20-26 December

20 December 1927: An assassination attempt was made in Damascus on the Jamaat’s missionary, Jalaluddin Shams Sahib.

20 December 1940: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra completed writing a volume of Tafsir-e-Kabir, consisting of chapters from Surah Yunus to Surah al-Kahf. Its first copy was presented to Huzoor^ra. Initially, 3,000 copies were printed.

20 December 1947: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a fourth lecture about the future of Pakistan. Under the presidency of Mian Fazl Hussain. During the session, Huzoor^ra spoke of the future and the possible strength of Pakistan’s army.

20 December 1951: Hazrat Malik Barkat Ali^ra from Gujrat passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, who took the pledge of allegiance in 1897.

20 December 1951: The newspaper, Badr had been out of publication since 1913. On this date, the historic paper was relaunched from Qadian and Maulvi Barkaat Ahmad Rajeki Sahib was appointed as editor. By March 1952, Badr began its publication on a regular basis.

21 December 1929: A political debate was held at India’s National Congress in Lahore. On this important occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra drafted a letter in English addressing the participants. The letter was entitled, An Appeal to Hindu Leaders. This letter was published and widely circulated.

21 December 1944: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra directed the Jamaat to thoroughly study the upcoming communist movement and find counter arguments to it. 

21 December 1948: An Ahmadi, Abdul Razzaq Sahib, was martyred in Kashmir.

22 December 1936: King Edward VIII, King of the British Empire announced his abdication. On this date, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra said that this abdication was a manifestation of the prophecy about the spread and decline of Christianity.

22 December 1938: Hazrat Hakim Ahmad Din^ra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiah^as was from Shahdara, Lahore and was a medical practitioner.

22 December 1956: A telephone exchange was set up in Rabwah and started operating the following year.

23 December 1926: Swami Shraddhanand was assassinated on this date. He was an Arya Samaj missionary who propagated the teachings of Dayandanda Saraswati and played a key role in the Sangathan and Shuddhi movements in the 1920s.

24 December 1939: Abdul Karim Sahib from Hyderabad Deccan passed away. He was a living sign of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah^as, as after being bitten by a dog during childhood and contracting rabies, he was sent to the Pasteur Institute in Kasauli for treatment. After having treatment for a few days, Abdul Karim returned to Qadian. A few days later, he began exhibiting the usual symptoms of rabies, which included agitation and hydrophobia (fear of water). Observing his condition, the Promised Messiah^as was deeply distressed and in anguish. He thus began to pray ardently for him. A special telegram was sent to the doctors at the Pasteur Institute in Kasauli explaining Abdul Karim Sahib’s symptoms and asking for instructions regarding the treatment. Soon after, Abdul Karim’s friends received a telegram response; “Nothing can be done for Abdul Karim.” However, due to the prayers of the Promised Messiah^as, Abdul Karim went on to live a long life, despite the telegram from the doctors.

24 December 1945: Hazrat Haji Mian Muhammad Musa^ra of Lahore passed away. He performed Bai‘at in 1902. Once, the Promised Messiah^as visited his place of business in Lahore when the Promised Messiah^as was touring the city with family members. Hazrat Mian Musa Sahib^ra also worked very hard when the railway track was being installed in Qadian.

24 December 1947: The authorities allotted Ratan Bagh in Lahore to Jamaat members after the partition. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra instructed for all the belongings (that belonged to Hindus), which were found in Ratan Bagh, to be counted and safely stored. On this date, the owners came back seeking the possessions they had lost during the partition. Huzoor^ra safely returned every single item to them. 

25 December 1906: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^ra delivered his first ever public speech in front of the Jalsa Salana gathering. The speech was later published and entitled Chashma-e-Tauhid (Fountain of Unity).

25 December 1910: The Jamaat held its Jalsa Salana, which was attended by 2,500 people. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, may Allah be pleased with him, delivered three speeches.

25 December 1915: Jalsa Salana was held in Qadian and attended by more than 4,000 people. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered four speeches.

25 December 1917: Jalsa Salana commenced and was graced by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra who delivered three speeches. His speeches were later compiled in book form, entitled Haqiqatul-Roya.

25 December 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra established the women auxiliary organisation, Lajna Imaillah. The aim of Lajna Imaillah was to enhance the pace of providing education and training to Ahmadi women. Its first president was Hazrat Amma Jan^ra, the noble wife of the Promised Messiah^as. The second president was Hazrat Umm-e-Nasir, wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra and the mother of Khalifatul Masih III^rh. The first secretary of Lajna Imaillah was Hazrat Syeda Amtul Hayy Begum, daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra and wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra.

25 December 1930: Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad, the eldest son of the Promised Messiah^as, took Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra. Though he did not perform Bai‘at during the life of the Promised Messiah^as, he would passionately defend the Promised Messiah^as.

