A Few Exemplary Characters

On a number of occasions, Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) spoke about Purda with Ahmadi women and gave an account of some commendable precedents which were worth mentioning. On certain occasions, he also mentioned the determination of Ahmadi girls and women, settled in various countries, to observe Purda and to accede courageously to this Islamic commandment. Huzoor Anwar(aba) also narrated comments of non-Ahmadi women who paid tribute to Ahmadi women for carrying out their responsibilities while observing Purda. Some selected narrations of Huzoor Anwar(aba) are briefly presented here so that by following this highly important command of Allah the Almighty, we may also become the recipients of His love and pleasure. May we deserve the worldly honour as well.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) gave a detailed account in his Friday Sermon on the life of his respected mother Hazrat Syeda Nasira Begum Sahiba, daughter of Syedna Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) and respected wife of Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib, after her death. Furthermore, he narrated her views pertaining to the importance of Purda and her distinctive attribute of observing Purda. Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated: “A former president who worked with her wrote that she (Begum Sahiba) took a keen interest in the Tarbiyat (moral training) of Lajna. She would devise innovative ways and plans to do so and shared them with us. She made efforts for each girl and each woman from Rabwah to have exemplary standards of Tarbiyat. On several occasions, it so happened that on witnessing a low standard of Purda (veiling), she approached the woman or girl on the road, or if she found some girls walking in a style which is averse to the dignity of an Ahmadi girl, she would go up to them and affectionately try to counsel them. She would tell them about the required standard of the dignity of an Ahmadi girl.

In the context of Purda, I wish to put forth an excerpt from a speech by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV(rh). On the occasion of the first Jalsa of his Khilafat in 1982, he spoke about Purda in his address to women in the Ladies section. Referring to the Purda of my mother, he said, ‘We have an older sister who has been inclined to strict adherence to Purda from the early days. Since she is from the first generation raised by Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra), she follows whatever she observed of Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud’s(ra) practice at home and the manner in which the girls were allowed to go out. All this has become her second nature and she cannot break the habit now. Some girls of our family have the view that these are people of olden times so do not say anything to them. They think they are out of their minds; it’s given that people who belong to earlier days would talk like this. But which earlier times? The only earlier times that I am aware of are that of Hazrat Muhammad(sa). Therefore, if someone wants to say that someone is ‘of olden times’, then that is what they want to do; the matter is between them and God. However, this sister of mine, while solemnly abiding by Taqwa (righteousness), indeed practices strictness in this matter.” (Friday Sermon, August 5, 2011 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, August 16, 2011)

At the death of Hazrat Syeda Amtul Qayyum Begum Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud(ra) and wife of Hazrat Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib, Huzoor Anwar(aba) gave a detailed account of the deceased in his Friday Sermon. In this context, Huzoor Anwar(aba) mentioned her virtue of observing Purda and said:

“She held the Jama‘at and Khilafat in great esteem. She was steadfast in Purda to the extent that even if a young relative from whom veiling is not required happened to visit her, she would observe Purda until she recognized him properly.” (Friday Sermon, June 26, 2009 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, July 17, 2009)

Respected Dr. Fehmeeda Munir Sahiba was blessed with the opportunity of serving as a life devotee in Fazl-e-Omar Hospital for a long time. On her passing, Huzoor Anwar(aba) spoke about her virtues in a Friday sermon and mentioned her steadfastness in Purda as well. He stated:

“She settled in Rabwah in 1964 and served as a lady doctor in Fazl-e-Omar Hospital until 1984. Once, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III(rh) gave the example of her Purda in Majlis Shura, saying that someone who wishes to learn how to work while observing Purda must learn from Dr. Fehmeeda.” (Friday Sermon, October 12, 2012 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, November 2, 2012)

Respected Nasira Salima Raza Sahiba was an African American Ahmadi who died in Zion, USA on February 18, 2013. Talking about her good qualities, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated:

“She was born in St Louis, USA in 1927. Her father was a Baptist priest... In 1949, she had the honour of embracing Ahmadiyyat through the late Dr. Khalil Ahmad Nasir. She got married to late Nasir Ali Raza Sahiba in 1951 (for years, she worked as local president and regional president Lajna). She had immense love for Islam in her heart. She was known to be a good teacher. Ahmadi women regarded her as a mother. She would explain very lovingly and also rectified their shortcomings. She always instructed girls to observe Purda and likewise taught them Islamic morals. Furthermore, she informed them how to face the evil customs of the Western society. She was born and raised here so she knew it all.” (Friday Sermon, March 1, 2013 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, March 22, 2013)

Respected Tanya Khan was a faithful new Ahmadi who died in Canada. Describing her exceptional qualities, Huzoor Anwar(aba) mentioned her steadfastness in Purda. Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated:

