When I was around ten or eleven years old, Jalsa was everything a child could imagine. To me, it was a playground, a place to reunite with my long-missed acquaintances, and a place where I could run around freely knowing fully well that if anything happened to me or I got lost, it’s just a matter of time before my mum found me. I always looked forward to the special month ‘December’ and by the time it rolled in, I had already started my own official countdown, with excitement and anticipation patiently waiting for the day we start the journey. I had one habit I inculcated from one of my old acquaintances, which is saving ahead of the golden day. I would carefully save a portion of the pocket money which I received on days prior to the month of December. I would tuck it away so I could buy snacks and small treats during Jalsa. It was not just about the fun, rather it was more about planning ahead, feeling a sense of independence as I spent the money I had saved. Back then, it was all about fun, laughter, and the profound happiness of having to see familiar faces that I had missed. I never thought of it as more than that. It was just a special time in the year, a safe haven of joy, freedom and a little bit of adventure. Little did I know that a particular Jalsa would change my mindset, and everything forever.

As I grew older, Jalsa remained a place I eagerly awaited, but my perspective shifted. That year, I carried a deep worry in my heart. It was about my upcoming exams. I wanted to study well, do my best, and succeed, but I also prayed for something more personal. I needed Allah to guide me in starting to observe my five daily prayers consistently. I had tried several times but never succeeded.

During this particular jalsa, the fifth khalifat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), delivered a message that struck me profoundly. He talked about patience, dedication, and seeking Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life. His words seemed to speak directly to my heart, filling me with clarity and reassurance. For the first time, I felt like I could achieve both my goals: focus on my studies and begin practicing my prayers faithfully. It was at that moment, surrounded by thousands of feelings entirely connected to my heart, I knew that my prayers had been answered. It was not dramatic, there were no fireworks, no sudden miracle. All there was was a deep, unshakable clarity and resolve. It was at that moment I also realized that the Jalsa ground was indeed sacred. And Alhamdulillah, whenever I remembered that year, tears of gratitude wells up in my eyes, because I had finally let Allah’s guidance in my life.

Leaving the jalsa ground that year, I carried a sense of calm, purpose and determination that I had never experienced before. That single moment stayed with me and became a reminder that answers don’t always come in flashy ways, but they usually arrive exactly when needed. From that year onward, it became a sacred place where memories, prayers and life changing realizations intertwine.

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Mrs. Widadullah, a dedicated member of Lajna Imaillah from the North Central region of Nigeria, shared some reflections on the profound lessons she has learnt from attending Jalsa Salana over the decades. Her story is one of connection, growth, and unwavering faith in the teachings of Ahmadiyya.

For Mrs. Widadullah, Jalsa is much more than an annual gathering; it is a transformative experience. “Jalsa has always taught me how to connect with people, both familiar and non acquaintances, and how to conduct myself when I’m outside the Jama’at,” she explained. “In Ahmadiyya, we consider ourselves one big family. But even within that family, there are people we’ve never met before. Jalsa teaches us to embrace them, talk to them, and coexist peacefully. This has strengthened my bond with the Jama’at and deepened my love for it.”

Her journey with Jalsa began in her early years as a Nasirat member. Looking back, she fondly recalls how attending Jalsa as a child introduced her to the beauty and essence of Ahmadiyyat. “Jalsa is where I truly understood why I should be an Ahmadi,” she noted. “It is a constant reminder of the true purpose of the Jama’at. Every year, I feel immense gratitude for the gift of being part of this community.”

When asked how she manages to attend Jalsa with her three-year-old daughter, Mrs. Widadullah’s face lit up with a smile. “It’s all about setting your mind to it,” she said. She keeps her daughter entertained during the sessions, allowing her to play nearby while she listens and learns. With a touch of humuor, she added, “I believe no Ahmadi child can ever be lost at Jalsa. They’ll always find their way back or someone will return them! So, I let her explore within my sight, and that way, we both benefit from the experience.”

