Voice of British Muslim Women

Day 3, Sameea Jonnud talks to Lajna members

The anticipation of each Jalsa Salana begins as the last one ends when we return to our homes thinking about attending the next Jalsa, booking hotel rooms and making travel plans. On Thursday His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, May Allah be his Helper, inaugurated Jalsa, on Friday guests arrived in time for Friday Prayers and Lajna were especially blessed yesterday with an address by His Holiness, may Allah be his Helper.

The third day of Jalsa Salana 2024 has come around all too quickly; this morning, full of emotion we joined in the congregational Pledge of Allegiance, and as we await the concluding address of His Holiness, May Allah be his Helper, all of us have been reflecting on a packed few days.

Some Lajna share their reflections of this year’s Jalsa.

Maryam begins by telling us about her experience

“Jalsa has always been an exciting time of the year and my family and I always look up to it in summer. I started coming to Jalsa as a guest from the Netherlands and now I am a host living in the UK. Whether a guest or host, I have always enjoyed living in the on-site accommodation. I love meeting people from different countries and sharing our common values and our great love for Khilafat and beloved Huzoor, may Allah be his Helper no matter where in the world that we come from. This year, I’m volunteering at the Tabligh (outreach) marquee which is a new but wonderful experience for me. When taking Tabligh guests for a tour of the site, I have experienced Jalsa through the lens of non-Ahmadi guests. Their comments and admirations have me made me see how we are indeed a very organised community which highly reflects in our jalsa. Jalsa Salana UK Zindabad! (Long live Jalsa Salana UK)”

Eesha Tur Razia joins Jalsa UK from Canada with her family.“

Watching Jalsa UK on MTA from Canada is more than just viewing a religious event; it’s about being part of a global and spiritual movement. As the Jalsa days come closer, everyone in the household feels the excitement building up. Despite being thousands of miles away, the preparations start weeks before, ensuring that we don’t have any commitments on these blessed three days, so as to fully benefit from the live proceedings.

When the live coverage starts on day 1, our living room transforms into a virtual space of spiritual gathering. Listening to the speeches, especially those of Huzoor e Anwar (may Allah be his Helper), feels like a direct spiritual connection. One of the most touching aspects of watching Jalsa UK on MTA is the sense of global unity. The thorough coverage, brilliant documentaries, cultural displays and inspiring speeches make it a deeply enhancing experience.

The interactive elements make the experience even more engaging. During these three days, our morning routine starts with watching stories on Jalsa Connect’s Instagram account, which provides live social media updates. This makes us feel like active participants in the event, despite being so far away.

Watching virtually is an amazing experience that rises above geographical boundaries. It allows us to connect spiritually with our global Community, feel inspired by the profound messages of Huzoor e Anwar (may Allah be his Helper), and experience a sense of unity and brotherhood. This annual gathering not only strengthens our faith, but also reaffirms it.”

Site Safety Team member Aneelah has been attending Jalsa all her life.

“When I was younger, Jalsa was all about coming together to listen to speeches and spiritually rejuvenate for three days. My Jalsa experience as an adult is quite different. I’ve realised that Jalsa is no longer three days long but starts, for some, as the previous one ends. For me, my Jalsa duties this year started the Sunday before in checking the safety of the Lajna side of the site and trying to sort any problems or hazards. Jalsa for me tends to be very busy as I’m always rushing from one side of the site to the other, trying to sort any safety issues that arise.

On the other hand, whilst it is busy, it’s also a really enriching experience. We find ourselves coming together, working together, trying our best to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. For me, I have an amazing team that I work with every year, and I feel blessed to work with them. Seeing them again brings me such joy as we check in on other departments, helping them in any way that we can. That’s what Jalsa is about for me now. Ensuring others have as pleasant an experience as possible and helping others in any way that I can.”

For Noor, this Jalsa is extra special.

“I’m still reeling from the overwhelming joy and gratitude that filled my heart as I attended my very first Jalsa in the UK! It was like a dream come true! I’d heard so much about these incredible gatherings, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the overwhelming experience and sense of connection I felt.

Walking into Lajna Jalsa Gah, surrounded by thousands of sisters, was like a warm hug for my soul. We were all there for the same reason – to connect with our faith, with each other, and with ourselves.

The spotlight was Huzoor’s, may Allah be his Helper, presence in ladies Jalsa Gah. I was teary eyed just seeing him in the marquee. His address also left me in tears (happy ones, of course!). The way he spoke straight to our hearts, reminding us of our purpose and our responsibilities, was truly humbling. And those daily prayers behind our beloved imam? Absolutely magical.

But what really struck me was the sense of sisterhood that filled the air. Women from all walks of life, from different cultures and backgrounds, came together like one big, happy family. We laughed, we cried, we shared various moments together. We didn’t need to know each other’s names or background. Strangers became sisters, united under the slogan of “Lajna Imaillah”

My first Jalsa experience in the UK has been truly unforgettable, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. I’m already counting down the days until next year’s gathering!”

These are only a few thoughts and stories from a handful of Jalsa attendees here in different capacities but united by one blessed event. After Jalsa ends we will gather our belongings together and prepare to return home, bid farewell to our fellow attendees, pass through groups of security workers singing nazms (poems) as we exit and car park attendants waving at departing cars; maybe we’ll end our fast paced Jalsa weekend by stopping to pick up some fast food on our way. And we will all, through our tiredness and memories of this Jalsa, have turned some thoughts of anticipation towards the next one.