“She was a Canadian woman of Lebanese origin. She accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1998. She was a very active Da‘ai Ilallah (caller towards Allah) and very fond of doing Tabligh. Besides being the National Secretary Tabligh, Lajna Ima’illah Canada, she had the opportunity to serve the Jama‘at in various capacities at the local and national level... She had a very loving and sincere connection with Khilafat and responded to every call. She was steadfast in Purda and fully committed to humanitarian services. She had even made a will to donate her organs after her death.” (Friday Sermon, August 16, 2013 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, August 30, 2013)

This is also a sign of the truthfulness of Ahmadiyyat that the moral condition of the converts starts undergoing a change for betterment as soon as they perform Bai‘at. In this connection, Huzoor Anwar(aba), states: “Fahimi Sahiba is a lady from Morocco. She says, ‘I was introduced (to Ahmadiyyat) through Liqa Ma’al Arab.1 I started doing Istikhara2 and after witnessing a vision, I decided that come what may, I do not care for any opposition and did Bai‘at right away. As soon as I did Bai‘at, I started observing Purda as well.’” (Friday Sermon, March 28, 2014 in Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, April 18, 2014)

Describing the good qualities of Respected Al-Hajjah Sister Naeema Latif Sahiba (wife of Al-Hajj Jalalud Din Latif Sahib, President Zion Jama‘at, USA) on her passing, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated:

“Sister Naeema Latif was born in a Christian family on May 21, 1939. After studying at West Virginia University, she started volunteer work in the Medical Department of the American Army.

She accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1974 and through her own study and research she rapidly progressed in faith and sincerity. Throughout her life she never skipped a Friday prayer, regularly attended Jama‘at programs and never missed a fast during Ramadan. In addition to this, she was regular in observing the optional weekly fasts, following in the footsteps of the prophetic tradition. She also had opportunities to observe I‘tikaf [to confine oneself for a certain number of days to a mosque in order to worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan]. She was always at the forefront in social work. She had the honour of performing Hajj (Pilgrimage) and always excelled in financial sacrifices. Whenever her husband gifted a piece of jewellery to her, she donated it towards the mosque fund.

Her immense love for Khilafat and the Khalifa of the time was a picture of adoration and his obedience was her first priority.

Upon listening to a lecture of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III(rh) on the topic of ‘Significance of Purda’ in a university during his visit to the USA, she put on a Hijab right away. In those days, she was the only woman in the area to be seen in the Islamic Purda.” (Friday Sermon, October 3, 2014 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, October 24, 2014)

Referring to the way Ahmadi women are adhering to Islamic teachings after embracing Ahmadiyyat and demonstrating obedience to Khilafat, Huzoor Anwar(aba) states:

“How are changes brought about after acceptance of Ahmadiyyat? Firstly, it is the focus on prayers and coming to the mosque regardless of extreme temperatures. Then, I will give another example. An Ahmadi friend from Macedonia writes that his wife’s name is Raza. She did not observe Purda until she attended Jalsa Salana Germany. He writes, ‘I am very grateful to you, as after listening to your address to Lajna, she started wearing a Hijab and now she observes regular Purda and is steadfast in Ahmadiyyat. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, she is progressing in faith as well.’ Thus, such new entries who had deviated from the Islamic teachings, also try to adopt the correct teachings of Islam, with the blessings of Allah, after accepting Ahmadiyyat. Therefore, our young girls, as well as women, should also be mindful of being steadfast in Islamic traditions. It is mandatory to act upon Allah’s commandments and Purda is also one of the important commandments.” (Friday Sermon, April 3, 2015 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, April 24, 2015)

Respected Dr. Nusrat Jahan Sahiba was also an exemplary model of observance of Purda. After graduating from Pakistan with MBBS, she specialized in Gynaecology from England and started her services at Fazl-e-Omar Hospital in 1985. Mentioning her qualities, Huzoor Anwar(aba) referred to her Purda in these words:

“(Her son-in-law) states that when his daughter turned 12, she started advising her to cover her head and be mindful of Purda. She would relate important narratives from the lives of Hazrat Amma Jan(ra) and other noble personalities in the form of short stories or tales. She herself observed Purda strictly. So, if parents and the elders keep advising children, their hesitation in wearing Hijab diminishes and they feel courageous... Dr. Noori, In-Charge Tahir Heart Institute, Rabwah states: ‘I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Nusrat Jahan for over nine years in Zubaida Bani Wing of Fazl-e-Omar Hospital and Tahir Heart institute. She possessed such unique qualities as are found in very few doctors nowadays. She was very pious, devout, had high morals, was God-fearing, prayed for her patients, extremely careful in observing Purda, very knowledgeable about the Holy Quran, and a true follower of the life of Prophet Muhammad(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as).’

