Friday Sermon
13 August 2021
Jalsa Salana UK 2021: Blessings and gratitude
After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:
All praise is due to Allah as the UK Jamaat’s Jalsa Salana was held after a two-year gap and the three days it brings of its spiritual atmosphere came to its conclusion last Sunday.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Jalsa could not be held in 2020 and the organising committee of the Jalsa thought that since the conditions were more or less the same, perhaps there would not be a Jalsa this year either. Due to this assumption, they did not pay full attention towards its preparation, which I also mentioned in the previous Friday Sermon.
Nevertheless, when they were informed that the Jalsa would, insha-Allah, take place, they started their preparations, but I still felt that they were not doing this with full conviction. I was concerned that if the organisers remained relaxed like this, then maybe the workers would also have a similar attitude, but at the same time, I had the faith that Allah the Almighty would, insha-Allah, bring about better provisions for the preparation as well as workers.
Hence, on one occasion, I very sternly told the organising committee that if they continued to work half-heartedly and entertained doubts as to whether or not the Jalsa would take place and had little hope of it, then I would appoint a new organising committee. These words of mine jolted them into motion and thereafter, work began to be carried out in a very swift manner, even though the work started late.
However, the volunteers who work under them, and in fact, who are the real workforce and provide the manpower, seemed to be anxiously awaiting from before and immediately came from all different areas to help with the preparation of the Jalsa. There was a long line of duty-workers willing to help during the days of Jalsa. However, since the Jalsa was going to be held on a much smaller scale, it was very difficult as to who to select from among them.
In any case, both the men and women had to make a selection for this. The Lajna perhaps selected only one-fifth of its duty workers and the men reduced it by perhaps a third. Those who were not selected for the duty were disappointed as they were unable to serve.
Therefore, I would like to say to all those men, women, boys and girls and children – who would normally be assigned duties as well – that Allah the Almighty rewards one for their intentions. Your intention to serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas has been fulfilled and even though you did not have the opportunity to serve, Allah the Almighty will not deprive you of its reward owing to your intentions.
I pray that may Allah the Almighty grant everyone the most excellent reward for their passion to serve.
Also, it is my practice that in the Friday Sermon following the Jalsa Salana, I express my thanks to the volunteers who were serving in the various departments. People from all around the world are also writing to me and expressing their gratitude to the volunteers. Whatever duty they were assigned, they strived to do full justice to it.
Due to the rain, at one time there was a huge issue in getting all the cars out from the parking area and the volunteers worked in an extraordinary manner and practically lifted the cars out of the mud. Volunteers serving in other departments would also help them when they were on break from their duties. Some of them wrote to me and mentioned that they also joined in. Later, upon assessing the condition of the parking, arrangements for parking were made elsewhere.
In any case, on the first day and for some part of the second day, there was a huge challenge to get the cars out. This challenge was captured by the lens of the camera and was also shown to the world through MTA. In this way, Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis all around the world, who were witnessing these scenes expressed their great astonishment.
In fact, upon witnessing this sight, the non-Ahmadis and non-Muslims said that to witness such a scene in this day and age was unbelievable. Whether someone was an officer or a labourer, they were all covered in mud in order to get the cars out of the mud. These are the people who work like jinns and have been granted to the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas by Allah the Almighty.
Similarly, there are various other departments – the hygiene department, food serving, preparing the food, preparing the rotis. Then one of the most important tasks before the Jalsa is to put the marquees up, lay down the tracks, etc. and there are various other preliminary tasks for the preparation of the Jalsa and to help with this, the volunteers would come regularly every week. Now, for the wind-up, there are many who are volunteering their days for this. Thus, there are various departments involved and people from all around the world who were watching on MTA and the live stream were greatly impressed by watching these duties being carried out. The guests who attended were also filled with emotions of gratitude.
The various scenes shown by MTA and the different programmes it prepared in order to show the various aspects [of Jalsa] were produced with great effort and MTA did full justice to this. They did not only show the Jalsa to the world but they also relayed to us in the Jalsa Gah and to the rest of the world of the scenes in various countries where people had gathered to watch the Jalsa proceedings. The proceedings of the Jalsa, the work of the volunteers before and during the Jalsa and also the various educational and tarbiyati speeches delivered in the Jalsa Gah were shown by MTA in such a manner that the Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis all around the world are both amazed and grateful to have witnessed these scenes. It had depicted a scene whereby people of different countries and nations had come together under one roof.
Thus, I would like to thank all those volunteers – the men as well as the women, who despite the difficult circumstances, and for whom this announcement [of the Jalsa] was quite unexpected in a way, and despite the challenges posed by the weather – who worked selflessly and did full justice to their duties.
I would also like to thank them on behalf of all those who watched the Jalsa from around the world and have been writing to me and expressing their gratitude. I initially thought that after expressing my thanks to the volunteers, I would resume with the regular subject of my sermons, but I am receiving so many reports and letters in which Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis from all around the world have expressed their extraordinary emotions of the impact that the Jalsa had on them and the positive outcomes that it brought about after watching the Jalsa. Therefore, I have decided that just like in previous years, I will mention some of those sentiments and the blessings in today’s sermon.
It is not possible to mention them all, but I have selected some of them as an example.
This year’s Jalsa Salana which was held under very unique circumstances has opened the doors of Allah the Almighty’s grace that one continues to bow before Allah the Almighty in gratitude. Allah the Almighty is bestowing His grace in so many ways despite the current circumstances. One aspect [of the Jalsa] which was missing and has been generally mentioned by everyone is that this year we could not hold the International Bai‘at Ceremony, which they were eagerly awaiting. However, in the current circumstances, it was difficult to organise the bai‘at [ceremony] and there was no other choice.
