IN THE SPOTLIGHT

My name is Zubair Ahmed Hayat I am a Waqf-e-Nau and Waqf-e-Zindagi serving as Head of Design and Video Production for The Review of Religions. I did my Undergraduate and Masters degrees in London and I like to play sports and travel the world.

How did you know you wanted to dedicate your life in service of your faith?

I always knew from a young age that I was a Waqf-e-Nau and that my parents dedicated my life to my faith so I had to deliver something special that helped Islam and Ahmadiyyat. So when I was in university I made the decision to ask Huzur for guidance on what he wanted me to do in my career and I requested to Huzur that my ambition was to serve the Jamaat and not get any other job even though I had a Masters in English and so Huzur appointed me to The Review of Religions department which was in line with my educational background and my interests. Since then I have been serving for over 7 years and travelled to many countries serving the Jama'at which has been a very fun and fulfilling experience.

Is there anyone who specifically inspired you?

A few people in my life inspired me like the previous Sadrs of MKA UK, Tommy Kallon Sahib and Fahim Anwar Sahib, as I would look up to them and I was impressed with how they always served the Jama'at but were also very charismatic and had drive and purpose. I had never met people in University or in other areas of the world who had that same determination to serve their faith and also live a successful life. I found that a lot of Ahmadis who served the Jama'at developed qualities that were superior because their service pushed them to step outside of their comfort zone and constantly adapt to new situations. This made them allrounders and very successful which was very impressive to see.

What creates passion and motivation when you are carrying out your Waqf?

The passion comes from the guidance of Huzur that he wants us to be passionate about the work we are doing and constantly innovate to stay ahead of the game and attract people to the teachings of Islam. The work we do on a daily basis is geared towards changing the world for the better so that is also motivational because we know that what we are working on has a purpose greater than any individual and it is for the betterment of humanity.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to dedicate their life but is unsure about this life changing decision?

You need to be sure in yourself about whether or not you want to do it because your parents, brothers, sisters, friends or anyone else cannot put that spark in you to serve and it has to come from within. So, the intention needs to be sincere and ofcourse people can adapt and mature over time but the initial feeling of serving the Jama'at is key to creating that life of a Waqf. Also when you do become a

Waqfe Zindagi you need to be a role model for others as they look up to you for help support and as an example therefore it is important to try to live up to the high standards set by Huzur.

How important would you say are your earlier studies (Secondary School and University) in counting towards your ability to do Waqf? My A-Levels and Degree were important and Huzur emphasised doing it which is why I spent those years focussing on my studies. However to dedicate your life to the faith I feel that it requires a superior mindset which is separate from your studies and comes from an eagerness to serve and make a change in the world through the teachings of Islam and under the guidance of Huzur. That cannot be taught and it needs to be brought forward from your own mindset.

What are three things you love about your Waqf?

It is always challenging, you get to try new things and develop skills in multiple areas and you meet a lot of people in different places that you develop relationships with and work together for a greater purpose.

How are you still keeping in touch with Khalifatul-Masih V aba with regards to your Waqf?

I write letters to Huzur and have Mulaqaats but also Huzur gets updates about the work of each Waqf and he guides us in so many ways of how we should act and what we should do to become successful and that is a blessing.

Describe your daily routine.

My daily routine incorporates my work, my health and also my family. So go for a walk or run in the morning, then have a healthy breakfast and go to the office to do my work till the late afternoon then I spend time with my family at home in the evenings. At the moment I am trying to read 10 pages of a book everyday and also develop new skills so I am trying to be open to new ideas. To serve Islam a person needs to be constantly self improving so that they can take on the big jobs and solve big problems that come with a life of service.

Not everyone who is Waqfe-Zindagi will be posted near or around Khalifatul Masih or even in the same country. What advice do you have for such Waqifeen who will be posted far away from Markaz or their families?

That comes with the service to faith, its all about sacrifice. I have been sent to different places for months without my family but you learn to be strong and resilient and reassure your family that everything will be fine. It is also an adventure so wherever you are sent or whatever work you are given look at it in a positive way, there is always a positive spin you can put on it to keep you motivated and happy.