Hampshire, UK – The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), has called on Muslim women to uphold faith, modesty and moral values amid the growing social and cultural pressures of modern life. He made these remarks while delivering the concluding address at the Lajna Imaillah UK National Ijtema 2019, held at Country Market in Kingsley, Hampshire.
The three-day gathering brought together around 5,800 Ahmadi Muslim women from across the UK. Lajna Imaillah is the women’s auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, comprising female members aged 15 and above. It provides a platform for women to develop leadership skills, enhance education, strengthen spirituality and serve both faith and society.
In his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) acknowledged the steady growth of Lajna Imaillah UK in recent years, both in membership and in the range of activities it conducts. However, he stressed that progress must go hand in hand with a firm commitment to Islamic teachings and identity.
He reminded attendees that the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), was sent to revive the true spirit of Islam and to counter religious decline. According to the Ahmadiyya leader, members of the community bear a responsibility not only to practice Islamic values themselves but also to present Islam’s message of peace and balance to the wider world through their conduct.
Addressing global challenges, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) pointed to widespread moral decline, fuelled in part by modern media and digital platforms. While acknowledging that technology can be a powerful tool for spreading positive messages, he warned that it is often misused to promote immorality, materialism and immodesty, particularly affecting young people and families.
He urged Ahmadi Muslim women to be vigilant in how they use media and to prioritise content that strengthens faith and character. Referring to Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA), the community’s international channel, he encouraged families to benefit from programmes that enhance religious understanding, while avoiding content that undermines moral values.
Emphasizing the central role of women in shaping future generations, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) said that mothers carry a profound responsibility to nurture faith and ethics within their homes. He clarified that Islam does not forbid lawful recreation or beneficial entertainment but draws a clear line against indecency and vulgarity.
The Ahmadiyya leader also addressed the experience of Muslim minorities living in Western societies. He noted that many Ahmadis migrated to countries like the UK in search of religious freedom and warned that neglecting faith after attaining such freedom defeats the very purpose of migration. At the same time, he encouraged integration, civic responsibility and loyalty to one’s country, provided religious principles are not compromised.
Speaking on the concept of freedom, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) challenged the idea that unrestrained lifestyles and public indecency represent progress. He argued that such practices weaken societies rather than strengthen them and contribute to anxiety, frustration and moral breakdown. He observed that even some non-Muslims are now voicing concern over declining moral standards.
Highlighting the importance of spiritual well-being, he quoted the Qur’anic principle that true peace of heart is found in the remembrance of God, not in material pursuits. He explained that worldly attractions, if pursued excessively, can never provide lasting contentment and may instead lead to emptiness and despair.
In the latter part of his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) spoke about modesty, describing it as an essential element of faith. He advised Ahmadi women and girls to observe Islamic guidelines on dress and conduct, cautioning against adopting fashion trends that compromise dignity and chastity. He clarified that these standards are not imposed by individuals or organisations, but are derived directly from the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
Concluding his address, the Ahmadiyya leader urged Lajna Imaillah members to remain steadfast in prioritising faith over worldly pressures, to fulfil the pledge of allegiance made to the Promised Messiah (as), and to strive for the pleasure of Allah in all aspects of life. He prayed for continued progress and blessings for Lajna Imaillah UK and the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