Now, I shall briefly mention some of these reports and the sentiments of people. This year, for the first time, jamaats [from different parts of the world] participated in the Jalsa through the live streaming. In other words, people were sat listening to the Jalsa in their own areas and could be seen on the screen in the Jalsa Gah.
There were five locations in the UK where these arrangements were made, where people sat together to watch. Despite the time difference of many hours, members had congregated to watch the Jalsa in various countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Guatemala, Bangladesh, etc. Apart from the UK, members participated in the Jalsa through the live streaming from 37 different locations across 22 countries.
This year, for the first time, there was live streaming from the women’s side and the women from different countries have expressed their happiness. According to one estimate, the women’s session and programme, which included their speeches, was viewed and heard by approximately 30 to 35 thousand women. The countries that participated [through live stream] included USA, Canada and Guatemala (and people had gathered in numerous centres in each country) and in Guyana, Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Kababir, India, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, the Gambia, Tanzania, France, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Holland and various other countries.
A non-Ahmadi friend in Niger, Isa Sahib came to the mission house on all three days to listen to my addresses. He says:
“Before this, I had heard that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was against Islam and they had a TV inside the mosque which was not allowed. However, after watching the Jalsa, I realised that if the entire Muslim world became united just like Ahmadiyyat was united and conveyed the message of Islam like them, then the Muslims would become so powerful that no power in the world could utter a word against it. The unity and bond of the Ahmadiyya Community that I have witnessed at the Jalsa is proof of its truthfulness.”
In Zambia, apart from the Ahmadi members and the new converts, some non-Ahmadis also watched the Jalsa and in one area 35 non-Ahmadi guests had gathered to watch. Upon watching the Jalsa proceedings, a Christian teacher commented:
“I thoroughly enjoyed watching the proceedings of the Jalsa. I have learnt about the teachings of Islam.” He further said, “Based on my knowledge and understanding, I have now learnt that Islam is the only true religion and there is no other religion in the world that helps the needy. I have had the opportunity to learn a great deal.”
The missionary in-charge of Gabon writes:
“A non-Muslim police officer along with his wife came to the mission house to watch the proceedings of the Jalsa. Before this, he never showed much interest in the Jamaat; however, after hearing the account about the acceptance of Ahmadiyyat of a new convert from Lebanon, he enquired after the Jalsa as to how he could watch MTA. Upon this, he was informed that he could view MTA through YouTube as well. He immediately took his phone out of his pocket and opened the MTA French channel on YouTube and began to watch the Jalsa. He then said that he will learn more about the Ahmadiyya Community through this channel.”
A non-Ahmadi friend from Nigeria heard the Jalsa proceedings and stated afterwards:
“After the proceedings of this Jalsa, I am convinced that if there is a true sect in this world, then it is the Ahmadiyya Community, and very soon I will join them.”
Another non-Ahmadi friend commented regarding the Jalsa:
“Indeed, this is a community of the truthful and a community of believers. I observed that despite the intense rain, the volunteers were busy in performing their duties and providing comfort for the guests.” He also stated that he was very impressed by my address to the ladies.
The missionary in-charge of Japan writes that a non-Ahmadi Japanese friend, who belongs to Hiroshima, Macshima Osamu Sahib (when I visited Japan and travelled to Hiroshima, he was there and also hosted us. He also attended the peace conference in 2017) stated:
“I am currently watching the Jalsa and just watched the Friday Sermon of 6 August. Upon watching this, I was reminded of the service rendered by the Jamaat in Japan and how the second Khalifa of the Community (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra) spoke out against the destruction caused to Hiroshima by the atom bomb in his Friday Sermon of 10 August 1945. This was among the very first voices to speak in favour of Hiroshima.
“Then, the current Khalifa visited Hiroshima and his message of peace and harmony holds great significance for me. Today, whilst watching MTA on Hiroshima Day, first it is my wish that just like MTA Africa, MTA Japan also is established very soon and secondly, after witnessing the atmosphere of the Jalsa and people joining together from all over the world, the idea continues to take root in my heart that the Jamaat has a very significant role in uniting the world on a single platform and establishing peace and harmony in the world.”
A non-Ahmadi teacher from Lusaka, Zambia says:
“Today, I learnt something from your Khalifa, which is that in Islam, women have the full right to express their opinion and that Islam grants women the right to choose their life partner in marriage. However, in some cultures, people are forced into marriage and the rights of people are overlooked.”
He then said that Islam is the only religion which has emphasised upon the rights of women.
He says, “If Islam permits a man to marry more than once, at the same time it stresses that the man must uphold equality and that if one cannot uphold justice, then he should marry only one. This is a beautiful Islamic teaching and only Ahmadiyyat is upholding these teachings.”
Then, Maman Ghali Sahib, a non-Ahmadi friend from the Tasawa region in Niger says:
“I attended for the first time and I am greatly impressed. If other Muslim sects followed suit, then Muslims around the world would make huge progress.”
Usama Sahib, a non-Ahmadi engineer from Niger says:
“The thing that impressed me the most was that there were representatives of various countries and despite the differences in language and culture, and despite the deadly Coronavirus outbreak, the level of obedience and perfect organisation was a sight to behold.”
The amir of Niger says that Maryam Sahiba, a non-Ahmadi guest says, “Listening to the addresses of the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Community, today I learnt about the true rights and responsibilities of women. Otherwise, the torrid conditions the woman are enduring in Africa are such that people living in the developed world would not be able to comprehend. Your words are in harmony with your actions.” She writes, “If your actions and words are in harmony, then there is nobody better than you.”
Thus, every Ahmadi has to ensure that they emulate this teaching in their homes so that the positive impression of the true teaching of Islam on the people may continue to make a mark on them. This is not for speeches only.
Fareed Musa, a non-Ahmadi gentleman from Niger also praised the Lajna address. Then, Maryam Ilyas Sahiba, a non-Ahmadi woman says:
“After learning about the rights of women and the true teachings of Islam, I feel proud to be a woman. If only people would understand this, the world would become like Paradise.”
