Over the course of two sunny days at the Baitul Islam Mosque complex, a record number of over 6,000 members of Lajna Imaillah and Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada gathered to attend the 48th annual ijtemas. The theme of this year was “Love of Allah”.
The biggest highlight was a special message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) on strengthening one’s relationship with Allah, offering prayers with sincerity and being mindful of our influence in the home – for the education and moral training of our next generations.
In her speech, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada, Nadia Mahmood Sahiba, reminded all that love for Allah is the key to all of our problems.
Following the theme of Ibadat, an art exhibition was also organised that displayed Lajna’s artwork from across Canada. Members had the opportunity to visit the exhibition and vote for their favourite artwork. A new website for Lajna Imaillah Canada was launched, as well as a Lajna syllabus app and WhatsApp channels. The purpose of this initiative was to allow members to have access to any information related to the auxiliary right at their fingertips. The website will allow members to explore details about future programmes, departments, speeches and upcoming events. The WhatsApp channels will allow members to stay up to date with all current information and announcements.
In addition to the competitions, members listened to panel discussions on providing support during times of grief and trauma, and on understanding the journey of converts.
This year marked the 100-year jubilee celebration of the Sanat-o-Dastkari (Industry & Handicraft) Department. A special exhibition was set up to celebrate and recognise the historic contributions of Lajna Imaillah to this department, including furniture and a sewing machine from 1926.
The valuable advice of the late Sahibzadi Amtul Jamil Begum Sahiba, granddaughter of the Promised Messiah (as), was shared as well by her daughters. Other presentations included a recap of the blessed AMWSA Canada mulaqat with Huzoor (aa), and a mothers’ meeting on using our faith to teach the school health curriculum. Awards to recognise Lajna Canada’s businesswoman of the year, Art Competition and Pen to Preach initiatives were also presented.
The bazaar, fun zone (featuring a rock climbing wall) and seminars appealed to Lajna members of all varieties, including workshops on performing ghusl and Tabligh FAQ, fitness and SEND seminars, an artificial intelligence seminar, resources for supporting caregivers and more.
The Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema featured a variety of workshops this year for each age group: a ‘sip and chat’ giving the girls an opportunity to provide feedback with organisers, a Salat workshop, as well as a “Who Am I?” workshop aimed to build confidence and reinforce the nasirat’s Muslim identities. A new initiative by the Nasirat Department this year was the STEM competition, where nasirat got to showcase their skills and abilities by finding a solution to a problem in their community related to a sustainable development goal.
Another memorable highlight for the nasirat and students was a bonfire night. AMWSA students and nasirat sat together by the fire and shared inspiring stories from the mulaqat with Huzoor (aa). Sports such as football and volleyball games were played by the nasirat, encouraging sisterhood and sportsmanship among the girls. There was also a fun zone, including axe throwing, an obstacle course and zorb ball.
A special aspect to this year’s Nasirat Ijtema was Huzoor’s (aa) message to the Nasirat Canada, which was printed and given to each member in their souvenir bags, including a Nasirat drawstring bag, customised notebook, pen and chocolate.