Quarterly Newsletter

Lajna Imaillah Australia April—June 2013

Editor: Amber Khan

National Publications Secretary: Sabiha Farooq

Managing Editor: Anjum Khan

The Holy Quran

Sayings of the Promised Messiah

“The verse: The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran began to be revealed (2.186); indicates the great-

ness of the month of Ramadan...One who observes the fast has frequent experience of visions in this month. The Sa-

lat purifies the spirit and the fast illumines the heart. The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered

from the passions of the self that incite to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be

opened so that one may be able to behold God.” (Malfoozat, Vol. IV, p. 256-257).

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Al-lah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful. (2:186)

Hadith

Narrated by Abu Huraira (r.a) : “Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the

heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.””

.

A short summary of the Friday Sermon

Blessed Month of Ramadan Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmed (a.b.a ) on

28th August 2009 An extract from http://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2009-08-28.html

This is a most blessed month and minor ailments should not be made an excuse to miss fast-

ing. During the month of Ramadan, God puts special arrangements in place for forgiveness

of sins. Try and emulate the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Al-

lah be upon him) in worship of God, in alms-giving etc. these are tremendous sources of at-

taining nearness to God. To abide by the commandments of the Holy Qur’an is also a source

of attaining God’s pleasure. Fortunate will we be if we tried and gained maximum benefit

from these special blessings of the month

Huzur said he is amazed and concerned when people say that they try but cannot quite man-

age the five daily Salat. Huzur said when we miss [something as fundamental as] Salat how

can we supplicate for acceptance of our prayers. Similarly one needs to pray with one’s heart

and soul to adopt high morals.

May God keep the Community safe against all evil. May He enable us to pray abundantly and

bring about pious changes in ourselves and may we attain His communion.

Annual Ijtema – 2012-2013

Lajna Imaillah Sydney

The first session of the Annual Ijtema Sydney started with the recitation of a few verses

of the Holy Quran, by Sister Amtul Shafi Maleeha, followed by its translation in English

and Urdu. The verses related to the teaching of Pardah in Islam. Naib Sadr Sahiba of La-

jna Imaillah Australia then led all Lajna members in reciting the Lajna pledge. The Na-

sirat pledge was then recited, led by the National Secretary Nasirat. This was followed

by the nazm ‘Ae Khuda ae karsaaz’ presented from Durr e Sameen by Sister Shazia

Azwar.

The taleemi competitions began with the Tilawat competitions for both levels, followed

by Nazm and and spontaneous speech competitions. The participants had all prepared

exceptionally well for the competitions.

After the competitions, Lajna members offered Maghrib and Isha prayers, which was fol-

lowed by dinner.

The attendance at day 1 was 369 Lajna members, Mashallah.

The first session on Day 2 was chaired by the former president of Lajna Imaillah Austral-

ia, Sister Tamseela Saleh Sahiba. The session started with the recitation of a few verses

from the Holy Quran by Sister Hiba-tul-Shafi, followed by Urdu and English translation.

The verses emphasized on the virtues of Salat, Zakat and other good morals. This was

followed by nazm ‘Hai ajab mere khuda mere pe ihsan tera’ presented by Sister Shahnaz

Shah.

National President Lajna Imaillah Australia, Sister Anjum Khan Sahiba, then addressed

the Lajna members. The address was an extract from the sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul

Masih the V that was delivered on Friday, 19th November 2006 during the Lajna Annual

Ijtema (UK) . The address emphasized the purpose and importance of gathering together

for religious activities. Women are urged to step forward for the service of Islam just as

Muslim women did in the earlier times. The importance of purdah was also emphasized

and women were asked to practice purdah with confidence. The address was presented

in English, followed by a brief summary in Urdu.

Quran Tilawat :-

Level 1: Level 2:

1st – Hiba-tul-Shafi Javeria Hameed

2nd – Naila Tariq Amatul Musawar

3rd – Najm-us-Seher Nida Sarfraz

4th – Salma Fazeel Maria Maqbool

Nazm:-

Level 1: Level 2:

1st – Hiba-tul-Shafi Nida Sarfraz

2nd – Saima Fazeel Atifa Tariq

3rd – Mehwish Chaudhary Farida Sajjad, Nadia Qadeer , Kamila Mahmood

4th – Qanita Ahmed Irish Zaidi

….continued from last page—Ijtema Report

The Taleemi competitions continued from there on, starting with the English speech com-

petitions for both lajna levels and followed by bait bazi and Urdu speech competition for

level 2. This session ended with a few important announcements, followed by Zuhr and

Asr prayers and lunch.

