Khilafat
A Khadim’s Journey to Waqf
Serving in the Review of Religions
My journey to dedicating my life as a Waqf-e-Zindagi [life devotee]was almost bound to happen but unexpected at the same time. Growing up as a Waqf-e-Nau and knowing that my parents had dedicated my life before I was born made me feel special and different from the majority of my friends, but it also came with huge expectations that stayed with me during school and college. Whilst everyone was hanging out with friends, going to parties, mixing with boys and girls, I had this underlying responsibility to not follow the trend because I knew the Jama’at had something bigger for me to accomplish in the future. Not knowing what that would be, I still kept focus on my own goals and avoided chasing anything that would lead me away from my targets and I limited myself to always keeping the picture of Waqf at the forefront of my mind. I remember when I was in college, at the age of 17, I was blessed to have a mulaqat with Huzooraba where I asked for his guidance on the career I should pursue and the course I should study at university. I was surprised because a lot of my family and friends expected me to do Medicine, Law or go to Jamia but in the mulaqat, Huzooraba asked me what subjects I’m interested in or good at. I mentioned to Huzooraba that the subject I am best at and got the best grades in was English Literature and to my surprise Huzooraba said to do that as an undergraduate degree then a Masters in the same subject. When Huzooraba said that, I felt a massive weight off my shoulder because it was something I wanted to do myself and now that Huzooraba had also told me that I should do it, I felt contentment and the drive to succeed in it.
A real turning point occurred in the final year of my undergraduate degree where I failed one coursework module and had to resit in the summer. The course instructors told me that I had to pass the resit otherwise I would not be able to resit the module again and would most likely need to retake the year. I was extremely nervous not only because I would waste a year but also because I felt I would be letting Huzooraba and my family down who had high expectations for me as a Waqf-e-Nau. One night I was especially nervous about passing and I prayed to God and begged Him to allow me to pass this module and my degree, and I said that, if that happened, I would somehow dedicate my life to the Jama’at and not pursue any other career or job. After the prayer I felt that I had really tried to leave it up to God and hoped that something would happen where I would finally pass this degree. I remember when the results came in September, I opened my laptop to see the grades online and it said I passed.
My family were happy and celebrating, but I knew because of that prayer God had done it for me and when I really needed help and support, He gave it to me. So I had it in my mind to now dedicate my life to His service. After my degree I applied for the Masters course at the same university and got in and that was much easier to finish because I was more mature and able to take the initiative in my work. After that year I remember I had just finished the course and was at Fazl Mosque in London and Amer Safir (Chief Editor of Review of Religions) met me randomly, when I was just about to leave the Mosque to go home. He asked me what I was studying and what plans I had for the future and added “Have you ever thought about working for the Jama’at or doing Waqf?” I said that I was already a Waqf-e-Nau but I had been thinking about serving the Jama’at in some way. He said he thought I would be useful in the Review of Religions because I did English Literature and he said he would write to Huzooraba about it. Surprisingly, he called me a few days later saying Huzooraba has asked to see me about Waqf, and that time I was shocked as I didn’t expect it to move that quickly. But I went to the mulaqat and, remembering the promise I made to God to serve the Jama’at, I opened my mind to whatever Huzooraba would want me to do. In the mulaqat Huzooraba directly said to me that being a Waqf-e-Zindagi is not like any other job in the world and doesn’t pay much, and whether I was ready for that. I said “Yes Huzooraba I am ready.” He said “Okay fill in the paperwork and start in the Review of Religions”. Completely surprised, a few days later I was serving in the Review of Religions under the guidance of Huzooraba and I felt my focus and dedication to serving the Jama’at came true in a way I would have never expected.
I have been serving as a Waqf-e-Zindagi for the past 8 years, and it has been extremely rewarding, fulfilling and challenging, which is in line with my own nature, and what I wanted out of life. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to different countries like America, Canada and around Europe to make content for the Magazine and to push the message of the Promised Messiahas to the West. We are constantly trying to push the boundaries and set the trends in what the world consumes, and putting out the message of Ahmadiyyat in new and innovative ways that is easily digestible to young and old. Using platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, we are engaging people in ways that have never been done before like social experiments, podcasts, talk shows and seminars. Combining this with writing articles on Islamic issues and addressing misconceptions people have about my faith keeps me on my toes with current world events and political changes. I have had to increase my ability to learn new software, skills and also increase my stamina to work and think creatively so that the team and myself can best serve the world with the message of Islam.
There is hardly a day off because there is always more work to do but living life with a purpose and passion is more fun than living a life of mediocrity. I feel like my inclination to the Jama’at has helped me to find my purpose in life, and also my attachment to Khilafat has lead me along this path where I can serve my faith and create a stronger connection with God by serving Him and His creation every day of my life.
Ijtema
MKA National Ijtema 2022
At a time when everyone is feeling the blues after the success of Jalsa Salana UK 2022, the perfect antidote is just around the corner. The National Khuddam and Atfal Ijtema 2022 will be taking place on the 9th, 10th and 11th of September 2022 at Old Park Farm in Kingsley.
This is a perfect opportunity for all Khuddam and Atfal across the country to come together and enjoy the extensive array of academics, activities, discussion and food planned for the entire weekend. Additionally, it’s a great way for Khuddam to rekindle lost friendships after the pandemic.
Our world has taken a turn towards mischief and society is increasingly moving further away from their Lord. The responsibility of bringing the world back to God rests on the shoulders of the youth of today. This duty is arduous and cannot be undertaken unless self-reformation is brought on first. The National Ijtema is a means of directing the Ahmadi Youth of today towards their duties and responsibilities as Ahmadi Muslims.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said on the occasion of the National Ijtema in 2013,
“It is the Ahmadi Muslim youths who will be the means of leading others towards success and true freedom. To do this, you must learn about your faith so that you can display the highest moral standards in all aspects of your lives. Only when you strive for such high standards will you be able to paint the true picture of peaceful Islam for the people of the world.”
