Maleeha Mansur, Hayes
The presence of Khilafat at Jalsa entirely transforms the experience of Jalsa Salana, and indeed, if we try, life thereafter. Whether it be from the magnificent addresses of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, our Caliph or Khalifa, personal meetings with His Holiness, the opportunity to received academic achievement awards, or indeed, the great fortune to directly behold the beautiful countenance of the most beloved one of Allah on Earth today.
Truly, being in the company of our Imam is an unparalleled means of experiencing spiritual ambience. Explaining the importance of attaining his company, which today can be achieved through his Khalifa, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) states, “The purpose of pledging allegiance is to dampen the worldly ardour so that the heart is engulfed in the love of the Bountiful God and of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) … In order to achieve this, it is necessary to stay in my company and to spend a portion of one’s life in this cause […] It is essential to meet me now and then. Bai‘at is devoid of all blessings and is a mere formality if one does not care to meet me.”[i]
The Jalsa addresses of His Holiness enable us to understand the true purpose of Annual Convention. So profoundly did His Holiness explain to the attendees last year that the true purpose of Jalsa is achieved when we strive to bring about a pure change within ourselves and tread upon the path of righteousness. Our spiritual thirst cannot simply be quenched at once. Rather, after these three days, we must take the water with us, in order to maintain the change that has been brought about.[ii]
The addresses of His Holiness deal with so many areas of spirituality and are certainly a perfect means of satiating the thirst for one’s spiritual growth. The addresses speak to each person individually and will take on a different meaning for each listener. So beautifully did His Holiness explain last year that the true meaning of piety is to carry on our duties in this world, to our families and to humanity, all while maintaining our devotion and connection with God. This can only be done when we adopt righteousness, the fear of God, and His love. [iii]
The spiritual growth we achieve at Jalsa takes on many forms. Certainly, the brotherhood and sisterhood at Jalsa is like no other. Whatever age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status one may hold, at Jalsa we learn and feel the Islamic spirit of oneness. One finds a sea of over 35,000 devotees and countless more participating via satellite, united behind Khilafat. Despite the vast numbers of attendees, we find no bickering, no quarrelling. There is peace, there is tranquillity and there is love.
The emphasis Islam puts on serving humanity is no secret. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad sets before us a pristine example of the extent to which one should strive in fulfilling this obligation. Not only does His Holiness remind us of the standard expected when serving the guests of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) attending Jalsa, but through his consummate personal example, His Holiness practically demonstrates the levels of sacrifices we should be exhibiting. His schedule is relentless, yet each person who is blessed to meet His Holiness cannot help but be deeply moved by the serene smile, love and warmth they receive. Selflessness is truly epitomised in Khilafat.
Certainly, however much we thank Allah Almighty for the great blessing of Khilafat, it can never suffice. The growth one can achieve through the blessings of Jalsa, is magnified through the presence of Khilafat. Thus, we can but pray; O our Allah! Strengthen our beloved leader with the Spirit of Holiness, and bless us through his lone life and Khilafat, Ameen.
[i] The Heavenly Decree, p. 73
[ii] Inaugural Session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021, https://www.alislam.org/articles/righteousness-mutual-love-fulfilling-true-purpose-of-jalsa/
[iii] Ibid
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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