Nafisa Adamoos, a non-Ahmadi woman from Niger says:
“I listened to an address of the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Community for the first time. It has become plainly clear for me that if there is anyone in the world today who is fulfilling the respect and honour given to women by our Master, the Holy Prophetsa, it is the Ahmadiyya Community.”
Thus, I would reiterate that every Ahmadi man should ponder over this and that they should ensure their conduct at home is good. Do not deceive the world.
Amir Sahib Niger writes that a non-Ahmadi, Al-Haj Hussain Sahib, is a businessman by profession and remains rather occupied due to his work. However, when he was invited to attend the Jalsa, he accepted the invitation. Following the Jalsa, the aforementioned individual said:
“I attended your Jalsa as a formality as I thought this might be a worldly event. However, when I started listening to the Jalsa, I decided that I would attend all three days. What impacted me most was the atmosphere of the Jalsa. Seeing the volunteers at work, it seemed as if their hearts are filled with a particular passion which is giving them courage otherwise this could not have been performed by a worldly person.”
The missionary in-charge of Guinea Conakry says that that the local missionary of the Kindia region mentioned that they invited the local mayor. The local mayor said that he was unwell, but his son would attend.
When he attended, my address to the ladies was about to start. There is a great shortage of electricity and they are currently passing through the monsoon season and if the electricity goes out, it goes out for several hours. He says that when the programme was about to start, the power went out. The guest had also arrived and there was no generator. The missionary said that they prayed, “O Allah the Almighty! For the truthfulness of the Jamaat, show us a miracle today and restore the electricity.” He says that they fervently supplicated.
I had not yet arrived at the dais to deliver my address that the electricity was restored. He says that Allah the Almighty listened to the prayers of these humble servants of the Messiahas of the age and manifested a sign for the truth of the Promised Messiahas and Islam, which also had a great impact on their guest. Astonishingly, as soon as the address finished, the electricity went out again. The guest also said that he had never before heard such a comprehensive address and whatever the Muslims have propagated against the Jamaat was false.
A mu‘allim in Cameroon says that the chief of a village near the northern area of Maroua, Al-Haji Usman, who is a non-Ahmadi, watched the proceedings of the Jalsa on MTA Africa. Following this, he said:
“Since our childhood, we have heard that when the Imam Mahdi appears, the entire world will see him. Watching the proceedings of the Jalsa today, I am convinced that this Jamaat is truly the Jamaat of the Imam Mahdi, whom the entire world can see at this moment. People from various countries participated in the Jalsa through MTA and were seeing and listening to the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Today, I have witnessed the words of the Prophetsa of God being fulfilled.”
With regard to bai‘ats through the Jalsa, Amir Sahib Mali writes that a teacher from the city of Kita, Umar Bari Sahib, called and said:
“Although I am not an Ahmadi, me and my entire family listened to the proceedings of the Jalsa with great enthusiasm. In particular, when various slogans were raised during the address of the Khalifa of the time, all of us family members became impassioned and we also repeated those slogans.” Umar Bari Sahib further stated that he would soon come to the Ahmadiyya mission along with his family and join the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.
The missionary in-charge in Cameroon says that a chief Imam in Cameroon, Douala Farooq Sahib, said, “I listened to the speeches of the Jalsa through MTA Africa. People say that the members of the Jamaat are disbelievers and that it is a terrorist organisation. Their [the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s] response is the verse in relation to Khatam-an-Nabiyyinsa [Seal of the Prophets], which was written in bold letters on the banner behind the stage. Through MTA, many misconceptions regarding the Jamaat will now be removed, insha-Allah [God willing].”
Amir Sahib Tanzania writes that a non-Ahmadi lady from the Arusha region, Jabu Sahiba, said:
“This was the first time that I saw the Jalsa Salana. I have never seen such a peaceful gathering in my life. Usually, people make a lot of noise during gatherings and arrange various programmes of entertainment in order to keep their interest. However, nothing of the sort was to be found during this Jalsa. As a matter of fact, during every programme, the true teachings of Islam were highlighted. Without a doubt, the love Ahmadis hold for their Khalifa cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”
After watching the proceedings, a local chief in the city of Maroua in Cameroon, said:
“It is an excellent achievement of the Jamaat that the Jalsa Salana is being translated into so many different languages and people are benefitting from this. I also benefitted from the Jalsa and I increased my knowledge. MTA is a blessing. I will now install a cable connection and benefit from watching MTA at home and increase my knowledge.”
Even non-Ahmadis are now influenced by MTA and benefit from this spiritual knowledge. This is a path to progress, if one desires to progress spiritually. Ahmadis should also pay greater attention towards MTA.
The missionary in-charge in Gabon writes that a new Ahmadi said:
“This indeed is the Jalsa of the entire world in which we, as well as people from various other countries, are participating in. This is also increasing our faith. Despite the difference in time, people are attending the Jalsa all across the world. This scene is only to be found in Ahmadiyyat, as it is not possible for other Muslims to do this.”
Ali Sahib, who belongs to a city in the eastern province of Zambia, Lusangazi, who is a new Ahmadi and also the chief of his area, says:
“We have entered Ahmadiyyat from Christianity and Ahmadiyyat was formally established in our village in February 2021. Following this, non-Ahmadi scholars visited our area several times and tried to fill our hearts with various kinds of misconceptions and doubts with regards to Ahmadiyyat.” No one visited them as long they were Christian and when they entered Ahmadiyyat, non-Ahmadi scholars came to them in order to “rectify their faith”.
He says:
“We were now able to watch the Jalsa Salana UK live. We watched scenes of an organised gathering for the first time in our lives, where, despite the circumstances due to the pandemic, people attended in such large numbers and government representatives from various countries sent their video messages.