Mrs. Widadullah’s story is a testament to the enriching impact of Jalsa Salana on individuals and families. Through her years of participation, she has cultivated lasting connections, strengthened her faith, and passed on the spirit of Jalsa to the next generation. Her reflections remind us that Jalsa is not just an event; it is a living embodiment of unity, learning, and spiritual growth.

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Imagine embarking on a 5-hour journey to a spiritual retreat, only to encounter fuel scarcity, a cracked windshield, a mysterious fuel leak, and a sleepless night in a questionable neighborhood. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But for me, it was a test of faith and determination to attend Jalsa Salana Nigeria, the annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of attending Jalsa Salana, and I had never missed one. But in 2019, fate seemed determined to keep me away.

We planned to leave early on Friday, but fuel scarcity had other plans. After securing two 25-liter gallons, we hit the road, only to be halted by a tedious traffic jam on Iwo Road, Ibadan. A long vehicle rear-ended us, cracking our windshield. We rushed to a nearby workshop for repairs, thinking that was the worst of it.

After fixing the windshield, we discovered a mysterious fuel leak. We paused to repair it, but our journey was far from smooth. The leak drained our fuel, leaving us stranded. The females in our group boarded another Jama’at vehicle, while four of us males spent the night guarding our vehicle, praying till dawn.

We were warned about the area’s high crime rate, so we were vigilant through the night. The darkness was palpable, but our faith kept us going.

At dawn, a brother ventured out to find fuel. After six hours of searching, he returned triumphant. We were overjoyed, but our hunger pangs were unbearable. Locals offered us Paw paw and (colorful) water, we accepted it but we could not feed on it. Our hunger for spiritual nourishment outweighed our physical hunger.

With fuel in hand, we embarked on the final leg of our journey. We arrived at the Jalsa Salana grounds at 7 pm, exhausted but exhilarated. Our attendance was marked, and we earned Allah’s grace in abundance.

That experience taught me that with faith and perseverance, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

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Br. Abdulbasit Tijani Adewale, a distinguished alumnus of Federal University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and former Vice President of the Ahmadi Muslim Students’ Association, Nigeria, has a remarkable story to share. His journey is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of prayer and devotion.

In 2016, he embarked on a spiritual odyssey, arriving at the Jalsa Salana venue a week prior to the program’s commencement. Under the guidance of Brother Miftaudeen, the former State Qaid of Oyo State, he learned a valuable lesson: “Whatever you do for Almighty Allah, you will be rewarded.” This wisdom resonated deeply with Br. Abdulbasit, inspiring him to make a heartfelt request.

With unwavering faith, Br. Abdulbasit prayed to Allah, seeking excellence in his academic pursuits, even before gaining admission. His supplications were answered in abundance. By the grace of God, he graduated with First Class honors in Mechatronics Engineering.

Br. Abdulbasit attributes his remarkable achievement to the power of prayer and the blessings of Allah. His story serves as a testament to the rewards of devotion, perseverance, and faith. May his journey inspire others to tap into the transformative power of prayer and worship.

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Growing up, the experience of Jalsa Salana was more than a spiritual gathering for me and my childhood friends; it was a grand adventure! To us as Atfal, it was a playground, a sanctuary for fun, and a spot to perform our little mischief. While the elders were completely absorbed in the spiritual atmosphere—listening to lectures and participating in prayers—we were busy orchestrating our own escapades.

The kids’ section, or “Atfal Shed” as we called it, was supposed to be a place for us to enjoy the Jalsa programs in a manner suitable for our age group. However, we thought of it more as a detention center we had to escape from. Creeping out of the shed during programs was our version of the game “Subway Surfers.” The Khuddam were like the grumpy inspector in the original game, chasing us down and determined to return us to the shed.

Sometimes, they caught us. Those unlucky enough to be caught were marched back to the Atfal Shed in a comical line, with our brown overalls tied together to ensure no one made another break for it. But why would we want to leave the Atfal Shed? The mission was simple: sneak off to the football pitch for an exciting game or creep under the barricade toward the females’ section to find our mothers for some money or junk food.

