On the evening of Saturday, 26 April 2025, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, presided over the UK’s Waqifaat-e-Nau Ijtema 2025. The event took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque Complex, London, while Huzooraa graced the occasion via livestream in Islamabad, UK.
After conveying “Assalamu alaikum”, Huzooraa invited Sajeela Noor Sahiba to recite a portion of the Holy Quran (Surah an-Nur, verses 56-58). Farhana Luqman Sahiba presented the English translation of the Quranic verses, which spoke about Allah’s promise to the believers regarding Khilafat. Lubna Waheed Sahiba then recited an Urdu poem written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra while Fatihah Nadeem Sahiba presented its English translation.
Huzooraa then invited Muavina Sadr Waqifaat-e-Nau to present the ijtema report. She thanked Huzooraa for blessing the occasion with his precious time. Huzooraa was informed about various workshops and events that took place throughout the day, which focused on improving the spirituality and religious knowledge of the waqifaat-e-nau. She reported that this year’s ijtema had 1,379 total attendees, compared to last year, when the attendance was 1,366.
Huzooraa then took to the podium and delivered his address. After reciting tashahhud and ta‘awwuz, Huzooraa said that it was the grace of Allah that another waqifaat-e-nau ijtema was being held today. Huzooraa prayed that this ijtema should prove to be a blessing in every sense and serve as a means of long-term benefit for everyone.
Huzooraa said that the waqifaat had been “born into a legacy of devotion,” as their parents had dedicated their lives to the service of their faith before they were born, and they had reaffirmed this profound pledge upon reaching an age of maturity.
Huzooraa said:
“I wish to make it clear that the waqifaat-e-nau are not a minor or insignificant part of the Jamaat. In truth, every one of you is incredibly important and of immense value, as you are the women and girls who in this era have pledged to take up the mantle of practising and propagating the true teachings of Islam. As such, the obligations and responsibilities you owe to your faith shall continue to rise over the course of your life like a towering wave.
“Together, as waqifaat-e-nau, you have the potential to profoundly shape the world around and inspire generations to come. In years gone by, many of the waqifaat-e-nau whom I met were young children, and I addressed them according to their age and understanding. However, now, many of those same faces sit before me as elders. In fact, many of you are now married and have children of your own who are also part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.”
Huzooraa said that while this is the manifestation of Allah’s blessings, it should also direct the attention of every member of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme to reflect on their duties. Huzooraa said:
“Understand that with each step you take towards maturity, your connection to your faith must also deepen and mature, and the weight of your responsibilities shall grow heavier. Indeed, all of you who are older, even those who have reached the age of 13 or 14, should reflect upon the true meaning and scope of your pledge. Ponder over the fact that your life was dedicated to the service of Ahmadiyyat by your parents, and that, upon reaching an age of understanding and maturity, you have, of your own volition, embraced and reaffirmed that sacred commitment.”
Huzooraa said that the waqifaat must contemplate how they could honour their pledge. Huzooraa observed:
“While some girls pursue higher education and professions such as medicine, engineering, teaching or law, many prefer to stay at home after marriage. Such women should not think that their lack of a profession precludes them from serving the Jamaat or fulfilling the responsibilities of their waqf. Rather, nurturing your children, raising them to be righteous, and to possess a deep love for God and ensuring that your home shines as a beacon of Islamic light, lies at the very heart of being a Waqf-e-Nau member.”
Huzooraa said that although this is the responsibility of every Ahmadi mother, those who have dedicated their lives to their faith have a greater duty to morally train and guide their children. Huzooraa said that as children observe their parents closely, they must see virtue and sincerity in every deed. The children of waqifaat-e-nau should learn from them how they can build a strong connection with Allah, and they must recognise why this is so important.
The children should learn the value of seeking Allah’s nearness, and how He, in His benevolence, listens to the prayers of those who draw close to him. Huzooraa said that by setting a pious example for their children and attaining the nearness of God Almighty, the waqifaat would have fulfilled the true objectives of their waqf.
Huzooraa stated:
“So, at all times, strive to embody the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophetsa, which, in this era, have been taught to us by the Promised Messiahas. Indeed, on many occasions, the Promised Messiahas stated that his mission was to revive Islam’s true and original teachings and to inspire the people of the world to follow the perfect example of the Holy Prophetsa.
“Further, he stated that Allah sent him with two principal objectives. First, to re-establish the principle of Tawhid, the Oneness of God, in the world. Secondly, that his Jamaat should exemplify love and compassion, and illuminate the path of spiritual salvation for all mankind.
