Jalsa Salana, for some, may be a mere 3-day event. For others, it may be more. Dusty grounds, afternoon heat and serene cold envelop the night. It was a perfect moment for service to humanity.
On a hot Wednesday, respected Adejumo AbdulHafeez, the State Qaid for Osun State, arrived at this year’s Jalsa Salana. The atmosphere felt electric, low breeze and the clinging metallic sound of tent poles being erected at the Jalsa Gah, waiting to host over 40, 000 guests of the Promised Messiahas. His arrival was not just by chance; it was filled with firm intention to render his service as a volunteer. Although he had planned to arrive much earlier, unforeseen circumstances made this impossible.
But what role does he serve, you might wonder? As the Nazim (Head) of the Food Distribution at the Male Central Dining, he carried the enormous task of coordinating food for thousands of participants, a role that demanded not only organization and leadership but also patience and unwavering sacrifice. One may start to wonder what inspires such noble commitment. “The teachings of Islam require that we make sacrifices at every opportunity to serve humanity, in the cause of Allah,” he affirmed.
To respected Adejumo, sacrifice is not a burden but a form of gratitude. He believes that since Allah, in His infinite mercy, has spared our lives and blessed us in countless ways, it becomes a duty to give back through sincere service. In his words and actions, service at Jalsa Salana becomes an act of thanksgiving rather than obligation.
His journey with Jalsa Salana did not start recently. He has been attending the annual gathering for about fifteen years, watching its growth from a modest gathering, to a dazzling city of white tents. This long-standing involvement has shaped his understanding of what Jalsa represents, not just as an event but as a spiritual experience that brings together people from different backgrounds under a shared purpose of faith and unity. Managing the hunger of a temporary small city is not an everyday task. He oversees food distribution for over 15,000 male participants, a number that continues to grow. Supporting him in this task is a team of about 195 volunteers, steadily approaching 200, all working tirelessly in the heat to ensure that meals are distributed, and no guest goes unfed. Coordinating such a large team and serving such a vast number of people is no small feat, especially within the limited timeframe and resources of Jalsa.
Challenges, he admits, are inevitable. Bringing together people from all walks of life naturally comes with logistical and human difficulties. The greatest challenge, according to him, lies in the desire to give every participant 100 percent satisfaction in food distribution. Despite their best efforts, unforeseen circumstances sometimes make this goal difficult to achieve. Yet, rather than frustration, these challenges inspire renewed efforts. With prayer, patience, and a sincere willingness to sacrifice, he believes that every obstacle can be overcome, even if perfection is not always attainable.
For Brother Adejumo, Jalsa Salana is more than an administrative responsibility; it is a spiritual means for the acceptance of prayers. He sees the gathering as a space where sincere efforts, collective worship, and selfless service draw divine blessings. This belief sustains him through the exhaustion and pressure that accompany his role.
As the conversation drew to a close, his advice was simple but profound. Anyone working for the progress of the Jama’at and for Islam should never relent. Service must be carried out with sincerity and consistency, without being swayed by temporary setbacks or personal inconvenience. In such steadfast striving, he believes, all other aspects of life eventually fall into place.
He shared a personal testimony to reinforce this message. Months before Jalsa, he held a firm belief that he would arrive very early. Yet, as the event drew closer, nothing seemed to align with that intention. Plans faltered, and circumstances appeared unfavorable. Then, just days before Jalsa, things began to fall into place in a way that felt undeniably divine. Those changes not only enabled him to arrive earlier than many but made it possible for him to attend Jalsa at all that year. His story stands as a quiet reminder that service to the Jama’at is itself a blessing. Maintaining a positive attitude, even when things do not go according to plan, opens doors that human effort alone cannot. In Brother Adejumo AbdulHafeez’s journey, one finds a powerful testament to faith, sacrifice, and the unseen rewards of sincere service.