“By the grace of Allah the Almighty, after watching the Jalsa, all of our doubts and misconceptions have been removed; Ahmadiyyat is not the name of a small group; rather, it is the name of an international community. The manner in which the Khalifa of the time highlighted the Islamic teachings in relation to the rights of women and other people, astonished us. In other words, women also have rights, as we would not give any importance to our women. We will take whatever we have heard and seen here back with us and insha-Allah convey it to the others so that their faith strengthens as well and we will try to act in accordance with this.”
A new Ahmadi from Malaysia, Rusli bin Mappasulle, says:
“Having watched the Jalsa Salana UK, I am extremely grateful to God Almighty that I was enabled to join the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and recognise the Imam of the Age. Although I was not in the UK, I had the opportunity to see the Khalifa of the time and listen to his addresses. If I had not joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, I would have been deprived of these blessings. I now promise to always remain sincere and obedient to Khilafat.”
Priscila Marleme Sahiba of Brazil says:
“A few months ago I took the oath of allegiance. I am fortunate that this was the first time I had the opportunity to watch the Jalsa Salana, and despite my lack of understanding of the language, I learnt so much. I thank God for enabling me to accept Ahmadiyyat.”
The missionary in-charge of Guinea Bissau writes that four female converts who live in far-off village called Kasini walked eight kilometres to their nearby jamaat in Masra to listen to the Jalsa Salana UK proceedings. When they heard my sermons, they said:
“It is by the grace of Allah that we have accepted Ahmadiyyat, but today, having listened to the address of the Khalifa, we felt just how far we are from such a wonderful blessing. Today, our faith in Ahmadiyyat has been completed 100% and we have now made an oath to always come and listen to the sermons of the Khalifa.” So this is how Allah the Almighty is bringing about changes in people.
People in Guiana also gathered to watch the live stream of the Jalsa. One new convert, Muzaffar Kwesi Sahib says:
“This was my first Jalsa Salana. This experience has been remarkable, especially when I sat down with my Ahmadi brothers to watch the Jalsa and when I saw the Khalifa and heard his address, it was all an amazing experience for me. I have never heard a Muslim woman recite the Holy Quran so beautifully.” He praised the recitation.
He then says:
“Members of our Jamaat gathered in one place from various towns and villages to listen to the Jalsa. These are all the blessings of Khilafat and Ahmadiyyat which God Almighty has bestowed upon this Community. Likewise, to witness the jamaats from all over the world participating virtually in the Jalsa was wonderful. I saw how the Community has reached so many countries, which I didn’t even know about. Furthermore, I witnessed how members of the Community unite and work together during the Jalsa.
“One person who works in a bank in the UK, took leave from work and was working voluntarily in the Jalsa and was sleeping in his car. This all proves that the members of the Jamaat possess sincerity and are making sacrifices. I also learnt about the different rights from the various addresses.”
He expressed his sentiments in this manner.
Safwan Naik Sahib, a new convert in Mauritius says, “This was my first time participating in the Jalsa via the live stream. Indeed, this experience is bringing me closer to Khilafat. Every single word of the Khalifa touched my heart and I am so pleased to have decided to join the Community. I am learning so much about the Promised Messiahas from the MTA programmes.”
Ashraf Zia Sahib of Austria writes:
“Donatella Sahiba took the oath of allegiance at the beginning of the year. She said, ‘Whatever the Khalifa of the time said would instil great passion within me. Tears were flowing from my eyes whilst listening to his addresses. Islam is indeed a path that grants life and leads to the truth. My life is changing gradually. I am so grateful to Allah the Almighty for having enabled me to accept Ahmadiyyat.’” She is from Austria.
There are many incidents of people joining Ahmadiyyat after the Jalsa.
A non-Ahmadi, Hasan Sahib of Ivory Coast says:
“I had the opportunity to watch all three days of the Jalsa programme. It was extremely faith-inspiring. Falsehood doesn’t live for long and dies its own death, whereas the truth always remains. In line with this principle, the daily progress made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is in itself a testimony to its truthfulness.
“After the conclusion of Jalsa Salana, some of my friends and I were speaking at a restaurant, when an unknown person overheard us and said, ‘If, today, there is any community which is acting upon the true teachings of Islam, it is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.’ Saying this, he left but confirmed what we were discussing in that the Community follows the true Islam not only in speech, but also in practice.” Thereafter, Hasan Sahib met the mu‘allim, saying he wished to take the oath of allegiance to join Ahmadiyyat, and that he didn’t wish to deprive himself any longer of this truth.
The missionary in-charge of Congo Brazzaville says:
“A jamaat in Gamboma had the opportunity to show the broadcast of all live programmes from the three days of Jalsa Salana on TV and radio. In this area there is only one TV station and the Jalsa programmes continued to be repeated on it. According to one estimate, 4,000 people watched and listened to the Jalsa. 30 jamaats in the villages surrounding Gamboma participated in the Jalsa via radio.” In those areas, there is no electricity, which is why they listen to it via radio. Then they listened to all of my addresses as it was being translated in the local language of Lingala.
“Alhamdulillah, the programme was very successful, which our members and externals all expressed. In all three days, we were surrounded by the Jalsa atmosphere. Food preparations were made as is done in the Jalsa. By the grace of Allah, during the Jalsa, 12 people had the honour of entering the fold of Ahmadiyyat.”
The missionary in-charge of Guinea Bissau writes that by the grace of Allah, having accepted Ahmadiyyat, the majority of new converts are regularly preaching the message in their areas and to their near relations. Due to the blessed occasion of Jalsa Salana UK, when members were urged to watch the Jalsa proceedings, all the new converts called their non-Ahmadi relatives and friends to especially listen during the times of my four addresses at the Jalsa. People walked or cycled 30 kilometres and 18 kilometres to get there.
