New Year’s dinner in Scotland

Arshad Mehmood Khan Scotland Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow North and South organised their combined event of New Year’s dinner on the topic of “Mental WellBeing and Role of Religion”, on 15 January 2023. The event was attended by more than 65 participants at the mosque and was promoted and listened to on social media as well.

The event started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its English translation.

An introduction video was played canvassing some of the efforts made by Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih Vaa to convey the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat around the world. The video also had glimpses of the local activities of the Scotland Jamaat, like charitable and other humanitarian services, a visit by the First Minister of Scotland to our mosque, etc.

Rt. Hon. Kirsten Oswald, MP for East Renfrewshire, expressed her appreciation to members of the Jamaat for their wonderful contributions to the community.

Rt. Hon. Paul Sweeney, member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region, pledged to raise his voice on every political platform in favour of those who are affected by to see Huzooraa again. Three words I would use to describe my feelings are: lucky, blessed and joyed.”

Iraj Lilli Mubarak said:

“To describe the mulaqat, I would use the words: blessed, emotional and warmhearted. The way Huzooraa spoke to us was so loving, as though he knew each of us personally. It was an amazing opportunity.”

Madiha Ahmad expressed: “After the mulaqat, I feel inspired by my fellow sisters and by the answers of beloved Huzooraa. I am happy that I was part of it, but for some reason, I feel sad now. I think I am sad because it has ended, and I do not know when the next time will be when I will see Huzooraa. I hope the rest of the nasirat who were unable to attend, are also blessed with such an opportunity. For me, it was a great eye-opening experience.”

Fateha Ehsan said:

“The mulaqat was beautiful, I loved being there. I learnt so much.”

Labina Mahmood Bhatti expressed:

“Three words to describe how I am feeling right now are: happy, excited and content. For the Nasirat that didn’t get the chance to be here, I would say they can still watch the mulaqat on MTA. I know it is not the same as seeing Huzooraa live, but it is still something.”

Izza Imran said:

“I look forward to seeing more Nasirat in these programmes.”

Afia Kahloon expressed: “It was great to be a part of this; being able to see and listen to Huzooraa is always a great feeling.”

Sidra Haleem said:

“The mulaqat was really interesting and I learnt so many new things. I feel sad for the Nasirat that didn’t get to attend it. I hope they are able to watch the mulaqat on MTA.”

Sabina Nawaz said:

“For me, all those Jalsa feelings came back. I do think my dream came true. I have watched many of the YouTube videos of other mulaqats and really wished that I would be part of it too. So, for sure, a dream came true for me. Alhamdulillah.”

Fareeha Naeem expressed:

“I can’t express in words how I feel, because I am still in awe that I was able to ask Huzooraa a question, live. I still haven’t processed that it actually really happened.”

Husna Ahmad said:

“It was nice that Huzooraa answered my question with so much depth.” any mental health problem, especially during the Covid-19 period.

Colette McDiarmid, Provost Office, East Dunbartonshire, said:

“It is vital to play our role in making Scottish society vibrant and peaceful like your community is doing. I would like to convey a warm happy new year message from the Provost of East Dunbartonshire, who could not attend today’s event.”

Founder of the charity Time & Space, Elain Weir, spoke about the projects that their charity is doing and how she is looking forward to collaborating with Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Glasgow.

A comprehensive address in the light of the Islamic perspective on “Mental Well-being and the Role of Religion” was delivered by Humayun

Jahangeer Khan Sahib, the missionary in Glasgow. He mentioned a detailed meaning of mental well-being published by the World Health Organisation and how Islam presents the solutions to the issue in the Holy Quran and in the form of the sunnah i.e. the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhamamdsa. Dr Abdul Hayee Sahib, the regional amir of Scotland region, shed more light on the topic as a practising medical professional.

A question-and-answer session was held, where guests showed great interest and asked many questions about the topic. A vote of thanks was given by Linda Fabiani, former deputy presiding officer in the Scottish parliament. The event ended with a silent prayer led by Humayun Jahangeer Khan Sahib.