Report on the 39th Jalsa Salana UK

45The Review of Religions – September 2005 Rushmoor Arena was the newvenue for the 39th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. Situated in the lush green countryside near Aldershot, the area is known as the home town of the Military British Army. Spanning over 120 acres, the Jalsa Gah (the site where the Jalsa or Convention is held) was impressively laid out with the main marquees surrounded by various offices and accom- modation facilities. The final day’s attendance figure was 25,249. The Jalsa Gah also included MTA studios, VIP marquees to entertain eminent guests, First Aid facilities manned by qualified doctors and a homeopathic dispensary. A brief report of the principal highlights follows. Proceedings of Day 1: FRIDAY 29TH JULY The day started with the Friday service prayer. Ahmadi men, women and children started to arrive in such large numbers that the main marquee was full even before the Friday Service Prayer Report on the 39th Jalsa Salana UK (held at Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot) By Laiq Ahmad Tahir – UK Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V – head of the worlwide Ahmadiyya community 46 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA started. A large number of people had to sit outside the marquee. Hadhrat Amir ul Mo’mineen, Khalifatul Masih V, arrived for the Friday Service Prayer at 1pm. During his sermon, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih expounded the responsibilities of Jalsa guests. He said that while Islam stresses the importance of taking care of guests, it also provides clear guidance on how to be a good guest. He advised all guests to overlook minor lapses by organisers. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih further elaborated on this subject with noble and shining examples from the life of the Holy Prophet(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as). He reminded that a guest who is a true believer is expected to bring blessings for his host and all Ahmadi guests should prove to be the guests who fulfil these criteria. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih also advised that during the Jalsa everyone should spend their days and nights in the remembrance of Allah. He quoted the commentary of the verse by Hadhrat Musleh-e- Ma’ud(ra), in which he has explained the verse with particular reference to Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention). He had said that if all the Jalsa participants engaged in fervent remembrance of Allah, everyone would be counted amongst His loved ones in return. And who is more fortunate than the one who is near and dear to Allah, the Almighty! In the end, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih rendered general instructions to the participants of Jalsa Salana. He also requested everyone to keep all those Ahmadis at the forefront of all their prayers who are currently suffering an intense and violent persecution in some countries of the world. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih subsequently led the Jumu’ah Jumu’ah (Friday) and Asr prayers in congregation. Flag Hoisting Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih arrived for the flag hoisting ceremony at 4:30pm. He was greeted with slogans of Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) and Ahmadiyyat Zinda-Baad (long live 47The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA Ahmadiyyat). Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih hoisted the Liwa-e- Ahmadiyyat flag which was surrounded by 73 other flags, signifying the international aspect of the Jalsa. Amir Uk hoisted the union Jack. After leading the silent prayers Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih proceeded to the main marquee for the inaugural session. Inaugural Session The main marquee had an air of excitement whilst everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of Hadhrat Amirul Mo’mineen, Khalifatul Masih V. The stillness of the moment, the happy faces, the glorifying hearts and the satisfied souls – the electric feelings of the Jalsa ran through everyone. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s arrival was once again greeted with heart- warming slogans. With the permission of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih, four of the eminent guests present for the inaugural session were invited to briefly address the Jalsa. These guests included: Baroness Sarah Ludford, a Member of the European Parliament for London as well as the spokesperson for the European Liberal Democrat Group on Justice and Home Affairs Committee. The Baroness said that she deeply appreciated the motto of the Ahmadiyya Community – Love for All Hatred for None – and we needed this motto to face the dangers of the present time. She also praised Ahmadis for setting an example on how to deal with the potential conflict of being a British citizen as well as being a member of the Muslim faith. Tony Colman, a loyal and precious friend of the community, a former MP for Putney (UK), is currently leading various UN projects in Africa. Tony praised the contributions of Humanity First in leading welfare projects in Africa. He also mentioned his plan to set up a Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association together with Lord Avebury. This would be a high profile group that would help to raise