25 December 1935: Jalsa Salana Qadian commenced and the attendance reached 21,278. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered three keynote addresses.

25 December 1937: Before the start of Jalsa Salana Qadian, a commemoration event was held in the evening in memory of the Promised Messiah^as.

25 December 1938: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Qadian convened its first ever annual Ijtema in Masjid Noor, Qadian. The Ijtema was graced by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra who also delivered a speech.

25 December 1942: Jalsa Salana commenced in Qadian, which was attended by 23,670 men and women. On the final day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered an address covering various topics, including the connection between the institution of Wasiyyat and Tahrik-e-Jadid.

25 December 1944: Majlis Ansarullah convened its first ever annual Ijtema in Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra graciously addressed the opening session.

25 December 1944: Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Hussain^ra passed away. This fortunate companion had the honour of writing fresh revelations of the Promised Messiah^as.

25 December 1946: Another part of Tafsir-e-Kabir, from Surah al-Shams to Surah al-Zilzal, was published.

25 December 1948: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lahore convened a two-day Jalsa, which, due to the presence of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, turned out to be the central Jalsa. Huzoor^ra graciously delivered two speeches. On this date, some distinguished guests visited the Jalsa and one guest, Al-Sheikh Abdullah Ghausia expressed his sentiments in Arabic after witnessing this unique gathering. This speaker was the personal representative of the Grand Mufti of Palestine. Syed Salim al-Hasni also attended, along with Al-Syed Abdul Hameed Bik, the Palestinian ambassador to Afghanistan.

25 December 1953: The Jamaat in Indonesia held its fifth annual conference in Bogor, a city south of Jakarta on the Java Island. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra sent a special message for the occasion.

26 December 1914: The first ever Jalsa Salana during the blessed era of the second Khalifa of Islam Ahmadiyyat commenced with an attendance of 3,500 men and 400 women. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered four speeches, three of them about the blessings of Khilafat.

26 December 1916: Jalsa Salana commenced in Qadian. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered three speeches about the remembrance of Allah. On 29 December, Huzoor^ra addressed the ladies’ side. The total attendance was recorded as 5,000.

26 December 1919: Jalsa Salana started and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra spoke on the topic of destiny. 7,000 people attended the Jalsa.

26 December 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a speech about angels during Jalsa Salana Qadian.

26 December 1921: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra elaborated upon the existence of God during Jalsa Salana Qadian. On 29 December, Huzoor^ra blessed the ladies’ Jalsa Gah and delivered a speech. The total Jalsa attendance was recorded as 7,192.

26 December 1922: Jalsa Salana commenced and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra spoke on salvation. For the first time, Lajna organised and convened their own session. On 27 December Huzoor^ra attended the ladies’ session and prior to his speech, took Bai‘at.

26 December 1924: Jalsa Salana commenced, this time held at the Talim-ul-Islam High School grounds, instead of Masjid Noor. The attendance doubled as compared to the previous year and saw 15,000 people attending. Perhaps owing to the successful tour of Europe, a large number of Jamaat members came to Qadian to see their beloved Imam. On 27 December, Huzoor^ra spoke about the history and beliefs of the Bahai faith. On 28 December, Huzoor^ra detailed the true Islamic view on apostasy. The same morning, Huzoor^as also spoke at the ladies’ Jalsa Gah. 

26 December 1925: Jalsa Salana was held on 27 and 28 December. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered speeches that would later be published as Minhaj-ul-Talibeen (The Way of the Seekers). During the Jalsa, over 600 men and women accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.

26 December 1926: For the first time, large posters were prepared and put up promoting Jalsa Salana. Moreover, for the first time, a department was set up to welcome and bring guests of Jalsa Salana from Batala to Qadian in vehicles. On this date, an event was held at night that included speeches in 47 different languages. During the Jalsa, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra elaborated upon the topic of prophethood. Around 200 ladies entered the Jamaat. Lajna also set up an exhibition. Over 12,000 people attended the Jalsa.

26 December 1927: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a speech about the remarkable works of the Promised Messiah^as during Jalsa Salana. For the first time, special security arrangements were made for Huzoor^ra. Over 13,000 people attended the Jalsa and approximately 500 people took Bai‘at.

26 December 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra spoke on the blessings of the Holy Quran during Jalsa Salana. Over 700 people took Bai‘at and the overall attendance was 17,000.

26 December 1931: The Muslim League convened its annual session in Delhi, which was presided over by Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarulla Khan^ra. He raised the issue of Muslim rights in India during the course of his presidential keynote address.

26 December 1932: Over 20,000 people attended Jalsa Salana Qadian.

26 December 1933: The Ahmadiyya mosque in Bhadrak, a city in the eastern state of Odisha was inaugurated.

26 December 1933: Jalsa Salana coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Around 400 people took Bai‘at during Jalsa.