She was educated here in the UK too and later she used to come to different hospitals here to increase her knowledge, but she always wore a Niqab (face covering) and full Burqa. She never had any complex and accomplished all tasks while maintaining Purda. Thus, she was a role model for the girls who make excuses that they cannot work in Purda.” (Friday Sermon, October 21, 2016 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, November 11, 2016)

On one occasion, Huzoor Anwar(aba) spoke about the outstanding quality of Purda of both senior doctors of Fazl-e-Omer Hospital:

“Doctors can work while observing Purda. We had our doctors in Rabwah. We have always witnessed Dr. Fehmeeda in Purda. Dr. Nusrat Jahan was there and she also observed Purda very strictly. She received an education in the UK also and used to visit London every year to upgrade her skills in accordance with the latest research, but she always maintained Purda; in fact, she observed Purda even if the occasion did not require it. In spite of this, no one raised any objection against her, nor on her work and neither was her professional expertise affected by it. She performed major surgeries too. So, if the intentions are good, one is able to find ways to practice the teachings of faith.” (Friday Sermon, January 13, 2017 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, Al-Fazl International, February 3, 2017)

In one of his Friday Sermons, Huzoor Anwar(aba) called for prayers for new converts of Algiers, and speaking in regard to their sacrifices and their love for Islam, he said:

“In the end, I wish to ask for prayers for Ahmadis from Algiers. This is a new Jama‘at. Most of them are new converts, but they have a very strong faith. These days the government here has become very stern. Baseless cases are being filed. Some have been jailed. At times police have tried to unveil women by forcibly entering some houses. For example, a few days ago a woman was asked to take off her Dupatta. She replied: You can kill me, but I will not take off my Dupatta and neither will I leave Ahmadiyyat.” (Friday Sermon, January 27, 2017, at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, February 17, 2017)

Mentioning the good qualities of respected Salima Mir Sahiba, former President Lajna Ima’illah Karachi, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “She would pay close attention to Purda. Wherever she noticed a shortcoming in Purda, she talked it over so amicably that others were also not offended. One of her daughters says that there was a proposal for my younger sister and the boy wanted to see the girl before proceeding further. We suggested to our mother that our sister may go in front of him in a scarf rather than a Niqab. At this, our mother said, ‘come what may as regards to the proposal, but my daughter will wear the Niqab.’

One of her daughters had a driving test in London and the instructor was male. Salima Sahiba sat with her saying I will not allow you to go alone with a man. Others scoffed at this, but she paid no attention to the world. She would always recommend wearing of a scarf on the head or a Niqab. There is a book by Lajna by the name of Orhni Waliyon Kay Liye Phool (“Flowers for the Veiled Ones”) and is based on the instructions and statements of all the Caliphs of the Jama‘at. So, she would say that if you want a flower, then you will also have to buy an ‘orhni’ (veil). Flowers are only for those who observe veiling.” (Friday Sermon, March 30, 2018 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, April 20, 2018)

On one occasion, Huzoor Anwar(aba) talked about the extraordinary moral change brought about in society as a result of the guidance of the Great Caliphs, and with reference to an Ahmadi girl, stated: “I will give an example for women too. If the state of Purda and Haya (modesty) is lost, then things spiral out of control. A young girl from Pakistan who came to Australia after getting married wrote to me, ‘I was also forced to give up Purda. Or maybe I got trapped because of the environment and gave up my Purda. Now when I went there on a visit, she wrote to me saying I was wearing a Burqa when you delivered the speech regarding Purda in the ladies on the occasion of Jalsa and I am wearing it since then. I am firm in it and making efforts and praying as well that I remain steadfast.’ She has also requested for prayers.” (Friday Sermon, December 20, 2013 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, January 10, 2014)

The blessed advice delivered by the Khalifa of the time has made extraordinary impact on the moral and spiritual states of Ahmadis around the world. Therefore, in a Friday sermon, Huzoor Anwar(aba) spoke regarding the spiritual changes brought about in the USA. He said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, my visit has produced positive results in the USA and here [Canada] too. Some girls who were born and brought up in the USA and Canada have written to me; and letters are still pouring in that after listening to you, we have come to understand the concept of honour and Haya in a woman and a girl. Now we have become aware of our importance and the importance of Purda. We have become aware of the status of an Ahmadi girl. Similarly, youth have also written that they have learned about the importance of prayer. Some girls wrote that we had assumed that we will never have the courage to wear the Burqa and Hijab while living in this environment. But, after listening to you, we have presented ourselves in Hijab and Burqa and coat, and we make a pledge that we will never take off our Burqas. Thus, this is their thinking. May Allah help them to put their thinking into practice. And may they safeguard their honour in accordance with their pledge of safeguarding it.” (Friday Sermon, delivered at Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto, Canada, Al-Fazl International, August 3, 2012)

After the first visit to West Africa, Huzoor Anwar(aba), in a Friday Sermon, expressed delight on the volunteering of veiled Ahmadi workers of Benin. He said:

