From career demands to family life, spiritual devotion to service—women across America navigate a rhythm that rarely slows. “Having it all” does not mean achieving a perfect balance; it means pursuing what matters with a righteous intention. “Having it all” began as a 1950s–60s advertising tool—a polished dream sold to the middle class long before it became a bestselling book title in the 1980s. It meant having to be everything at once: successful, fulfilled, and effortlessly composed.

“With full-time academic and administrative positions, two young children, husband, and home, and the added Lajna responsibilities, I was working at three full-time jobs” (1).

These words—offered humbly and without complaint—tell the story of a woman who quietly carried more than her fair share. Her experience mirrors countless women whose lives blur boundaries of faith, family, and career. Lajna Ima’illah USA is a national body of Muslim women dedicated to prayer, community service, and leadership. Thousands participate in religious study, mentor youth, organize conventions, and contribute to publications. Their work bridges the gap between domestic life and public contribution, driven not by recognition but by devotion.

One such woman rose to national leadership while maintaining an academic career and raising a young family. Her days were dense with decisions, guided by prayer:

“Time that was provided to us to do good or do nothing at all… to find a purpose in life; a meaning in everything we do or none at all” (1).

Her message resonates beyond faith lines. Whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or secular, women share the desire to live intentionally, serve meaningfully, and lead with values.

In a world where ‘having it all’ often means doing it all, women of faith offer a quieter revolution—rooted in prayer, purpose, and the courage to define success beyond societal metrics.

“Many times, it would have been easier to focus on the limitations… However, these adversities made us stronger, humble, prayerful, resilient, strategic, compassionate, and more caring” (1).

Outside the Mosque, she was Professor Emerita of Pharmacology and Toxicology, with a research career focused on psychiatric disorders and a legacy of over 200 publications and presentations. Her expertise spanned neuroscience and mentoring young scientists, showing that Muslim women can thrive at the highest levels of intellectual and professional excellence (2). Yet the quiet work of community service remained her spiritual anchor.

Women in the United States now comprise 47% of the labor force and earn over half of the college degrees, yet they hold only 10.6% of Fortune 500 CEO roles and continue to earn less than men in most industries (3, 4). The tension between progress and pressure is real. But within faith-led service, many women find tools for resilience—time management, public speaking, strategic planning—and the intangible strength of prayerful leadership.

“Several [members]informed me that the skills they learned in their service for Lajna (women’s auxiliary) USA helped build their portfolio and resume for better job opportunities as well” (1).

This kind of growth is quiet, cumulative, and deeply personal. It transforms not only the woman but the spaces she touches—family, workplace, and community.

“Giving our time in the service of others is, after all, expressing our love for our Creator” (1).

It’s a love that transcends religious boundaries, a truth understood by many women who lead with heart and live with intention.

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Fifth Successor of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (AMI), Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), stated:

“Consider it your mission to spread Islam’s teachings by living up to its values and beliefs and preaching its message far and wide. It is up to you, as members of Lajna (women’s auxiliary), to show the world what Islam is and what it truly represents” (5). He also reminded members to embrace their full spiritual and intellectual potential: He reminded us that the Second Successor of the AMI made it clear that “No Ahmadi Muslim woman should ever consider herself inferior to any man or remain hidden in his shadow. In all respects, men and women are equal” (5).

At the 2025 Annual Convention UK, he added,

“Islam has granted you rights, and it requires that you become a useful presence in society. If women understand their responsibilities, they can become a valuable asset to the community, regardless of the field they are in or even if they are homemakers. No other religion has protected women’s rights as Islam has. It is the duty of women to understand their responsibilities and the tasks assigned to them by Allah, which include reforming the new generation and bringing them to a point where they can be a useful presence for both the faith and the community, as well as a beneficial part of their country” (6).

Women of faith juggle duties, dreams, and devotion–but above all, their hearts are anchored in Allah. That is “having it all” redefined.

References

1. Butt, S. (2023). How Lajna Ima’illah USA provided me with a platform for spiritual and personal growth. The Ayesha, 52, 50.
2. Butt, S. (2025). Brief bio summary: Shanaz Tejani-Butt [Internal report].
3. Warner, J. (2014, March 7). Fact sheet: The women’s leadership gap. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fact-sheet-the-womens-leadershi p-gap/
4. Cox, J. (2023, September 27). Half of Americans don’t ever expect gender parity at the top of the Fortune 500. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/josiecox/2023/09/27/half-of-americans-dont-ever-expect-gender-parity-at-the-top-of-the-fortune-500/