Voice of British Muslim Women

Maleeha Mansur, Hayes

For most, even the thought of going to one’s local grocery store whilst a few months expectant, with 2 children in tow would bring the greatest anxiety. Yet, the sight of a young mother with one child in her arms, one tugging on her leg and a third running up ahead is certainly not uncommon. Such is the beauty of Jalsa Salana and its blessings, that these young mothers fearlessly come from far and wide seeking its great blessings, bags packed to the brim with toys and snacks.

That is not to say the desire and striving is not mutual. Certainly, great efforts go into making Jalsa as comfortable as possible for mothers – whether it be the provision of tracks to make pushing buggies easier, nappy changing facilities or separate mother and child marquees. The onus is still upon us, as mothers, to keep the great objectives of Jalsa at the forefront of our minds. It is certainly not a playground for children but rather an opportunity for their training in a most understanding and welcoming environment. The memories children make at Jalsa last a lifetime. Indeed, for Ahmadi children, Jalsa is what defines the summer holidays.

Those of the world plan great outings and camps for their children for their personal development and otherwise. Yet here, Alhamdolillah (all praise belongs to Allah), a beautiful means of personal development of our children is achieved through the role model of other children before them. Their eyes soak in the mannerisms and service of others, whilst the righteous words of most learned scholars penetrate their ears and their subconscious. As these little soldiers of Ahmadiyyat grow, they thus eagerly begin offering water duty or litter picking with the same spirit that has infused their minds. Watching the blessings of Jalsa blossom in her children, a mother’s heart melts, for her efforts have not gone unrewarded.

For mothers themselves, listening to the inspiring addresses will undoubtedly make us better mothers. Whilst we seek to make ourselves more righteous, direct guidance about motherhood and marriage is often not far off. Seeing other mothers and speaking to them is most therapeutic in the anxieties of motherhood. While we cannot take for granted the great blessings Jalsa brings, that is not to say it does not have its challenges. Hosting for tens of thousands of people will mean queues are inevitable, but again, patience is another lesson our children learn from the example we try to set before them. If we look with an eye of gratitude, these small inconveniences seem an even smaller price to pay to Insha’Allah (God Willing) be the recipient of the beautiful prayers of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), the Imam of the Age, for the attendees of Jalsa. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) writes,

“I conclude with the prayer that everyone who travels for [attending] this Convention that is for the sake of Allah: May Allah, the Exalted, be with him, reward him in abundant measure, have mercy on him, ease up for him his circumstances of hardship and anxiety and eliminate his anguish and grief. May He grant him freedom from every single hardship and lay open for him the ways of [achieving] his cherished goals, and raise him up, on the day of Judgment, among those of His servants who are the recipients of His blessings and Mercy. May He be their Guardian in their absence until after their journey comes to an end. O Allah! O Sublime One and Bestower of bounties, the Ever Merciful and One Who Resolves all problems, do grant all these prayers, and grant us victory over our opponents with scintillating signs, because You alone have all the prowess and power. Aameen! Aameen!!”i

So this Jalsa, let us once again show that motherhood has no boundaries, let us be a helping hand to each other, let our striving for gaining the blessings of Jalsa unite us in setting the best example for our children and those around us. Let us take a leaf from the example of Lajna Ghana who sat unwaveringly in scorching heat to listen most attentively to the words of our beloved Imam at Jalsa Salana Ghana, and thus became the coolness of our beloved Imam’s eyes.

As I sign off, I must say, please dear mothers, do not forget the extra toy, the extra sweet and the extra snack. Because tired they will be, hungry they will be, but Insha’Allah (God Willing), surrounded by angels they will be.

i Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 342 https://www.reviewofreligions.org/32703/in-the-words-of-the-promised-messiah-as-prayers-for-the-attendees-of-the-annual-convention/