Behind the scenes

Preparation for this year’s Local Ijtema started from 25^th December 2021, giving us 5 weeks to prepare. Special prayers were requested from beloved Hazur (aba) for our Ijtema through letters by Amila members. Ijtema committee was set up, led by Ishtiaq Ahmad Sb (Chairman Ijtema) and Jrrey Ullah Tariq sb (Vice chairman) and the attendance campaign began immediately.

Every Khadim was contacted in 3 different phases. 1st phase was to get them to save the date. 2nd phase was to confirm they had received the Ijtema syllabus and to encourage participation in competitions. Finally, the 3rd phase was to confirm attendance and to see if any Khadim required transport. Forms of contact included Jumma announcement, text messaging, alerts in Khuddam Whatsapp group and phone calls. House visits were also carried out to invite Khuddam in person. The attendance campaign was lead by 6 group leaders who were assigned 5 Khuddam each in parallel with Chairman sb and Qaid sb also establishing contact and inviting every Khadim personally.

Alhumdulillah, this year we also created a promo video for our Local Ijtema which received great feedback, along with 3 posters. 

Site set up was carried out the night before, which also included assembling our new Table Tennis table so it was available for the Ijtema. JazakAllah to Ishtiaq Ahmad sb, Ifham Mirza Baig sb, Masood Ahmad sb, Tauheed Ahmad sb, Salman Ahmad sb and Houd Ahmad, who helped set up after Ishaa Namaaz.

 

 

Day of the Ijtema 30/01/2022

Alhumdulillah, we were allowed to hold an in-person Ijtema this year, so we needed to ensure we met all National and Jamaat COVID 19 protocols. To ensure this, the plan and agenda of the Ijtema was discussed in detail with MKA’s Disaster Management Committee to ensure we met all guidelines. On the day of the Ijtema, a COVID check point was set up outside the Mosque entrance where we checked temperature, ensured hand sanitation, provide homeopathy, carried out lateral flow tests and confirmed everyone entering wore a mask. Hand sanitation and surface wipes were provided on all tables, in every room and at entrance/ exit points. Posters were put up to highlight guidelines and regular reminders were announced so all Khuddam could be kept safe.

The Ijtema started at 9:45am with registration and breakfast. Registration was completed through self- scan QR codes, which gathered data from Khuddam regarding Talim, Tarbiyyat, Maal, Sanat o Tijarat and Amoor e Tuluba.  The opening session began at 10:30am with Naib Sadr MKA Dr Anas Rana Sb addressing us on the theme of the Ijtema ‘Honouring our pledge’. We were also joined by Raheel Butt sb, Naib Regional Qaid Middlesex.

We then began the academic session which included Tilawat, Nazm, Prepared speech, Extempore speech and Adhaan competitions until 1:00pm when we offered our Zuhr and Asr Namaz. Alhumdulillah, this year we saw a significant increase in participants across our academic competitions. We would like to thank Murabbi Mansur Ahmad sb, Sadr Hayes Jamaat Naeem Uddin Sb and Mahmood Ahmad sb for judging the academics and providing vital feedback for us to improve. Furthermore, we would like to thank Ifham Mirza Baig sb and Tauheed Ahmad sb for organising the academics session.

After Namaaz,  Khuddam listened to a very informative talk by our Local Murabbi sahib Mansur Ahmad Chatta Sb on the theme of the ijtema ‘Honouring our pledge’, which followed with Q&A/ open discussion. This followed by lunch and a short discussion with Regional Qaid Middlesex Usman Ahmad sb. We would like to thank Regional Qaid Usman Ahmad Sb for honouring us with his presence and speaking to all Khuddam.

         

This year once again we kept the food preferences of Khuddam in mind and decided the menu. We served biryani, grilled wings, ice cream and chocolate gateau which was thoroughly enjoyed. All food servers wore apron, glove, mask and all Khuddam were reminded to hand sanitise to put safety first. Tea, biscuits, fruits, crisps and snacks were readily available and served through the whole day so no one felt hungry. 

The Ijtema committee decided that it was vital to have sports session part of the Ijtema agenda to revive the brotherhood and friendly competition between the Khuddam. This was received very well by the khuddam, as every Khadim participated and competed to gain positions. We held a Basketball Shoot in hoops competition, Football, Table tennis, Fitness chin up competition and Arm wrestling competitions. We thank Masood Ahmad Sb and Salman Ahmad Sb for the organisation of the very exciting and fun filled Sports session.

                     

We then offered our Maghrib prayers which followed by a prize distribution lead by Murabbi Mansur Ahmad sb. Following on from the prize distribution, Sadr sb Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya addressed us virtually regarding the theme of the Ijtema.

         

 

Summary

Alhumdullilah, with the the grace of Allah and prayers of Hazur (aba), we had 22 khuddam attend the Hayes West local Ijtema 2022, which equated to 78% attendance. All Khuddam thoroughly enjoyed the academic session, food and sports, but more importantly were inspired and motivated with all the presentations/speeches of our respected guests. Finally, I would like to thank Chairman sb Ishtiaq sb, the Ijtema comittee for the continued work behind the scene for the success of the Ijtema. I want to thank all Khuddam brothers who took time out and attended to make this Ijtema a success and historic. Last but not least, we would like to thank Sadr Sb MKA for taking time out from his busy schedule to talk to us and inspire us to ‘Honour our pledge’. May Allah enable all of us to remember our pledge and have it on the forefront of minds always. Ameen

 

Special Mentions and Thanks to: 

Sadr Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya, Dr Anas Rana sb, Raheel Butt Sb, Murabbi Mansur Ahmad sb, Sadr Majlis Hayes Naeems Uddin sb, Mahmood Ahmad sb, Regional Qaid Middlesex Usman Ahmad sb.

Thanks to the Attendees:

Burhan Baig Mirza, Danyal Siraj Rashid, Gulfam Mirza Baig, Hanan Mahmood Abro, Hayaan Baig Mirza, Ifham Mirza Baig, Inzamam Mirza Baig, Ishaq Ahmad, Ishtiaq Ahmad Umar, Jrrey Ullah Tariq, Labeeb Ahmad Qamar, Mansur Ahmed, Masood Ahmad, Muhammad Fatahyab, Nabeel Mirza, Sajawal Malik, Salman Ahmed, Shajel Malik, Shaoor Ahmad, Shayaan Ahmad Kashif, Tahueed Ahmed Khan, Tayyab Ahmad Faheem, Houd Ahmad.

JazakAllah