By Mujitaba HibbatulKhaliq
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.
