Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent
On 16-17 September 2023, ijtemas of Waqifaat-e-Nau and Waqifeen-e-Nau were held at the Baitul Islam Mosque Complex, Canada. This year’s theme was “Rabbi Zidni ‘Ilma”. Accordingly, all presentations and activities revolved around this focal point to draw the attention of all participants and encourage them to excel in their pursuit of knowledge and education.
The opening session of the Waqifaat-e-Nau ijtema had two special presentations, explaining Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa instructions about waqifaat choosing medicine or teaching as their preferred profession.
Dr Maryam Farhan Sahiba started with Huzoor’saa message from the UK Waqifaat-e-Nau ijtema 2018 for waqifaat to come forward in medicine and explained the importance and need of choosing medicine as a waqifa-e-nau. Sobia Iqbal Sahiba, a waqifa-e-nau teacher at the Ahmadiyya Elementary School in Mississauga, Canada, and Mona Dard Sahiba, a local teacher for almost 20 years, highlighted the importance of waqifaat as qualified teachers.
A special mothers’ session was arranged for the benefit of the mothers of Waqf-e-Nau members. Almost 400 mothers attended. Presentations were made on avoiding vain pursuits and practical age-appropriate tips for raising Waqf-e-Nau children.
The Waqifeen-e-Nau ijtema’s opening session was presided over by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib. Basil Raza Butt Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau Canada, delivered the opening remarks. Amir Jamaat Canada delivered an address afterwards.
Waqifeen were divided into several groups based on their school year or grade. This allowed for more focused and targeted programming tailored to each grade level. There were also groups dedicated to post-secondary students as well as professionals already working in the field.
There was a wide array of activities on a wide variety of topics, including Quranic literacy, financial literacy, peer pressure, and other contemporary challenges.
Special sessions were held for parents on how to talk to their children, challenges with social media, and the responsibilities of parents.
The total attendance of these two ijtemas was 2,300, including around 530 waqifeen-e-nau, around 850 waqifaat-e-nau, and around 920 parents and guests.