Zahid Ahmad Bhatti, Missionary, Guinea-Bissau
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Guinea-Bissau held its 13th Jalsa Salana in the capital city of Bissau on 29-31 December 2023.
The inaugural day commenced with the tahajjud prayer, and the proceedings unfolded after the Fajr prayer with the dars of the Holy Quran, followed by a flag housing ceremony by the missionary-in-charge, Ahsan Memon Sahib and the Administrator of the area.
The formal programme began with the recitation from the Holy Quran and an Arabic qasidah of the Promised Messiahas.
The guests shared their thoughts and the missionary-in-charge delivered the opening speech, emphasising the significance and objectives of the Jalsa. The day concluded with Maghrib and Isha prayers, followed by a well-attended question and answer session.
The second day’s session commenced at 10 am with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem and speeches delivered on various topics such as “Muhammadsa: The Messenger of Peace”, “The Coming of Messiah and the Mahdi”, and “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.”
The third session included speeches on “What is Ahmadiyya Islam?”, “Khilafat as the Source of Peace and Unity”, and “Achieving True Piety Through Financial Sacrifice.” Maghrib and Isha prayers followed, and the question and answer session from the previous day continued.
The closing session, broadcast live with the blessings of MTA, marked the conclusion of the Jalsa Salana.
The event garnered extensive media coverage, with national TV, a newspaper, and eight radio channels reporting on the Jalsa. The Jamaat’s message reached remote areas, prompting the people of a village to announce their intention to join the Jamaat, recognising it as true Islam.
The Jalsa witnessed the participation of over 4,500 people, including 175 government officials, representatives, administrators, police and security chiefs, and leaders of different areas. Notably, 642 individuals pledged their bai‘at and announced joining the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