The majority of people only came to listen to the address on the first day, but when they heard this address of mine, they changed their minds and remained for all three days. After listening to the concluding address on the third day, they said, “Your Khalifa has won our hearts and the Islam he has presented is indeed the true Islam.” On this occasion, 127 people – men and women alike – accepted Ahmadiyyat. They all took the oath of allegiance.
Ibrahim Sahib, a mu‘allim in Congo, says:
“A Christian friend, Mouk Ngantasibi was invited to attend and watch the Jalsa along with his wife. After watching the Jalsa, he said to his wife, ‘It seems to me that we will never find such teachings and guidance anywhere. We have wasted a large part of our life in Christianity. What we have learnt here during these three days, we would not be able to learn if we stayed as Christians our entire. It is better for us if we join them.’ In this way, both husband and wife, and their children all took the oath of allegiance and joined the Community.”
The missionary in-charge of Guinea Bissau writes that Kambajao Sahib, a non-Ahmadi friend of the Bafata region, Guinea Bissau, listened to the proceedings of all three days of the Jalsa Salana UK and he also heard my addresses. He then said, “Islam is in need of such a leader and this leadership exists in the form of the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The entire Muslim world can be gathered through this.”
Upon the conclusion of the Jalsa, he straight away did the bai‘at and joined the fold of Ahmadiyyat.
Angutaani Sahib, a Christian from Congo Brazzaville, writes:
“I never took an interest in religion because after dealing with Christians, I felt that religious people are not sincere. My brother was already a member of the community and invited me to attend this Jalsa. Upon his request, I attended and as I watched the Jalsa, I began to feel a gradual change within myself and started to develop an interest in religion. After listening to the speech of the Khalifa, my heart, for the first time, testified to the truth of religion. True religions have the power to transform the heart. For the first time in my life, I am accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat as my faith.”
A non-Ahmadi friend from Nigeria was also able to take bai‘at after listening to the Jalsa proceedings. He writes, “I was greatly influenced by the Jalsa proceedings and at long last, found the truth I was searching for. I now wish to take the bai‘at.”
Zafar Iqbal Sahib from Senegal writes that throughout the three days of Jalsa, all of my addresses were broadcast live on four radio stations and one TV channel in the Ambur region. As a result, after listening to those addresses, a radio host accepted Ahmadiyyat. The radio host is well-educated and popular amongst the people, and he said, “I had heard many things about the Jamaat, but after hearing the words of the Imam of the Jamaat today, I have discovered the truth and will enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat.” That very day, he took the bai‘at, along with his whole family.
A local Imam from Maroua in Cameroon, says:
“The salient feature of the Jalsa are the addresses of the Imam of the Jamaat. The Khalifa of the Jamaat says everything based on the Quran and Hadith and this had a profound impact on my heart. Surely this community and its Khalifa are from God. My heart is content.”
As a result, he and his friends all took the bai‘at and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, there are also people among the scholars who judge with integrity and when they see the truth, they accept it.
Some non-Ahmadis from Mali also accepted Ahmadiyyat after listening to the Jalsa proceedings. Before Jalsa, the Jamaat’s local radio channels held many programmes about Jalsa and they also aired daily announcements and information about the Jalsa. They mentioned:
“We gave an open invitation for all to come and watch the Jalsa at the mission house. As a result, Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis gathered to watch the Jalsa together. On the last day of Jalsa, four individuals took the bai‘at and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Those individuals are very educated and said that they had been listening to the radio in Kayes city and became interested in Ahmadiyyat. When they heard about Jalsa on the radio, they became even more intrigued and decided that they must see the Jalsa.
“After viewing the Jalsa, they admitted, ‘The progress and victory of Islam is linked only to Ahmadiyyat. The Islam that Ahmadiyyat is presenting to the world is the true Islam. The greatest thing of all is that Muslims are in dire need of a Khalifa to guide them, and in this day and age, Khilafat has been established through Ahmadiyyat.’ They also said that they are firm in their faith as Ahmadis and desired to know the prescribed monthly amount of chanda so that they can also partake in the service of their faith.”
The amir of Mali writes:
“In the Kayes region, non-Ahmadis also arrived to the mission house to view the Jalsa. On the third day of Jalsa, when a documentary on the faith-inspiring incidents of the previous bai‘ats was shown, the non-Ahmadi who were quite educated began to ask about the conditions of bai‘at. During the break, the mu‘allim read out the conditions of the bai‘at in the local language. Upon this, the non-Ahmadi stated, ‘This is a summary of Islam and contains excellent guidance for how to lead our daily lives.’ He further said, ‘It is vitally important for everyone to adhere to this.’ Subsequently, after the Jalsa he took the bai‘at.”
People also participated in the Jalsa from Ghana through the live stream. The arrangements to watch the Jalsa were made in the lush green grounds of Bustan-e-Ahmad in Accra. They have said:
“There was a truly special atmosphere. The live proceedings of the Jalsa were shown to the men and women on two large video screens. On all three days, over 2,500 people attended, including men and women. Extensive arrangements were made in the central mosque in Kumasi. On all three days, more than 2,000 people attended. Arrangements were made in 14 mosques in the Upper West Region for members to view the Jalsa and similarly, arrangements were made in other regions as well. In Wa, there were 12 different locations and in the rest of the regions there were 14 locations [where members gathered]. And in this way, more than 2,000 people watched the Jalsa proceedings here as well. MTA was also available through other TV channels as well.”
Apart from MTA Africa and MTA Ghana, the proceedings of the Jalsa were also being aired on three other TV channels of Ghana.
