By Hibatulazeez Shittu
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.
