By Ahmad Yusuff
Introduction: Jalsa Salana – A Beacon of Spiritual Enlightenment
The Jalsa Salana, or Annual Convention, is a sacred event founded by the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). It embodies faith, unity, and service, drawing participants into an atmosphere of collective worship and spiritual growth. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad described Jalsa as a means for attendees to develop a deep connection with Allah and cultivate righteousness:
“The major 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 Allah] may progress.” (Ishtihar 7 December 1892)
The Role of Jalsa in Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
The teachings imparted during Jalsa leave an indelible impression in the minds of all aprticipants, especially children. It inspires them to adopt virtues such as humility, justice, and selflessness. His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) frequently emphasizes the importance of raising youth as peace builders and righteous leaders.
The Holy Quran highlights the necessity of imparting moral education to children:
“O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones.” (Holy Quran, 66:7)
This verse calls upon believers to safeguard their families through spiritual guidance and righteous actions. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) emphasized nurturing good character:
“The best of you is the one who is best to his family.” (Tirmidhi)
At Jalsa, children are exposed to these teachings in a practical and immersive manner:
1. Faith and Worship: Children engage in congregational prayers, where they experience the spiritual strength of unity. The Promised Messiah (as) said, “True salvation is only attained when there is a transformation within one’s heart and a love of God surpassing all else.”
2. Global Brotherhood: Interactions with participants from diverse backgrounds reinforce the Quranic teaching: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided.” (Holy Quran, 3:104)
Jalsa as a Legacy of Peace and Progress
The Jalsa Salana instils a lifelong commitment to peace and service in attendees. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) repeatedly stressed that the hallmark of a true believer is compassion and love for humanity:
“You should have sympathy for the whole of mankind, irrespective of religion or nationality.”
Through Jalsa, children are taught to:
- Serve Humanity: His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah strengthen his hand) has said, “The purpose of serving mankind is not to seek thanks or worldly benefits; rather, it is to earn the pleasure of Allah.”
- Resolve Conflicts: The Holy Quran teaches, “And reconciliation is best.” (Holy Quran, 4:129)
These lessons resonate deeply with youth, equipping them with the tools to address modern challenges while adhering to the principles of Islam.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Jalsa Salana is not merely an event but a transformative experience. It inspires attendees to align their lives with divine guidance and to work tirelessly for humanity’s welfare. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad has remarked:
“If today’s children are trained in righteousness, justice, and peace, tomorrow’s world will reflect these values.”
The spiritual atmosphere of Jalsa awakens a desire in children to follow the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was sent as a mercy for all mankind (Holy Quran, 21:108). It reminds them of their duty to emulate such mercy in their own lives.
Conclusion: Passing the Torch of Faith and Service
The Jalsa Salana is a timeless testament to the Ahmadiyya Community’s commitment to nurturing righteous generations. As the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said, “He who comes to this gathering solely for the sake of Allah will witness extraordinary blessings.”
By participating in Jalsa, children are not only equipped to lead lives of integrity but also to serve as beacons of peace and progress in the world. They inherit a legacy of faith, service, and unity, ensuring that the light of Islam continues to shine brightly for generations to come.
