Published on Nov 08 2008 by Isha'at Team

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya held its 36th annual gathering in the United Kingdom at Islamabad in Tilford, Surrey on 3rd, 4th and 5th October 2008. Khuddam came together from all over the UK to enjoy three days of sport and academic competitions, the now traditional BBQ and some exhibitions. Like previous years the exhibitions included a talk by members of the British Army, the Army Assault course as well the Ishaat exhibition.

This year the Ijtema also started the day after the Eid celebrations, which gave the Ijtema its unique character in addition to being held in the year of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat Centenary.

Theme of Ijtema

The theme for this year's Ijtema was Khilafat, in the spirit of this year’s Ahmadiyya Khilafat Centenary. In addition to the exhibition organised by the Ishaat team, each region organised an exhibition; one on each of the Khulufa e Ahmadiyya.

Friday

The Ijtema began in the morning at 10am. 94 cyclists left Baitul Futuh Mosque for Islamabad following silent prayers lead by Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib. Unfortunately, 6 cyclists were not able to join the convoy. The route was 38 miles and was completed in approximately 7 hours.

The plan was for the cyclists to stop for Jumma and an Imam had also been appointed. However, due to logistical reasons and an oversight on the part of the administration, we regret that we were not able to adhere to the plan. The cyclists did offer their prayers before entering Islamabad . For all future events we will pay particular attention to this shortcoming.

Huzur Aqdasgreeted the cyclists once they arrived at Islamabad . In the evening, Khuddam and Atfal then had the opportunity to offer salaat in congregation lead by Hadhrat Ameerul Momineen. After this, Huzur Aqdasmost graciously distributed sweets to all Atfal present and individually greeted every Khadim.

With our souls uplifted through Huzur’spresence, we are most grateful to Hadhrat Ameerul Momineenfor sharing this treasured time with us from his globally demanding schedule.

Ijtema Program

The Ijtema programme began immediately after Jumma prayers with sport competitions. After Maghrib salaat, a Taleem session took place which consisted of the following:

• Khuddam pledge by Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya
• Address on Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Iby Dr Abdul Sami Omar Sahib, great grandson of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I.
• Presentation on the historical sites of Mecca and Medina by Muhammad Hashim Syed Sahib
• Bait-Bazi competition

In addition, the following presentations were also delivered:

• Speech on Hadhrat Musleh Maoodby Muhammad Ahmad Sahib
• Speech on Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIIby Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib
• Speech on Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IVby Maulana Jahanghir Sahib

The programme of Khuddam Academic competitions started at 9am on Saturday and included the following:

• Written Test on the book "The Need for the Imam" by the Promised Messiah
• Tilawat
• Nazm
• Quiz

There was a healthy participation in all competitions and feedback from the judges indicated the standard of Tilawat and Nazm competition had improved considerably from last year.

A Question and Answers session was held with a panel consisting of Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib, Laiq Ahmad Tahir Sahib and Mujeeb Sialkoti Sahib. Over 10 questions were asked on the life of Khulufa e Ahmadiyya where the panel shared their own personal memories.

After Ishaa prayers a captivating sitting of Mushaira, which included some English poetry, was enjoyed by many in the Ijtema Gah. Imam Ataul Mujib Rashid Sahib also attended this programme.

Address by Sadr Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya

• Sadr sahib reminded everyone to observe regular prayers in order to fully be faithful to Allah and the institution of Khilafat.

Inauguration

• Pledge by Sadr Sahib
• Amir Sahib addressed the Majlis to inaugurate the Ijtema with a speech expressing a wish for Khuddam and Atfal to aspire to fulfil their potential and become successful professionals. Amir Sahib particularly highlighted the need for Ahmadis to be in the field of journalism.
• Asr prayers were led by Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashib Sahib.

Sports Competition

Sports events commenced at 9.00am with the following events

• Football
• Volleyball
• Shot put
• Table Tennis
• Long jump
• Skills Test

Weather conditions

Weather conditions deteriorated after 13:00 on Saturday afternoon which affected some of our programs. Provisions were made and the program was altered due to the heavy down pour. Sports competitions were postponed in the afternoon and Taleem events took place in the Ijtema Gah. The rain also affected the evening Barbeque when the central Barbeque was moved indoors to the Atfal Gah.

Barbeque

Barbeque arrangements began at 20:00 at the Regional sites. Provisions were made for regions to eat in the main dinning area due to the rain. Despite this option the regions showed great resolve and persevered with their plans in their local sites.

The central Barbeque was hosted in the Atfal Gah and was attended by Amir sahib UK and the National Amila along with various other guests including members of Lajna Imaullah.

Exhibitions

• Amir Sahib judged the Regional Exhibitions which were based on the theme of Khilafat

Ziafat

• Breakfast was served at 6.30am on Saturday and Sunday.
• Saturday consisted of Chana ghost, tea and English Breakfast on Saturday
• Sunday consisted of Pai Ghost, tea and English Breakfast
• Lunch consisted of Kima Alu on Friday, Daal Ghost on Saturday, not sure about Sunday
• Saturday evening Dinner consisted of the Barbeque, Biryani and Korma

Roti Plant

By the Grace of Allah a team of 20 Khuddam from East region where allocated the task of running the roti plant. The roti plant produced 20,000 naan throughout Ijtema

Concluding Session

Prior to the concluding address, Sadar Sahib, Mirza Fakhar Ahmad, reported that a total of 2910 members had participated in this year’s event which was a significant increase on last year’s total. Including all guests put the number of participants this year over 3,200. He went on to say that this year’s event held even greater significance as it coincided with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s ‘Khilafat Centenary’ celebrations.

During his forty five minute concluding address Huzur Aqdasspoke about a number of topical issues concerning the Khuddam. He said that recently there had been a spate of youth knife attacks in the UK which had been widely reported in the press. Such acts of violence, could never be justified nor could taking the law into one’s own hands. Revenge was not something that Islam permitted no matter how heinous the crime. Khuddam ought to be shining examples. In this respect, he said:

"Every person should be able to distinguish Ahmadis from other people. When people see an Ahmadi they should know that what this person preaches he most certainly practices."

Huzur Aqdaswent on to condemn all forms of religious extremism. He said that the purpose of Islam was to reform society for the better. Thus where a person had committed a crime, he ought to be punished only where that punishment could lead to his long term improvement. Where forgiveness was a more suitable tool it ought to be employed.

The law of a country was always to be respected. He said: "Never take the law into your own hands. That is not permissible in Islam because where a person takes the law into his own hands it can only lead to strife within the society which he inhabits."

There were many qualities that Khuddam ought to continually endeavour to develop. They must always exercise honesty in all aspects of their lives, they ought always to act justly and with humility. Furthermore all Ahmadis ought to respect any trust placed with them, be such trusts financial, societal or religious.

Huzur Aqdasconcluded the event by praying that all Khuddam become examples for all of mankind to follow and that they remained ever loyal and dedicated to the Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.