Ayesha Sbahat, Ishaat Department, Lajna Imaillah UK
On 22 June 2024, Lajna Imaillah UK held its annual National Peace Symposium at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London. The theme of the event was “The Role of Women in Shaping Society”.
The symposium was attended by women from across the UK, representing different faiths and backgrounds, coming together with the collective aim of promoting peace. The planning and preparation for the event commenced several months in advance to ensure that guests have a comfortable, inspiring and enlightening experience. Keen volunteers gathered at the venue the day before to begin setting up the event; tables were arranged with exhibitions highlighting the work of Lajna Imaillah, posters were displayed to educate and inform guests about the teachings of Islam relating to women and banners detailing the aims and objectives of Lajna Imaillah were placed around the exhibition area, setting the scene for this year’s annual event, ready for hundreds of guests to participate in.
The event began promptly with the arrival of guests at 5 pm in the Nasir Hall. Guests gathered here to register themselves with the help of a team of volunteers from the Lajna registration department and were handed guest packs containing a selection of leaflets about women in Islam, prepared by the National Tabligh Department. There was a chain of awe-inspiring exhibitions allowing guests to learn about the historic significance of the Fazl Mosque, understand Islamic teachings about purdah and modesty and experience wearing the hijab. Guests were able to look through the Holy Quran translated into various languages and also view the Braille Holy Quran. Other exhibitions included the work of the Lajna SEND department, information about Lajna’s work in promoting the teaching of true Islam in primary and secondary schools, interviews with Voice of Islam Radio, insights into the projects being carried out globally by Humanity First and the work of the Lajna Press & Media department. Guests were also able to select Jamaat literature to take away with them.
A separate stall had been arranged to offer detailed tours of the Baitul Futuh Mosque and complex to the symposium guests. These tours were conducted for guests by student members of Lajna Imaillah, who had also curated a set of facts and information to convey to their guests throughout the duration of the tour. Following the tours, refreshments and exhibitions, guests were taken into Tahir Hall to join the formal programme of the evening.
The formal programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran with its English translation, followed by an introduction to the event given by Secretary Tabligh of Lajna Imaillah UK, and a series of speeches by distinguished guests, including the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund, Head of Department of Politics and Founding Director of the Centre for Britain and Europe at the University of Surrey, and Founder of the Fatima’s UK Campaign.
Fatima’s UK Campaign was among some of the charities that Lajna Imaillah UK was grateful to be able to make a donation to. Recipients of these donations were greeted and given the cheques by Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK, Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman Sahiba.
The symposium concluded with a speech by Sadr Sahiba Lajna Imaillah UK, who brought to life the beauty and significance of Islamic perspectives and teachings concerning the event’s theme. She shared an abundance of religious virtues that portrayed Islam as the true supporter it is for women’s rights and their success. Finally, a silent prayer was led by her prior to the dinner service for all guests and volunteers, which would eventually lead to the conclusion of this year’s Peace Symposium.