Islamabad, UK, 12 October 2024: The national amila of Lajna Imaillah France had the blessed opportunity to meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at Islamabad, UK.
Introduction
Upon arrival, Huzooraa greeted the members and enquired, “Is this the amila?” Aminata Touré Sahiba, Sadr Lajna Imaillah France, confirmed it was indeed the national amila of Lajna Imaillah France. She expressed gratitude to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for granting them the opportunity for the mulaqat.
Discussion with amila members
Huzooraa then engaged in conversation with each member of the amila, offering guidance for their respective departments.
Ishaat
Speaking with Zahra Hasnain Sahiba, Secretary Ishaat, Huzooraa asked if they published any material regularly. She informed Huzooraa that the 27th edition of the magazine Al-Siddiqah was currently being proofread.
Huzooraa enquired about the frequency of publication. Upon learning it was annual, he remarked, “You are such a large Lajna; you should publish it at least twice a year.” He asked about their tajnid, to which the secretary replied it was over 600 members. Huzooraa advised them to increase the publication frequency to twice a year. The secretary said they would endeavour to do so, insha-Allah.
Tabligh
Next, Huzooraa spoke with Fatna Belarbi Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh, and asked about her plans for tabligh. She provided a brief overview of their activities.
Huzooraa asked if they had a bai‘at target for the year. She mentioned aiming for 17 bai‘ats, equating to one per majlis. Huzooraa encouraged them to set a higher target, saying, “At least have a target of 50 bai‘ats per year.”
Tarbiyat
Following this, Huzooraa asked Salma Mohamudhossen Sahiba, Secretary Tarbiyat, “How many of all the 600 plus Lajna members are regular in salat?” She responded that 70% are regular.
Huzooraa advised, “Make the rest regular as well. Moreover, for tarbiyat, the recitation of the Holy Quran is important. Have you prepared some plan to ensure that?” She mentioned that 61% were reading the Holy Quran regularly.
Huzooraa emphasised that reading the Holy Quran is for acting upon it and that members should also learn the translation to understand and implement its teachings. He stressed the importance of observing modest clothing and hijab without any fear, especially in France.
Huzooraa advised that they should have such a relationship with Allah that they are certain that Allah is observing each and every one of their actions. Tell this to all the other members of Lajna too.
He further said:
“They should understand that Allah the Almighty is observing our every action. Convey this same message to every member [of Lajna] – that whatever work we undertake, we must do it for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, and He is watching all our deeds. Therefore, we should align our words with our actions. If we do this, only then can we achieve success in life. Otherwise, there is no benefit in merely claiming to be Ahmadis.”
Tarbiyat Nau-Mubai‘at
Next, Huzooraa enquired Madi Batouli Sahiba, Secretary Tarbiyat Nau-Mubai‘at, about the number of nau-mubai‘at (female new converts). She stated there were nine.
Huzooraa asked if they had devised any programme to attach them to the Jamaat. She explained that since they are spread across France, they conduct an online class every month and hold an in-person meeting annually.
Huzooraa asked whether the new converts were attached to the Jamaat and regular in all events, etc. She mentioned that four are actively involved.
Huzooraa encouraged her to focus on the other five, saying, “Include them too and gradually integrate them too.”
Khidmat-e-Khalq
Huzooraa then asked Leila Belarbi Sahiba, Secretary Khidmat-e-Khalq, “Who benefits from your khidmat-e-khalq?”
She explained their efforts in helping poor and isolated women become financially independent, organising job workshops, skills training classes, and digital education sessions. They also held charity fundraisers for sick children, supported women suffering from breast cancer, visited nursing homes, distributed food, and provided academic support for children of single or impoverished mothers.
Huzooraa appreciated the efforts but remarked, “France is already an affluent country. So, you should also try to send some money to the poor people of Africa through charities under Khidmat-e-Khalq.”
Umur-e-Talibat
Next, Huzooraa enquired Assia Belarbi Sahiba, Secretary Umur-e-Talibat, about the number of female students attending university. She reported 62.
Huzooraa asked about their relationship with the Jamaat and advised, “Attach them to the Jamaat, include them in Jamaat events, and advise them with regards to salat and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Since they are acquiring worldly knowledge, alongside this they should also try to acquire religious knowledge. Tell them not to just go after worldly knowledge and to listen to my sermons regularly.”
Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid
Speaking with Kara Touré Sahiba, Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, Huzooraa discussed the Lajna members’ contributions towards the two schemes and advised that they should endeavour to contribute one-third of the total contribution of the national Jamaat. He added, “You should include the nau-mubai‘at in this too.”
General
Next, Huzooraa asked Aneeqa Rehman Sahiba, General Secretary, how many majalis there are in total and whether they all send their reports. He also asked how many of them were active.
She replied there were 17 majalis, with 15 sending their reports regularly, and 82% being active and in regular communication.
