Ahmadi Muslim women celebrate 100 years of womens’ group

AHMADI Muslim women from all over Ireland recently celebrated 100 years since the establishment of their women’s organisation with a jubilant event in St Finian’s Community Hall in Newcastle.

Over 120 women from the International Ahamdiyya Women Association (AMWA) gathered to celebrate the centenary of their organisation on Sunday, February 5.

Other attendees on the day included Deputy Mayor Joanna Tuffy, Cllr Liona O’Toole, and women from Collective Ireland Lucan and the ICA Lucan.

During the event, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an was presented with an English and Irish translation, followed by a welcome note by the President of the community, Tayyaba Mashood.

The vibrant celebration included an Asian dinner and various stalls for everyone to enjoy, such as a henna tattoo stall, and a cake stall with a huge section of home-baked cakes and desserts.

Nudrat Malik, the event coordinator for AMWA Ireland, explained the varied charitable endeavours that the group carries out around the country, and around the world.

“The AMWA has been actively organising and taking part in charitable works throughout the years,” said Ms Malik.

“The motto of the community is ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.

“Throughout the country, AMWA members have been continuously striving to spread peace, love, and harmony through their volunteer and integration efforts.”

These efforts include things like giving hampers and donations on Women’s Day and New Years to women’s shelter homes and care centres, and donating masks and care packages to hospitals.

The group has also organised interfaith and peace symposiums, alongside their dedication to fundraising for local charities.

“We have been arranging fundraisers like the Meena Bazar every year to support local charities,” added Ms Malik.

“Last year, we raised €700 for Barretstown and €300 for the Lucan Disability Action Group.

“We plan to continue our charitable work and integration efforts to promote love and harmony.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, Lajna Ima’illah (Maids of Allah) can be traced back to India 100 years ago, and now it is established in over 200 countries.

The women’s organisation was formed to give women a voice in the administrative matters of the community and to create awareness among them about their role and status in society.

The work of the AMWA over the last 100 years was recognised at the event, with Deputy Mayor Joanna Tuffy praising the positive impact the group has had.

“I want to commend the women for the work they are doing in the community to integrate and network with other members of the community,” said Cllr Tuffy.

“I want to commend them for all the work in terms of the charitable works that they organise and the social events as well, and for them as individuals, in terms of their contribution towards society and our community be it in the home or in all the different walks of life, professions and careers, technology, education, healthcare and community work and voluntary work.”

The group is now looking ahead to the coming months and years, when they will continue to carry out their charity work and hold events to promote integration and harmony.

“To show gratitude to God on completion of 100 years of their association, the members of AMWA Ireland have pledged to donate ten solar wells in Mali, Africa,” added Ms Malik.