awareness of the plight and persecution faced by Ahmadi Muslims at the hands of Muslim zealots in various countries. Tony also mentioned his personal bond 48 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ru) and how Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s prayers and homeopathic treatment cured his granddaughter from leukaemia. He said that he considered himself an honorary member of the worldwide Ahmadiyya community. Hon. Dominic Grieve, is a Member of Parliament and shadow Attorney General. He conveyed his personal greetings and those of Michael Howard – Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. He said that everyone recognised the con-tributions of the Ahmadiyya Community to the British society. The message of tolerance and peace preached and practised by the Ahmadiyya community has never been needed more than today. He also said that the Ahmadiyya message is the key to create a harmonious society in Britain and thus Ahmadis have to play a significant role in creating a peaceful society for the future generations of this country. Hon. Mark Oaten, MP for Winchester and Liberal Democratic Shadow Home Secretary. It was Mark’s first expe- rience of attending the Jalsa and he said that he was very impressed by 49The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA the immaculate orga- nisation of the event. Inaugural Address Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih started his inaugural address by reciting verse 187 from Surah Al- Baqarah (Ch.2). He said that Allah guarantees to those of His people who submit themselves to Him that He listens to their supplications and responds to their prayers. However, this promise by Allah is conditional on one becoming fully submissive to Him. It is, in fact, a huge favour from Allah that He has given us a clear purpose to our life i.e. to become a true servant of His. Then Allah has also taught us the ways to achieve this purpose by teaching us a prayer in the Holy Qur’an: ‘Guide us in the right path: the path of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy blessings’ (Ch.1: Vs.6-7). It is a profound prayer that we recite several times a day in our Prayers. This supplication is the essence of Salat (prayer). However, when we beseech guidance from Allah, we should envisage those who were the recipients of these favours from their Lord and pray to Allah that He may enable us to advance in virtuous pursuits as well. If, however, our prayers do not take effect, we must become concerned, take our own account and search our heart and soul to identify our slackness. Every Ahmadi should often pray for guidance in the right path. The elevated levels of faith can only be achieved if we offer our prayers with more care and continue to raise our standards of worship to new heights. In The speeches and other functions of the UK Jalsa were broadcast live on satellite television and in 8 different languages simultaneously. 50 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA addition, we will have to cleanse our hearts of any impurity and remove all bad practices from our lives. Only then can our prayers draw the divine blessings and prosperity that we implore. Today, only Ahmadiyyat can bring peace and guidance to the world. May Allah enable all to bring a revolutionary change in them- selves during the blessed days of Jalsa. At the end of this moving address, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih led silent prayers and the first day’s proceedings came to a close. PROCEEDINGS OF DAY 2: SATURDAY 30TH JULY First Session The session was chaired by Dr. Mashhood Fashola, Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim com-munity in Nigeria. There were three speeches in this session. The first speech was delivered by Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Ahmed, Regional Many VIP’s, politicians and special guests attended the UK Jalsa and were given a tour of the site as well as viewing exhibitions about the worldwide Ahmadiyya community. 51The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA Missionary UK. Mr Abdul Ghaffar Ahmed is a Ghanaian and an alumnus of Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah. It is therefore very interesting and commendable that he delivered his lecture speech in eloquent and fluent Urdu. He spoke on the ‘inspiring events during the establishment of the community in Ghana and its progress.’ Inspiring Events During the Establishment of the Community in Ghana and its Progress In 1920, a man called Yusuf had a dream that a white man was their ‘Imam’. He mentioned his dream to Mahdi Apa, the chief of Ashanti tribe. Under divine inspiration and with someone’s proposal, Mahdi Apa sent a letter to Qadian requesting for a missionary to be sent to Ghana. In those days, Hadhrat Maulana Abdur Raheem Nayyar Sahib was working as a missionary in London. He was instructed by Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood(ra) to go to Ghana. He set out on this journey on 9th February 1921 and reached Gold Coast (Ghana) on 28th February. Within a few weeks, 4,000 people had joined the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Hadhrat Maulana Hakeem Fazlur Rehman Sahib, Hadhrat Maulana Nazeer Ahmad Ali Sahib and Hadhrat Maulana Nazeer Ahmad Mubashir Sahib are amongst the pioneer missionaries in Ghana. They travelled the land many a time on foot and reached the most remote The Ahmadiyya community’s simple but powerful message. 