Fatiha Nadeem, Bradford
Unity. Love. Service.
Such emotions and sentiments arise when attending the Jalsa Salana UK. By the grace of Allah, I had the blessed opportunity to attend this year’s Jalsa a few days ago and will try to summarise my experience.
My family and I began our journey on Thursday morning from my home in Bradford. We made a few stops along the way, and during the journey, I spent most of my time in remembrance of Allah, listening to previous Jalsa speeches and reflecting on the true purpose of attending Jalsa – to enhance my spirituality and strengthen my connection with Allah the Almighty.
In the Inaugural address of Jalsa Salana UK 2021, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) stated that the purpose of the Jalsa Salana is to establish a special bond with Allah Almighty, and to listen to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) in order to reform oneself. His Holiness further stated that in essence, we gather during these days to quench our spiritual thirst. Hence, we must always keep this purpose in mind. Therefore, I began this journey, intending to return as a better Ahmadi Muslim, prioritising faith over worldly matters, focusing on increasing my religious knowledge and offering all Prayers on time and in congregation.
This year, as always, most of my family and friends were volunteering in various Jalsa departments, however, I was not able to volunteer in any departments or give duty, as I was taking care of my grandmother. After a recent operation, she required assistance in moving around in a wheelchair and so although I did not have an official duty, it was only by the grace of Allah that I was given the opportunity to be with my grandmother and assist her throughout all three blessed days of Jalsa. Without a doubt, this was an incredibly rewarding experience for me, serving as a powerful reminder that the concept of service can be shown in countless different ways. True service to others can be demonstrated through a variety of gestures so while I had the opportunity to assist my grandmother this year, others would have selflessly volunteered in departments such as serving food, hygiene, security and many more. This diverse display of service is what makes Jalsa so beautiful and is a driving force that attracts thousands of attendees each year.
Like previous years, I stayed at the on-site accommodation, and I was blessed with the opportunity to offer all of my 5 daily Prayers behind His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), which I consider myself extremely fortunate to have experienced. I was also able to offer Tahajjud Prayers all three days, and it was a truly faith-inspiring experience. Waking up just after 3 in the morning, I witnessed the dedication of the attendees as they hurriedly prepared for thePrayers. As I entered the marquee, the sight of so many women coming together for this special act of worship truly symbolised the spirit of unity that Jalsa embodies and was a powerful reminder of the unity and oneness that we strive for at Jalsa
His Holiness’s five addresses were, without a doubt, the key highlight of Jalsa, always seeking to guide us towards becoming better Ahmadi Muslims. In his address in the ladies’ session, His Holiness stated that by purifying the environment of our home, we will ensure that the frivolities and innovations of the times do not influence our household.
I pray that Allah the Almighty enables every Ahmadi to fulfil the true purpose of attending the Jalsa Salana and act upon every word spoken by His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper). Ameen.
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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