“I have observed a very good thing in Benin. Over there, Lajna has organized a special team which performs duties at every event. They observed Purda very well and wore a Niqab and continuously performed their duties that way.” (Friday Sermon, April 16, 2004 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, April 30, 2004)

Later, in his address to ladies at Jalsa Salana Canada, Huzoor Anwar(aba) also narrated his observations regarding his tour of Africa. Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated:

“I have observed in Africa that where clothing was not customary, they have worn clothes and worn clothes that fully cover, and some of them observe Purda as well. A few have started wearing the Niqab as well. Here too, we have African American sisters who are mostly from USA and some of them observe an exemplary and high level of Purda, which is worth following. In fact, yesterday in our meeting, I told them that it seems that now you people will set precedents of Purda for Pakistanis and Indians.” (Address to Ladies at Jalsa Salana Canada held on June 25, 2005, Al-Fazl International, March 2, 2007)

On the occasion of Jalsa Salana a large number of female guests come to visit and some of them express their feelings as well. Therefore, non-Ahmadi female guests have paid open tributes to the exemplary Purda of Ahmadi women. In reference to this, Huzoor Anwar(aba) stated in a Friday sermon: “Damiba Beatrice attended Jalsa from Burkina Faso. She is the president of the Higher Council for Communication in electronic and print media in Burkina Faso. She has been a federal minister of the country twice.

She has also been the ambassador of Burkina Faso in Italy and Australia for 14 years and has represented her country in the UNO as well. She says, attending this Jalsa is a unique event of my life. I did not see a black or white, English or French; instead, every Ahmadi Muslim was seen to be in immense love with their Khalifa, irrespective of colour and race. She goes on to say that what impressed me most is the fact that everyone was attending the Jalsa with a commitment for the sake of Allah. It was astonishing for me to see women seated away from men in a separate section and I assumed that perhaps here also women are mistreated like other Muslims. However, my impression changed after spending some time with these women. I observed that the photographer was a female and so was the camera girl, and women were doing the duty of receiving the guests and distributing food. In fact, every task was being done by women. And the truth is that Purda of a woman does not restrict her freedom. If someone cannot believe this, then they should visit and observe the Ahmadis here.” (Friday Sermon, September 6, 2013 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, September 27, 2013)

A non-Ahmadi female guest attended Jalsa UK for the first time. Huzoor Anwar(aba), mentioning about her positive comments regarding Ahmadi women attending Jalsa in Purda, said:

“A non-Ahmadi lady, Ouida Nesbeth from Jamaica, attended Jalsa. She is a highly educated woman and is an accountant. She says she was in contact with the Ahmadiyya Jama‘at for the last 5 years. During this period, she already had a fair connection and introduction of the Jama‘at, but it has been further enhanced by attending this Jalsa and all the doubts which she had about Islam have been mitigated. The lady really liked that men and women were seated in separate sections (some people object to it, but female guests have liked it). With this arrangement, people’s attention is not diverted.

She herself admitted that in mixed gatherings men tend to stare. Since men and women were in separate areas, attention was not distracted and everyone was able to concentrate on Islam and prayers. Therefore, Ahmadi women who are in some sort of complex [regarding Purda and segregation] should ponder upon her comment.” (Friday Sermon, August 10, 2018 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, August 31, 2018)

Another beautiful comment was given by a non-Ahmadi Muslim female journalist who had abandoned Purda due to her rebellious attitude. Narrating her comments, Huzoor Anwar(aba) said: “Belize Jama‘at has been established recently. From there, a journalist, Maryam Abdul, was visiting. She is a famous anchor of Krem TV of Belize. She said, ‘I was born in a staunch Sunni family. My father was a rigid Muslim and therefore, I revolted and stopped practicing Islamic teachings as I grew up. Since Purda, scarf and many other things which, rightly or wrongly, are followed by other Muslims were practised very strictly, I drifted away from Islamic teachings. When I grew up, I took off my Hijab and scarf and threw them away. However, I have firm faith in Allah the Almighty. But in coming to Jalsa Salana I have had an unusual experience. Here, I did not see any women bound or hitched. Every girl and every woman was free. I took note of them; women and girls were roaming around freely, singing poems, going to the bazaar, and meeting each other lovingly. This has made me think that if had I been born in an Ahmadi family, I would not have revolted.’

Therefore, Ahmadis are very fortunate. They should be thankful to Allah the Almighty, for being born into Ahmadi homes or that He enabled some to convert to Ahmadiyyat and saved them from all that gives way to rebellious trends. Some Ahmadi girls are also rebellious.

They should also remember that non-Ahmadis are impressed by us, so there is no need to develop any sort of complexes. The beautiful teaching of Islam is uniformly in accordance with human nature and we should try to comply with it.” (Friday Sermon, September 5, 2014 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, Al-Fazl International, September 26, 2014)