Akram Ali Al-Kehlani Sahib from Yemen says:
“Today, through this Jalsa and his addresses, the Khalifa of the time has revitalised our spirit. The tears from our eyes had dried up and they have now returned and our hearts have softened after having become hardened. If the entire world heard the address of the Khalifa which he delivered to the ladies and adhered to it, then our entire society would be 100% reformed. Similarly, the concluding address was a highlight of the entire event. No one can find a similar example of such organisation. Every face was cheerful and supporting a smile. This is the blessings of God Who established this Jamaat.”
Amir Ali Sahib from Yemen states:
“The three days of Jalsa were like Eid for us in which we witnessed the blessings of God Almighty descend and the fulfilment of the promises He vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas. Due to the Jalsa, our faith in Khilafat continued to increase day by day because we witnessed how Allah the Almighty is granting support to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Without Khilafat, there is nothing except darkness. Although we were not physically present at the Jalsa, our hearts were with you and we were experiencing the pure and spiritual atmosphere of the Jalsa as if we were there.”
He further states, “After looking at you and listening to your advice, our emotions were indescribable. It had a deep impact upon our hearts. I greatly benefited from the addresses as my attention was drawn to many of my responsibilities and I learnt of many ills which I was committing without any knowledge of it.”
He further stated, “I was extremely moved upon witnessing how Ahmadis from different countries had gathered together for the Jalsa and I prayed that may Allah the Almighty quickly grant us a place in Yemen where we can sit together and participate in the Jalsa.”
Hamid Sahib from Jordan states:
“Every year, people from all around the world attend the Jalsa and stand witness to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy. This year’s Jalsa was unique in that many Ahmadis from all around the world participated in the Jalsa through the Internet and MTA. Allah the Almighty grants His support to the Jamaat in all circumstances because this is a truthful Jamaat. I consider this year’s Jalsa in which the Khalifa of the time was present as a special spiritual experience or like the example of Paradise in this world whereby we have tasted its fruits over the three days. It seems like a heavenly tent had been erected in the spiritual atmosphere for the propagation of Islam.”
Muhammad Badr Sahib from Syria says:
“At the Jalsa, despite a difference of background, race and culture, the Ahmadi Muslims are united behind their Khalifa; under the flag of the Jamaat.”
He then says:
“The saying of Allah the Almighty is proven true, in that even if one was to spend all the wealth in the world, one could not join the hearts of the people, it is Allah alone that can unite the hearts of the people.” This is a verse of the Holy Quran, “Allah has bestowed His grace and blessings upon us.” He further writes, “Love could be seen emanating from the faces of all the attendees. One could feel a sense of peace and harmony. It seemed as though all of us Ahmadis were behind our spiritual leader in the middle of an oasis in the desert, where the atmosphere is completely peaceful and harmonious. I have realised that I have a lot of weaknesses and I will have to strive very hard to bring about a virtuous change within myself, I will have to attain the highest level of righteousness and I will have to give precedence to my faith over worldly pursuits. In order to have a pleasant atmosphere at home, one has to treat women with love and kindness.”
Abdur Rahman Sahib from Lebanon, who is living in Germany, says, “I watched the three-day Jalsa proceedings with Jamaat members in the Berlin mosque. I felt the spiritual atmosphere of the Jalsa and benefitted from it greatly. The lack of spirituality that we were feeling has returned.”
Umar Sahib from the West Bank, Palestine, says:
“It is my wish for the Jalsa to take place every day so that we can become like the prophets and saints. It was a unique atmosphere. I listened to the Jalsa together with my fellow brothers, where there was an atmosphere of love and brotherhood.”
Rizwan Shahid Sahib from the Ivory Coast says, “Andre Sahib, who is the president of the Jamaat in the city of Man said that the most powerful aspect of the Jalsa is that Ahmadis all over the world are united under the banner of Khilafat and show complete obedience to Khilafat. It is daytime in some places and night in others, but everyone is sitting attentively to listen to the address of the Khalifa and to rejuvenate their faith.”
Ilyas Kurbatov Sahib, the national president of the Kyrgyzstan Jamaat, says:
“Listening to the speeches at Jalsa, I was unable to control my emotions and my eyes welled up. I watched the Jalsa Salana on YouTube and was overwhelmed when I saw comments from my brothers and sisters who were wishing everyone a prosperous Jalsa and extending the greetings of peace to each other. All my brothers and sisters belong to different nations, for example Russia Ukraine, Armenia, Tatarstan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan etc. This scene touched my soul.”
Sulaiman Sahib, an Ahmadi from Niger says:
“It was an honour for me to hear the words of the Khalifa live in my mother tongue – Hausa.” He says, “The addition of the translation in the Hausa language on MTA 5 has enhanced our Jalsa greatly; this was as if Jalsa and Eid had come at once for us.” He stated, “The delight experienced in hearing the Khalifa translated in the Hausa language is a luxury that can only be truly appreciated by those who can understand Hausa.” This was the first time that the proceedings were available in the Hausa language.
A member of the Indonesia Jamaat, Suwitono Sahib, says:
“Having watched the Jalsa and heard the addresses of the Khalifa of the time has instilled a new spirit of love for Khilafat in the hearts of my family. We saw outstanding examples of brotherhood, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere in the world. Undoubtedly, Khilafat is the embodiment of love and peace, which does not differentiate between the colour and background of all humans.”
Atif Zahid Sahib from Australia writes:
“The live broadcast of the opening address started at 00:55 in the night. Despite this, people had gathered together and listened to the Jalsa proceedings with complete concentration. One person had brought his young son along with him. The Friday Sermon finished at 22:30 and so he said to his son to go home, but he replied that he wanted to listen to the address and he remained there until late.” He further says, “The concluding address was to begin very late on Sunday and the following day was a working day. Hence, we were worried that people may not come to the mosque. However, due to the grace of Allah the Almighty, people gathered in the mosque in large numbers to listen to the concluding address. In fact, the number of people who came for the concluding address was more than the opening address.”