52 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA areas with the message of the true Islam for Ghanaian people. It is the fruit of those extraordinary services and sacrifices by the early missionaries that now Ghanaian missionaries are serving Ahmadiyyat in various countries of the world. The Ahmadiyya community is actively engaged in several welfare activities in the country including establishing and running six hospitals, four homeopathic clinics, a homeo- pathic laboratory that caters to the needs of the entire African continent, and hundreds of primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. The second speech of the morning session was on the subject ‘Status of Other Faiths in Islam’ by Maulana Mubashar Kahloon Sahib, Nazir Islaho Irshad and Mufti e Silsala. Status of Other Faiths in Islam The concept of God in Islam is that of the ‘Lord of all the worlds’. Islam teaches all its followers that Allah is the Creator of this universe. Just as He has made provisions for the physical needs of the human race, He has also provided for the spiritual needs of His creation by sending prophets to all nations and people. This is why the faith of a Muslim is not complete until he declares that all prophets of God were true in their claim. Also, Islam instructs all Muslims to follow the life of all prophets as Islam is the culmination of the true teachings of all previous faiths. Islam teaches respect for other religions and does not promote compulsion in matters of religion. Allah the Almighty has commanded Muslims in the Holy Qur’an to protect the places of worship of other religions and to deal with them justly. The speaker presented several incidents from the history of Islam that showed how the non-Muslim population had enjoyed religious freedom under Muslim rule. Finally, Mr Bilal Atkinson, the Regional Amir of the North East Region UK, spoke on the topic of ‘The Holy Prophet’s(sa) Treatment of his Wives.’ A gist of this speeche is given below: The Holy Prophet’s(sa) Treatment of his Wives This was a moving account of the 53The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA Holy Prophet’s(sa) domestic life. This has been reproduced on page 25 of this issue. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s Address to Ladies In accordance with the traditions of Jalsa, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih addressed the ladies at the end of the second session. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih, together with Hadhrat Begum Sahiba, had earlier presented medals of academic achievements to Lajna who had achieved outstanding results during the last year. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) started his address with the recitation and a brief explanation of verses 21 and 22 of Surah Al- Hadid. He said that Allah the Almighty, time and time again, has drawn our attention towards the purpose of our creation in His Holy Book. We should therefore ponder over these teachings to understand this purpose and follow the commandments prescribed for successfully achieving this purpose. Those people who are totally lost in material pursuits in this world and ignore the commandments of Allah and do not make any effort to bring a holy change in their lives, fail to fulfil their obligations towards Allah and His creation and thus incur divine punishment. On the contrary, those who engage in good deeds and make the effort to please their Lord have been promised salvation and blessings. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih invited every Ahmadi to take his or her own account whether he or she is fulfilling the purpose of their life and that of the advent of the Promised Messiah(as) in our time. Ahmadi ladies will be counted amongst the fortunate people of the latter days, as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, only when they will bring a holy change and raise their standard of worship. Ahmadi ladies are not responsible for themselves alone but also have the responsibility for the training and education of their future progenies. Ahmadi ladies should always remember that their charm and pride should never lie in their material possessions but only in their righteousness. Worldly gains are not everything, it is only an illusion; understand the purpose of your life and adorn yourself with 54 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA righteousness as this will truly enhance your charm. Ladies spend a lot of money in order to wear fashionable clothes. It is female nature to want to stand out from the others. However, the dress of an Ahmadi woman should cover her modestly. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih reminded ladies living in the western society that they are not giving due importance to adequate covering in their dress. Ahmadi ladies should fulfil the standards as commanded by God, and should protect themselves from exposure to this society. Those who reach the age of observing purdah should do so, but should refrain from adopting double standards. The covering for going outside should be no different to that used for going to the mosque. Ahmadi ladies should always keep the pleasure of Allah at the forefront in everything they do in life. If you embrace righteousness, it will attract the mercy of Allah, your faith will strengthen and you will advance further in virtuous deeds. