By HibbatulKhaliq Mujitaba
In a world that often feels divided and fast-paced, events like Jalsa Salana provide a vital space to foster understanding, patience, and tolerance among diverse communities.
Jalsa, a celebration of faith and unity, serves as a profound reminder that patience and tolerance are not just virtues, but essential tools for creating harmony in diversity, at Jalsa, patience serves as the golden thread that weaves unity, while tolerance infuses the vivid colours that illuminate a tapestry of collective harmony.
The spirit of patience and tolerance is central to Jalsa Salana, where participants engage in acts of service and hospitality. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds exemplify these virtues by selflessly attending to guests, and fostering a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Attendees often remark on the genuine warmth and dedication of the workers, which reflects the teaching of the Ahmadiyya community, emphasizing Love for all and patience in interactions. Despite some minor challenges, the overall experience promotes a deep sense of unity, respect and understanding among participants from around the world.
Also embracing the spirit of tolerance and patience at Jalsa requires a deep understanding of these values and their significance in our lives.
TOLERANCE AND PATIENCE – A DIVINE VIRTUE
Tolerance and patience are essential virtues that allow us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Patience is not just about how we wait, it involves embracing a state of inner peace and trust in the divine timing of life.
The promised messiah taught that tolerance and patience are essential for building a harmonious and peaceful community. He said: “The essence of faith is to bear every hardship with patience and to tolerate every affliction with fortitude “. (Malfuzat , vol 5, page 272)
“A true believer is one who is patient, tolerant and compassionate” . (Malfuzat, vol 5, page 420)
CULTIVATING PATIENCE AT JALSA
Patience is crucial in promoting harmony. In a fast-paced society, where immediate gratification is often expected, the ability to remain calm and composed is a powerful asset. At Jalsa, moments of reflection and contemplation are woven into the fabric of the event, reminding participants of the importance of taking a step back and allowing for thoughtful consideration. This practice not only enhances personal growth but also cultivates a more supportive and understanding community.
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
(ABA) emphasized that volunteers should treat guests as the promised messiah’s guests, serving with humility and patience, despite any challenging behaviours encountered. Guests are encouraged to focus on spiritual growth over material comforts and to overlook minor shortcomings in arrangement, fostering a forgiving atmosphere. Practicing patience involves reflecting on the event’s purpose, suppressing anger, and responding to conflicts with kindness, thereby enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
To cultivate Patience at Jalsa, consider the following tips inspired by the promised messiah’s teachings.
- Reflect on the purpose of Jalsa: remember that Jalsa is a spiritual gathering aimed at promoting unity, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Keep this purpose in mind and strive to embody the values of patience and tolerance.
- Exhibit kindness: respond to any negative behaviour with patience and understanding, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.
- Practice gratitude: cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to attend and connect with fellow believers.
- Practice mindfulness: stay present in the moment and observe your thoughts and emotions without judgement, this helps to cultivate inner peace and patience.
- Focus on the journey: instead of focusing on the destination, appreciate the journey. Enjoy the company of others and find joy in the experience.
The promised messiah said “patience is the key to success in this world and the next “. (Malfuzat, vol 4, page 320)
EMBRACING TOLERANCE AT JALSA
Tolerance is more than just accepting differences; it’s about valuing them. At Jalsa, individuals come together to share experiences, ideas, and cultures. This interaction fosters an environment where participants can learn from one another. By engaging in open dialogues, attendees can challenge their preconceived notions and broaden their perspectives. This spirit of tolerance encourages us to listen actively and appreciate the richness that diversity brings to our lives
Tolerance is another essential virtue to embrace at Jalsa, the promised messiah taught that tolerance involves accepting and respecting others.
The Jalsa Salana emphasizes tolerance and brotherhood aiming to foster mutual love among attendees. His Holiness encourages participants to overcome grievances and maintain high moral standards , showcasing Islam’s true essence through their conduct. The event promotes peace, urging Muslims to contribute to global harmony while serving guests with humility and respect. The rate of attendees sky rockets every Year, highlighting the community’s commitment to unity and service , reinforcing the message of “love for all, hatred for none “.
- Love and Acceptance: treat others with love, kindness, and respect. Recognize that everyone has their unique journey and struggles
- Active listening: listen to others without judgement, and try to understand their perspectives. This helps to foster deeper connections and understanding.
- Forgiveness and understanding: practice forgiveness and understanding towards others. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and that we all have room for growth and improvement.
The promised messiah said “ tolerance is a sign of strength, not weakness “.(Malfuzat, vol 3, page 210).
During the Jalsa Salana UK that was held on July 26th to 28th, “Huzoor said that during large gatherings such as Jalsa Salana, where significant numbers congregate, minor conflicts and complaints are occasionally reported. Though such incidents are limited, they can negatively impact the overall ambience of the event. Huzoor emphasized the Quranic teachings that “ a true believer is one who suppresses anger”He advised both the aggrieved and aggressors to reflect on the purpose and environment of the Jalsa, to overlook minor offences and to exhibit patience and tolerance.
Examples of how these values manifest:
- volunteers working tirelessly to serve others with smiles and humility
- guests respecting schedules and community guidelines despite personal preferences
- people helping strangers feel welcomed
During one Jalsa that I attended, I witnessed a young girl give up her seat for an elder without hesitation- this, a small yet powerful act embodying patience and respect.
To truly embrace the spirit of tolerance and patience, it’s essential to integrate these values into our daily lives beyond the confines of Jalsa , engage in conversation with people from different backgrounds, reflect and learn helps deepen understanding and reinforce commitment to tolerance and patience
FINAL THOUGHTS
Embracing the spirit of tolerance and patience at Jalsa is not just about the event itself; it’s about the lasting impact it can have on our lives and communities. By actively promoting these values, we can create a more harmonious and understanding world. As we leave the gathering, let us carry the lessons learned into our everyday interactions, shaping a future where diversity is celebrated, and patience is practiced.
By embracing the spirit of tolerance and patience at Jalsa, we can create a more harmonious and loving community. Remember to reflect on the purpose of Jalsa, practice mindfulness and focus on the journey. Treat others with love, kindness, respect, and strive to understand their perspectives.
As the promised messiah taught, patience and tolerance are essential virtues for building a peaceful and harmonious community. By embracing these values, we can create a more loving and inclusive environment at Jalsa and beyond.
