Nooresahar Ahmad, Bordon
Consider, if you have them, your childhood memories of Jalsa Salana.
In one specific memory from when I was about ten years old, I had been wandering around the Jalsa Gah (taking a break from my hard work doing water duty) and came across an AIMS ID face down on the floor. After briefly considering whether I should leave it there, I decided to pick it up to hand it in so it could be returned to its owner. Except when I turned it over, not only did I realise it was my own cousin’s ID, but within a few minutes I ran into that same cousin and returned her card before she had even realised it was missing.
As a child, it was difficult to realise that the mini village erected in the summer to create a three-day spiritual experience, was brought about with anything other than the serendipitous ease with which I returned my cousin’s property. The reality of the sheer amount of community effort required to do so dawned on me as I grew older. From planning and building the Jalsa site, to cooking the food, to sorting out the admin, to keeping the toilets clean, thousands volunteer their time and energy to create the best experience for the guests of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). By far the most awe-inspiring work, however, is carried out by His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V.
In the United Kingdom, we have the unique privilege of having His Holiness in attendance at Jalsa Salana. Even a glimpse of the Khalifa’s duties — preparing one sermon and four speeches for the event, handing out academic awards for academic excellence, meeting guests — paints a picture of overwhelming responsibility. On top of that, His Holiness routinely guides both duty holders and guests alike of their mutual obligation to one another, and to remember the spiritual significance of the event. After all, as he noted in a Friday Sermon in 2010, it is a sign of the truth of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) that he was successful in forming a Jamaat without borders, which can display a unique bond of brotherhood and unity.
The restrictions due to COVID remind us of the value of this community element of Jalsa Salana. Islam emphasises the importance of communal Prayer, and in doing so reminds us of the spiritual significance of gathering together to rejuvenate our faith. This year, as before, hearing the familiar slogans being raised and being immersed in the communal experience of Jalsa has been as uplifting as ever.
Voice of British Muslim Women 
Leave a comment