and good spirits were continuously rewarded by prayers from others, earning them understanding when things might be running slowly or weren’t working. They acted as an example for the wider community, and often it could be seen that elderly Lajna members gave up their spot in the toilet queue for a young, desperate child who had to use the facilities. Thus, their dedication was constantly noted by Lajna.
SEND
The SEND Department has demonstrated advancement and progression year by year. This year, the department had a total of 20 volunteers contributing to the safe and comforting environment created within the marquee. The department offered resources for attendees with SEND to deregulate, as well as for their mothers/carers to watch the Jalsa proceedings, and even offered a private changing area. Alongside this, the team even accommodated a safe and secluded outside playing area.
Beyond the marquee, however, the department provided SEND passes for those who needed them. This enabled them to have easier and quicker access to toilets, Bazaar queues and much more. For many, this marquee may not have been a stop in their journey; however, for others, this was truly a safe haven. One mother commented on this, acknowledging that “Jalsa is now possible. Before, I was unable to attend due to my son’s needs, not being able to sit still, for example, so I would never attend Jalsa, but now this marquee has made Jalsa possible. It’s a safe space.”
Green Area Discipline
The Green Area is situated at the front of the main Lajna marquee, comprising wives of waqfeeen-e-zindagi (Life devotees), representatives from various international Lajna branches, and non-Ahmadi guests, among others, who are hosted and cared for by an exceptional team of approximately 49 duty holders. Their role, however, goes beyond simply being ‘hosts’ and entails security aspects, ensuring that those who are there are safe. On Saturday, the wife of a congressman conveyed that she had enjoyed the proceedings so much that she would attend again on Sunday.
Furthermore, there is also a Private Secretary’s office at the front of the marquee in the Green Area next to the big screen, as well as designated water bottle stations where those on duty handed out water to attendees.
Drinking water
With the fluctuating weather of the UK, hydration has never been more critical. Thus, services for drinking water are continuously provided across the whole Jalsa Site, under which over 130 volunteers serve, ranging from the youngest children who walk around the marquees with bottles and cups in hand to older Lajna members who manage this essential supply chain. Especially in filled-to-the-brim marquees, the heat can easily increase exponentially. Electric or handheld fans can never satiate that thirst that comes from being seated, surrounded by thousands, which is precisely why this service is immensely appreciated by all Lajna members who patiently listen to the proceedings.
First Aid
The First Aid Department has and will always play a crucial role in the undertaking of Jalsa Salana. The Team ranges from doctors to medical students and other educated volunteers. This year’s addition of examination cubicles, a mobile Team and a defibrillation unit on site made providing this irreplaceable mode of help that one step easier. It made providing services easier. One guest described her experience with the First Aid Team as “such a quick-paced service with equally quick outcomes; the doctor who triaged me and treated me made sure to make me feel validated and well looked after.”
Homoeopathy
Located next door to the First Aid marquee lived the Homoeopathy Department. A Team of approximately 25 knowledgeable volunteers provided guests with treatments for immediate injuries or illnesses. However, this year the team also implemented a range of new medicines.
Discipline
The main role of the Discipline Team was to maintain order and discipline throughout the jalsa gah. Whether it be a speech from a guest or an announcement from the stage, it was their duty to encourage all attendees to absorb and act upon the beautiful messages being relayed in all presentations. Their work increasingly intensifies when sessions with beloved Huzooraa begin, especially when Huzooraa blesses Lajna with his in-person presence.
Translation
The Translation Team consists of around fifty volunteers who organise the translation devices and give out translation units to guests of the Promised Messiahas. They have numerous stalls across the Ladies Jalsa Salana site.
Their primary role is to make guests happy by providing them with the opportunity to listen to the live proceedings in the available languages.
Mother and child marquee
In order to ensure the best experience for all attendees, as per routine, a separate marquee was provided for mothers and their children. However, this year, due to an increase in attendees, three Mother and Child marquees were provided! While Mother and Child marquees 2 and 3 allowed for other relatives to spend the proceedings with mothers/ carers and their children, Marquee 1 was kept solely for those who did not. This department also provided a nappy changing and feeding service for mothers and carers, thus ensuring that their Jalsa experience can be as comfortable as possible. Across these three marquees and additional facilities, a total of 367 volunteers contributed to making this experience as smooth as possible for those with children.
Creche
The crèche marquee exercises in a twofold manner. Traditionally, this department is known for its valiant efforts in reuniting lost children with their mothers or carers. The marquee is a safe space for children to locate a friendly duty holder or to be brought back to by someone who has found them. Then, duty members will make it their goal to not only reunite families but also keep children happy and safe until this can be done. For a mother or carer, knowing that such facilities are available for the well-being and safeguarding of their children amidst such a large-scale event can truly make all the difference. However, in addition to this, the department also practices as a traditional crèche in which they can look after an estimated 50 children at a time. This allows for mothers and carers to gain some free time during the experience or even listen to a specific session, knowing that their child is being well looked after. To ensure this, the department has transformed the marquee into a child-friendly and entertaining space filled with games and activities. In fact, the department revealed that at times “some children try to get lost on purpose so that they can enjoy the crèche.”
Census
The Census Department plays a crucial role in creating numbers and statistics on the Lajna side of Jalsa Salana. This team of 30 are principally in control of gaining a total headcount across the day. The team follows a well-established routine in which duty holders will be scattered around the site, then once beloved Huzooraa recites the beginning of the shahadah, team members will branch out and begin their head count.
Reporting
The Reporting Team this year consisted of seven volunteers in the Urdu Team reporting for Al Fazl and four volunteers in the English Team filming and reporting for Al Hakam. Both teams’ primary roles were to provide an account of Lajna’s efforts, reactions, and emotions prior to and during the three days of Jalsa. This required the teams to secure interviews with guests and produce reports for both media outlets. The volunteers visited each department to gather feedback during and after Jalsa regarding the services being provided. Furthermore, they reported on the Lajna session whereby they produced a full report on the guest speeches, Urdu poems, Beloved Huzoor’saa address, academic achievements and the Taraanah. While it remains a department of only two years old, the memories and records it will create are ones that will last a lifetime.
Bookstall
The Bookstall to this day remains a hotspot for Lajna Imaillah throughout Jalsa. The marquee can be seen adorned with books catered to children, Lajna, those who wish to gain religious knowledge and much more! Guests could be spotted carrying bags full of wise and blessed words of knowledge from morning to evening.
Thus, by the Grace of Allah the Almighty, with the completion of another Jalsa Salana, the strength and skills of Lajna Imaillah and Nasiratul Ahmadiyya further grow. However, the beautiful reminder that this is done not for the sake of compliments or pride, but rather for the sake of pleasing Our Creator, is a thought that truly refreshes the soul; and this is reinforced by a guest from Egypt who observed that “being here in Jalsa and seeing all of these organisations, it could not have been done in one day. It really shows Allah’s hand and is a sign of the truth of Ahmadiyyat. […] The number of people here really shows a sign of the truthfulness in Islam Ahmadiyya”.
So may Allah the Almighty enable Lajna Imaillah to continuously grow and progress in their efforts year by year, amin.
