Tasleem Ahmad, New Zealand
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya New Zealand convened its 35th Jalsa Salana on 19-20 January 2024, at Alfriston College in Auckland. Weeks of meticulous preparations, involving participants from distant towns, culminated in the establishment of the Jalsa Gah. This year’s Jalsa centred around the theme “Voices for Peace.”
Members of the New Zealand Jamaat began their day with congregational Tahajjud prayer, followed by Fajr prayer and dars. As attendees arrived from cities like Nelson, Christchurch, and Wellington, Jumuah and Asr prayers were offered, paving the way for the formal commencement of Jalsa proceedings.
The Jalsa Salana officially began with flag hoisting, followed by a silent prayer. The inaugural session began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Urdu poem, and a special message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa read out by the National President of Jamaat New Zealand.
An English speech titled “Al-Ghafur: Our Forgiving God” was delivered by our missionary, Mustenser Qamar Sahib, followed by two more speeches in Urdu and English before a tea break.
The second session consisted of various speeches on an array of topics, including “The Writings of the Promised Messiahas”, “O Ye Who Believe! Save Yourselves and Your Families from Fire”, and “Attaining Peace of Mind.” The first day concluded with dinner and Maghrib and Isha prayers.
The second day of the Jalsa began with Tahajjud prayer at the Baitul Muqeet Mosque, followed by Fajr prayer and dars.
The third session included speeches on “Financial Sacrifices” and “Service to Humanity.”
During the break, external guests, including MPs from Auckland and ministers of religions from various faith groups, began to arrive at the Jalsa Gah. The guest session included recitation from the Holy Quran with its English and Maori translations, welcoming remarks by the National President, and a speech on “The Foundations for True Peace” by our missionary, Asif Munir Sahib. Subsequently, guests were invited to share their thoughts, followed by lunch and Zuhr and Asr prayers.
This was followed by the concluding session which included a speech on “God Desires a Complete Transformation in Your Being” by Mustenser Qamar Sahib. The event concluded with choral poems, the distribution of annual academic merit awards, and closing remarks followed by a silent prayer.
Jalsa Salana New Zealand 2024 recorded a total checked-in attendance of 724 individuals.