Lubna Sohail, Secretary Ishaat, Lajna Imaillah UK
With the theme “Women as Ambassadors for Peace” at this year’s National Peace Symposium, members of Lajna Imaillah UK and their guests gathered on 22 June 2025 to celebrate this annual gathering. The event welcomed more than 550 attendees and included guests from different faiths, backgrounds, cultures and professions, including journalists, politicians, academics, charity representatives and members from the local communities. The external guests were given exclusive tours of the Baitul Futuh Mosque and an extensive range of immersive and insightful exhibitions were held.
This year, many guests commented on the exceptional showcasing of informative and educational displays, with Marian Yun from the United Nations World Food Programme, one of the respected key speakers, stating:
“I’m also impressed with how well the exhibition has been arranged… the way I have seen some of the stalls being prepared and how they are focusing on transmitting their message, I have to say it’s very impressive and unique, very simple but very effective”.
Exhibitions at the Peace Symposium included a display of the Holy Quran translated into several languages, an opportunity to Experience the Hijab and learn about Islam’s teachings about modesty, Humanity First, S.E.N.D, Voice of Islam, The Review of Religions, The Al-Qalam Project, Women’s Rights in Islam, a Bookstall with free literature for guests, Voice of British Muslim Women, Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy, The Great Blind Taste Test to encourage an understanding of the existence of God and the Experience Islam for Schools stand which explained this new CPD accredited training programme launched by Lajna for RE teachers in the UK. Numerous guests commented on their appreciation for the digital Quran programmes where they could listen to the recitation of select verses as well as the opportunity to view a Holy Quran written in braille. These stalls not only relayed the true meanings and essence of Islam, but also the passion and dedication of all its followers, as another guest admired the display of “talented ladies, all of whom volunteer”.
Following an enjoyable and educational walk around the exhibitions in Nasir Hall, the influx of guests and attendees swiftly moved into Tahir Hall, where the formal proceedings were underway. The session began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome to the event by National Tabligh Secretary, who introduced to listeners the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Lajna Imaillah have achieved many milestones over the years, many of which were presented to listeners, including the Ayesha Maternity Hospital in Sierra Leone.
The first guest speaker, Anna Lubelska, founder of the Peaceful Schools Movement, initiated the long-awaited conversation of truly recognising women as ambassadors for peace. Anna highlighted the significance of the Jamaat’s slogan “Love for all, hatred for none” as one that is greatly powerful. One that, despite her studying many religions across the world, seems to stand out.
Following this, a brief pause was taken between speakers in order for Lajna Imaillah to make a humble donation to the Halow Project, a charity based in Guildford that supports children and young adults with special needs and autism.
The second guest speaker of the evening was Marian Yun, Head of Partnership at the United Nations World Food Programme.
Following Marian’s address, Lajna Imaillah extended a further donation, this time to the Wonder Foundation, an organisation led by women for women’s education. This was also followed by a third donation to Sustainable Merton, a local award-winning environmental charity.
The third and final external speaker, joining the event through a video message, was London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard. Dr Weekes-Bernard expressed her appreciation of Lajna Imaillah’s efforts to strengthen community cohesion and promote peace: “Guided by Islam’s peaceful teachings, you champion peace, interfaith harmony and social uplift… His Holiness reminds us ‘unquestionably women play an indispensable role in society because the future generations lie in their laps and grow up in their tender care ‘…This is more than a statement of empowerment; it’s a call to action and you have answered that call time and time again, you are students, educators, carers and community leaders. You are ambassadors of peace”.Thereafter, an address was delivered by Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK, Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman Sahiba, who began with an acknowledgement of the fact that the world does not currently just require an “absence of war, but true peace”. This is important because without peace there can be no justice, and without justice there can be no equity. Thus, the problem arises, a problem that prevents women from being absolute ambassadors for peace, yet a problem that Islam has provided the solution to: “Equity and justice are the only path to true societal peace in Islam”. Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman pointed out that this is a message emphasised by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and also centuries ago by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, during a time when no other community granted women, or other minorities, rights in the way Islam did. She explained why it is necessary that women be ready to nurture the next generation, as it is women who “are essential to the fabric of a peaceful society”. With these meaningful words, she brought this year’s event to a close. The programme ended with a silent prayer followed by an evening of dining and meaningful discussion.