The national amila of Lajna Imaillah Bangladesh was fortunate and blessed to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, on 14 November.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, on 15 December 1922, wrote the following, addressing the ladies of Qadian:
“Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatuhu. In order to fulfil the aim and objective of the purpose of our creation, the efforts of women are as necessary as that of men. In my opinion, the perception of what Islam expects of women has not dawned upon them and how their lives should be spent whereby they can, attaining the pleasure of God, become the inheritors of the bounties of Allah the Almighty, not only in the Hereafter but in this world as well.”
The national amila members were gathered in the Dar-ul-Tabligh complex in Dhaka, the national headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Bangladesh.
The mulaqat commenced with a silent prayer, after which Huzooraa directly addressed all the members present in the hall and enquired about the tasks and duties of each department. Whilst providing guidance to the secretary tarbiyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated, “It is important that all Lajna members take great care in the manner they dress. They must dress modestly and observe purdah.”
Huzooraa further said, “All Lajna individuals must regularly offer the five daily prayers and recite the Holy Quran on a daily basis.”
Following this, whilst addressing the secretary ishaat, Huzooraa asked if any books were being printed. Upon this, the secretary replied that last year, the books, Domestic Issues and Their Solutions and Social Media: Issues Related to Social Media and its Resolution Proposed were printed, and this year, another book relating to purdah is in process.
Upon this, Huzooraa said, “These books are a compilation of my various addresses which have been presented in a book form. You must ensure that it reaches all Lajna members so that they may study it.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa further said, “This is the task of the secretary tarbiyat and secretary ishaat that they supply these books. It is the duty of secretary tarbiyat to ensure that all members read them.”
During the mulaqat, the Lajna members further had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa various questions. One Lajna member, whilst posing a question, expressed that it is seen that on occasions and in certain situations, mothers, whilst offering Namaz, also have to take care of children. The Lajna member further stated that naturally, in such a scenario, the attention and focus diverts away from Salat. When this happens, she asked whether mothers are deprived from the blessings of prayer.
Responding to this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “No, they are not deprived from its blessings.” Huzooraa added, “God is aware of our situation and the state of our heart. If a woman is offering Prayer with good intentions, then God surely rewards accordingly … However, you should try to offer Prayer whilst your child is asleep or when you are able to freely.”
Huzooraa further added, “If you have no other option, then you may hold your child; however, you must ensure that you remain focused during prayer … God knows our situations and rewards us accordingly.”
Following this, the next question was concerning the pandemic and the restrictions it has placed on the world. A Lajna member expressed that due to the pandemic, they were unable to do tabligh as they used to and asked how they could carry out their duties amidst the restrictions.
Responding to this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “As there are restrictions in some countries around the world, such as social distancing, it is currently not possible to go out and preach. However, one can utilise other methods such as doing tabligh online.”
Huzooraa further said, “Tabligh can be conducted through social media. Lajna members can share certain passages on the teachings of Islam or quotes exemplifying and embodying the beauties of Islam as this can further open doors and opportunities for tabligh … Thus other methods can be explored to further carry out this work.”
Following this, a Lajna member stated that the conditions of Africa have changed a great deal since the time when Huzooraa was in Ghana. She requested Huzooraa to share his experiences and the challenges he faced. Upon this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated, “Hardships and difficult times do arise; however, one must hold complete trust and faith in God Almighty. Difficult times should not interfere with our obligations and religious duties.”
Huzooraa further stated, “In such circumstances, a wife should support her husband and a husband should support and look after his wife. One must continue to have firm faith and trust in God and constantly pray. Thus, if you remain steadfast and pray, Allah will continue to help. One must not fret or worry.”
Following this, a Lajna member asked Huzooraa to describe a deed which is the best in the eyes of God. Responding to this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that every person’s situation is different. On one occasion, a person came to the Holy Prophetsa and asked him about a certain deed for him to act upon, which can please Allah. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa replied that one should help and take care of their parents. The Holy Prophetsa said that this is the best deed. Then, another person approached the Holy Prophetsa with a similar enquiry, upon which he stated that spending in the way of God is the best deed. Then, a third person came and asked the same question. The Holy Prophetsa said that one must strive in the way of Allah.
“Thus”, Huzooraa explained, “the Holy Prophetsa was well aware of their conditions and situations, and knew which deed each person was lacking in …. Thus, every person’s approach is unique.”
Huzooraa further explained that one must ceaselessly examine and analyse oneself and question oneself about the weaknesses and deeds they are lacking in.
In the end, sadr Lajna Imaillah Bangladesh requested Huzooraa to give a message for the Lajna and Nasirat members residing in Bangladesh. Huzooraa said, “Firstly, convey my greetings of ‘assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatuhu’. My message for them is to remain firm in their faith. Difficulties arise; however, never let them burden your faith and religion. Always and only bow before Allah when facing difficulties and at every turn of hardships.”
Huzooraa further said, “Make special eff orts to progress in your spiritual and moral state. If you are able to achieve and instil within yourselves the greatest spiritual and moral standards and attain true piety and taqwa, then know that the future generations will be protected. This is the obligation and duty of Lajna Imaillah and this is my message to all Lajna members of Bangladesh and Nasirat who, insha-Allah, will one day become mothers [of the next generation].”
With this, the mulaqat came to a close.