And the statement of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) – who founded Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya – that “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of their youth” sets forth such a profound philosophy for all Nations to come. And it is at Ijtema that the youth of Ahmadiyyat can foster these qualities within themselves to become the guiding forces for the future generations.
This year we have a lot to offer all attendees including the academic competitions, exhibitions, indoor and outdoor competitive and non-competitive sports, interactive discussions on hot topics and inspiring talks on the issues that are affecting our young people across the whole country. And of course, National Ijtema would not be complete without The Hub. This year, we have lots of fun and engaging activities taking place in The Hub, and we’re not just talking about the café with Waffles, Ice Cream and Milk Shakes… come and test your mettle with the Scalextric F1 racing challenge and the PlayStation racing experience. Ask a Murabbi your burning questions or take a seat and Chit Chat Chai about Islam, metaphysics and other contemporary issues.
We have all of the usual outdoor team sports taking place such as Football, Volleyball, Cricket, and Tug of war, as well as individual sports competitions such as 100m race and Strong man competition. For indoor sports competitions, we have Weight Lifting, Basketball, Table Tennis and Armed Forces Activities just to name a few.
Unlike last year when we couldn’t offer accommodation to all Khuddam and Atfal due to Covid restrictions, this year we are making necessary arrangements with necessary amenities for our Khuddam and Atfal brothers to stay on-site if they wish to do so. Sanitised mattresses will be provided and those wishing to stay overnight must bring their own bedding.
Due to the still prevalent Covid pandemic, we are still keeping in place some measures to keep all of the attendees safe during the weekend. Wear a mask, keep a safe distance and try to refrain from handshaking and hugging. On arrival, you need to provide proof of a negative LFT no less than 24 hours old so please register your negative LFT on NHS Website before you leave for the Ijtema. We will put a sticker on your AIMS card, and this will give you access to the Ijtema site for the next 3 days.
One of the highlights of the National Ijtema is to spend time in the company of our Beloved Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) so we can elevate our spirituality and increase our love for Khilafat. We were blessed to have the blessed company of Huzoor (aba) in last year’s Ijtema. This year again we are fortunate that InshaAllah Huzoor (aba) will be gracing us with his presence and we can once again benefit from the blessed company and guidance of Beloved Huzoor (aba).
We look forward to welcoming you to the National Ijtema in less than 24 hours! Please visit mka.uk/ijtema-reg to register today and visit ijtema.org.uk for more details about the Ijtema and to access the interactive academic syllabus. Please reach out to your local/Regional Qaid Sahib if you have any questions or email [email protected].
Follow us on Twitter (@UKMuslimYouth) and Instagram (AMYA.UK) for the latest information and content.
Articles
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V Inaugurates Islamabad Convenience Store
On the 1st of April 2022, after Asr Namaz, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) inaugurated the MKA Tuck Shop in Islamabad. Huzoor (aba) opened the Homeopathic Dispensary adjacent to the Tuck Shop before gracing the Khuddam store. Huzoor (aba) unveiled a plaque and led everyone in silent prayer after which Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Abdul Quddus Arif, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat, Umar Hassan, and Motamid Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Nassar Bhatti, had the opportunity to show Huzoor (aba) the store and its wares.
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) unveils the plaque outside the Convenience Store.
Huzoor (aba) leading Silent Prayer after opening the Store.
Sadr Sahib MKA UK and Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat have the blessed opportunity to present the Store to Huzoor (aba).
Huzoor (aba) graced Khuddam with his precious time and distributed sweets to children who had gathered outside.
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) graces Naib Mohtamim Isha’at, Mudabbir Din, with his attention.
Immediately after Huzoor (aba) stepped outside the store, Huzoor (aba) was informed by Sadr Sahib about the Khuddam present with Huzoor (aba) speaking to a few as well. All those who had gathered were greatly moved by Huzoor’s presence.
This tuck shop will Insha’Allah serve as a small convenience store for the residents of Islamabad and visitors. The Homeopathy Dispensary has also opened alongside the MKA Tuck Shop.
Articles
Wars will Stop when the World Turns to the Promised Messiah Says Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V
In today’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) once again reminded Ahmadis around the world to pray for an end to the current crisis.
In today’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba once again reminded Ahmadis around the world to pray for an end to the current crisis. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V stated:
Pray that Allah the Almighty grants both sides of the conflict proper understanding and they stop this murder of humanity.
Huzooraba further commented that Muslims should learn from the unity that the West has displayed in condemning the war:
Muslims should learn from this war. The [West] has become united, yet Muslims, despite belonging to one creed, never unite. They had one country destroyed; Iraq was destroyed, Syria was destroyed, Yemen is being destroyed—they cause this destruction through outsiders and are doing it themselves too, instead of being united. At the very least the Muslims should learn, from the West, how to be united.
Huzoor reiterated his continuous message that there will only be peace in the world when the world accepts the Imam of the Age—the Promised Messiahas:
May Allah have mercy on these nations, the Muslim nations and on the Muslim Ummah. This can only happen however, when these people accept the Imam of the Age who has been sent for this very purpose.
May Allah grant them understanding, and where they [the Muslims] reform themselves may they also pray and use their means to stop the world from wars, rather than themselves become embroiled in them.
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba has been warning of an impending world crisis for a long time and has travelled the world spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas.
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The Takeaways from National Ijtema 2023
Atmosphere at National Ijtema