“He expressed his sincere desire for Ahmadis to distinguish themselves from others by consistently seeking Allah’s rewards and pleasure by following His commands. As a model for his Jamaat, the Promised Messiahas presented the example of the blessed Companions of the Holy Prophetsa, who, upon accepting Islam, shed all of their immoral practices and customs without a moment’s hesitation.
“Deep within their souls, a spiritual awakening occurred. And as a result, they came to personify compassion, grace and mercy. Their humanity and benevolence knew no limits. Consequently, where they were able to excel in righteous deeds and to attain the nearness of God, they were also able to inspire a spiritual revolution in society. Thus, over time, Islam’s teachings spread far and wide.”
Huzooraa said that irrespective of the level of education or qualifications, the waqifaat must never underestimate their true value and potential. If they demonstrate the highest moral standard within their homes, it will be a means of cultivating excellent morals and firm faith in their children, and it will serve as a powerful means of tabligh.
Huzooraa said:
“Your good character, integrity, modesty and truthful words will serve as a magnet, drawing the hearts and minds of good-natured people towards you. Thereafter, when you pray for them to be rightly guided, Allah will listen to and accept your prayers. In this way, insha-Allah, you will become the gateway for many people to embrace Islam. Moreover, your words, deeds and high morals will serve to render futile the false criticism or allegations routinely directed at Islam.”
Huzooraa said that the waqifaat should not think that they can fulfil the demands of their pledge just by giving a few hours to the Jamaat each week. Instead, the waqifaat-e-nau must ensure that their homes mirror Islam’s values. They must also play a role in propagating its teachings to those around them.
Huzooraa stated that those girls who are still in school, college or university should not think that their only objective is gaining an education. Huzooraa observed that while gaining an education was a vital means of personal development and progress, it should also empower them to serve the Jamaat proficiently, and they should be able to confidently defend Islam with logic and reason.
Huzooraa said that their pursuit of knowledge should serve as a resounding answer to those who claim that Islam does not value the education of women and girls. It should not be the case that gaining an education should simply be thought of as a way of getting a job or earning money. Ahmadi students should consider their education as an opportunity and platform to spread the beautiful teachings of Islam through the excellence of their character and strength of their moral values.
Huzooraa said:
“The way to preach [to] your friends, teachers or those in your orbit, is not through force or harsh words. Rather, it is through love, compassion and by exemplifying the Islamic values of truth, integrity, kindness and piety at every moment of your life. If and when you reach this high standard, you will fulfil the true spirit of your waqf.”
Huzooraa presented the instructions of the Promised Messiahas in this regard. He said that a person who devotes their life to serving their faith should not fall prey to laziness or negligence. Rather, they should be energetic, proficient, and ever-ready to work. Huzoor asked the waqifaat-e-nau to pray that Allah saves them from laziness and enables them to serve their religion with distinction, dedication and proficiency.
The Promised Messiahas stated that it is the obligation of those who have accepted him to ensure that the Divine signs of Allah should never fade into obscurity, or become lost in the passage of time. Huzooraa said that the way to ensure that this does not happen, and to prove that Allah is the living God, they must establish a living connection with Him.
He said, “Ensure that you pray the five daily prayers on time with immense humility and devotion.” He warned against offering the prayers hurriedly as a token gesture or to satisfy one’s elders.
Huzooraa observed that most of the waqifaat had reached the age where salat becomes obligatory. As such, Huzooraa directed that they must prioritise their prayers over all personal tasks. Huzooraa assured that doing so will not disadvantage or harm them in any way. Instead, those prayers will serve as a means of success. Huzooraa stated: “If you are regular in offering salat, Allah the Almighty will bless you and He will also safeguard your future generations.”
Referring to the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said that if someone was pious and diligently observed the rights of Allah and His worship, then Allah takes it upon Himself to fulfil their every need and requirement. Huzooraa stated:
“Thus, cast aside all fear that prioritising Allah and making worldly sacrifices for His sake will lead to loss or suffering. Allah will never abandon those who put their trust in Him and who make sacrifices for His sake. He will bless such people abundantly so long as their worship remains sincere.”
Huzooraa emphasised that worship must be pure and remain free from superficiality, or a desire to impress others. We should not treat our prayers as a burden. Allah has no interest in such worship.
Huzooraa said that the Promised Messiahas also repeatedly emphasised reading the Holy Quran every day and striving to act upon its teachings. Acquiring the knowledge of the Holy Quran will enable us to live a purposeful and beneficial life, and it will also unlock the doors of tabligh, as the waqifaat will be able to speak with reason, logic and evidence in defence of Islam.
