The Lajna Imaillah (Ahmadiyya Muslim Female Association) recently concluded its 8th annual national convention at the Baitus salaam Mosque, Tallinding. The three-day convention, which was held from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th February 2013, attracted 601 participants from across the country and a delegation from Guinea Bissau.
In his closing speech, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) liberated women from the bondage of the Dark Age. The women’s right that the West is so much trumpeting today was indeed given to women by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) 1400 years ago. It is the women’s rights taught by Islam that guarantees their security and protection in this disorderly age. In countries where the so-called notions of women’s rights and freedom are prevalent, families have been shattered and the peace of the home is destroyed.
He said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that paradise is under the feet of mothers. That indicates that high standards of morality have to be practised. “Every Ahmadi Muslim woman should observe the Islamic teaching of Pardah (wearing the veil). This is a clear injunction of the Holy Qur’an. It protects a woman from the evil inclinations of men. Dresses that expose women are very common nowadays but you should avoid them completely. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that modesty and morality guarantees peace and success. Whenever a society becomes loose and does not consider moral principles, Allah Almighty’s wrath descends on it from every direction.”
He further stated that another evil in the society is the free mixing of men and women. Islam does not approve of it. He admonished the women especially those going to schools and universities where separation is not observed that in such environments, they should make sure that there is no blemish on their character and must manifest the morals that would make the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) proud of them on the Day of Judgment. He stressed that social evils like backbiting, keeping malice against each other and falsehood should be avoided and also emphasized the importance of the regular observance of Salat.
In her welcome remarks, Sadr (President) of the Lajna Imaillah the Gambia, Sister Musukebba Jarjou said that it is a great strive to leave all worldly duties to come and seek Allah Almighty’s pleasure. She called on the women to serve Islam with all that Allah provides them with including wealth, children, time, etc.
Sister Mubashra Saeed spoke on Excellent Treatment of Women by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Before the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) women were downtrodden in the Arabian society and were mercilessly treated. If a man died, his sons would take his wives as properties and some men buried their baby girls alive. To that society, our beloved master Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) brought the divine light, and with his advent women were granted their true great status as mothers and he was very keen in improving the conditions of women in the society and securing for them a position of dignity, fair treatment.
Speaking on Training and Upbringing Future Generation, Sister Majidah Adiamoh quoted the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) that everyone is a shepherd and shall be accountable for his/her herd. Every woman is a shepherd of her husband’s house and shall be accountable for it. She said that it is marriage that makes a woman responsible for a house and one of the aims of marriage is procreation therefore, it is important to follow strict Islamic injunctions as directed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in selecting righteous spouse. It would then be possible to train the future generations in righteousness as they shall be living in a righteous environment.
Speaking on Financial Sacrifice in Islam by Women, Dr. Aisha Khan said that women in the early days of Islam were exemplary in their commitment to financial sacrifice for the faith. She gave the example of Hadhrat Khadija the wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who put all her wealth and belonging in the feet of her beloved husband in the way of Allah and also those who give big share of their wealth to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).. She said that Ahmadi Muslim women have always shown this noble example of the women of the early days of Islam by sponsoring the construction of mosques around the world and contributing to many humanitarian services.
2nd Annual National Convention of the Waqf-e-Nau (Devoted Children) at baitus Salaam Mosque, Tallinding
The Waqf-e-Nau (devoted children) also held their 2nd annual national convention on Sunday 17th February 2013. The convention was attended by 67 devoted children with their parents from across the country.
In his closing address Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, Baba F Trawally said that by looking at the devoted children, he saw a very great future in the horizon noting that the future of Islam and humanity in general lies in their hands. He said that the purpose of the scheme (devoting children) is to train people who will serve the faith and humanity with a selfless devotion and sacrifice. “Your only weapon, in addition to the love of Allah Almighty and His Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw), is self-discipline, love and respect for fellow human beings and hard work. Respect for parents should be your distinctive character. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that disobedience to parents is one of the greatest sins,” he said. Amir further informed participants that recently, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA) Spiritual and Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, has drawn the attention of the parents and Waqf-e-een to the importance of the scheme and the moral and spiritual training that it requires. Salat is very much emphasised. If the Waqf-e-feen are firmly established on Salat, there is nothing else that they cannot achieve in life because Salat (Prayer) is the key to success.
Other speakers at the convention were Ustaz Syed Saeed-ul-Hassan Shah, the Naib Amir and Missionary In-Charge and Mr. Bilal Jawo, the National Secretary for Waqf-e-Nau.
There were academic competitions on Recitation of the Holy Quran, Impromptu speeches, Salat demonstration and General Knowledge in addition to sports competitions like three-legged race, lemon spoon race, balloon blowing, tug of war and many more. Prizes were distributed to all participants.
May Allah Almighty help and bless you all. Ameen. Wassalam
Yours sincerely,
Musukebba Jarjou
Sadr (National President Lajna Imaillah)
