By Ariyo Fadlul-Hakeem Ahmad
Thirteen decades ago, in a remote village of the subcontinent, a man claimed to be a recipient of Divine revelations and to have been granted the status of The Promised Messiah and Mahdi. He substantiated these claims by showing the support of God Almighty at his side. He is Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on Him).
In 1891, in one of His books “Asmani Faisla” “The Heavenly decree”, He made known his intention for a gathering where his followers would meet for the sake of their faith and to enhance the mutual connection of Ahmadis and to foster mutual unity, love and affection. And thus, the inception of Jalsa Salana.
This annual gathering has since then seen through many years of success and expansion. Today, this convention has incredibly grown and its goals have been gloriously realized by the grace of Allah.
As mentioned, the primary purpose of this great convention is spiritual development. The Promised Messiah (peace be on Him) stated;
“ The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits; They may enhance their knowledge and – due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted – their perception [of Allah] may progress.
(Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 340).
Therefore, in order to attain the real benefits of this convention, one ought to inculcate in oneself the attribute of righteousness and piety. Expounding on the issue of piety, He (peace be on Him) stated;
“I deem it most appropriate, in the best interest of my community, to advise them on righteousness, because a sensible person obviously knows that nothing pleases Allah the Exalted more than piety. Allah Almighty states;
إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ
Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.
(Surah Al Nahl 16:129)
It is particularly incumbent upon my community to adopt righteousness, especially in view of the fact that they associate themselves with and swear allegiance to a man who claims to be divinely commissioned. In this way, they shall be delivered from any of the diverse forms of malice, rancour, associating partners with God, and worldly attachment that may plague them.
(Malfuzat volume 1, page 9)
If we are to summarise the purpose of the Jalsa in a single sentence, it would be to tread on the path of righteousness. In saying so, the Promised Messiah(peace be on Him) has taught us such a great lesson, that if acted upon, we can bring about a great reformation. This does not mean that we should entirely forsake the world and completely cut all ties. Rather, whilst living in this world and carrying out our duties, we must continue to tread upon the path of righteousness, and no worldly pursuit should deter us from that purpose. Allah the Almighty states;
رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ
“By men, whom neither merchandise nor traffic diverts from the remembrance of Allah”
(Surah An-Nur 24:38)
Thus, the true meaning of piety is to carry on our duties in this world, to our families and to humanity, all while maintaining our devotion and connection with God. This can only be done when we adopt righteousness, the fear of God, and His love. This purpose of Jalsa Salana can only be achieved when one adopts the fear of God within oneself. There are people in the world who, without realising, fall into the traps of Satan. But, if a person is aware that God is watching their every move and listening to everything they say, and that He takes to account a person’s evil deeds, then true fear of God will be established. This will then prevent one from usurping the rights of others. The Promised Messiah(as) said that we must adopt the highest levels of fearing God, and become an example for other people.
When one realises this truth and tries his very best to adopt piety, then, he will be able to achieve another of the purposes of Jalsa Salana which was expressed by the Promised Messiah (peace be on Him) by stating;
…Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community..”
(Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 340).
The knot of brotherhood which the Promised Messiah (peace be on Him) wished for his followers is such that The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sowed its seed among his Companions and grew to be such a strong and fruit giving tree about which Allah the Exalted speaks in the Holy Qur’an, saying;
وَالَّذِينَ تَبَوَّؤُوا الدَّارَ وَالْإِيمَانَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّا أُوتُوا وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
“And for those who had established their home in this city and had accepted the faith before them, they love those who come to them for refuge, and find not in their breasts any desire for that which is given them (Refugees), but prefer the Refugees alone themselves, even though poverty be their own lot. And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul—it is these who will be successful.”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:10).
These are the examples which the Holy Prophet(peace and blessings be upon Him) has instructed to follow. The brotherhood of the Muhajireen (Migrants from Mecca) and Ansar (Natives of Medina) was such that they would take hardships upon themselves, so that they may be able to help their brothers. This is how mutual love, compassion and brotherhood can truly be established.
These were the noble purposes for which the Promised Messiah(as) initiated the Jalsa Salana. All of these things must be done for the sake of Allah Almighty, for it is then that one can attain true righteousness. It is such people who please God in this world, and attain His pleasure in the Hereafter as well. Thus, we must establish these examples.
In conclusion, I cite the prayers made by the Promised Messiah (peace be on Him) for those who undertake the journey to this blessed convention solely for the purpose for which it was started, The Promised Messiah (peace be on Him) states;
“ I conclude with the prayer that everyone who travels for [attending] this Convention that is for the sake of Allah: May Allah, the Exalted, be with him, reward him in abundant measure, have mercy on him, ease up for him his circumstances of hardship and anxiety and eliminate his anguish and grief.
May He grant him freedom from every single hardship and lay open for him the ways of [achieving] his cherished goals, and raise him up, on the day of Judgment, among those of His servants who are the recipients of His blessings and Mercy.
May He be their Guardian in their absence until after their journey comes to an end. O Allah! O Sublime One and Bestower of bounties, the Ever Merciful and One Who Resolves all problems, do grant all these prayers, and grant us Victory over our opponents with scintillating signs, because You alone have all the prowess and power. Aameen! Aameen!!”
(Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 342).
