This year we decided to Hold both the North Glasgow and South Glasgow local ijtemas simultaneously using both halls of the Mosque in order to save cost and to increase brotherhood. We also kept the opening and closing sessions together, whilst academics were held separately in 2 different halls for each Qiadat.

 

In December, the planning for the Ijtema began smoothly and efficiently. Due to our experience in organizing events for our Khuddam, we made all necessary arrangements promptly. The attendance campaign included phone calls, regular messages, and house visits to those difficult to reach. Despite many people being out of the city/country due to the holidays, 28 Khuddam from North and 32 from south Glasgow attended the Ijtema.

The ijtema started with Fajr Salat/Dars Ul Quran, followed by hot & cold breakfast. Sadr Majlis Khuddam Ul Ahmadiyya UK Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib joined us for Breakfast and the opening sessions. Sadr sahibs had a veryt engaging sessions with the khuddam where he spoke about the theme of this year’s Ijtemah and highlighted a powerful goal:

“The Holy Quran contains around 558 rukus, and if we commit to reading just 2 rukus a day, we can easily complete the entire Quran in 279 days, within a year.”

Sadr Majlis Khuddam Ul Ahmadiyya UK Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib

Sadr sahib then led an interactive session where Sadr sahib requested each khadim to share Quranic verses that personally inspire them and their most favourite Surah from the Holy Quran.

The food, prepared by an Ahmadi caterer, was a highlight, with feedback largely rating it 10 out of 10. The menu included Chicken Korma, Freshly Baked Naans, Salad, Fizzy Drinks and Warm Matanjan (Sweet Rice). Tea and Coffee arrangements were also made throughout the day.

For prizes, we opted for Crystal Glass trophies inspired by UEFA Europa League for 1st and 2nd place winners and Small travel bags for 3rd place winners. This change from medals, was well-received. The glass trophies, which could be used as decoration pieces or candle holders, were particularly appreciated.

For sports, we booked 5-a-side football pitches, badminton at the Badminton Academy (where the Commonwealth Games took place), and indoor strength competitions at the mosque. Unfortunately, bad weather led to the cancellation of the football booking, a fire alarm cut short the badminton session, and the mosque’s table tennis equipment was damaged. We plan to arrange another sports session to compensate.

This year’s Ijtema theme was highlighted with banners displaying Quranic and Hadith quotations related to the Quran throughout the mosque hall, enriching Khuddam with knowledge.

Alhumdulillah this year Khuddam had the chance to offer all 5 prayers in congregation in the Mosque during the ijtemah.

The event concluded with Waqar-e-Amal by the khuddam, ensuring the mosque was left clean.