The last session of the annual Ijtema 2012-2013 started with the recitation of Verses 12 and

13 of Surah al Hujrat by Sister Kamila Mahmood, followed by its translation in English

and Urdu. The verses recited emphasized on keeping away from backbiting, suspicion

and calling names. This was followed by the nazm ‘Who dekhta hai ghairon se kiun dil

lagate hou’, presented by Sister Rukhsana.

The final competition of the Ijtema then followed, which was the Urdu speech competi-

tion of level 1 Lajna.

After the completion of all competitions, the National Secretary Tarbiyyat addressed the

Lajna regarding the purpose of Jalsa Salana, which is the next major event for the Jamaat

Ahmadiyya Australia this year Inshallah. Important instructions with regards to disci-

pline were also given.

This was followed by prize distribution for the both Lajna and Nasirat competitions. The

annual Ijtema 2012-2013 concluded with silent prayers.

Ijtema Report —Farah Khan

….continued from last page—Ijtema Report

Extempore Speeches:-

Level 1: Level 2:

1st – Najma Usman Farah Khan

2nd – Nabeela Ghulfam Irish Zaidi

3rd – Amatul Baseer, Munaza Irwan, Atiya Saif Naila Ahmed

4th – Najm-us-Seher, Atiya Salman Farida Sajjad

English Speech:-

Level 1: Level 2:

1st – Najm-us-Seher Farah Khan

2nd – Mehwish Chaudhary Muneeba Ahmed

3rd – Farhat Khurram Rabia Ashraf

4th – Sahar Bashir Naila Ahmed

Urdu Speech:-

Level 1: Level 2:

1st – Asma Afzal Javeria Hameed

2nd – Hiba-tul-Noor Maimoona Sohail

3rd – Farah Mumtaz Faiza Nasir

4th – Bushra Syed Farida Sajjad

Bait Bazi

1st - Asifa Mansoora and Khalida Nudrat

2nd - Hiba-tul-Noor and Munaza Hinna

3rd - Madeeha Waqas

Sports competition were held early morning of the Saturday - 29th June.

Badminton

SINGLES:

1st - Saida Ahmadi (Baitul Huda)

2nd - Misha (Al Sadaqat)

3rd - Sabnish Khan (Baitul Huda)

Congratulations to all the winners and the participants. Jazakallah

DOUBLES:

1st - Tahira Tohir & Asma (Al Sadaqat)

2nd - Atifa & Zinatul Khan (Baitul Huda)

3rd - Tahira Raheem & Raheela (Al Noor)

Important Instructions for Discipline during Jalsa Salana 2013

Department of Tarbiyyat - Lajna Imaillah Australia

It is expected that the following important instructions will be observe by all attendees of Jalsa Salana Australia 2013 with patience, high respect and dignity.

Please follow the instructions given by the volunteers.

Greet each other with smiles. If you have any rancor, end them with smiles. Spread the good words and urge oth-ers to perform good deeds and to desist from bad practices. After all, that is the prime purpose of Jalsa Salana.

Those who come to attend Jalsa must participate in it fully. Instead of roaming about aimlessly, they should derive the maximum benefit from the program.

Jalsa days should be spent in the remembrance of Allah, reciting 'Durood' (invoking blessings of Allah upon His Holy Prophet) and regular performance of Salat.

Special care should be taken to sit and listen to the Jalsa proceedings quietly and try to derive the maximum benefit from them.

Remember the etiquette and sanctity of the place in and around the mosque. During the Jalsa, the marquees serve as mosques. Therefore, remember to observe the sanctity of the mosque in them as well.

Always keep your identity card prominently visible.

Shoes should be placed in plastic bags and kept safely with your personal items. Volunteers that are on Shoe Duty will not be responsible for member’s shoes.

Follow the discipline team member’s instructions to be seated.

