Lajna Imaillah Australia Quarterly Newsletter September December 2013 The Holy Quran Verily, those who accuse chaste, unwary, believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter. And for them is a grievous chastisement. [24:24] Hadith Abu Shuraih Khuwailad ibn Amr Khuzai relates that the Holy Prophet said: Allah, I declare sinful any failure to safeguard the rights of two weak ones: orphans and women. (Nisai) Sayings of the Promised Messiah The Promissed Messiah (as) said: The Prophet (saw) heeded Muslim men to consort with women in kindness and fully observe their rights which correspond fully to the rights that men had. Women were accorded positions of dignity and honor as prescribed by the titles of mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc. Their rights were recognized for the first time in religious history in the fields of property ownership, inheritance, independence, child custody, spouse approval before marriage, and self-determination.
Ladies Session Report (excerpt taken from alislam.org.au) The main purpose of this blessed convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious and spiritual benefits. Australia s 29th Jalsa Salana will remain as an event blessed with the presence of our Beloved Caliph. The day started with the traditional Flag hoisting, Followed by the Friday Sermon. We were also blessed to have Apa Jaan- Hazrat Amatus Sabooh present among us. As His Holiness has the knowledge and experience of all the administrative departments and affairs at almost every tier and level of our community, his suggestions under special divine guidance, put many issues in perspective and which were also taken on board from Thursday s Inspection by all the respective departments. By the grace of Allah, all the Jalsa departments were up and running on full mode tirelessly to serve the guests of Promised Messiah (as). The second day of the Annual Convention Australia 2013 was one that was eagerly awaited by all the Ladies of the Ahmadiyya Community. Today was the day in which Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) was to address the Ladies of this community in person. At about noon Hazrat Amatus Sabooh was escorted into the Main Ladies Convention Marquee by the Ladies Division of the Security Team and Respected Hajrah Mahmood (Wife of the National Ameer (President) and Missionary In charge). Both were received and greeted by Respected Ladies Auxiliary President, Mrs Anjum Khan. His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Fifth Successor of the Founder of Ahmadiyyat arrived in the Ladies Main Convention Marquee. All Ladies arose for his arrival and he was greeted with an uproar of Islamic slogans raised by the entire audience. Huzur (aba) asked for the session to start in the traditional manner of the recitation of The Holy Quran. Sister Raana Nouman recited verses 19-22 of Surah (chapter) Al Hashr of The Holy Quran and the translation was given in the Urdu language. Sister Hiba Tul Shafi then presented a Poem from Kalam Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra); this is a collection of poems written by the Second Successor of the Founder of Ahmadiyyat.
Ladies Session Report (excerpt taken from alislam.org.au)...continued Huzur (aba) then asked for the next item in the program to commence, which was an Academic Award Distribution ceremony where Huzur (aba) and Appa Jaan presented medals to the recipients. The following is a brief outline of medals awarded: High Achievements (90 or above ATAR) in HSC (Secondary School Year 12): 12 High distinction in Diploma (Tertiary Education): 2 Distinctions in Bachelor Degrees: 6 Masters in Recipients Respective Fields: 5 Completion of Doctorates in Recipients Respective Fields: 2 Excellence in Recipients Respective Fields: 5 International Academic Recipients: 3 (all from Pakistan) Achievements in Essay Writing Competition held by Ansaar Auxiliary: 3 Lajna (Ladies) and 1 Nasirah (Young Girl) Huzur (aba) commenced his address to the Ladies Auxiliary. The following is a brief summary of his address: His Holiness highlighted the importance of the Quranic verses that were recited at the start of the program (Surah Al Hashr verse 19-22). He pointed out that these particular verses are recited on the special occasion of the Islamic Marriage Nikkah and the fact that the term Taqwa (Fear of God) has been mentioned 5 times in these verses. His Holiness described how every good deed is based on Taqwa. Huzur (aba) went into depth and described how vital Marriage is in the Islamic World in comparison to the Western World. He mentioned how in the Western Culture marriage has become an optional practice, and other options, in the name of freedom, have reached to the extent of immoral and immodest living.
Ladies Session Report (excerpt taken from alislam.org.au)...continued He went on to say that these days, the new generation of Ahmadi Youth are giving more importance to the Western Culture s concept of pre-marital relationships and understandings when there are other good things from the Western Culture they should be adopting. His Holiness then talked about how the Holy Prophet of Islam stated that when looking for a life partner, one should look towards how pious their suitor is rather than their beauty, family, or wealth, because piety is what leads to proper moral training of the children and entire household. Huzur (aba) then went on to remind the audience how they have pledged to believe in the Oneness of God and in the Man of God who came to propagate the right path. He reminded the gathering about how they are on the right path and to take another further step of Taqwa to impress God the Almighty. In conclusion His Holiness urged his audience to sincerely judge themselves in how much importance they are giving to worldly matters over religious involvement. He then recalled extremely inspiring stories of the new blessed Converts and of their journey in accepting Islam and Ahmadiyyat. Huzur (aba) stressed that we should convey our culture our religious beliefs to this country instead of vice versa. He stated that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya needs to shine in Australia and be a beacon of light for others, Inshallah (God Willing) His Holiness then concluded his address with a silent prayer, after which he requested the next part of the session to commence. Poems in various languages were presented by groups of members of the Ladies Auxiliary from around Australia. Poems were presented in the Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, English, French and Punjabi languages. His Holiness then exited the Main Ladies Convention Marquee, accompanied by the President of the Women s Auxiliary of Australia and the Ladies Division of his Security Detail. Sunday the 6 th of October, 2013 marked the final day of the Annual Convention and the mood around the entire Women's Convention Area was somewhat downhearted and low, obviously due to the fact that it is last day of the Annual Convention. However, this did not deter members from arriving early in the morning for proceedings to start on time and for them to savour every moment and blessing they could from the Annual Convention.
Ladies Session Report (excerpt taken from alislam.org.au)...continued The first session, started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Nazm (poem) and two speeches. The second session consisted of an Award Distribution Ceremony for those Men and Boys who have achieved academic excellence and they were rewarded with medals presented by Huzur (aba). The concluding address then followed, which was given by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba). Jalsa Salana 2013 thus came to a close with a silent prayer led by His Holiness. At this point in time, emotions were running high and the audience all broke out in raising slogans in favour of Ahmadiyyat, Islam, the current Caliph and the Promised Messiah (as). Various Khuddam (Young Ahmadi Men) then began reciting a number of poems after which afternoon prayers were conducted. Following the prayers, for the first time in Australia, a collective initiation ceremony was held to initiate those members who wished to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat. These converts took their initiation at the hands of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aba).
Upcoming Events 2014 January 12th January - Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi (Jamaat) 18 &19th January Nasirat Camp 26th January Australia Day Celebrations February 9th February Talim & Tarbiyyat class 23rd February Musleh Maoud March 2nd March Clean up Australia Day 9th March Tabligh Day O ye people! fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created therefrom its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women; and fear Allah, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and fear Him particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily, Allah watches over you. Chapter 4 : Verse 2 EDITOR : AMBER KHAN SECRETARY PUBLICATIONS : SABIHA FAROOQ MANAGING EDITOR : ANJUM KHAM