Acting upon the commands given in the Holy Quran will not only elevate spiritual and moral levels, but it will also prove a means of fulfilling all worldly needs and desires. It will facilitate the moral training of future generations. Huzooraa said:
“Strive, therefore, to establish a relationship of faithfulness and loyalty with Allah the Almighty, through His worship and firmly attaching yourself to His words. All of you should recite the Holy Quran daily, read its translation and seek to understand its deeper meanings by reading the commentaries published by the Jamaat. In every aspect of your life, always seek to identify Islam’s teachings and act upon them. Be ready for every sacrifice required of your faith.”
The Promised Messiahas expressed the desire that his followers should resemble the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa. History records that the female Companions of the Holy Prophetsa made monumental sacrifices for the sake of their faith. Many endured torture, and some women even gave their lives for the cause of Islam, attaining the rank of martyrdom. Several women participated in wars and valiantly fought with remarkable courage and fearlessness. They demonstrated immense bravery and rendered extraordinary sacrifices.
In this era, Ahmadi women have also embraced martyrdom, while others have been imprisoned in the most inhumane and testing conditions solely because of their faith. Some Ahmadi women write to Huzooraa that men have more opportunities to sacrifice their lives for the cause of their faith. Huzooraa said that he always refers them to the noble history of the Jamaat, where Ahmadi women have consistently made outstanding sacrifices.
Huzooraa gave the example of an Ahmadi woman in Pakistan who was imprisoned for months because of a baseless allegation that had been made against her by non-Ahmadi extremists. She withstood this trial with exemplary patience and never weakened in faith. Huzoor urged the waqifaat-e-nau to emulate and follow such pious examples.
“Be ready for whatever sacrifices are required by your faith and religion. For this, you must never forget Allah. Every day, strive to strengthen your connection with Him.”
Huzooraa again asked the waqifaat to study the Holy Quran and seek to undestand Allah’s teachings. Only then would they be able to grasp the true values and importance of making sacrifices for their faith. This way, whenever they have to make a sacrifice, instead of feeling pain, they would instead feel joy and delight, knowing that such sacrifices are an opportunity to draw closer to the Creator.
Huzooraa noted that it was of paramount importance for waqifaat to increase their religious knowledge. Having deep knowledge of your faith, you can address any criticism or false allegation made against our religion and beliefs. For this, studying the Holy Quran and reading the books of the Promised Messiahas is necessary. Huzooraa stated:
“As is often said, knowledge is power. So, if you have religious knowledge, it will not only strengthen your faith but will also empower you to respond to the opponents of Islam and to guide those who are weaker in faith. It will enable you to stop those who seek to incite division within the Jamaat.
“Therefore, as members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme, recognise that you are soldiers serving in the righteous cause of Islam’s spiritual army. It is not a physical battlefield upon which you have been called to serve. Rather, it is a spiritual arena that you have presented yourself for duty and your task is to enlighten mankind to the truth and magnificence of the teachings of Islam.
“So, even more than other Ahmadis, it is your duty to stand on the front lines and be at the vanguard of defending Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet and win the hearts of mankind through the power of love and kindness. This is your mission. This is your objective. This is your pledge.”
Huzooraa reminded the waqifaat that nothing could be achieved without effort, so they must never fall prey to laziness. Huzooraa again reminded them to increase their religious knowledge. Huzooraa asked them to listen to the sermons of the Khalifa of the time and pay close attention to whatever guidance or instruction he gives.
The true believer is gifted with insight and wisdom. Such believers can refute whatever allegations or objections are raised against their teachings. Huzoor asked the waqifaat to cultivate insight by deepening their connection with Allah, enhancing their understanding of the Holy Quran, and studying the writings of the Promised Messiahas.
In doing so, Huzooraa said that the benevolent, loving and merciful gaze of Allah Almighty will descend upon them. He said:
“If you come to possess Allah’s love, no enemy or adversary can ever harm you, nor can any trial or challenge weaken, misguide or overpower you.”
Praying that Allah enables the waqifaat to act upon all that Huzooraa has said, he also reminded the younger girls present of the importance of their education. Huzooraa asked them to be determined to excel in their studies, which would benefit not just them, but also others and the Jamaat. Huzooraa asked them to be firm in their faith, and never be scared or fearful of those who oppose their beliefs.
At the end, Huzooraa prayed that every single step taken by the waqifaat-e-nau be in the direction of Allah the Almighty. And that they should forever remain loyal to Him. Huzooraa then led all attendees in du‘a before conveying his salaam to all attendees and bidding farewell.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)
