By: Ismail Rotimi Lawal
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.
