Voice of British Muslim Women

Fatiha Nadeem, Bradford

This year, Jalsa was bound to be different as it was my first Jalsa unaccompanied by my mother or grandmother. In fact, for many, an experience is not the same if the people around are different – as was the case for me. However, I knew it would be different and there was one particular thing on my mind which I knew would make it easier for me to attend Jalsa with – intention.

Thus, on Thursday morning, my father and I set off from Bradford, making a few stops along the way and, at last, the most awaited serene and beautiful atmosphere of Jalsa Salana UK appeared before my eyes, which would be my home for the next 4 days. As the signature white marquees emerged in the distance, like every year, I reminded myself again why I was here, as stated by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), which, in his words, is a convention that enables every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits and enhance their knowledge, so that their perception of Allah the Almighty, may progress. (1)

This year, as always, most of my family and friends were volunteering in various departments, and after a few years, I was also given the blessed opportunity to serve in the Press and Media department. I was nervous, at first, as I hadn’t served at this level before, but at the same time the feeling of nerves was quickly replaced by excitement, as I was ready to assist alongside hard-working and experienced individuals and form long-lasting relationships of love and sisterhood – after all, that is also what Jalsa is about – meeting with others, in order to strengthen the ties of the community.

Like previous years, I stayed at the on-site accommodation and was truly fortunate to offer my daily Prayers behind His Holiness, lMirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper). Each Prayer was a blessing. Each silent supplication, a moment of renewal. I often found myself in quiet reflection, grateful not only for being present but for being counted among those with the privilege to attend. There are tens of thousands of Ahmadi Muslims who long to be part of this gathering but cannot. The fact that I stood in those marquees was nothing but a sign of Allah’s Grace.

What surprised me the most, however, was how easily comfort found its way into my heart – especially without my mother or grandmother. Of course, I missed their presence every single moment I thought about it, but their absence did not create a long-lasting void, because those around me filled every space with joy, love and warmth. This is, I believe, the true spirit of Jalsa: the ability to belong anywhere, anytime, surrounded by the blessings of Khilafat and this is shown in each Jalsa, whether attended in the UK or abroad, I never feel out of place.

Today, the highly anticipated Bai’at ceremony took place and, as always, it is difficult to express this spiritual and physical act of love, faith and commitment in words – tears upon tears, which we have absolutely no control over. A feeling inside our heart, hoping it lasts forever, although the hard truth is we have to try to make that happen. Renewing this divine pledge of allegiance means bringing about a change within ourselves – a long-lasting change, inshallah which we all hope to achieve.

As we will offer our last Prayers of this blessed convention with heads bowed and hearts open, I will feel an ache which I have felt in previous years – the ache of departure. Jalsa wasn’t just an event; it is a mirror. A mirror that shows me what I lack, what I value and what I should aspire to become.

On Monday morning, as I leave that blessed ground, with my shoes dusty and my heart light, the words of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be His Helper), will echo in my mind and I will understand that I carry home more than memories; I will carry responsibility. Responsibility to embody what I have learned, to act upon the values reinforced in every corner of the Jalsa site, and to continue the journey of spiritual and moral reform.

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.

References:

Objectives, Purpose & Blessings of Jalsa Salana