Together, we rise, united by Allah’s sacred rope,

A bond of faith and purpose, a source of living hope.

Within the Ahmadiyya Jamā‘at, truth and peace reside,

And under blessed Khilāfat, our hearts beat side by side.

With one resolve, we journey on a path divinely shown,

Illumined by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) alone—

A way of love and mercy, of service strong and true,

Where every soul finds honour, and faith is born anew.

Let love be our identity; let peace be our decree,

For Love for All, Hatred for None defines our legacy.

When voices call for division or doubts begin to rise,

We stand firm in obedience, with faith before our eyes.

Today we stand in gratitude, as prayers are answered clear,

Within this blessed Jamā‘at, where Allah’s grace draws near.

Through unity and Khilāfat, our spirits are made strong,

For Allah accepts the hearts that cling to Him, steadfast and lifelong.

The post THE STRENGTH OF UNITY, THE BEAUTY OF ACCEPTANCE appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Volunteering at Jalsa has always carried different meaning to different people even if they were to volunteer at the same department. But one thing is common – they all end up serving Allah through humanity.

On Saturday, the second day of the event, the team continued with the task of interviewing everyone– volunteers, delegates, first timers– to get a share of their Jalsa experience of every kind (spiritual, fun, unforgettable).  We had different units to cover but started with the clinic. It was bustling with clinical activities. We started the interview early but the clinic was busy with health workers trying their best to provide treatment to patients with different kinds of health challenges. Amidst all the chaos of the health workers tending to the sick I thought to myself, silently, health is wealth. We were able to convince one amongst many of the health workers to share her experience so far as a Jalsa health volunteer. She introduced herself as Faatiha Mafolosere, a member from Ojokoro Jama’at who has attended Jalsa Salana since childhood.

We asked about the sacrifices she had to make to get to Jalsa Salana early. She was kind enough to respond, “I got to the venue on Wednesday and honestly I had to sacrifice my time because I have other important things that need my attention but this is more important than the worldly affairs that I left behind.” We further asked about the challenges and hardship she faced while travelling. “The bus that conveyed us from our Jama’at down to the venue developed a fault on the way.” She continued by adding; “even with the challenge and hardship of the faulty bus, I remained calm and patient all through till we got a solution because my intention of arriving early was solely to serve and move closer to Allah.”

She shared her profession, a clinic nurse, which is in-line with the unit she has always been volunteering at for the past 3 years. Her reason to volunteer was a simple and motivating one which is to save lives. “I always look forward to the health outreach at Jalsa.” She added while noting that the gathering brings a lot of people together and it influences her prayer, faith, and Deen.

The post Patience in times of adversity appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Folaranmi Abdul Rasheed, a member of the Ode Omu Jamaat, had been present at Jalsa Salana since Thursday. To him, Jalsa Salana is far more than an annual event; it is a deeply spiritual gathering and, above all, a powerful symbol of unity. It brings together people from different backgrounds with a shared purpose of faith, reflection, and brotherhood.

Reflecting on his experience, he explained that every moment of Jalsa Salana leaves a lasting impression. The impactful speeches delivered by seasoned scholars, combined with the atmosphere of obligatory and voluntary prayers, make it difficult for him to single out one specific moment. For him, the entirety of Jalsa Salana is filled with blessings and spiritual depth.

One of the strongest influences Jalsa Salana has had on him is in shaping both his faith and daily conduct. He observed how people of high standing and even elders, old enough to be his parents, humbly served others during Jalsa. Witnessing such humility inspired him to carry the same spirit of service into his everyday life, strengthening his faith and character.

In preparation for Jalsa Salana, Folaranmi Abdul Rasheed engages in both spiritual and practical efforts. Spiritually, he fasts and prays, seeking closeness to God. Practically, he ensures his Jalsa contributions are paid and encourages others around him to do the same, seeing this as part of collective responsibility.

For first-time attendees, his advice is simple but meaningful: listen attentively to the lectures. He believes Jalsa Salana provides a valuable opportunity to clear doubts and gain clarity about Islam and Ahmadiyya teachings, especially for those who may have heard conflicting information elsewhere.

Among all aspects of Jalsa Salana, the Tahajjud prayers hold a special place in his heart. He also highlighted how the lessons learned at Jalsa are easily carried back into local communities. Because many members attend together, implementation becomes collective. He recalled a specific instruction given during Jalsa, waiting for the Imam to complete Salam before standing after prayer, and noted how members took this lesson home and now consistently practice it.