Huzooraa enquired if they provide feedback upon receiving reports. She confirmed they do, working together with the Sadr Lajna.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of honest feedback, emphasising identifying any shortcomings and working to remove them. She assured Huzooraa that they provide true assessments.
Next, Shazia Ejaz Sahiba, Naib General Secretary, also introduced herself.
Talim
Following this, Huzooraa asked Hajra Ishtiaq Sahiba, Secretary Talim, if she held any academic tests for Lajna members based on Jamaat’s literature.
She mentioned that over the previous year, they held three objective-type exams based on their regular syllabus and the Promised Messiah’sas book How to be Free from Sin, i.e., Gunah Se Najat Kyunkar Mil Sakti Hai, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 621-651.
Huzooraa enquired if there was a French translation of the book. She confirmed, adding that they read it together in book clubs, meetings in various majalis, and even in national amila meetings.
Huzooraa emphasised, “Have all the national amila members read the book? They must act upon this first. Implement this among them first.”
Tajnid
Speaking with Sarah Malik Sahiba, Secretary Tajnid, Huzooraa asked about the accuracy of their tajnid figures and how they collected the data. She explained that they received information from local tajnid secretaries of various majalis.
Huzooraa advised, “Tell the local tajnid secretaries to contact individual homes to confirm the data. Do not just rely on the figures given to you by the Jamaat. You should make your own effort, separate from the Jamaat.”
Nasirat
Huzooraa then asked Imane Haddioui-Haidar Sahiba, Secretary Nasirat, how many nasirat there are in France .
She replied, “156.”
Huzooraa enquired about her programmes for them. She explained they hold a monthly class covering the Holy Quran, Hadith, and Islamic history and focus on one key topic each month.
Huzooraa advised:
“Apart from these things, teach these young girls from this very age that it is essential to perform salat, to read the Holy Quran, and to study Jamaat literature. Acquire religious knowledge while living in the world, especially in France, where there is a strong focus on worldly matters. Pay more attention to learning about faith, as this is the path to our success. We have a purpose. If we train and educate nasirat from an early age, then when they join Lajna, they will participate in the right way. However, if they join Lajna without good examples before them and without proper training, they will not be able to guide the next generations. Therefore, it is a significant responsibility to take care of future generations. Make every effort and develop programmes for this purpose.”
Maal
Next, Aïssata Ba Sahiba, Muhasiba Maal, introduced herself, and Huzooraa acknowledged her auditing assignment.
Following this, Huzooraa discussed budgetary matters with Fozia Jameel Ur Rehman Sahiba, Secretary Maal, and asked if all members pay their dues according to the prescribed rate. She said that some do not.
Huzooraa observed that the Lajna rate was quite low and remarked that members could easily afford it if they occasionally skipped buying a burger from outside.
Majlis Headquarters
Next, Huzooraa spoke with Sadr Lajna Headquarters and enquired about the number of members in her majlis. She stated there were 132.
He advised her to develop good tarbiyat programmes, and set a good example in every respect – particularly in terms of purdah, salat, regular recitation of the Holy Quran, and acquisition of religious knowledge. He said, “Make Allah the Witness and continue to assess your situation, and then show your example to them and do their tarbiyat.”
Wasiyyat
Next, Saeeda Ahmad Sahiba, Muavina Sadr for Wasiyyat, introduced herself, and Huzooraa acknowledged her role.
Waqf-e-Nau
Next, Huzooraa asked Sara Zia Bounpeng Sahiba, Muavina Sadr for Waqf-e-Nau, how many waqifaat there are in France, whether the Waqf-e-Nau syllabus is taught to them, whether any programmes are arranged for them and whether she sends reports on this.
The secretary said that there are 134 waqifat-e-nau and affirmed that their classes were being arranged on a regular basis.
Question-and-answer session
After the discussion with the amila members, Huzooraa asked Sadr Lajna if they had anything further to add. She mentioned that some secretaries had questions they wished to ask. Huzooraa graciously invited them to present their queries.
Guidance for Lajna in a secular environment
Question: What advice would Huzooraa give to the Lajna of France, considering the country’s secular environment?
Answer: Huzooraa advised that Lajna members should set exemplary standards in their own conduct to inspire others. He emphasised the importance of reminding members about their purpose as Ahmadis living in Western countries. Their foremost duty is to worship Allah, read and understand the Holy Quran, and strive to acquire religious knowledge.
He stressed that the Secretary Tarbiyat and the amila should lead by example. By practising what they preach, they can motivate other members to act righteously. He noted that without setting personal examples, it would be challenging to instil moral training in others, as people might perceive inconsistency between words and actions.
Huzooraa said:
“To enhance spiritual progress, it is essential to remind them that, while living in this material world, we, as Ahmadi Muslims, are to draw the world closer to Islam. We cannot bring them closer unless we improve our own condition and align our actions with the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa.