But you might wonder, why would we head to the females’ section when the male section was closer? Rushing toward the male section meant bypassing layers of Khuddam guarding their posts, which could easily become our free ticket back to the Atfal Shed. It was a thrilling experience, and our youthful vigor often got the better of us.

After some triumphant moments on the football field, we’d spot a Khadim heading toward us, signaling the end of playtime. Chaos would erupt as we scattered in all directions, running through the cassava shrubs behind the Jamia hostel, trampling over the ridges made by the Hafiz class boys, and making our way to the men’s section for disguise. Those who weren’t quick enough were caught and returned to the children’s section.

We only returned to the Atfal Shed of our own accord when it was mealtime or when they handed out biscuits.

Mornings at Jalsa came early. Groggily rising from our sleep, we braced ourselves for another day of adventure. The Khuddam would awaken us at half past four with their familiar wake-up chant: “Wake up, wake up, wake up for Tahajjud…” Some of us had peed our pants, dreaming about the previous day’s escapades.

The Khuddam were always prepared for us—bathing and dressing us, washing our clothes, and getting us ready for Tahajjud. Despite our mischievous ways, we shared an unbreakable bond. We didn’t care about each other’s tribe or background; we played together on the field, prayed together in rows, and had meals together like lifelong friends. Little did we know, these friendships were planting seeds of brotherhood that would last a lifetime.

One incident stands out in my memory. It was a Jalsa year, and we had traveled from Ibadan in an Ajumose bus—a single-decker popular in Oyo State. Upon arrival at the Jalsa Gah, everyone dispersed to their respective sections. Among us was a young couple with a five-year-old boy.

After parting ways, the father, holding his son’s hand, strolled toward the men’s section while chatting with a friend. The atmosphere was lively—greetings exchanged here and there—until, suddenly, the boy was gone.

The father was stunned, as if he were dreaming. His heart pounded as he backtracked to the car park. In desperation, he called the mother to ask if the boy was with her, even though he clearly remembered holding him. The call only heightened the mother’s anxiety, and calming her felt like pouring water into a basket.

In a crowd of thousands, finding a five-year-old was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Minutes felt like hours as the father retraced his steps. Then, out of nowhere, someone found the boy—completely unbothered and carefree. He hadn’t even realized he was lost and was happily playing with some children he had just met.

This story highlights the carefree nature of children and the vibrancy of youth. More importantly, it underscores one of the lessons of Jalsa Salana: brotherhood beyond borders. Emulating this spirit can form the foundation of a peaceful society.

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“Please remember me in your prayers, especially during the Tahajjud prayers,” a woman pleaded in an emotionally cracked voice, addressing every passenger she encountered as she nervously scanned through the Jalsa buses in search of any available seat.

It was a Thursday morning around 8 a.m., at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Ibadan. The air buzzed with excitement as passengers settled into their buses, ready for the long journey to Abuja on the eve of the Jalsa Salana almost two decades ago. Just as final preparations were being made, a Lajna member suddenly appeared, catching everyone’s attention.

“Where’s my seat, sir?” she anxiously asked one of the members of the Transport Committee, as it seemed no seat had been reserved for her. “I’m sorry, ma. Your seat had been taken because you weren’t here at the stipulated time, and we couldn’t reach you on the phone,” the man explained. With teary eyes, the woman explained how she had arrived at the mosque very early but left briefly to get permission from her boss.

I was in my early teen years then, sitting next to my mum and keenly observing the incident, but the most intriguing part for me was the moment the woman requested prayers at the Jalsa Salana.

Yes, I had attended several Jalsas before then, and I never missed any of the Solats, especially Solatul Tahajjud, but I had never regarded the prayers at the Jalsa with the same weight the woman reflected in her request. I turned to my mum and asked, “Maami! Why is the woman requesting prayers at the Jalsa?”