Attending and serving at Jalsa Salana has greatly strengthened his sense of brotherhood. He described the event with one word: unity. People from different tribes and backgrounds come together, exchanging smiles and greetings of peace, creating an atmosphere where unity is not just spoken about but genuinely felt.

For those unable to attend Jalsa Salana in person, Folaranmi Abdul Rasheed encouraged them to follow the proceedings live, so they too can benefit from its spiritual messages. He acknowledged that during the few days of Jalsa, worldly responsibilities naturally step back, allowing spiritual commitments to take priority, a sacrifice he believes is worthwhile, as Jalsa comes only once a year.

He also shared a faith-strengthening experience, recalling someone who, though not a member at the time, decided to accept the Jamaat after witnessing Jalsa Salana for the first time. This, to him, is a powerful testament to the impact of the gathering.

As a volunteer, Folaranmi Abdul  Rasheed admitted that the role can be physically demanding, with challenges such as fatigue and limited time to freely move around. However, he emphasized that he has never regretted these sacrifices.

The post More Than a Gathering: Faith, Purpose, and Folaranmi Abdul Rasheed appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

The white tents at Jalsa, the bustling market spaces, the steam from the top of iron pots are not just a few days’ preparations. They are the result of months of intense physical efforts, financial sacrifices, time spent in the way of Allah, and hearts constantly engaged in His remembrance. In order to get a glimpse of what Jalsa feels like months before its commencement, we spoke with a member of Jamia Jama’at to share his experiences prior to the unfolding of the Jalsa Salana.

Hafiz Abdur-Roqeeb Alaka speaks to us about his experience volunteering months before the Jalsa Salana. His presence at the Jalsa Salana has not been without purpose – to prepare the ground for the guests of the Promised Messiahas. One might well-nigh wonder the reason behind such dedication. On this, he said “Being an Ahmadi you ought to know that selfless service in the cause of Allah is indeed rewarding.” Having attended and volunteered at the Jalsa Salana for many years, he firmly believes that every service rendered or quota contributed in the path of Allah never goes unrewarded.  Such conviction is indeed what Allah promises the doers of good deeds: “Surely, Allah suffers not the reward of those who do good to be lost. And they spend not any sum, small or great, nor do they traverse a valley, but it is written down for them, that Allah may give them the best reward for what they did. “(Surah At-Taubah Ch.9 Vs. 120-121) Hafiz Abdur Roqeeb added, “And even apart from that, the joy of serving in the cause of Allah, in itself, possesses intrinsic self-fulfilment, and this keeps me motivated to continue volunteering.”
It is often said that every role comes with its own challenges. We asked him what typical challenges he faced here as a kitchen volunteer. “Contrary to popular opinion, the number of volunteers serving at the kitchen are not as much” he noted. He recounted an incident that happened earlier that day when he arrived from a procurement errand: “Sometimes, not so many hands are on deck at each section of the kitchen department. Pots need to get washed, and food removed from the fire, and several tasks demand attention. All of this can feel quite overwhelming at times.”

To lighten up the mood, we asked him about his childhood memories of attending the Jalsa. His face immediately lit up with a smile. “In those days, our mothers were transported in buses to the Jalsa Salana, while the Khuddam and we, the Atfal, often rode on an antique trailer known as Tanlese (literally translated as ‘whose leg is it?’) .  It was a covered vehicle and we could barely see the road while journeying.” He fondly recalled that stopping at Papa was one of the highlights of the trip, where the elders would buy them Ireke (sugarcane).” He added: “The menace of kids often wore us then, our brothers (Khuddam) would often chase us on the field of Jalsa Salana to get us to follow the Jalsa proceedings.” These and some other memories remain forever etched in our heart. Bringing back the questions of his volunteering passion, we playfully asked whether he had ever felt like absconding or not skipping the Jalsa Salana because of the overwhelming tasks in front. He quickly retorted with a graceful smile. “Knowing fully well that whatever is done does not go forgotten by your lord is enough to keep one coming… and thy Lord is not forgetful.” (Surah Maryam Ch.19 Vs. 65)
When asked to describe the Jalsa Salana in one word, he replied: “Peace.” He elaborated, “One cannot be too sure, but doing what Allah the Almighty loves, is indeed a subtle yet powerful way of attaining peace of mind.” In spite of the weariness of the body, he noted, the spirit of sacrifice remains strong