“Therefore, first and foremost, at every level, the amila should be instructed to set examples. Then they should offer guidance to others. In this way, when people observe that the amila is inclining towards goodness, has genuinely become virtuous, and is focused on moral training and worship, attentive to reading the commandments of Allah, reading the Holy Quran, abhorring falsehood, remaining steadfast in truthfulness, speaking honestly, promoting righteousness, and seeking religious knowledge, others will naturally be drawn to follow. If our examples are not admirable, then we cannot properly train others.”
Managing inactive members in tajnid lists
Question: In the tajnid of various majalis, there are names of some members who have not been associated with the Jamaat for a long time. We have no contact with them, and even their details have changed, making it challenging to create an accurate register. What should we do in this situation?
Answer: Huzooraa suggested that if these members have absolutely no contact and even their details have changed, they should be temporarily removed from the main register. He advised creating a separate register titled “Requiring Reform” or “Requiring Contact.” Then, continuous efforts should be made to locate their relatives or acquaintances within the Jamaat to re-establish contact with their help.
Huzooraa recommended approaching these individuals with love and excellent morals, enquiring politely whether they wish to remain on the Jamaat’s list. If they request removal, it should be honoured.
Huzooraa said:
“Make sure your behaviour sets a good example and demonstrates excellent morals. Try to reach out to them through those with whom they have good relations, as some people wish to remain connected but distance themselves due to the attitudes of office-bearers. Office-bearers should improve their behaviour, exercise kindness, and try to bring them closer through love. If done properly, some people indeed return. A comprehensive review will be necessary, but for the time being, keep a separate list for them.”
Instilling obedience and prioritising guidance
Question: As members of the amila, how can we instil within ourselves the spirit to prioritise the guidance, instructions, and decisions of the Khalifa of the time above all else? Moreover, how can we encourage a sense of obedience within ourselves, avoiding the tendency to find excuses or prioritise personal opinions, familial relationships, and friendships over the directives of the Khalifa?
Answer: Huzooraa responded by highlighting that if individuals are unwilling to follow Allah’s commandments, adhering to the Khalifa’s guidance becomes challenging. He reminded them that the fundamental duty is to worship Allah – the very purpose of creation – which involves striving to please Him by adhering to His commands and acting as humble servants.
He pointed out that members who pledge to give precedence to faith over worldly matters must truly act upon this commitment. Often, personal pride and self-interest overshadow the primary purpose. Huzooraa emphasised that familial ties should not hinder obedience to Allah and the Khalifa of the time, and overcoming this requires continual effort.
Huzooraa noted that without an internal sense of responsibility, external reminders have little effect. He said:
“As the saying goes, it is easy to wake someone who is asleep and tell them to wake up for prayer, but how do you wake someone who pretends to be asleep, stubbornly resisting? For this reason, selflessness is essential. If the office-bearers do not reform themselves and fail to act on Allah’s commandments, they are indeed sinners in Allah’s eyes. They may deceive people in this world, but in the Hereafter, no deception is possible. Allah will then hold them accountable for placing familial ties above His commands.
“Therefore, it is best that each member of the amila first sets a personal example. We must strive to present such a model that others are inspired to reform themselves upon seeing us. Above all, Allah’s commands must come first, followed by our family ties and other relationships. This is the approach each of us should strive to adopt.”
Addressing the decline in observing purdah among some young girls
Question: Due to the influence and pressure of the external environment, some young girls are moving towards abandoning purdah, and their parents are unable to guide them properly. What should we do?
Answer: Huzooraa advised that parents should build strong, friendly relationships with their daughters. For parents who may lack education, it’s crucial for Lajna Imaillah to connect with the young girls, approaching them with sincerity and empathy as well-wishers.
He emphasised that as Ahmadis, they have pledged to give precedence to faith over worldly matters and must strive to fulfil this pledge by obeying Allah’s commandments. He reminded them that worldly life is temporary and that eternal life in the Hereafter should be their focus.
Huzooraa suggested guiding the youth gently and lovingly, without harshness, to bring them closer to faith. He said:
“Explain to them how Allah the Almighty has blessed them abundantly. Many of you were once poor, and by bringing you to these [Western] countries, Allah has provided you with better circumstances, more opportunities for education, and greater chances for advancement. Recognise these blessings and strive to better yourselves. In doing so, you will earn Allah’s rewards in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
“If the entire amila works with genuine sincerity, with a unified effort and fear of Allah in their hearts, reforming themselves and fostering healthy relationships amongst themselves, they will also be able to establish connections with the Lajna members. By striving to improve themselves and by approaching everyone with love and kindness, putting aside personal egos, and not giving preference to personal relationships or connections, but instead prioritising the pleasure of Allah, then we can truly help people reform. Otherwise, no matter how much we strive, we will not succeed in bringing about change.”
Conclusion
With this, the mulaqat came to an end and Huzooraa took leave.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)