Voice of British Muslim Women

Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn 

The annual convention – also known as the Jalsa Salana – of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is held every year around the world. As the UK is home to the current Caliph and worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the annual convention in this country is of an international scale. Of course, due to the pandemic, the annual convention could not take place last year in its normal form.  

This year in July, as the lockdown restrictions were lifted in the UK, under the auspicious guidance of the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, (may Allah be his Helper) the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK also began its preparations to hold its national annual convention. However,  in a slightly different way than how it usually would be held. For example, social distancing is being always maintained at the site, face masks are mandatory despite no legal requirement from the government to do so. Inevitably, this means that the gathering is extremely limited in numbers and most community members are not able to attend the convention in person.  

Moreover, for the convention to take place efficiently with the help and blessings of Allah the Almighty, a further effort by the volunteers and duty-bearers is required to make it all a success. Normally, when we think of ‘duty’ with the annual convention in mind, we only think of the actual location of the convention. We think of various departments that operate on site, for example, security, catering, discipline, first aid, press and media and so much more. Although, the order and function of duties will be the same this year as well, the adaptations made to the entire event considering the pandemic means that the idea of performing your duty for the convention transcends the place where it all takes place. 

Even if most members of the community are unable to attend, and I am one of them, it does not mean that our duty towards the community has changed. Through television, radio, live streaming and social media, Ahmadi Muslims across the UK and in fact, across the globe, are able to watch the annual convention. Watching the convention remotely is just as valuable. The affectionate bond between the Caliph and members of the community is  strong enough to withstand temporary absence at the event. This very bond and love for the Ahmadiyya Caliphate, which is a perfect embodiment of the true teachings of Islam, is the reason why most Ahmadi Muslims are happily doing their part by following the guidelines given to them.   

The UK, just like many other countries, experienced two very difficult and severe waves of Covid-19. Therefore, even though the restrictions have ended, there is a sense of responsibility which has ultimately informed the community’s decision to proceed and organise the annual convention with caution and extra measures of safety in place. As for Ahmadi Muslims who could not make it this year, they are very aware and mindful of their duty towards their country. Keeping in mind the tradition of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) that ‘Love for your country is part of your faith’, Ahmadi Muslims understand that having limited number of attendees at the convention is only sensible and safe for the wellbeing of our community members and the wider public.