Musharaf Ahmed, Muawin Sadr, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK
After two successful trips to Spain and the Holy Land, the Waqf-e-Nau Department in Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK decided that it was necessary to inspire and make Waqifeen-e-Nau realise the importance of dedicating themselves for the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat. As a result, we were able to organise the Waqf-e-Nau Retreat 2020 in Islamabad.
In this national event, Waqifeen-e-Nau received guidance and counselling in the careers mentioned by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.
Moreover, interactive sessions about the importance of being a Waqf-e-Nau were held. Waqf-e-Nau life devotees shared their personal insight and explained the procedure on how to devote their lives. There was also a question and answer with the panellists.
The main event and highlight was a sitting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 23 February 2020, in which nearly 800 Waqifeen-e-Nau Khuddam were able to partake. Alhamdolillah.
The retreat began on the morning of 22 February 2020 with the opening Session at 9:30am, which was chaired by Luqman Ahmed Kishwar Sahib, Head of Central Waqf-e-Nau Department. In his address, he highlighted the different opportunities that are available in the Jamaat for Waqf-e-Nau.
After the opening session, a documentary on the Waqf-e-Nau scheme was shown and an Open Forum was held with a panel of guests where discussions took place about the roles and responsibilities of a Waqf-e-Nau in light of Huzoor’saa guidance.
Following this, a live Skype video session was held with Ahmad Fowad Bhatti Sahib from Nigeria where he shared his experiences of being asked to serve as a Waqf-e-Nau in Africa. The Waqifeen-e-Nau were then divided into four groups based on their age. Ages 15-18 had a discussion with two missionaries about studying in Jamia, while those Waqifeen-e-Nau studying medicine had a sitting with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association.
A one-to-one career guidance and counselling session also took place for 1923 year olds, several career desks were setup where Waqifeen-e-Nau could ask questions to professionals in a variety of fields. Lastly, those Waqifeen-e-Nau already in careers had a discussion with a panel of Waqifeen-e-Nau about how to serve the Jamaat in their field.
After Zuhr prayers and lunch, a “TED Talk” style session was held called “In the eyes of Waqifeen-e-Nau”. A discussion was held with four Waqifeen-e-Nau about how they are serving the Jamaat in their respective areas of expertise.
Shortly after, a session was held with Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK, which lasted until Maghrib prayer, followed by a session with Abid Khan Sahib on his personal interaction with Huzooraa. Thereafter, Waqifeen-e-Nau were served dinner followed by Isha prayer.
This concluded the day’s activities. Waqifeen-e-Nau were blessed to be able to offer prayers behind Huzooraa throughout the day.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the total attendance was 467. Khuddam from all across the country travelled to take part in this historical programme. Alhamdolillah