Ibrahim Sahib, who is originally from Guinea Conakry but is in Brazil due to his studies, says:
“One thing that is noteworthy for me, which I would like to highlight is the institution of Khilafat, under which people from different nations come together and listen to the speeches and proceedings of the Jalsa. This is a proof that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is the true representation of Islam. Had the Imam Mahdias not appeared, there would never have been so much harmony among us, nor would we have been united. I am very grateful that through the proceedings of the Jalsa, my knowledge increased greatly and I am also grateful to God that I am a member of this Jamaat.”
Atakhanova Dilyara Sahiba says:
“It was wonderful to see the sincerity and interest with which the speeches were listened to. Upon listening to the sermons of the Khalifa, a person slips into another world, which brings about the revival of Islam. The entire family sat together to listen to the addresses of the Khalifa, especially the address to the Lajna, in which the rights of women in Islam were explained. Having listened to this address, we ought to prostrate before Allah the Almighty even more than before at just how Allah the Almighty has safeguarded the rights of us women.” She says that the sermons would fill her with emotions.
Byron Sahib from Guatemala writes:
“For me, Jalsa Salana is a special time and is nothing short of a miracle, because shortly before the Jalsa, various members of the Guatemala Jamaat caught the coronavirus. They fell ill and their health began to deteriorate. However, today, all the members of the Guatemala Jamaat are gathered together to listen to the Jalsa and no member is unwell. When I was a Christian, my beliefs about miracles were very strange. Having joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, I now understand the true reality of miracles and that a true miracle is if a person brings about a virtuous transformation within oneself. One year ago, I would come to the mosque alone. It seemed impossible that my family would come to the mosque or accept Islam. Today, my wife and children, my mother, one of my brothers, brother-in-law and his family have all come here with me, who are sat listening to the Jalsa proceedings. Indeed, I consider this to be a miracle.”
This person is a very sincere and humble Ahmadi, with a modest income, yet he has a great passion for propagating the message [of Islam Ahmadiyyat]. Wherever he goes, he propagates the message and brings many people to visit the mosque at his own expense.
Ramiro Martinez, who is also from Guatemala, writes:
“Today was a special day for me. Seeing Jalsa UK proceedings on MTA and also the video links from other places, I am now convinced that this international community is a divine organisation. The Khalifa is indeed appointed by God, who advises us about how Muslims should conduct themselves in society. I am overjoyed. From now on, I will always listen to the sermons of the Khalifa.”
This gentleman taught about the Bible for 35 years and remained a member of different Christian sects. However, due to their internal conflicts, he would change from one sect to another. He has accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat after researching himself. He lives 20 kilometres from the mosque. From the time he has accepted Ahmadiyyat, he has only missed the Friday prayers once because his car broke down. Otherwise, he regularly attends the mosque for Friday prayers and regularly offers the five daily prayers at home.
Evalin Gonzalez from Guatemala says:
“Joining the live proceedings of Jalsa Salana UK, I have realised that the Jamaat is one community, where it seems as though everyone is linked together as one. I am grateful to God Almighty that He has granted us an opportunity to be part of this community.
“It saddens me that a large part of the world remains deprived from listening to the words of the Khalifa. This is the reason that there are issues around the world and there is warfare. Having entered the Jamaat, I have learnt that every issue can be solved through prayers. Many of my issues were resolved through prayers. My house which was falling apart was saved by the prayers of the Khalifa. I do not know the words with which I can thank the Khalifa.” She says, “Having participated for the first time, I can say that this is a year of great success and victory. Although we are not perfect, a new spiritual journey has begun. I shall attend the Jalsa every year.”
Isa Baba, an Ahmadi from Niger, says:
“In the Friday Sermon, I heard about hospitality and how the Imam Mahdias would sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of his guests and the Khalifa presented an example of the Promised Messiahas in that he offered his own charpoy for the ease of his guest. All night he spent in difficulty.
“We then witnessed this atmosphere of brotherhood in the Jalsa. Cars that were stuck in the mud were being pulled out by Khuddam who were not concerned about themselves. This lack of brotherhood in the Muslim world is perhaps the reason why they are being humiliated and disgraced in the world. The solution to this issue, however, has been told to us by the Khalifa.”
Samad Ghauri Sahib from Albania writes:
“A friend of mine, Dr Bujar Sahib told me that he watched the addresses of the Khalifa and also the other proceedings of Jalsa Salana UK. He said that in this day and age, the Jalsa Salana is essential for the guidance of people. He said that the addresses of the Khalifa were delivered in simple words, but contained a grand message for the current times.
“In this day and age, where all moral codes have been destroyed, or are being ruined, [these words] will ensure people will be granted their rights and will save the world. The worldly people claim that they will grant people their rights; however, they forget that these rights were established by the Holy Prophetsa 1500 years ago, the flag of which is today raised aloft by the Ahmadiyya Community.
“Witnessing the scenes of Jalsa Salana and the services rendered by Humanity First in the underdeveloped areas of Africa, had a big impact on me. Seeing the glistening eyes of those children reveals the truth and exposes the covering of worldly leaders in that their eloquent promises and propaganda are nothing. Those eyes require the means of life and water is a key part of life, the delight of which some of them were tasting for the first time.”
109 goodwill messages from prominent personalities were received on the occasion of Jalsa Salana from nine countries other than the UK, which comprised of video messages, audio messages and in writing. Aside from the UK, messages were received from the USA, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Senegal, Kenya, Spain, Holland and Germany; messages were received from the prime minister of UK, prime minister of Canada, leader of the UK’s Labour Party, leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats, as well as other politicians in the UK; also eight ministers, 11 shadow [cabinet] ministers, four former secretaries of state, London’s police commissioner, six religious leaders and also 13 mayors. In addition to this, messages were received from people from all backgrounds.
