Shahzad Ahmad, Missionary, UK
On 14 September 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Leamington Spa had the honour of hosting a remembrance service for the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The evening began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem written and composed by a nine-year-old nasirah, paying tribute to the late Queen.
Following this, a video was shown of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s tribute to the Queen at the annual MKA UK Ijtema 2022.
The event was paused at the request of the ITV Central crew who were present, as they wanted to broadcast live, with reporter Hannah Bechelet highlighting the exhibition about the Queen that we put up and then proceeding to interview the local outreach coordinator, Dr Umar Nasser Sahib, who explained that it was important to hold this event as the Holy Prophetsa said that loyalty to one’s nation was part of faith.
During the event, a number of attending dignitaries were invited to say a few words, which included the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Vice Chair of Warwick District Council, the Mayor of Leamington Spa, the Mayor of Warwick, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Warwickshire Police Chaplain.
In the end, my humble self delivered the closing speech, followed by silent prayer.
Following the main session, light refreshments were served and also a full exhibition of the Queen’s reign was displayed in the main hall for participants to look at.
After the event, we received the following comment from one of the neighbours regarding the event:
“We would like to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit, how impressed we were with the organisation and delivery of the event, and how pleased we were with the gracious and warm hospitality of our hosts. Our best wishes to you and your colleagues.”