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih advised ladies to follow all the commandments of Allah and warned that there will be no paradise for those who do not follow these commandments. He also invited Ahmadi ladies to start a struggle (jihad) to stem the advancement of evils in the society and uproot them completely. All such ladies who engage in this jihad will guarantee a paradise for themselves and for their future generations. The ladies attendance for this session was 8,579. Third Session A pre-session was chaired by Mr Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, Amir UK, in which some honourable members of the community at large were invited to address the Jalsa. The following dignitaries addressed the audience: Cllr. George Dawson, The Worshipful Mayor of Rushmoor. He welcomed Jalsa in Rushmoor. Dr. Prem Sharma, Human Rights Activist. He said that recent events have brought the British society closer together. The Ahmadiyya Community has always preached 55The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA harmony. He said the message of the Ahmadiyya Community is the right one. Cllr. David Harmer, represents Waverly Western Villages in Surrey council. He said that he was pleased to see that the community was able to find a new site for their Convention that was bigger and more suited to their needs. Hon. Lars Rise, Member of Parliament Norway. He said that the conflict between Islam and the West has become more prominent since the end of the Cold War. However, the differences can only be resolved with love and tolerance. The Ahmadiyya motto provides a perfect guidance on how to achieve peace in the world. Tariq Chaudhry, The president of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Trade in the UK, praised the efforts of Humanity First. He said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community him made him proud to be a Muslim. He saw Ahmadis as the most hard working, pragmatic Muslims. Hon. Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon. He commended the work of Humanity First. Hon. Adam Holloway, MP for Gravesham in Kent also addressed the Convention. Baroness Emma Nicholson, MEP, praised the community for spreading the message of peace in the world, helping the suffering people of Iraq and showing kindness, generosity and love for others. She also presented a letter of gratitude to Amir UK on behalf of the people of Najaf for the generous help provided to them. The Jalsa audience expressed their gratitude for the kind words and best wishes from their guests by raising traditional slogans at the end of each speech. At the conclusion of the pre- session Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih arrived in the Marquee to share an account of the progress made by the Ahmadiyya Community worldwide. Whilst Hadhrat Amir ul Mo’mineen spoke of these countless blessings, the Heavens also stirred by this moving 56 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA account, showered their blessings. These droplets of rain could perhaps be measured but the divine favours showered on the Ahmadiyya Jama’at are indeed countless. Here are some of the facts and figures highlighting the progress achieved by the Jama’at in the last year. • The community spread to three new countries this year – namely Gibraltar, Bahamas and St Vincent. The community now has roots in 181 countries of the world. The number has doubled since 1984. • A main focus for this year was to re-invigorate the links in some of the countries where the community had penetrated in the past. In this respect, contacts in Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Moldova, Malta, Finland, Solomon Island and Venezuela were strengthened. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih advised the community to concentrate on the Tarbiyat of the people who had previously joined the Ahmadiyya Jama’at. • Despite extremely adverse social and political factors, there were 209,799 new converts joining the community this year. These belonged to 109 countries and 290 nations of the world. The largest number of new conversions was achieved in Nigeria. • There were 985 new branches of the community set up this year. • The community was blessed with 319 new mosques of which 135 came with their congregations and Imams. This brings the total number of mosques bestowed upon the Community, since 1984, to 13,776. • The total number of Mission houses has increased to 189. • Two new translations of the Holy Qur’an were published – Uzbek and Creole – bringing the total to 60. Another 21 translations are ready for proofreading. • The sermons delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ru), 57The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA in 1983 and 1984 have now been compiled and published. • Almost a million books and pamphlets were printed in 288 different languages. • Hundreds of thousands of people attended 257 exhibitions organised this year. • Millions of people visited 2,755 bookstalls around the world. • The first websites in Arabic and Chinese languages were launched. • There are 37 hospitals and 465 schools serving the African continent under the blessed Nusrat Jehan scheme. The community has started estab- lishing schools in Francophone countries from this year. • In addition to MTA, another 186 programmes spanning over 8,000 hours (this equates to 