Rabah Nasir, Worcester Park
Objective 12: 'Since every new project is ridiculed by people at the outset, it is necessary, therefore, that you should disregard their mockery and the lesson to bear taunts and insults with fortitude and bravery (whether given privately or in public), should be learnt beforehand so that by seeing your example other sisters should also come forward to perform their duty.' – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him)
Ridiculing and taunting pioneers and their ideas has existed as long as ideas itself have. Thus, it was highlighted as one of the seventeen objectives presented by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) at the initiation of Lajna Ima'illah, to prepare and alert Lajna members to the struggles that may entail this organization.
When reading the 17 objectives, some felt like definitive and quintessential objectives, vital for the success of any group of people. Whilst others felt a bit more specifically thought-out, especially for this organisation. The twelfth objective certainly felt like that to me. Other objectives focus on what Lajna members should do, like educate themselves, work together and make sacrifices, objective 12 focuses more on what others will do and say, something which will be out of the control of Lajna members' hands, but will also be inevitable.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II's (may Allah be pleased with him) note and objective to prepare Lajna for hardships clearly came from a place of experience and love. As he knew what it felt like to be derided and would have most likely seen his own father, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him), face it. The fact he chose to make it one of the objectives, just indicates the care and worry, and certainly the keen interest, he had for the success of Lajna Ima'illah. He made sure to make us all aware, that success will not come without determination and fortitude. 100 years later, now it being the largest Muslim Women's organisation, it's clear to say, that the guidance was followed as now Lajna Ima'illah personifies determination and fortitude.
Starting with the initiation of Lajna Ima'illah itself. An idea was proposed by Hazrat Amatul Hai (may Allah be pleased with her) to dedicate a group to Muslim women only, so that they could know their responsibilities to move the grand mission of Ahmadiyyat. Lajna was formed with just 14 members, whom I would say were the pinnacle and prime examples of determination and fortitude. In a time when the rights of women were questionable in the western world, let alone in a small town in India, it took courage and tremendous determination to be the first Muslim women group and take on duties and various roles, working alongside men. Certainly, it was that belief in Allah and the truth of this community, which encouraged them and that by the grace of Allah that courage has travelled throughout the 100 years in different shapes and stories of members of this auxiliary organisation.
One story, which His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, our current Khalifa and worldwide spiritual head (may Allah be his Helper) had mentioned at Jalsa Salana UK 2022, our annual convention, entailed a common taunt faced by the modern-day Lajna: their hijab. His Holiness mentioned how an inspiring Lajna was told she would fail her practical medical exam, because of her hijab. Nonetheless, she turned up for her practical examination in full hijab, despite knowing she could lose her medical credentials. However, Allah is The Almighty, and she knew no matter the outcome she was doing it for His sake, which is what led her to successfully pass that exam.
Throughout these years, as the Jamaat has spread so have Lajna members. In each era, each country brings its own challenges and struggles. Whether it be wearing a hijab in the Western world or being unable to go to Pray at mosques in some countries or being one of only a few Lajna members in a country where Ahmadiyyat has just been introduced. It was known that hardships will entail with this, hence His Holiness Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) made an objective regarding it. However, had he believed that women would not be brave enough to face their struggles, he would not have initiated this organisation. He knew the passion, love, and gratefulness Ahmadi Muslim women had for their faith, which is why he created an auxiliary for women even before he made one for men. In 2022, as we are celebrating the centurion year, we, the Lajna members should remember and try to embody the determination and fortitude shown by previous Lajna, which has led us to the success we stand on now.
May Allah enable us to do so. Ameen.
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