During this conversation, he mentioned something quite funny but inspiring, he said with great enthusiasm, “Away from the Jalsa event, I cannot sleep on a bare floor, let alone on spiky grass. Yet here, I can pray at any corner of the Jalsa, share food with brothers without feeling any kind of frustration – and this evokes an unexplainable tranquilness in my heart.“ He further advised first time attendees and young participants, stating that it is important to spend the days of Jalsa Salana as a volunteer, and seek the blessings of Allah using this opportunity as a stepping stone leap towards an accepted prayer.
What is Jalsa without a divine testimony of accepted prayer? Hafiz Abdur-Roqeeb briefly recounted a miraculous event that happened from Jalsa Salana 2022. “On the final day of the Jalsa that year, I was chosen to lead the Tahajjud prayer. This evoked a kind of deep humility in myself, which I felt was a big honour, and honestly, I felt undeserving of it. To this day, my friends would still remind me of this incident. It’s really a great pleasure for me being a recipient of this divine testimony”
One interesting thing you would be surprised to know is, beyond serving as a volunteer at the kitchen, Hafiz Abdur-Roqeeb is a memorizer of the Qur’an, and a scholar with an in-depth knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence. He was one of the panelists of the Question and Answer session at this year’s Jalsa.

In conclusion, the story of Hafiz Abdur-Roqeeb reflects the spirit of the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa  who were the best of the followers of Islam. It is indeed a fulfilment of the Prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that such characteristic would be found in the followers of the latter-day Messiahas.

The post “I cannot sleep on bare floor, let alone spiky grass” appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Abdurashid Anjorin Tolulope, a member of the Ekiti Jama’at, arrived at the Jalsa grounds on Thursday morning to commence his dedicated service. Assigned to the Traffic Management Team, he worked diligently to maintain order within and around the Jalsa environment, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of attendees throughout the duration of the event.

Professionally, Abdurashid serves as a Service Advisor with an engineering company—a background that has proven invaluable in the execution of his Jalsa duties. He explained that engineering training fosters versatility, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage complex situations. These skills, he noted, are particularly useful in traffic coordination, where calculating vehicle flow, timing movement, and controlling speed at busy junctions are essential to ensuring safety.

A regular attendee of Jalsa since 2017, Abdurashid regards the gathering as a profound spiritual experience that unites members from across the globe, including participants from the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and several West African countries. He expressed deep appreciation for the cultural richness of the event, highlighting interactions with members of diverse Nigerian ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Igbo, Ebira, and Igala. For him, these encounters reinforce the Jama’at’s global unity and brotherhood.

Beyond social interaction, Jalsa provides what he describes as a “spiritual diet” that continually reshapes his character. He recalled a particularly impactful lecture in which the Amir conveyed a message from the Khalifa emphasising the need for harmony between one’s words and actions. This message, he said, prompted deep personal reflection and renewed commitment to self-improvement.

The personal impact of Jalsa is also evident in the extensive network Abdurashid has built over the years. Through the Jama’at, he has formed lasting connections with members across states such as Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna—relationships that extend into both professional collaboration and personal support. To him, the Jama’at functions as a single, closely-knit family, where even first-time meetings feel like reunions among lifelong friends.

His devotion to Jalsa is further strengthened by personal experiences of what he describes as the divine acceptance of prayer. He recounted how a major vehicle breakdown prevented his attendance in 2016, leading him to pray fervently for the opportunity to attend every subsequent Jalsa. This year, that prayer was answered in an unexpected way when his employer miraculously granted him three days of leave just as he was preparing to serve.

For Abdurashid, Jalsa Salana is far more than an annual gathering; it is an integral part of his life. He looks forward to his duties each year as a vital opportunity for spiritual growth, professional development, and sincere service to Allah alongside brothers from around the world.

The post From Service Advisor to Traffic Management appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

But what role does he serve, you might wonder? As the Nazim (Head) of the Food Distribution at the Male Central Dining, he carried the enormous task of coordinating food for thousands of participants, a role that demanded not only organization and leadership but also patience and unwavering sacrifice. One may start to wonder what inspires such noble commitment. “The teachings of Islam require that we make sacrifices at every opportunity to serve humanity, in the cause of Allah,” he affirmed.

To respected Adejumo, sacrifice is not a burden but a form of gratitude. He believes that since Allah, in His infinite mercy, has spared our lives and blessed us in countless ways, it becomes a duty to give back through sincere service. In his words and actions, service at Jalsa Salana becomes an act of thanksgiving rather than obligation.