11 calendar months) were broad- cast. These programmes were watched by approximately 600 million viewers worldwide. • The Ahmadiyya Radio in Burkina Faso is also gaining popularity in local areas. • 3,689 new-born children were presented to the Jama’at under Waqf-e-Nau scheme. The scheme now has 19,400 boys and 10,200 girls. • Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih also briefly mentioned some of the welfare efforts undertaken by the Ahmadiyya Muslim com- munity during the year. • Last year, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih had expressed his desire to increase the number of Musian (persons who have pledged to abide by the conditions of The Will and have bequeathed above one-tenth of their income and estate upon death to the community) to be increased by 15,000 during the year. By the grace and mercy of Allah 16,148 applications have been submitted and are being processed. • Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih also mentioned that the purchase of a new Jalsa site of 208 acres at 58 The Review of Religions – September 2005 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA Alton in the UK was in its final stages. The proceedings of the second day concluded at the end of this most inspiring progress report. The Jalsa audience returned with their hearts singing hymns of glory on witnessing these favours. PROCEEDINGS OF DAY 3: SUNDAY 31st JULY Fourth Session Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib, principal Jamai’a Ahmadiyya Rabwah, chaired the session. The session consisted of three speeches. First of all, Ch. Hameedullah Sahib, Wakil-e-A’la of Tahrik Jadid, enlightened the audience on the topic of ‘The inviolable honour with which the Promised Messiah(as) held Islam.’ A gist of these lectures follows. The inviolable honour with which the Promised Messiah(as) held Islam When Islam was being attacked from all directions, and the opponents of Islam had predicted a woeful end of this faith, when the Muslims themselves had lost all hope and their leaders were being baptised into Christianity, there was only one heart that kept the love of Allah and His Prophet(sa) ignited. This was Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian who fervently supplicated to Allah to change the fortunes of Islam. At the same time he studied the allegations raised against Islam. Ultimately, he entered the arena as a champion of Islam under divine inspiration and challenged all religious leaders of the world to a religious bout that should be based on logic and unquestionable divine support. He left no stone unturned to prove the supremacy of Islam over other faiths. The speaker illustrated the topic in the light of several examples from the life of the Promised Messiah(as). This scholarly speech was followed by a moving and inspirational one on the subject of ‘The Institution of Khilafat and our Responsibilities.’ This was delivered by Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Imam of the Fazl Mosque, London. Institution of Khilafat and our Responsibilities The demise of each prophet is followed by a second mani- 59The Review of Religions – September 2005 festation so that the mission started by the prophet himself can be taken to its ultimate successful conclusion. Khilafat and prophet- hood both are bestowed by Allah. The only difference is that whereas Allah directly appoints a prophet to his seat, a khalifa is elected through the faithful followers. However, the khalifa is always elected under divine will. The Khilafah is a reward for the faithful that is conditional on righteousness and doing virtuous deeds. In return, the Khilafah brings two blessings: the glory of Islam and peace in the state of fear. Khilafah in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was estab- lished according to the prophecies of the Holy Prophets(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as). Imam Sahib briefly mentioned some of the blessings of Khilafah that the Ahmadiyya community has enjoyed. He also mentioned our responsibilities with respect to Khilafah. Absolute and utmost obedience is the first step, but it requires listening to everything said by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba). If we claim to love our Khilafah then we must give a practical proof of our claim. Finally, he mentioned a few shining examples of obedience from the companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as) and said that these examples set the standard for us to follow. Today, we should make such a firm pledge that we will follow Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) in every commandment in such a way that the angels are proud of our obedience. Mr Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, Amir UK, rendered an inspiring account on ‘The Obedience of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).’ The Obedience of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) The obedience of the companions was driven by their love for the Holy Prophet(sa). Amir Sahib explained this point with the help of numerous examples from the life of the Companions of both the Holy Prophet(sa) and the Promised Messiah(as). He said that the rise of Islam was linked to the obedience to the authority and when this obedience gradually withered away, the Muslims lost their glory REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA 60 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA The Review of Religions – September 2005 and supremacy. He also said that we are fortunate to have the Khilafah amongst us. It is this rope of Allah to which we must hold fast. The International Bai’at The dignified and moving ceremony of the International Bai’at has become a traditional part of the Annual Convention UK. This is the time when millions of Ahmadis around the world renew their pledge of initiation at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba). There were 209,799 new souls belonging to 109 countries and 290 nations that embraced Ahmadiyyat. Alhamdulillah. Fifth Session Some more dignitaries attending the last day of Jalsa were permitted to address the audience just before the concluding session. The session was chaired by Mr Rafiq Hayat. The following guests briefly addressed the convention. Cllr. Diana Whittingham, The Worshipful Mayor of Wandsworth. International initiation ceremony at the hands of the Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V Professor Elizabeth Howlett, Member of London Assembly. She said that she had enormous admiration for the work done by the Ahmadiyya Community. Mr Baldev Singh Mehra, The representative of Sikh Gurdawaras. He said that he found the Ahmadiyya motto very close to his heart. Cllr. Judy Saunders, The Worshipful Mayor of Merton, said, ‘Your mosque is looked upon as a symbol of peace.’ She also referred to multi-faith prayers held at Baitul Futuh Mosque and commended the community for taking this step. Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP for SW Surrey, said that Ahmadis have always practised peace and present a loving interpretation of Islam. Mrs. Sharon Rowles, MEP for South East Region, said that it was her first visit to a Jalsa and she was very impressed by its organisation. Paramount Chief Rashid Kamada-Bongay, Paramount Chief of Kakwa Chiefdom of Bo Region in Sierra Leone, an Ahmadi, mentioned some of the services rendered by the Jama’at in Sierra Leone. Message from Presidents of several countries. Amir Sahib read a message of good wishes sent to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih by the Presidents of several countries including Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana. Concluding session Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) arrived in the main marquee for the final session at 4:28pm. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) presented Academic Excellence Awards, comprising of a gold medal and a Certificate of Achievement, to various Ahmadi students who had achieved outstanding results in their studies during the last year. In his concluding address, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) spoke on the subject of Tau’hid or the Unity or Oneness of God. He said that this subject has been dealt with in the Holy Qur’an from beginning to end and this is the fundamental condition for accepting Islam. 61 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA The Review of Religions – September 2005 62 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA The Review of Religions – September 2005 All Qur’anic teachings revolve around the concept of God. One can claim to have a belief in the absolute unity of God only by following the commandments of Allah. The culmination of this teaching of Tau’hid is in the unity of Muslims as a nation. Unfortunately, today there are divides amongst Muslims and this is why they cannot implement Tau’hid in the world as Tau’hid cannot be established without accepting the Promised Messiah(as). The non-Ahmadi Muslims should pray for guidance in this matter. If they pray with pure intentions they will definitely be guided by Allah. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) invited non-Ahmadi Muslims to take a look at their state of affairs and ponder over why they are facing disappointment at every front. This is only because they oppose the reformer of the time. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) invited all Muslims to ponder over the message of Hadhrat Imam Mahdi(as) and seek guidance from Allah in this matter and not to adopt the example of people before them. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) advised all Ahmadis to also take stock of themselves. Ahmadis should make a greater effort to reform themselves. Those who understand the subject of Tau’hid will bring a great change in their lives. When Ahmadis are able to display these changes, the world will unite under the banner of Ahmadiyyat itself. At the end of this enlightening address, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) led silent prayers and the Jalsa reached its successful conclusion. Afterwards, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) remained at the stage for a little while and listened to traditional Arabic and African slogans and anthems. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih(atba) also visited the ladies marquee and listened to poems recited by the Lajna. 63 REPORT ON THE 39TH UK JALSA SALANA The Review of Religions – September 2005 Advertise your business in The Review of Religions and see sales scale to new heights. Existing adverts can be placed and sponsorship on regular features is available in this longest running worldwide Muslim monthly magazine in the English language. 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