My mum’s eyes widened in surprise, shocked that I didn’t understand how special a gathering the Jalsa Salana is. She replied, “Jalsa Salana is a blessed gathering initiated by the Promised Messiah, alayhi salam, and he prayed so much for all its participants.” She went on to share instances of her own prayers that were accepted at the Jalsa and I also overheard some Lajna members on the bus share their stories of answered prayers at the Jalsa.

It was at that moment I understood the gravity of the convention. It went beyond my perception of it as a reunion and celebration with family and friends. I realized it carried much more weight—a sacred place to seek solace and connect with Allah, unburden one’s soul, seek forgiveness for sins, and experience divine bliss.

Ever since then, I have always anticipated the coming of every Jalsa with a long list of thanksgiving and prayers to Allah, and I couldn’t wish for a better way to spend my Jalsa Salana.

Several years had passed by and I can’t recall the woman’s face nor her name but the lesson I learned from the experience remains evergreen in my memory.

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As I reflect on my 29 years of attending Jalsa Salana Nigeria, I am filled with fond memories and immense gratitude.

The memories of my first Jalsa Salana are still vividly etched in my mind, even though I was only two years old at the time. My twin sister and I had traveled with our mother from Benin, in the southern part of Nigeria (then known as Bendel State), to the town of Ilaro in the western region to attend the Jalsa Salana.

According to family lore, our mother brought us to meet our grandmother, who was already at the Jalsa. We spent the next three days with her, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and cherishing the company of our extended family.

As Jalsa came to a close, my twin sister and I faced the heart-wrenching reality of leaving our grandmother behind. The brief three days we spent together had forged an unbreakable bond, and the thought of saying goodbye was almost unbearable. Witnessing our tears and distress, our grandmother made a life-changing decision on the spot—to take us home and raise us as her own.

This pivotal moment, born out of the spiritual atmosphere of Jalsa, has had a profound impact on my life. The separation from our mother at Jalsa, only to be taken under our grandmother’s loving care, created a deep and lasting connection between me and this sacred gathering. It was as if the spiritual energy of Jalsa had brought us closer to her and marked the beginning of a chapter filled with love, care, and guidance.

At two years old, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of Jalsa Salana or the sacrifices my mother made to bring us there. But as I grew older, I began to appreciate its importance. For me, Jalsa Salana became more than a religious event; it was a time for family, friends, and community to come together and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, love, and unity.

Reflecting on my Jalsa experiences, I am especially inspired by the countless ways my grandmother prepared for each Jalsa Salana. I remember watching her meticulously buy items, choose cardigans for the cold, and pack new backpacks for our belongings. She also prepared meals, ensuring we had everything we needed to stay healthy and energized.

Her enthusiasm for Jalsa was contagious. She spoke passionately about the event’s expansion, sharing stories of its early days in Ojokoro and its move to Ilaro. Her excitement would build as Jalsa approached, and I found myself equally thrilled.

One unforgettable experience occurred in December 2003 during our journey to Jalsa. My grandmother had made all the necessary arrangements, and we set off early on Friday morning from Saki Central Mosque in a Peugeot 504 wagon, filled with anticipation. The atmosphere in the vehicle was lively, with Lajna Ima’illah and Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya members reciting Islamic poems.

Suddenly, disaster struck—our vehicle somersaulted off the road. Shaken but uninjured, we were rescued by members of the Jama’at traveling in another vehicle. Despite the accident, our spirits remained high. Though given the option to return home, we were determined to continue. Another vehicle was arranged, and we finally arrived at Jalsa grounds late at night, exhausted but triumphant. That journey tested our resolve and strengthened my faith.

At Jalsa, the sense of unity and humility is awe-inspiring. From men warmly embracing one another to adults hugging children, the love and respect are palpable. When the call to prayer is made, the entire crowd falls silent, moving with decorum to perform ablutions and pray behind the Ameer.