His journey with Jalsa Salana did not start recently. He has been attending the annual gathering for about fifteen years, watching its growth from a modest gathering, to a dazzling city of white tents. This long-standing involvement has shaped his understanding of what Jalsa represents, not just as an event but as a spiritual experience that brings together people from different backgrounds under a shared purpose of faith and unity. Managing the hunger of a temporary small city is not an everyday task. He oversees food distribution for over 15,000 male participants, a number that continues to grow. Supporting him in this task is a team of about 195 volunteers, steadily approaching 200, all working tirelessly in the heat to ensure that meals are distributed, and no guest goes unfed. Coordinating such a large team and serving such a vast number of people is no small feat, especially within the limited timeframe and resources of Jalsa.

Challenges, he admits, are inevitable. Bringing together people from all walks of life naturally comes with logistical and human difficulties. The greatest challenge, according to him, lies in the desire to give every participant 100 percent satisfaction in food distribution. Despite their best efforts, unforeseen circumstances sometimes make this goal difficult to achieve. Yet, rather than frustration, these challenges inspire renewed efforts. With prayer, patience, and a sincere willingness to sacrifice, he believes that every obstacle can be overcome, even if perfection is not always attainable.

For Brother Adejumo, Jalsa Salana is more than an administrative responsibility; it is a spiritual means for the acceptance of prayers. He sees the gathering as a space where sincere efforts, collective worship, and selfless service draw divine blessings. This belief sustains him through the exhaustion and pressure that accompany his role.

As the conversation drew to a close, his advice was simple but profound. Anyone working for the progress of the Jama’at and for Islam should never relent. Service must be carried out with sincerity and consistency, without being swayed by temporary setbacks or personal inconvenience. In such steadfast striving, he believes, all other aspects of life eventually fall into place.

He shared a personal testimony to reinforce this message. Months before Jalsa, he held a firm belief that he would arrive very early. Yet, as the event drew closer, nothing seemed to align with that intention. Plans faltered, and circumstances appeared unfavorable. Then, just days before Jalsa, things began to fall into place in a way that felt undeniably divine. Those changes not only enabled him to arrive earlier than many but made it possible for him to attend Jalsa at all that year. His story stands as a quiet reminder that service to the Jama’at is itself a blessing. Maintaining a positive attitude, even when things do not go according to plan, opens doors that human effort alone cannot. In Brother Adejumo AbdulHafeez’s journey, one finds a powerful testament to faith, sacrifice, and the unseen rewards of sincere service.

The post The Hands that feed a Thousand Mouth: A Story of Sacrifice and Faith at Jalsa Salana appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Amid the sea of souls, my heart stood still,
Wrapped in a peace no worldly noise could fill.
Voices rise like tides at break of dawn,
Each Ameen a bird in heaven drawn.

My feet grows light on consecrated land,
As mercy lingers, guiding where we stand.
Every smile, each Salaam that passed,
Turn fleeting moments into prayers cast.

Here, faith glows bright without a flame,
A sun that warms the soul, yet bears no name.
Here, hearts recall the reason they were made,
And tongues find home in praises softly laid.

I come with prayers folded deep in chest,
With silent hopes tucked safely in my vest.
For Jalsa is more than days that fly
It is a path the soul walks long goodbye.

The post ECHOES OF AMEEN appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

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.

The post THE YEAR JALSA BECAME MORE THAN AN EVENT: MY UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Tribes were not considered a remedy 

Colors were not checked on as deficiency 

Regions were not segmented due to fallacy 

States were not separated based on superiority 

The flag that brought us together, so strong 

That even the mouth of a honey bee can’t sting 

Shielded by the mighty power of the Supreme Being 

Blessings and mercy on its metal board, ever-springing

Converging all races under the banner of righteousness 

Smiles and friendliness spreading out of their wings 

Celebrating diversity and embracing unity 

Their goals became one as The Mighty 

In the atmosphere of peace, love and harmony 

Strangers became friends, transforming into family 

Their smile, laughter and goals intertwined 

With the bond of brotherhood, rare to see.

The post JALSA SALANA: UNITED IN DIVERSITY appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

Jalsa Salana, a gathering divine,
A spiritual haven, hearts entwined.
United in faith, we stand as one,
Seeking guidance till the day is won.

With every prayer, our spirits soar;
With every dua, our hearts adore.
The love of Allah we feel anew;
In this blessed gathering, our souls renew.

O Jalsa Salana, you’re a beacon bright,
Guiding us through life’s dark night.
May our hearts remain steadfast and true,
And may our love for Allah forever shine through.

The post Jalsa Salana: A Spiritual Haven appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.