Souvenir on 50th Jalsa Salana USA — Page 75
SOME OUTSTANDL G 1-'AJNA MEMB:ERS Sr. Aliyya Muhammad llaJia Aliyya Muhammad was born in 1906. She had one son, but often said that she feels like the mother of all jamaat children. She was a woman of many talents. A cook by profession, her home was the center of many a meetings and classes. The beginning of an organi1ed sisterhood is an honor that is her alone. She was the fir'>t elected American local president of Ahmadi woman in the USA. She also served nationally as Vice President. Nasirat Secretary, and Handicraft Secretary. She was instrumental in organizing and '>pearheading the Islamic Camp School for Ahmadi Children in USA. Her favorite words of wisdom were: "Hold on to the rope of Allah" May Allah reward her abundantly. Ameen. Sr. Aliyyah Shaheed Sr. Aliyyah Shaheed was a pioneer among Lajna lmaillah USA. She became the President of the Lajna in 1946. She served as President of Lajna in Pittsburgh from 1969 to l 971, in 1973, and from 1978 to 1979. She has also held the offices of General Secretary, Finance, Education, and Social Secretary. She was the National President of Lajna lmaillah USA from 1963 to 1966. For over fifty years, she served with great dedication in various capaci- ties. She sponsored new instin1tions. the first American Mosque Fund and the first Muslim Student Scholarship Fund. She published reprinL for her ability to move sisters for financial sacrifice, and her clear, consistent, prompt and excellent record keeping. The secret of her success was simple; to put it in her own words:. . I always tried toe tablish unity between my sisters. " Sr. Saeeda Lateef Sr. Saeeda Lateef was elected President of the Ahmadi Women's group in 1959. She played a strong role in organi1. ing Lajna lmaillah. She was instrumental in getting the Lajna Imaillah Constitution from the Center and implementing it in USA in 1962. The "Central Lajna Report" of August 1963 stated: "Lajna America is the second best Lajna (wor ld-wide). This Lajna has been making rapid strides on the road of progress for the l a-. t two years. . Saeeda Lateef has awakened Lajna to activity. She is a L. ealous worker. . . " Some Early Ame ri can Ahmadi-Muslims