Islamabad, Tilford, 18 October 2025: The 29-member national amila of Lajna Imaillah Canada had the honour of a mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The meeting commenced as Huzooraa graced the hall with his presence, extended his salaam, and led the delegation in a silent prayer. Following the prayer, each of the amila members had the opportunity to introduce herself and her role within Lajna Imaillah Canada.
Guidance to national amila members
During the introductions, Huzooraa imparted specific and direct guidance to many of the national secretaries regarding their respective departments.
To the Muhasibah Maal, Huzooraa enquired about the thoroughness of the auditing process. Addressing the Secretaries for Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, Huzooraa enquired if Lajna Imaillah was contributing its expected share of one-third of the national Jamaat’s total contributions to these schemes.
The Secretary for Nau-Muba’i‘aat reported challenges in connecting with inactive members from diverse religious backgrounds. Huzooraa guided that she should maintain contact by regularly sending them brief passages from the Holy Quran and Hadith and that tailored plans must be created to cater to the specific needs of converts from different backgrounds.
Huzooraa advised the Secretary Tarbiyat to adopt a proactive approach. He guided that a supportive, grassroots framework be established to keep a discreet understanding of family wellbeing, enabling timely assistance before issues escalate. Based on this understanding, relevant guidance on resolving marital disputes and creating peaceful homes should be regularly disseminated through online platforms.
Speaking with the Secretary Tabligh, Huzooraa stressed that any new converts (bai‘ats) should be immediately integrated into the system of the Secretary Nau-Muba’i‘aat to ensure their proper follow-up and training.
To the Secretary Nasirat, Huzooraa enquired about the plan for inactive members. He emphasised that the tarbiyat and moral training of nasirat should be such that they transition smoothly into Lajna Imaillah, fully integrated into its system, rather than being suddenly swept away by worldly influences upon reaching the age of 15.
Huzooraa asked the Secretary Talim which book had been prescribed for Lajna members. Upon being told it was the full text of Haqiqat-ul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation), Huzooraa advised that this was a very large and profound book that could take two years to complete. He guided them to adopt a realistic approach and not assign tasks that members would find difficult to fulfil.
The Secretary Khidmat-e-Khalq was advised that when the organisation donates to charities, they should follow up to receive a report on how the funds were utilised. This information can then be shared with Lajna members.
Huzooraa instructed the Secretary for Waqifaat-e-Nau to ensure that his addresses to Waqifaat-e-Nau are regularly shared with them, either in full or as summaries and key excerpts. Finally, the Muawinah Sadr for Press and Media was guided to maintain contact with the central Press and Media Department and to disseminate the content and updates they provide.
Following this detailed guidance, the Sadr Lajna requested permission for the members to ask some questions.
Engaging inactive members
An amila member asked for guidance regarding Lajna members who attend general Jamaat events like Eid prayers or Jalsa but do not participate in Lajna-specific programmes, despite the efforts of local office-bearers.
Huzooraa explained that the very task of the organisation is to make such members active. As long as they profess to be Ahmadi, they are members of Lajna and it is the duty of the Tarbiyat Department to reach out to them. He cautioned that if contact is only made to ask for donations or attendance at meetings, members may feel it is a transactional relationship and may even give their contribution reluctantly. The core challenge and purpose of the office-bearers, Huzooraa stressed, is to lovingly and genuinely bring inactive members into the fold. If all members were already active, he noted, there would be no need for an amila.
Mental health, youth and non-Muslim counsellors
An amila member raised concerns about the rise in mental health issues among youth. She noted that when parents send their children to non-Muslim psychologists or counsellors, the advice given can sometimes be contrary to Islamic teachings.
Huzooraa first advised that members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme should be encouraged to pursue education in fields like psychiatry to produce our own Ahmadi Muslim experts. He acknowledged that some counsellors promote concepts contrary to Islamic values, such as those related to gender identity.
Huzooraa guided the amila to first gather data on how many children are affected and the root causes of their issues. Based on this data, a team of Ahmadi doctors and psychiatrists should be formed to create a line of action to help these families before they need to seek external help. Crucially, Huzooraa stated, this requires building personal, sisterly relationships with the families, not just maintaining official contact. Through such a bond of trust, families will be more open to sharing their problems and accepting help from within the Jamaat.
On women pursuing criminal law
A question was raised about promoting the field of Law at Lajna events, considering that law school curricula often require courses in criminal law, a field Huzooraa had previously discouraged for women.
Huzooraa clarified that this is not a matter of religious prohibition by the sharia, but one of practical wisdom based on the environment. The field of criminal law presents significant challenges and even threats. To face such challenges, one might even need to learn self-defence. Therefore, it is better for women to avoid this specific field.
However, if a Lajna member is insistent, then she must also be counselled to prepare herself for these challenges. Huzooraa noted that working within a large, established law firm can mitigate some of the exposure and risks compared to working independently. The role of the Lajna is to provide this counsel; the final decision rests with the individual.
Engaging youth in meetings and classes
An office-bearer asked for guidance on developing recreational programmes to attract young Lajna members who do not attend the monthly meetings or Taleem classes.
Huzooraa advised moving beyond traditional meetings. He guided the amila to organise informal gatherings, perhaps over tea and directly ask the less active youth for their suggestions on how to make the programmes more engaging. When their own ideas are incorporated, their interest and attendance will naturally increase.
The meetings must not be a mere formality of reciting passages without spirit. Moreover, office-bearers who give counsel must be seen to be acting upon it themselves; otherwise, it creates frustration and a negative reaction. By involving the youth, asking for their input and even having them speak on topics of their interest, such as healthcare or psychology, the programmes will become more relevant and appealing.
Encouraging nasirat class attendance
A secretary noted that many mothers claim their daughters are too busy with school and extracurriculars to attend the two monthly Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya classes.
Huzooraa advised them to gently reason with the parents. He noted that the time commitment is minimal – only a few hours per month when travel is included. He instructed them to remind members of their pledge to sacrifice for their faith and ask if they cannot spare even five hours a month for this purpose. Even if the response is not 100%, the effort must continue. Huzooraa stated that if instructions are not acted upon by everyone, it does not mean the effort should stop. The duty of an office-bearer is to keep trying and reminding, as commanded by the Holy Quran. (Surah adh-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.55) Allah will reward the effort, regardless of the outcome.
Integrating new converts
The Secretary Nau-Muba’i‘aat sought further guidance on integrating new converts, especially considering their unique family challenges.
Huzooraa reiterated his guidance that a tailored plan is essential for each new convert. The first step is to gather information and understand their background, their reasons for converting and their level of knowledge. Just as a doctor prescribes medicine based on the illness, the Tarbiyat plan must be specific to the individual’s needs.
He advised involving the converts themselves by asking for their suggestions. For those who are sincere, books should be prescribed and regular, brief excerpts from the Holy Quran, Hadith and the writings of the Promised Messiahas should be sent to them to build their knowledge and interest.
Regarding their marriages, Huzooraa guided the Secretary to create a detailed chart of their requirements and to work in a coordinated manner with the national Rishta Nata secretaries of both Lajna and the main Jamaat to find suitable matches.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Sadr Lajna presented some recent publications by Lajna Imaillah Canada. Huzooraa appreciated the effort and added that the real task is to ensure that the teachings within them are acted upon. Before taking his leave, Huzooraa kindly enquired about the delegation’s lodging arrangements and gifted pens to the attendees.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)