Whilst the collective West grapples with struggling economies, polarisation amongst its population and general political instability across the world resulting in a cost of living crisis – amongst other problems – many politicians and even some of the general population find an easy target in the form of immigration.
The US just witnessed massive “No Kings” protests on 14 June 2025, in which one of the many unpopular policies of Trump being protested against was his harsh stance on immigration. Whether immigrants have arrived legally or illegally, some protestors argued, no one deserves to be separated from their family by being deported. Despite this, 54% of Americans approved of plans to deport illegal immigrants, according to a CBS/YouGov survey.
The UK and other western European nations are witnessing their fair share of rising anti-immigration sentiments. Immigrants are being blamed for stealing jobs and leaving many locals unemployed, leeching off government funds and taxpayer money by claiming benefits, putting pressure on the healthcare systems as well as other public services and generally not assimilating into the local culture. Certain groups and ethnicities face more severe hostility than others, such as Muslims in general, and immigrants from third-world countries in particular.
To immigrants seeking economic opportunities, better education and brighter prospects for their children’s future, such anti-immigration sentiments might make living and trying to build a life in such countries an intimidating and daunting prospect.
In the context of this rising hostility, on 15 June 2025, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK organised a Welcome Dinner for those members who have immigrated to the UK during the past three years.
The purpose was to extend a heartfelt welcome to the new members, to guide them in their integration and to reassure them that the UK Jamaat stands by them at every step.
The session was presided over by Rafiq Ahmed Hayat Sahib, National President (Amir) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The formal proceedings commenced at 5:45 pm BST with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem and then a welcome speech by Mubarik Siddiqi Sahib, Regional President (Amir) of the Baitul Futuh Chapter.
Afterwards, a question and answer session was held with the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, where members asked various questions on an array of topics, including integration and how to resolve issues which are faced during the early days of arrival in the UK, including legal matters. A questioner also asked how to respond to an atheist friend’s objections over Islam and the Holy Quran.
The National President, providing guidance to the new members on various matters, encouraged them to stay in touch with the Jamaat and regularly come to the mosque.
Advising the asylum seekers, he said that they ought not forget their purpose behind immigrating to the UK and said they must act with honesty and truthfulness at every step and to refrain from using any lies in their quest for settlement or benefits. Rest assured, he said, the Jamaat is always here to help them whenever they face any difficulty.
In response to a question, the National President told the members about various arrangements which are in place for moral upbringing and education of children and for the youth as well, for instance Aisha Academy and Jamia Ahmadiyya UK. Guiding parents, he said that it is a responsibility of parents to make sure their children are protected from all the prevalent vices of the western society.
The National President also provided guidance to the youth of marriageable age that they should contact the Matrimonial Affairs (Rishta Nata) Department for any of their queries and that they should follow the guidance given by the Nizaam-e-Jamaat [System of the Jamaat]. He said that the major cause behind issues among the newly married youth and those who are searching for a suitable match is the rising influence of social media due to which the level of their expectations is too high. He urged them to follow Islamic teachings and focus on deen (faith), rather than beauty, wealth and other attractions. He emphasised that everyone should base their actions on taqwa (righteousness).
In response to a question about free-mixing under the influence of a free society in the West and how Ahmadi youth should tackle it, the National President provided guidance in light of the Islamic teachings.
In response to a question, he advised youth to refrain from chasing easy pathways and that they must remember that struggle is essential for success. He emphasised that during the early times here, one might face problems in finding a good career or job, however, if they make efforts and work hard, they will succeed ultimately. He gave the example of those Ahmadis who came to the UK decades ago and said that they too did face hardships and issues, however, since they had connected themselves with the Jamaat and faced the circumstances with hard work and determination, they are in a very good condition now. He reiterated that connection with the Jamaat is of paramount importance.
This was followed by an engaging quiz and the winners were awarded medals by the National President.
After this, the concluding address was delivered by the National President, wherein he advised members to foster a strong connection with Allah the Almighty and a relation of love and loyalty to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.
Speaking to Al Hakam, Mubarik Siddiqi Sahib, the organiser for this event explained the reason behind it. He said that it was felt that members who immigrated to the UK and claimed asylum, often lived in distant places all over the country, away from the Jamaat UK’s headquarters and whenever they were in need of any guidance, they faced some challenges. So it was suggested to hold such events where the new members could be given personal help from heads of various departments of the community and foster a good connection with each other. Advice was thus given on, for example, subjects related to legal, matrimonial and medical issues. Thus, the community has made such arrangements to help all those members who are facing any problems.
The programme concluded with silent prayer, followed by dinner. It was attended by 1300 members, belonging to various countries of the world.
