Amen Aqeel Haider, Mexico Correspondent
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mexico held its third Jalsa Salana Mexico on 27 and 28 December 2019 in Merida, Mexico. The seed of Islam Ahmadiyyat was planted in Mexico in 2014 and since then, we have seen the prayers of the Promised Messiahas become manifest at every step of the way. Especially during the time of Jalsa Salana, one gets to witness first-hand the blessings of this community united under one leader.
This year’s Jalsa Salana was no different. By the grace of Allah, 145 people attended Jalsa Salana this year, among which were members from the following five different states of Mexico: Mexico City, Yucatan, Chiapas, Queretaro and Campeche.
There were also guests present from the United States of America. The theme for this year’s Jalsa Salana was Tawakkul-‘alallah (trust in Allah). Therefore, it is necessary to mention faith-inspiring stories that unfolded during the Jalsa Salana that truly embodied the concept of Tawakkul-‘alallah.
In the small state of Queretaro, when a new convert, Irma Garcia Sahiba was informed about the upcoming Jalsa Salana and the blessings of this gathering, she responded that, God willing, she would attend. She later notified the missionary that she requested leave from her work for the Jalsa days, however she was not being granted any leave so he should pray for her.
A few days before the departure for Merida to attend Jalsa, she came to the mission house and exclaimed with full conviction in her voice:
“It is Allah who brought me to this community and opened my heart to Islam and it is He who will help me. My job supervisor did not grant me leave for Jalsa, therefore I am quitting my job to attend Jalsa and I am leaving the rest to Allah.”
Just like that, she packed her bags, got on the bus and travelled 22 hours to reach Merida to be a part of this gathering. As mentioned in the Holy Quran “And he whom Allah guides – there is none to lead him astray…” (Surah al-Zumar, Ch.39: V.38).
As far as her loss is concerned, Allah also promises, “Thereby does Allah guide those who seek His pleasure on the paths of peace, and leads them out of every [kind of] darkness into light by His will, and guides them to the right path.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.17)
Guests of the Promised Messiahas started arriving on Wednesday, 24 December to attend the Jalsa Salana and the Langar of the Promised Messiahas was available for everyone. Langar food for all days prior to Jalsa Salana was prepared by members of Lajna Imaillah Mexico with dedication and the desire to serve, so much so that one of the Lajna members, who had just arrived aft er 20 hours of travelling insisted that she wanted to help with the cooking and serving.
Lajna members who were already present insisted that she rest and that she could help later on, but she responded, “I am here to reap the blessings of Jalsa Salana, please don’t stop me.”
These people have accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat in the past year or so, but their faith is remarkable. Among all the preparations for Jalsa Salana, the registration cards were also being printed for all those who had pre-registered.
A 10-year-old tifl from Mexico City was helping with organising the cards and out of complete love for Khilafat, he stated with a curious smile on his face, “I think there is one card missing.” After enquiring whose card he was referring to, he answered with a longing in his voice, “Huzoor’saa card is missing.”
Later, he explained that he really wished for Huzooraa to, one day, bless us with his presence in Jalsa Salana Mexico, Insha-Allah!
Jalsa Salana proceedings commenced as usual on Friday, 27 December, however before any speech was delivered, a letter from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, with a special message for all attendees, was read out in Spanish. Towards the end of the letter, Huzooraa instructed everyone the following:
“After the Jalsa, you have to return to engage in worldly affairs. However, your experience in this Jalsa will only be beneficial if you continue to give preference to religion over worldly matters. Faith must be given precedence in every case and you must always remember that behind the face of each Ahmadi is the honour of Ahmadiyyat, the honour of the Promised Messiahas and the honour of Islam.”
Distinguished guests were also present during the last session and a few of them shared their remarks. When enquired about her first ever experience at a Muslim gathering, Ms Eva Virginia, a non-Ahmadi guest, who had travelled all the way from Queretaro to attend Jalsa for the first time, responded, “Being in this environment for the past 2-3 days has made me very emotional and wanting to have a closer relationship with the Creator. I cannot explain the feeling, but my experience has been very interesting and motivational.”
In accordance with permission granted by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, Jalsa Salana Mexico was streamed live on YouTube. By the grace of Allah, two television stations and two news outlets also covered Jalsa Salana. Readers are requested to remember the Mexico Jamaat in their prayers that they may excel in devotion and sincerity to their Lord and the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Amin.