Flowers for the Women Wearing Veils - Volume I — Page 315
! ! 315 The Educational Progress of Ahmadi Women Delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashir - ud - D in Mahmud Ahmad , Khalifat - ul - Masih II ra September 13, 1931 ! O n September 13, following ‘ Asr prayers, Lajna Ima’illah Sialkot hosted a grand tea reception in honor of Haz rat Khalifa t - ul - Masih II ra , to which certain dignitaries of the city were also invited. Following is Haz rat Khalifa t - ul - Masih II ’s ra brief address at this occasion. First of all, on behalf of my companions, the other guests , and myself , I would like to thank Lajna Ima’illah for t his reception. R eceptions are frequently held throughout the world, and it has become such a common occurr ence that perhaps it has lost some of its charm. However, a reception which stems from feelings of excitement and sincerity is a source of g reat pleasure and peace of heart. The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa told his companions that if their means allowed it, they should invite each other for a meal to promote mutual love and relationships. The Holy Prophet sa himself invited people to meals and ascribed it such importance that he said that turning down an invitation is against my Sunnah. A s I know this reception is hosted by the Lajna w ith the same sincerity and spirit that the Holy Prophet sa wished t o instill in his u mmah , I pray to God Almighty to grant them blessings and bounties equal not merely to the value of this meal, but to the value of their intentions. Although I have not had the opportunity to address Lajna Sialkot prior to this occasion, it is evident from some letters and statements of a respected and devoted worker of theirs, who is the wife of the president of this Jama'at, that they are outstanding workers and an example for many other Lajna. In fact, at time s I have embarrassed the National Lajna by mentioning the work done by the Sialkot Lajna. Although there is no doubt that the nature of the National Lajna’s work is different, I still believe that the steadfastness with which the Sialkot Lajna works , is an example for everyone.