No food, drink or feeder is allowed in the Jalsa Gah.

Children under age 7 will not be allowed to sit in Jalsa Gah 1.

Children should not bring musical toys.

Mothers should personally escort their children to the toilet.

Please remember that the Chair Sitting Area is only for guests or elderly lajnats.

Girls are not allowed to sit in Groups and play with their mobile phones during the Jalsa proceeding and Namaz / Khutba

Please switch off your mobile phones when entering the mosque, as it may cause disturbances to other members.

Purdah should be observed all the times. It should be remembered that we are spending our time in a spiritual envi-ronment during these days. We should not try to find excuses not to observe Purdah. It is a different matter if there is a genuine reason. Even then the minimum norms of Purdah should be observed.

Members should be reminded that their dress code should be modest and heads should be fully covered during Jalsa proceedings, Namaz and Khutba.

Silence should be observed during Jalsa proceedings. Majalis Presidents should make sure that their members are not talking during the proceedings , before/after Namaz and Khutba.

Make and maintain straight rows for Namaz and follow the directions of the discipline team volunteers. The rows at the front should be full before you start a new row and there should be no gaps.

Combing of hair in the Mosque/Jalsa Gah area is not allowed.

Please remember to observe and maintain personal hygiene on this event.

Mothers need to make sure that they follow instructions and use common sense during this event. Please respect the resources provided for your benefit and use them appropriately. Mothers will be responsible for their children and their actions, therefore ensure your child is with you at all times and encourage them to sit and listen to the proceeding to reap the benefits and rewards from this event.

Biggest Morning Tea By the Grace of Allah Almighty, Lajna Imaillah Australia held it’s

Biggest Morning Tea on behalf of the Cancer Council of Australia in

different states. Money was raised for the Cancer Council of Australia

through selling of snack and food that were made by each Majalis.

The amount collected in total was $3608.05.

Sydney Majalis raised : $2312

Victoria Majalis raised : $280

Brisbane Majlis raised : $346.25

South Australia Majalis raised : $670.60

Members that are not offering Namaz should not be the cause of any disturbance during prayer.

During the Jalsa proceedings all members should be inside the Mosque/ Jalsa Gah listening to the sessions. If any members are gathered in the Ziafat Marquee or Exhibition area for social benefit, they will be escorted out.

Younger Lajna and Older Nasirat should always be on their best behavior and listen and be obedient towards the vol-unteers and discipline team. They should practice high levels of social etiquettes and set a higher standard of respect and obedience. They should offer assistance to elderly members and vacate seats as needed by the elderly or less mobile members

If children are restless or noisy, take them outside and settle them down. This will enable all members to listen and perform their prayers.

Exhibition remains closed during the Jalsa proceedings. Do not force the exhibition volunteers to open their shops for them or sit there.

No volunteers should discuss any matters in the Jalsa Gah; they should go outside for important matters.

Most important are supplications and prayers to Allah. Remember to put great emphasis on your prayers, when starting your journey, coming to Jalsa and during travels.

Discpline Instructions— Amtul Naseer Khalid

...continued from last page— discipline instructions

Assalamualikum readers,

The monthly newsletter has been requested to be issued thrice a year, making it a quarterly pub-

lication. Lajna and Nasirat members are still, however strongly encouraged to give in reports and

news regarding individual achievements, and majalis activities’ news and reports.

The first issue of the 2013 Al-Meezan were distributed at the Sydney Ijtema 2013. If you would

like to buy a copy please contact your Majalis’ Secretary Publications. The 2013 yearly issue of Al-

Duha and the second issue of the children’s magazine Al-Meezan will both be distributed at the

Jalsa Salana 2013 which is to be held in October 2013, Inshallah. Also if you would like to submit

your work for publication in either Al-Meezan or Al-Duha, please contact your Majalis’ Secretary

Publications.

Ramdhan Mubarak!

Wassalam,

The Editor

To send us news contact us on:

amber.khan1@education.nsw.gov.au

Five Fundamental Moral Qualities

1. Truthfulness

2. Clean and decent language

3. Tolerance and forbearance

4. Feeling the pain and suffering of

others

5. High resolve and determination

Something To Remember