On 27 March 2021, the national amila of Lajna Imaillah Germany were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual mulaqat.
After extending his salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa led everyone in silent prayer, after which secretaries of various departments began introducing themselves and presenting their reports.
The first report was presented by Naib Sadr Lajna Germany, who said that her work consisted of accomplishing and fulfilling various responsibilities given to her by Sadr Sahiba.
Secretary tabligh presented her report next. In the report, she stated that during World Women’s Day, an online programme was held in which 1,500 female guests participated. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Masha-Allah! You have done well.”
Huzooraa then asked how many women in Germany were currently under tabligh; to this, the secretary replied that at the moment, there were 1,900 women.
Upon enquiring about their bai‘at target, the secretary said that each majlis was tasked with achieving one bai‘at and each member of the national amila was also tasked with achieving one bai‘at.
Addressing the talim department, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about the various projects that were in progress. The secretary replied that they had started classes which focused on teaching the correct recitation and pronunciation of the Holy Quran. Apart from this, the Promised Messiah’sas book, Nishan-e-Asmani, was being taught. She added that the book, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part 5, was selected for those Lajna members who wished to study further.
Khidmat-e-khalq department reported to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa that they were visiting the sick, had helped and aided the elderly and asylum seekers. The secretary for khidmat-e-khalq added that there was a Lajna helpline to support other Lajna members who were facing any sort of difficulties.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that there should also be some other work or project for the khidmat-e-khalq department. Huzooraa then gave the example of Lajna in the UK who were currently making a maternity hospital in West Africa. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that there was a larger number of Lajna members in Germany and encouraged that they should also start a similar project.
Secretary tarbiyat for new converts was next to introduce her department. Huzooraa asked about the number of new Lajna converts, to which she replied that in the last three years, there were 97 new converts. She further reported that the new converts were offered reading circles each week.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked about the training of the new converts and stated:
“[…] if the in-laws are good with regard to their religious matters and they are practicing Ahmadi Muslims, then obviously the nau mubai‘at will also receive better training. If their in-laws are not good, then it will not have a good effect on these nau mubai‘at.
“Therefore, the secretary tarbiyat should also be in contact with those people who have daughters-in-law from among German nationals or among nau mubai‘at and ask them also to set a good example before them [the nau mubai‘at]. This is how you can also train. This should be a joint effort of both secretary nau mubai‘at and secretary tarbiyat.”
Turning to secretary tarbiyat, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about her duties and tasks; she responded that in this year, they were focusing on personal development.
Whilst offering guidance, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa reiterated that a joint plan should be made with their department and secretary nau mubai‘at. He emphasised that two separate plans for tarbiyat should be made for Ahmadi girls and new converts.
Huzooraa said:
“[…] make a programme which is easy to understand for the nau mubai‘at and gradually get them involved.”
Then, with regard to tarbiyat programmes, Huzooraa said:
“At times, certain questions related to tarbiyat arise in the minds of the younger generation and not in the older generation. And they [the younger generation] have certain doubts or suspicions, or they require certain things clarified for additional knowledge – these should be answered according to their level and understanding.”
Huzooraa emphasised that certain programmes should be made to answer such contemporary issues that arise in the minds of the younger generation.
Huzoor further said:
“Involve them [in programmes] as much as possible. Let it not be that our young Ahmadi girls become engulfed in this materialistic world and distance themselves from religion, which can then have a negative impact on the nau mubai‘at. All born Ahmadis or who have been Ahmadis for some time, have a role of looking after the new converts. With this in mind, you must make a programme and plan.”
Addressing the assistant general secretary, Huzooraa asked how many majalis there were. Responding, the secretary said that there were 286 Lajna majalis in Germany.
Following this, the secretary Nasirat, whilst presenting her report, said that there were 3,382 Nasirat in Germany. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah! You are very precise. Such care should be taken in their tarbiyat that when they enter Lajna Imaillah, they do not distance themselves from the Jamaat’s nizam and [in this way] are not swayed by the influences of society. They should be firmly attached to the Jamaat; keep tarbiyat-related aspects in mind.”