MTA Africa reports that this year – as with previous years – the proceedings of Jalsa Salana UK were watched and listened to via MTA Africa throughout the continent, which we have also just heard from people’s impressions about Jalsa.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, in addition to MTA Africa, the proceedings of Jalsa Salana were also broadcast on other local African channels. This year, including Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Uganda, Mali, Rwanda, Burundi, Senegal, Burkina Faso, my addresses were broadcast directly on 14 different TV stations. According to one estimate, more than 55 million received the message of Islam through this. Those Jalsa guests who attend from Africa and could not participate in the proceedings because of Covid-19 restrictions, also expressed their desire to join the Jalsa.
The translation of the Jalsa proceedings was provided for the first time in the Hausa language, a language spoken by over 50 million people in Africa. 16 different African television channels aired news segments about the Jalsa Salana UK. The number of viewers for these channels exceeds 60 million.
A missionary from Uganda, Zaki Sahib, writes, “Before the Jalsa, opponents of the community had started spreading propaganda on social media against the Jamaat, saying that these people have a different Quran, etc. so do not watch the proceedings.” When people were shown the advert for the Jalsa so they could join, the opponents began to insist that they should not listen to the Jalsa, saying that these people have their own version of the Quran.
“As a result of this propaganda, a large part of the Ugandan population’s attention was actually directed toward the Jalsa Salana. This had the exact opposite effect of what was intended, and many non-Ahmadis expressed that this propaganda actually made them curious, and after watching and listening to the programmes, their views about the Jamaat have changed. They said that they have come to realise that the Ahmadis believe in the same Quran as them. In fact, they love the Quran even more than them.”
A Catholic friend in Uganda writes:
“I saw the advertisement for the Jalsa on Uganda’s national television network, explaining that there is some Islamic Conference taking place in the UK. Upon seeing this, I thought, ‘Let me see what kind of conference this is.’ And so, on Saturday, when I turned on the TV to watch, I saw a man in a white turban delivering an address. I began listening to the sermon and found myself unable to get up from in front of the TV. I ended up listening to the entire address from beginning to end.”
He further writes, “The teachings about women presented by Islam cannot be found anywhere else, and I have never seen any other person raising a voice in favour of women´s rights in this way before.” This person immediately dialled the contact number provided on the screen, saying that he wished to be provided a script of the address that was delivered in the ladies session. And so, he will be sent a copy, insha-Allah.
A non-Ahmadi friend named Abdullah Quyi Sahib from Liberia states:
“My intention to watch the Jalsa Salana was to ascertain the difference between Ahmadi Muslims and other Muslims and so that it may become clear to me whether the claims of non-Ahmadi clerics are true or not. After watching the Jalsa, it has become abundantly clear to me that everything they say against this community is only negative propaganda – they are all lies. In reality, through Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the true message of Islam is being propagated the world over, and I consider it my personal responsibility to inform others about this reality – that it is only Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya which is truly conveying the message of Islam.”
A non-Ahmadi friend in Liberia also said the same. He says that he tuned in to the proceedings of the Jalsa to foster religious tolerance.
“When I read the Quranic verse written on the stage’s backdrop, I was amazed because non-Ahmadi clerics spread the allegation that Ahmadis don’t consider the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa as the Seal of the Prophets, nor respect him. But, contrary to this, Ahmadis are actually spreading the love of the Holy Prophetsa throughout the world. And the way in which the Khalifa of Ahmadis repeatedly emphasised the teachings of the Holy Quran and mentioned the Holy Prophetsa over and over in his address, is itself a conclusive proof of their love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.”
These accounts came between this report, but in any case, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, there was coverage of the Jalsa Salana through press & media as well. BBC covered it on its regional station, BBC South also gave coverage to it, they also aired a documentary and BBC world aired a report [on the Jalsa], a channel watched in over 200 countries. Aside from this, BBC National News channel covered this report and it continued to repeat a few times as well.
The Press & Media Department reports that while assessing the exact reach of this coverage is difficult, according to one estimate, the total reach was about 52 million viewers. 40 websites covered the Jalsa Salana, with a collective viewership of 27 million. 20 newspapers and publications published articles etc. about the Jalsa, with a collective readership of 735,000. 16 radio programs aired information about the Jalsa, reaching about 16 million listeners. Similarly, 12 television channels provided coverage, with a collective reach of up to 2.2 million people. Aside from all these media, through social media as well, the message of Jalsa was conveyed to 6.3 million people.
In Dhaka, Amir Sahib of Bangladesh writes that in the central mosque of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Bahman Bariya and Chittagong, they joined in via live stream. They say that according to the report, more than 800 non-Ahmadi guests joined into the proceedings and benefitted from it. Then, they say that 10 Bengali online news outlets and portals published pieces on the Jalsa with pictures. Of these, three are very well known and reputable. According to a very conservative estimate, the collective reach of the message through online papers and portals was at least 5.4 million people.
Then there is the coverage achieved through MTA International. More than 15 million people visited MTA via its YouTube channel. About 500,000 hours of MTA coverage of the Jalsa were viewed on YouTube. On Instagram, 35,000 people visited the MTA page, reaching 1.97 million people. On Twitter, over 100,000 people saw the Jalsa feed, with over 35,000 likes and retweets. 550,000 people also viewed the message through Facebook. Also, MTA’s own website was viewed 100,000 times. Over 200,000 people also tuned in to the proceedings through MTA OnDemand.
Thus, these were just some brief aspects and even then it took quite some time.
May Allah the Almighty grant lasting blessings as a result of this Jalsa. May the hearts of pure souls become increasingly inclined toward Ahmadiyyat, the True Islam, and may Allah keep the members of the Jamaat and all sincere souls protected from the evil of these so-called ulema.
(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 3 September 2021, pp. 5-11. Translated by The Review of Religions.)
