Lubna Sohail, Secretary Ishaat, Lajna Imaillah UK
The 46th annual ijtema of Lajna Imaillah and Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya UK was held on 26-28 September 2025, in Puttenham.
The site was specially prepared to welcome thousands of women and girls from across the country, with marquees for speeches and competitions, food and bazaar areas, exhibitions, a SEND marquee and spaces for recreation and family activities. This year’s ijtema was guided by the Quranic theme: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch. 3: V. 104)
From the opening morning, the ijtema site was alive with anticipation. The organisers had ensured a wide range of facilities for attendees, including a SEND marquee with calming resources, a homoeopathic cabin, first aid services and designated areas for elderly and disabled members, as well as funfair and AMRA activities for younger children. Bookstalls, Humanity First displays, translation services and educational exhibitions further enriched the site. The organisers ensured that every attendee, regardless of age or ability, could comfortably participate.
The ijtema was formally inaugurated with the Friday sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, delivered live from the Mubarak Mosque. The recitation from the Holy Quran, along with the Lajna and Nasirat pledges, set the tone that resonated throughout the three days of the ijtema. Each subsequent session – whether competitions, speeches, academic awards, or exhibitions – was anchored by Quranic recitations and prayers, ensuring that the spiritual foundation established on day one continued to inspire and uplift participants until the silent prayer led by beloved Huzooraa.
Across the three days, a wide range of competitions were held, reflecting both academic and spiritual excellence. AMRA lectures and talks formed a central part of the ijtema programme, covering themes such as the philosophy of Hijab, self-reformation, Khilafat, moral upbringing, women’s health, neurodiversity and the scientific miracles of the Holy Quran. In the main marquee, Iffat Mirza Sahiba, President of AMWSA, addressed the audience on “How Khilafat Inspires Us to Seek Knowledge,” while Yusra Dahri Sahiba, granddaughter of beloved Huzooraa, delivered a speech titled “Witnessing the Words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa,” sharing never-before-heard guidance from the home of beloved Huzooraa. The AMWSA and Umur-e-Talibaat departments conducted tailored sessions for students, offering academic guidance, mentoring and open discussions on balancing faith and studies. A dedicated focus was also placed on raising awareness about the situation in Palestine, encouraging heartfelt prayers and charitable contributions.
The SEND Department received particular appreciation for its video presentation, which highlighted their work and the inspiring resilience of members. Similarly, the “Love from Lajna” Project, a collaboration between the Khidmat-e-Khalq and Trade & Industry Departments, showcased the spirit of service as handmade items were prepared and donated to hospitals, shelters and care homes.
A particularly moving part of the ijtema was the recognition of academic achievements. The recognition of women’s academic contributions reflected the Jamaat’s commitment to empowering women through both religious and secular education. Similarly, the winners of all competitions were given trophies for encouragement.
The ijtema site featured a rich variety of educational exhibitions and interactive projects designed to engage participants of all ages. A dedicated area for children under seven offered story times, games and puzzles, fostering curiosity and early learning. The exhibition marquee presented a wide range of environmental, scientific and religious displays, including endangered and marine animals, recent scientific discoveries, fulfilled prophecies of the Holy Quran, microscopy and food chain activities, providing both knowledge and inspiration. The Humanity First initiative was prominently represented, with stalls offering calligraphy art and other contributions, reflecting the Jamaat’s dedication to service and charitable giving.
Workshops conducted by AMWSA and Umur-e-Talibat guided students on balancing faith with academics, exploring career opportunities and addressing challenges faced in daily life, leaving participants with practical skills, spiritual insight and a strengthened sense of responsibility.
The most cherished moments of the ijtema were marked by the blessed presence and address of beloved Huzooraa on the second day of the ijtema. A summary of this address has already been published in Al Hakam.
Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK, Dr Qurratul Ain Rehman Sahiba, addressed on the third day of ijtema and spoke about the living connection with Allah the Almighty, increasing the level of worship, obedience to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, self-reflection, sincere efforts to act upon the conditions of Bai‘at, and the importance of fulfilling the rights of God and His creation.This year’s ijtema was attended by 7,496 members, a blessed increase from the previous year.