Aqila LaHaye, Canada
And once again, it was time to attend the annual ijtema of Lajna Imaillah Canada. (August 23-24, 2025)
For me, it is always a beautiful mix of reunion, nostalgia, and excitement – an opportunity to enjoy not only the spiritual ma‘idah [table-spread of food] but also the real ma‘idah (the Langar food)! At times, it’s hard to say which part of the ijtema is most enjoyable, because every aspect of the ijtema has its own unique flavour. Much depends on the state of mind you are in!
My history with ijtema goes back to my childhood, when I participated in Nasirat ijtemas growing up in Qadian. We wore white uniforms and sat in disciplined groups, like a little army of Lajna being trained to conquer the world, or at least the world as we understood it in our young minds. I remember how, in those days, finances were so limited that lunch or refreshments were not provided. We would run home for lunch and return to the programme. But did that ever diminish the enthusiasm of Lajna or Nasirat? Never! Mothers were proud to see their daughters gaining valuable experiences and skills that would serve them in later life. That was the grassroots spirit in which it all began.
Fast forward to today – the experience of this year’s ijtema was quite different from those early days when Lajna Imaillah was still finding its wings. Now, we gather in a vast complex of marquees serving different purposes. The main marquee alone was large enough to accommodate four to five thousand attendees. Children ran about freely while mothers caught up with friends, sometimes forgetting their little ones were exploring on their own. I smiled as I watched our Secretary Talim kindly reminding mothers to keep the noise to a minimum. Whether or not all the reminders sank in, I felt this too was part of the training of ijtema – learning to set boundaries, show respect, and carry discipline into the next generation.
What I love is how the organisers think of everyone’s interests. Alongside the main sessions, different seminars were happening in other marquees. Topics ranged from self-defence and trauma recovery to starting a small business, raising children as immigrants and managing health challenges like osteoporosis. These sessions showed how much ijtema has grown not only spiritually but practically, addressing the needs of women in every stage of life.
We live in a fast-moving world, where patience is rare and attention spans are short. So, when one speech competition of Nasirat with 14 participants on the same topic began to feel long, it was easy to step outside for fresh air, stretch one’s legs, or visit another seminar. The sight of women of all ages, dressed in their most colourful outfits saved for ijtema, socialising joyfully, was itself a treat. Mothers gently rocked strollers while others chased after little ones. There were also dedicated activities for children under seven to “shake their sillies out,” as well as safe physical activities for Nasirat.
One of the most popular attractions was the rock-climbing wall. Not only did children enjoy it, but many mature Lajna members also demonstrated their strength and health by reaching the top. What a blessing to experience that sense of freedom and joy in an environment completely our own, without the self-consciousness that sometimes comes with mixed spaces.
The bazaar added another lively dimension, rows of stalls offering Pakistani dresses, jewellery, books, and, of course, delicious food – everything from pakoras to kulfi and pizza. Yet, for me, nothing compares to the ziafat food. It feels almost magical, like Aladdin’s genie at work! At one moment, thousands of women queue outside the food marquee; a little later, the marquee is empty, and everyone has eaten to their fill – sometimes, to their extreme fill. Kudos to the hardworking team who not only serve the food with patience and grace but also keep the entire area clean and organised. And behind the scenes, there are men who cook tirelessly in anonymity, men whose names we may never know. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude and prayers. Truly, the food is always plentiful, always delicious, and never runs short. Alhamdulillah.
Events like this also reveal our community’s character. One can clearly see the impact of the tarbiyyat of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa on the members – peaceful, warm, hospitable and disciplined. The Holy Prophetsa said: “A believer is a mirror to another believer.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Hadith 238) This Hadith carries profound wisdom. Whenever we observe something unpleasant in others, it should compel us to reflect on our own actions. How would we appear in that same mirror? And, more importantly, how are our children seeing us through that mirror?
This year’s ijtema was a reminder of where we came from, how far we’ve come, and where we hope to go as a community. And for me, it was once again a mix of nostalgia, growth and gratitude.