Though only 14 years old, Aiyla Ladha carries herself with poise and professionalism. This year, Aiyla was able to showcase her talents in the Diamond Jubilee One Jamat Celebration as part of the choir. As the celebrations came to an end on July 11, 2017, I caught her as she was walking with a group of her closest friends.

Aiyla’s love for singing started right around the time of the Golden Jubilee, when she was just 4 years old. She remembers singing songs and enjoying the festivities of  the Golden Jubilee.. Aiyla began singing ginans in Jamatkhana around the age of 5 or 6. Reciting ginans in Jamatkhana and singing during Golden Jubilee became her launch pad. After hearing her sing, “someone suggested to my parents that I take formal lessons,” says Aiyla. Soon after, she began taking Hindustani classical singing lessons for the next 8 years.

At such a young age, it is sometimes difficult to find a passion, but Aiyla is certain that singing is something that will stay with her throughout her lifetime. The “feeling of leading the Jamat in recitation of ginans to express love for the Jamat and the Imam” keeps Aiyla’s passion alive and motivates her to continue singing.

The Seattle Jamat was fortunate to hear Aiyla’s melodious voice during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. She not only performed with the choir as the youngest member on stage, but also led the Jamat through ginans and devotional pieces during the Intezaari program. The emotions felt by those present were intensified not just because of the ginans or songs that were recited, but through the exquisite voices that carried their message.

As the Diamond Jubilee year has officially launched, Aiyla hopes to continue to have opportunities to sing and to celebrate and partake in these joyous festivities.