Secretary san‘at-o-dastakari (industry and handicraft), whilst explaining her duties, reported that this year, due to the coronavirus, 150,000 masks were made to help prevent the spread of the virus. Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if the mask she was wearing at the time was among the ones she had made; she replied in the negative and explained that Germany had banned the use of fabric masks.
Alluding to the coronavirus restrictions in Germany, Huzooraa asked and ensured that the meeting was in keeping with the government’s guidelines.
Secretary isha‘at was next to present her report. Huzooraa asked, “What have you published?” The secretary replied that Khadija Magazine was being printed regularly. Huzooraa enquired if people read the magazine and further said to try and get feedback from others to see how they may further improve.
With regard to printing books, Huzooraa added:
“[…] you can also publish books about the female Companionsra and other books relating to history [of Islam].”
Speaking with secretary umur-e-talibat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many students were attending universities, to which she replied that there were 830 university-going students. Huzooraa then emphasised the need for doctors and said that more people should be encouraged to become doctors.
Addressing secretary sehat-e-jismani, Huzooraa asked how many Lajna members exercised and used cycles. Huzooraa was told 6,300 Lajna members participated in sports and did activities such as cycling, walking and yoga.
Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid reported on her department next. After hearing the report, Huzooraa said: “Masha-Allah! Lajna are contributing a lot.”
Addressing secretary ziafat, Huzooraa asked what food was packed and prepared for Lajna members to take home, to which she said that pilau with seekh kebabs, salad, raita and carrot halwa was prepared.
Whilst addressing muavina sadr 100 mosques project, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if Lajna Germany was funding the construction of a mosque. The secretary replied in the affirmative and said that a mosque was being built solely through Lajna contributions.
Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Masha-Allah!”
Speaking with secretary rishta nata, Huzooraa asked how many matches had been successfully made in the past five to six months. She replied that around 16 matches matured in the past five to six months. She further added that as women, in general, were more educated and pursued further education in Germany – as opposed to men who, after completing the Abitur, begin a profession and start looking for work – many women desired to marry men who have also, like them, pursued higher education. To this, Huzooraa said, “You should tell Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya to encourage boys to pursue higher education.”
Addressing the muavina sadr sami wa basri who is also serving in MTA, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that they should make programmes for Lajna on MTA.
Next, the waqifaat-e-nau department presented their report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa emphasised that waqifaat-e-nau should be encouraged to become doctors as there was a need for doctors in the Jamaat.
Sadr Sahiba then said that there were a few questions and matters they wished to seek Huzoor’saa guidance on. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa very graciously accepted this request.
The first question asked was concerning new converts; when they enter the Jamaat, they are not aware of the rules of marriage such as nikah, mehr (dowry) etc. She asked Huzooraa about the best way to inform them of these things.
Answering, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“If they are of the age of marriage, then you can suggest suitable matches to them if they have not already found somebody to get married to. Then tell them these are the Jamaat’s rules and regulations and the muavina sadr rishta nata should help them in this regard. Islam says that there should be haq mehr [dowry] and haq mehr is according to the capacity of the man […] these are simple things. Your secretary rishta nata already knows; you can get in touch with secretary rishta nata. And while making the training course for their tarbiyat, you can also include this as part of their guidance.”
Following this, a Lajna member stated that on 15 December 2022, Lajna Imaillah will see its 100th year since its establishment. She then proceeded to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa what Lajna members in Germany should do to express their gratitude.
Answering, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“You have already made a programme […] If you are able to accomplish the plan you already made, then it will be a great achievement.”
Huzooraa added:
“To commemorate 100 years [of Lajna Imaillah], the main thing is to get 100% of Lajna and Nasirat involved in Jamaat matters; practice the teachings of the Jamaat; 100% should be true worshippers of Allah Almighty; recite the Holy Quran and follow its commandments and have a strong bond with Jamaat. These are the basic things [to act upon].”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further said:
“[…] if the majority, or even half, are not acting upon the basic teachings of Islam, then there is no use in commemorating the 100-year jubilee”
With this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa conveyed salaam to all amila members and the meeting drew to a close.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)