The devotion of attendees is humbling—people staying up late for Tahajjud, and the electrifying chants of Narree Takbir! followed by thunderous echoes of Allah Akbar! These moments give me goosebumps and fill me with strength and motivation.

As I reflect on my Jalsa Salana experiences, I am profoundly grateful to be part of this Jama’at and this extraordinary gathering. The lessons and inspiration I draw from Jalsa Salana stay with me throughout the year, and I eagerly look forward to returning next year to experience its magic once again, In Sha Allah.

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The Jalsa Salana Nigeria is an annual Islamic conference organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, bringing together thousands of Ahmadi Muslims from across the nation. Within days, the once-empty Jamia land transforms into a bustling tent city, hosting attendees from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This spiritual retreat aims to promote the true teachings of Islam through faith-inspiring lectures, exhibitions, and various events.

The success of this event is made possible by the tireless efforts of thousands of volunteers who arrive early at the Jalsa site to ensure proper preparations for the esteemed guests of the Promised Messiah (as).

This year marks the 70th Jalsa Salana, and our team had the privilege of meeting the Officer Jalsa Salana, Engr. Oluwa Kazeem, who shared insights into the new features and upgrades planned for this year’s convention.
Some of the notable developments at the Jalsa Gah include:

Key Upgrades and Features

1. Kitchen Area

Significant enhancements have been made to the kitchen facilities:

• Upgraded lighting systems to improve visibility and efficiency.
• The purchase of new pots to cater to the growing number of attendees.

2. Market Area

• The market entry gates have been repositioned. Unlike last year, where the gate was directly opposite the female entrance, the new gates now lead to the male entrance and the car park. This adjustment helps reduce congestion at the female gate.
• Market shops have been upgraded from bamboo structures to more durable iron pipe constructions.

3. Sanitary Section

• The sanitary department has increased the number of facilities, particularly lavatories.
• A separate section has been designated for children, reducing congestion in the main toilets, especially during peak sessions.

4. Dining Section

This year, there are seven dining areas, divided into sections for males and females:

Male Dining Areas:

1. The former kids’ dining hall has been converted into an adults’ dining area.
2. A second dining hall for men is near the new Hafiz class building.
3. The third is designated for children and adjoins the kids’ section.
4. The fourth dining hall, reserved for elderly men, is close to the adults’ residence.

Female Dining Areas:

1. Dining facilities are located in the old stage section, 
2. the former dining area, and 
3. the adults’ dining hall.

5. Residential Marquee

A new marquee has been installed adjacent to the main marquee, providing additional space for attendees to rest and store their belongings.

6. Construction and Aesthetics

The venue’s aesthetics have been significantly enhanced with improved utilities and facilities:

• Zinc barricades, traditionally used to secure the grounds, have been replaced with white flex barricades, offering a cleaner and more visually appealing appearance.

7. Media Halls, Exhibition, and Humanity First Marquee

• These facilities have been relocated backstage for better organization.
• A new Jalsa Radio studio has been established in the female section, ensuring enhanced accessibility and communication.

As preparations are in full swing, attendees can anticipate a more organized and comfortable experience at this year’s Jalsa Salana. These new upgrades reflect the dedication of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria to making the Jalsa Salana a spiritually uplifting and memorable event for all participants.

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The Jalsa Salana which is an annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat is a unique and transformative experience that brings together thousands of people from different corners of the country to unite in faith, learning, and mutual love. 

The experience of attending Jalsa Salana is a beautiful event that pours the heart and soul into enduring the experience and testifying to the acceptance of prayers.

The Jalsa Salana event has always been an anticipated event since childhood even though there wasn’t much understanding of why I am attending the program, but the thrill of seeing old friends, of volunteering as a Nasrat (Female children between the ages of 7 and 15) then, is always something I looked forward to. But upon growing I realized Jalsa is more than meeting old friends, this gathering is more than an event, it is a spiritual retreat, an opportunity for self-improvement, and a celebration of faith. It is a special gathering, a spiritual gathering, a gathering of acceptance of prayer and lots more.

