Voice of British Muslim Women

Wajeeha Rana, Slough

Often one’s spiritual journey is perceived to be a very private and personal matter. However, as I attend the blessed three-day event of Jalsa Salana it is evident that we can and we should have a public dialogue about what true spiritual progress is and how we can all strive for it. It is almost unheard of that more than 40,000 people would come together here in the UK solely for the purpose of enriching their spiritual selves, or even that any leader would be so gracious as to strive earnestly for the spiritual betterment of their people. The occasion of Jalsa Salana UK presents itself as a welcome opportunity for contemplation and greater self-reflection for Ahmadi Muslims. Our spirituality is enhanced and nurtured amongst the company of others who all strive for the same purpose of reaffirming their beliefs and core spiritual values.

As I sat amongst my Muslim sisters listening to the powerful guidance of the Khalifa, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V, it occurred to me that in a gathering of a spiritual nature, the mind does not stray to wonder about another’s socio-economic background, profession, or worldly success. Certainly, to focus on strengths and weaknesses of one’s own character, is to achieve freedom from the burden of worldly expectations and standards of validation. Spiritual progress in Islam is indiscriminate of gender, race or background, and this is why people of all backgrounds are able to sit, eat, volunteer and pray alongside one another as equals. Therefore, the focal point of spirituality is not just about individualism, it also draws attention to us as a collective and becomes a means for unity.

The Jalsa Salana is a reminder to us that it is not simply sufficient to physically retire from our busy lives to the solace of green fields. We must seek true solace in also resorting to a different state of mind, one that allows us to ponder upon the superiority of spiritual progress over worldly endeavours. As we join hands with our fellow Ahmadi Muslims to pledge allegiance to our Khalifa on the final day of Jalsa, it is important to realise that our connection with one another on a spiritual level will, in comparison, always be transient outside of these few precious moments. May we all find lasting comfort and inner peace in recognising that to nurture our soul is the true path to contentment. Regardless of where we are individually on our spiritual journeys, the Jalsa Salana may be for many of us, the spiritual re-awakening that we yearn for, or at the very least a catalyst for much needed reflection on the importance of spiritual advancement.