26 December 1936: Jalsa Salana commenced, where for the first time, the loudspeaker was used. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra commenced a series of lectures about the blessings of the Quran.

26 December 1937: For the first time, all the speeches of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra were heard live by the ladies via the loud speakers at Jalsa Salana. In the evening of this date, the Ahmadiyya Youth Fellowship convened its session.

26 December 1938: Jalsa Salana started, in which Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra began a series of lectures that would be later published as Sair-e-Ruhani (Spiritual Journey). 32,479 people attended this Jalsa.

26 December 1941: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a five hour speech in front of 30,000 people. During this Jalsa, Huzoor^ra also made an appeal for purchasing and storing wheat for the destitute inhabitants of Qadian as droughts had been forecast.

26 December 1944: On 28 December, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a four hour speech about the advent of the Promised Reformer. Opponents of the Jamaat came to the Jalsa area and displayed misconduct by hurling foul language using loud speakers. On the other hand, Huzoor^aa emphasised that Jamaat members must maintain calm and patience. 

26 December 1946: Tahrik-e-Jadid’s department of industries arranged an exhibition during Jalsa Salana. Around 40,000 people attended this Jalsa.

26 December 1947: The first ever Jalsa Salana after the partition commenced at Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. The attendance saw 315 people, including 62 people of other faiths. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra sent a special message for this occasion.

26 December 1948: Jalsa Salana Qadian commenced, which was attended by 1,400 people. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, Hazrat Amma Jan^ra and Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^ra sent their heart-felt messages for the occasion. Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba^ra, daughter of the Promised Messiah^as, composed her well-known poem, “How fortunate you are, who are dwelling in the city of the Promised Messiah^as”. A delegation travelled to Qadian from Pakistan to attend the Jalsa.

26 December 1949: Jalsa Salana Qadian commenced and on the same date, Jalsa Salana Rabwah started. 30,000 people gathered in the barren land of Rabwah, where a miracle happened when water became abundantly available for the Jalsa guests. Tents were set up to accommodate the guests. 

26 December 1951: Jalsa Salana Qadian took place for three days. A delegation from Pakistan also attended. The attendance on the men’s side totalled 1,100, half of whom were non-Ahmadis. On 29 December, the ladies held a separate session, which totaled to 100 women.

26 December 1951: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered three speeches during Jalsa Salana Rabwah. It was the first time that the speeches of Huzoor^ra were recorded. Syed Abdul Rahman Sahib from America carried out the recordings.

26 December 1952: The fourth three-day annual conference of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia took place in Tasikmalaya, West Java. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s^ra message was also read out during the Jalsa.

26 December 1952: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra sent a message to Jalsa Salana Qadian. This was the first Jalsa, after the partition, in which the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat was raised throughout the Jalsa. It was also the first Jalsa in which Sadr Anjuman’s own loudspeaker was used.

26 December 1952: Jalsa Salana Rabwah took place, with an attendance of 50,000. On the last day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a speech entitled Ta‘alluq Billah (A connection with Allah).

26 December 1953: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s^ra message was read out during Jalsa Salana Qadian, by Chaudhry Muhammad Asadullah Khan Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lahore.

26 December 1953: Jalsa Salana Pakistan was held in Rabwah. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered three speeches.

26 December 1954: A delegation of 155 Ahmadis travelled from Pakistan to take part in Jalsa Salana Qadian.

26 December 1954: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered three addresses during Jalsa Salana Pakistan. His last speech was about the world of spirituality. It was during this Jalsa that Maulvi Azizur Rahman Mangla Sahib did Bai‘at. He went on to establish many Jamaats across Sargodha and Jhang, Pakistan.

26 December 1955: A delegation of 120 people came from Pakistan to Jalsa Salana Qadian. At the same time, Jalsa Salana Rabwah saw an attendance of 50,000.

26 December 1957: Jalsa Salana Rabwah saw a staggering attendance of 70,000 people. On 27 December, the details of Waqf-e-Jadid were read out and on the final day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra continued his speech entitled Sair-e-Ruhani, which he had been talking on for the last few years.

26 December 1958:  For the first time, an exhibition was set up during Jalsa Salana Rabwah. A record number of attendees was also witnessed with over 100,000 people.

26 December 1960: Jalsa Salana Pakistan included speeches in 50 languages. This was organised by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya,

26 December 1961:  Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad^ra passed away. He was the son of the Promised Messiah^as and the grandfather of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa. Those present at Jalsa Salana joined in his funeral prayer.

26 December 1961: During Jalsa Salana Pakistan, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^ra was appointed to read out the speeches of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra. The ladies listened to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s^ra speech that was recorded during Jalsa Salana 1960. The attendance was 85,000.

26 December 1963: Jalsa Salana Rabwah had an attendance of 100,000. Due to poor health, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra could not attend and his opening and closing speeches were read out by Jalaluddin Shams Sahib.