London, 21 July: The Baitul Futuh Mosque is adorned with flags and decorations representing the various countries participating in Jalsa Salana UK 2023. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation as Jalsa is on the horizon and the guests of the Promised Messiahas from around the world arrive to partake in this auspicious event.
Earlier today at 12:28 BST, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, arrived at Baitul Futuh Mosque to deliver the Friday Sermon and lead the Jumua prayers.
Towards the end of his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that Jalsa Salana would be starting next week. Huzooraa said that this year, insha-Allah, after a period of 3-4 years, a large number of guests will be coming from abroad. Huzooraa prayed that Allah may allow them all to travel safely to the Jalsa and enable them to attain the true blessings of the Jalsa Salana.
Huzooraa said that all attendees should keep in mind that the main reason for which they are attending the Jalsa is to attain spiritual nourishment.
Addressing the volunteers, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said they should try their best to serve everyone in the best manner, keeping in mind that the attendees are the guests of the Promised Messiahas.
Huzooraa said that this year, guests are expected to arrive in larger numbers. Hence, there may be some shortcomings – though the UK Jamaat’s organisation of Jalsa is now very capable and has addressed most of the issues.
Huzooraa said, Islam places much emphasis on the good treatment of guests, especially if they are coming for a religious purpose, and on the calling of the Promised Messiahas. Therefore, all workers should treat them well and with a spirit of sacrifice, seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Addressing the Islamic teachings regarding the treatment of guests, Huzooraa said that on one occasion the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated that he who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should treat their guests well and with respect. Huzooraa said guests from a wide range of backgrounds and temperaments attend the Jalsa, and at times, due to their nature, a guest may speak or act in a way that is hurtful or difficult for the worker, but Allah and the Holy Prophetsa have commanded us that in any case, we must treat the guests well because through this one’s faith will be judged.
Huzooraa emphasised that Jalsa volunteers should always be smiling and remain joyful while also displaying good conduct and morals. Those who are serving have volunteered themselves happily for this service, so they should aspire to attain what Allah and the Holy Prophetsa expect of us. Huzooraa said that the Holy Prophetsa taught that smiling to your Muslim brother is charity; commanding good and forbidding evil is charity; giving directions to a man lost in the land or one with bad sight is charity; and removing a rock, thorn, or bone from the road is charity. Pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity. (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-birri wa s-silah ‘an rasulillahsa, Hadith 1956)
Huzooraa said that it is a great attribute to always keep smiling. At times, due to long shifts at Jalsa, one may have had very little sleep and be tired, but the commandment is that even in such circumstances, one should remain smiling and serve with true happiness.
Addressing the tarbiyat department in particular and all workers in general, Huzooraa said that if they see something wrong that is against our teaching, they should intervene, explain, and teach with kindness and correct the matter.
Then Huzooraa pointed out that although a team is present to show people their way around the site and where to go, and sign boards will also be dotted around, even if someone is to ask anyone for the way, we all must help each other as this is good manners. Even if one doesn’t know, they should guide them to someone who can help them. Huzooraa said that it is common knowledge that we should particularly help all disabled and blind people.
Huzooraa said if anyone leaves behind any rubbish – although there is a hygiene team in place – everyone should throw it away if they see it. If the food ever runs low, those working in the Langar department should tell everyone with kindness to share the food and eat together.
Huzooraa said that disagreements can happen with regard to traffic arrangements, but everyone should work together amicably.
Emphasising the importance of remaining joyful and smiling in all situations, Huzooraa said that all other departments of Jalsa should always work together and follow this teaching of the Holy Prophetsa to always remain smiling.
In the end, Huzooraa prayed that Allah may enable all the workers to fulfil their duties in the best way and may He bless this Jalsa; moreover, every Ahmadi should pray for the success of the Jalsa.
After delivering the Friday Sermon and leading the Jumua prayer, Huzooraa departed at around 14:15 BST.
Thereafter, Al Hakam had the opportunity to speak with Amir Jamaat UK, Rafiq Hayat Sahib, and Nasir Khan Sahib, Afsar Jalsa Salana UK.
Amir Sahib informed us that for this year’s Jalsa Salana, it is expected that approximately 50,000 guests will attend. He also mentioned that, following last year’s UK Jalsa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had instructed the installation of a water drainage system at the Jalsa site. This step was taken to prevent waterlogging, which had previously caused significant disruption for vehicles. Upon Huzoor’saa instructions, the drainage system has been implemented, ensuring the water properly drains downward. Furthermore, Amir Sahib shared that the newly-constructed Baitul Futuh Complex has been fully completed and is now being used to accommodate the guests attending the Jalsa. Additionally, Baitul Ehsan Mosque is also being used to accommodate the guests.
We also spoke with Nasir Khan Sahib, Afsar Jalsa Salana, who reiterated to us that Huzooraa has given a significant message to the Jalsa volunteers in his Friday Sermon. He said, this message will be relayed to all workers promptly. There are plans to augment the number of individuals for car park duties and guest reception. Additionally, signage at Jalsa Salana will be increased for clarity, and a concerted effort will be made to maintain cleanliness across the venue. Preparations are also in place to ensure adequate food provisions. In essence, every effort is being made to adhere to and implement beloved Huzoor’saa directives.
Insha-Allah, Al Hakam will be reporting on the main inspection event scheduled to take place on Sunday.
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