Jalsa Salana/Annual Conventions

Jalsa Journal: Reporting from Day 3 of Jalsa Salana UK 2022

Listening to the insightful speeches of the speakers at the morning session of the Jalsa Salana is the perfect way to start the day. There is a cool breeze and the sky is clear. It’s a bittersweet morning thinking about how this is the last day of the Jalsa Salana.

 

 

Men’s Team

Everyone is gathering in the main tent at the moment where we will take the pledge of allegiance at the hands of the Khalif

 

 

Men’s Team

My heart is racing while I wait for our beloved Imam, the Khalifa, to arrive in the main marquee of the Jalsa Salana and lead Ahmadis in all corners of the world in the pledge of allegiance.

 

 

Men’s Team

Before the Bai’at (allegiance) Ceremony:

 

Inside the Ladies Main Marquee, announcements have just been delivered with guidance for the Bai’at ceremony which is about to take place. There is pin drop silence inside as ladies sit in deep reflection while they wait for their beloved Huzoor (aba) (His Holiness) to take them through what is expected to be an ocean of emotion.

On the digital screen in front of us, the instructions read, ‘The International Bai’at will take place shortly Insha’Allah (God-willing), kindly maintain silence and stay seated, Jazakamullah (May God reward you).’

 

 

After the Bai’at Ceremony:

 

Words are not a sufficient medium in which to capture the most beautiful moment of the long year. We are joyous at the addition of so many fellow brothers and sisters in the Jama’at (Community). This is a time for glancing earnestly into oneself. Ladies around us are still observing silence as they attempt to absorb the majesty of what they have just experienced.

May Allah the Almighty forever protect this community. Ameen.

 

 

Ladies Team

The international pledge of allegiance just ended. It’s hard to put in words what this moment means to me. When the Khalifa arrives and you put your hand on the shoulder of your brother or sister infront of you, your hearts resonate as one with the Khalifa as you confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness. It feels as though I was travelling through a tunnel of light while repeating the words of the Bai’at, and at the end it feels like a new life has begun.

 

Men’s Team

It’s lunch time right now, and as Beloved Huzoor (aba) mentioned on the first day of Jalsa, there’s nothing like the Langar of the Promised Messiah (as). And what better way to satisfy your hunger after being spiritually rejuvenated than to eat from the kitchen of the Promised Messiah (as) himself

 

Men’s Team

Lunch was amazing. God bless the cooks who prepare this food around the clock. The meat in the curry is always cooked to perfection, but even the delicious food can’t stop my mind from going back to the international Bai’at. Truly what a life-changing experience. It’s this feeling that Ahmadis around the world have been craving for the last 2-3 years.

 

Men’s Team

The last and final speech of beloved Huzoor (aba) during this Jalsa is going to complete the Jalsa experience. I can’t wait to get back inside the marquee and listen to Huzoor’s concluding address. Not only that, but the main marquee is the best place to find some shade from the blazing sun and cool off under the AC.

 

Men’s Team

Everyone is gathering as we await the start of the concludin session. The main marquee is nearly full and members of the community who are unable to come inside are preparing to watch and listen to the proceedings outside in an overflow tent where they’ll be able to see the beautiful countenance of beloved Huzoor (aba) on a large screen.

 

Men’s Team

Just like the deeply rooted ends of this tree, which all our sisters will recognise in an instant- the one with lush leaves providing shade decade after decade to the people taking respite from the harsh sun, Jalsa too is a constant reality. It’s roots are deeply ingrained in our lives. So truly, this is not necessarily a farewell, because we will all be back, drinking the blessings of these special days again.

 

So until this precious time comes again, we pray for safe travels to all the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). Let’s go back to our homes, and remind ourselves of what we have learned.

 

Allah hafiz Jalsa Salana UK 2022.

 

Ladies Team