Sarah Waseem, UK
In the Holy Qur’an we are reminded:
‘You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have surely been better for them’. (3:111)
The verse reminds Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam and to serve mankind. To do this we need to be compassionate, honest and do good and avoid evil.
Service to mankind is not limited in its scope and when we extend this concept of leadership, what is a leader other than the servant of those that he or she is responsible for?
8 September 2022 marks a significant moment in British history as we mourn the loss of our Queen who served as monarch for 70 years. Service to the nation was close to her heart from the start of her reign
‘I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.’
– Speech on her Coronation Day, June 2, 1953.
Prior to succeeding to the throne, she served during World War II and briefly joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) towards the end of the war, learning to drive and service a lorry. Her sons and grandsons have also followed suit, serving in the military as well as contributing towards numerous welfare projects both at home and abroad.
The Monarch is also the Head of the Church of England, although the role is largely traditional. So, officially the UK is a Christian country, which has embraced values of religious tolerance. There have been no hijab bans here, unlike in other parts of Europe. People have been free to worship as they wish. The UK has also provided sanctuary to members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community many of who were persecuted in their home countries and it has become the centre of the community itself under the guidance of two Caliphs, who have resided in the UK.
The Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has also corresponded with Her Majesty through a letter which His Holiness (aba) wrote to the Queen in 2012 to congratulate her on her Diamond Jubilee on behalf of himself and the entire Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His Holiness (aba) commended the Queen on her leadership and prayed for her continued prosperity and the fostering of peace. The Queen later replied to His Holiness (aba) as well.
On the solemn occasion of her passing, His Holiness (aba) reflected the sentiments of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community regarding the demise of Her Majesty.
‘The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a truly great loss for the United Kingdome and Commonwealth . Ahmadi Muslims will remain forever grateful for the way Her Majesty served her people with immense dignity grace and unwavering dedication throughout her long reign
On behalf of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community I wish to express our most sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III , the members of the Royal family and to the nation. May God Almighty grant them all the patience and strength to deal with is tremendous loss ‘
About the Author: Dr Sarah Waseem is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the NHS in both Primary Care and Secondary Care Settings. She is currently working in Women’s Health at an NHS London Hospital. She has also served as a senior editorial board member for The Review of Religions for over 20 years.
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