By Lawal Ibraheem Olaniyi
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.
