Voice of British Muslim Women

Dania Ahmed, Aldershot North

For a whole year I wait impatiently for Jalsa. Many people around me wonder cluelessly, as to the reason why I am so excited; if only they knew the wonder I was awaiting.

Jalsa Salana, a gathering for Ahmadi Muslims from all around the world For a few days, all my worries and burdens disappear, all my stress vanishes, and I just wish it would last for eternity. It is a time when I feel I can walk around with a euphoric sense of freedom, a place that fosters a sense of peace and unity.

Jalsa Salana, an event which our Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, declares as a “phenomenon that is based purely on Divine Help, for propagation of Islam.i” A place of honour, where profound insights into religious teachings, relevant to every single contemporary issue, are created. A place which inspires us Ahmadi Muslims to continue to reach the pinnacle of our faith. It is a place where we Ahmadi Muslims gather to pray, supplicate, and bow down, to be heard in the highest ranks of heaven.

Jalsa Salana, a celebration where our beloved Huzoor, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, worldwide spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (may Allah be his Helper) sacrifices his precious time, not only for Ahmadi Muslims, but for everyone around the world.

Jalsa is not only a few days to socialise with friends and family, but a fascinating opportunity to nourish our relationship with Allah the Almighty. It is a spiritual refresher for me and my Ahmadi brothers and sisters an enlivenment for our souls, where the peace that we never thought we would earn or deserve in this world, sets in. A place with absolutely no comparison of contentment. A piece of paradise on this Earth.

Jalsa Salana, a place where Allah’s words are recited, poems are sung, speeches and addresses made. Food marquees, clothes shops, toy shops, galore, how could you ever want anything more? Jalsa is a place where my heart cannot stay sore.

Then, at last, our beloved Huzoor’s (May Allah be his Helper) address is made. Our eyes are filled with tears, our tongues are speechless, and our healed hearts strive to strengthen and build flourishing bonds with our Creator. Jalsa is an astonishing occasion, where our beloved Huzoor (May Allah be his Helper) delivers the most powerful words in the world, Ba’ait (Pledge of Allegience), and unites all Ahmadi Muslims as one.

After that, almost immediately, it is time to leave. Hearts weep goodbye to the sweet-smelling marquees, as Jalsa Salana bids farewell.

My heart, stronger, yet at that moment so weak, realises there are another 365 days until the next Jalsa Salana.

i (Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 341)