   As soon as I stepped into the grounds of Jalsa, I could feel an aura of  warmth and love in the air, the volunteers both old and young made an immense effort to ensure everyone of the participants felt comfortable.They are sweltering with enthusiasm and are performing a task which focuses in every area of the occasion with a smiley face ,and upon seeing this i remembered a saying of the promised messiah that; The workers should serve the guests of the Promised Messiah with humility, selflessness, and devotion. Their conduct should be exemplary, and they should demonstrate the highest level of patience, kindness, and hospitality.   I volunteered at the aged department last year and I was thrilled seeing old women happy to be at the gathering, chanting the allahu Akbar or zindabad with enthusiasm every time it was raised .

Jalsa Salana is a culmination of Islamic teachings,the soft and beautiful Quran recitation and chanting of Qaseedah at the beginning of every session is soothing to the ear and calming to  the soul. The lectures are delivered by the scholars and leaders which covers a wide range of every aspect of life from promoting peace  and unity to the importance of self reform and lots more. The lectures resonate deeply leaving an impact on the heart and the mind .

Another  exceptional quality of Jalsa that I always look forward to is the congregational tahajud and prayers, the holy prophet (S.A.W ) said “If people knew the reward of praying the ‘Isha and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.”     The promised messiah (A.S) also said “It is essential to offer the five daily prayers in congregation, as it strengthens unity and fosters love and brotherhood among believers. Those who do not attend congregational prayers and remain negligent deprive themselves of blessings and spiritual progress.” so I thought to myself why not take the blessing of the gathering in full and never miss any prayer and Alhamdulillah thanks to the public address system ,I can join the prayer anywhere at the Jalsa gah. Praying shoulder to shoulder with thousands of fellow believers creates a sense of unity and humility, reminding everyone of the equality and brotherhood that Islam promotes.  Aside from the official session and spiritual dimension there was also time for reunion and making new friends,the joint dining meal from different ethnic groups across Nigeria all united by faith was a sight to behold

The presentation of the maven award is a moment of immense pride and inspiration, a testament to hard work, dedication, and excellence among Ahmadi members. As an undergraduate this part of the Jalsa has helped fuel my determination in excelling in my career. The award has been a testament that being a believer  or being a lady doesn’t stop one from excelling academically. 

Another cherished aspect of the Jalsa is the free meal,water prepared and served by dedicated volunteers, the  good toilet provided to the attendees and the exemplary work of the volunteers to ensure the toilet is always in a good state is something I commend and a spirit of selfless service , may the Almighty reward them abundantly. 

The acceptance of prayer is one of the most spiritually significant aspects of the Jalsa Salana. As the Jalsa is a spiritual gathering where attendees pray earnestly for forgiveness, guidance and blessings and there has been many attestation that these prayers are being answered, and they would continue to get answered.

Alhamdulillah, Jalsa Salana has not just being an avenue to meet old friends, it has testified to the saying of the promised messiah that “ I shall spread thy message to reach corners of the earth” 

 People from all the regions of Nigeria, the North, West, East and South all come together and unite under an Imam. It has also testified to another saying of the Imam Mahdi that says “ 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 faith] may progress. Moreover, this gathering will be a means for mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community.”  The lectures delivered are impactful and also help uplift moral and peace among brothers.

As the Jalsa comes to an end, I had mixed feelings with an appreciation of being part of such an impactful program and thankful for accepting the Imam of the age ,the promised messiah(A.S). However, the lesson learnt,the prayers offered and the connections made continue to linger on. Upon leaving the Jalsa gah, I leave with not just emotions but a renewed sense of faith, love for my community, my khalifah and my lord. I leave the Jalsa gah as a renewed person and an anticipation for the next.

For me, Jalsa is not just an event, it is a journey of transformation, a process that makes us a better Ahmadi Muslim and motivates us to be better in every endeavour that we take.

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