Imaduddin al-Masri, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir
On 5 July 2024, the 27th Jalsa Salana Kababir came to an end. The Jamaat successfully gathered the diverse human fabric in the courtyard of its mosque in Kababir, Haifa. This initiative stems from the growing awareness of the necessity for constructive dialogue as the only way out of the existential crisis the country is experiencing.
Reflecting on the current reality, the Jalsa focused on the urgent need to establish peace in lands that are supposed to be holy, lands of peace, yet, their inhabitants have lost their way, leading to the desecration of their lands and innocent blood being spilled.
Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir, Muhammad Sharif Odeh Sahib, pointed out in his address the significant misunderstanding of religious texts, which has resulted in doctrines contaminated with hatred, superiority, and racial selfishness. These doctrines have collectively made religions a source of incitement to violence, war, and exclusion, instead of their original message promoting human values, freedoms, and absolute justice. The law of the jungle and double standards have become the dominant traits of life, not just in our region but worldwide. He also warned about the approaching point of no return, leading the region and the world into a catastrophic global conflict, driving our planet towards unprecedented destruction. He also called for urgent radical reforms in Muslim and Jewish religious discourse to avoid losing what remains of humanity and human civilisation. He emphasised that justice requires avoiding collective punishment or revenge driven by blind, unjust anger.
The evening featured brief speeches from several guests commenting on the jalsa topic and Amir Sahib’s speech. Among them were the Mayor of Haifa, Mr Yona Yahav; Professor Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz, former president of Bar-Ilan University; and Professor Uriel Simohnson, lecturer at the University of Haifa and head of the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies there.
The jalsa spanned two days, the second of which was dedicated to Arabic speakers, with limited participation from the community in the West Bank and members of the Arab society in Israel, including influential academic, social, and religious figures from various religions and sects.
The activities of the second day focused on consolidating the message of internal reconciliation in the Arab community. Speakers emphasised the importance of maintaining our value and educational system, which bears a significant part of the responsibility for the reality of violence and crime, along with the neglected responsibility of the civil institutions.
Jalsa Salana also featured a filmed presentation highlighting the Jamaat’s activities and achievements in the country over the past year. Another film addressed the current war and its injustices, along with guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa who has been paying special attention to the current war and events in the region since the crisis began, dedicating part of his weekly Friday Sermons to it.
Several clear messages were highlighted in the speeches on the second day, presenting the Ahmadiyya vision of Islamic teachings regarding governance and politics.
Impressions of the guests:
Druze Sheikh Qasim Badr, Head of the Universal Peace Council, said:
“I have visited many Ahmadi mosques and centres in Europe. I have said it before, and I will keep saying it: the Ahmadiyya community represents the beautiful and true face of Islam.”
A Jewish lady said:
“The conference was exceptional, and we enjoyed it immensely. It was truly worthwhile to get to know the important Ahmadi community. I wish the whole world thought like them; we would be in a much better situation.”
An Arab police officer wrote:
“The conference was incredibly impressive, and I was deeply touched as it was my first time attending. I have told everyone about it. The event was conducted on a grand scale, with impeccable preparations, organisation, reception, speeches, and lighting. Everything was executed flawlessly, with zero mistakes.”
An Arab member of the community said:
“The documentary shown was outstanding. I hope it will be broadcast on the TV channel regularly.”
Heba Al-Shaabani, an Arab guest, said:
“I attended the session for two consecutive days, and peace and tranquillity pervaded the place. During the Friday session, as we watched the video, I was deeply moved by what I saw. However, when I heard the sound of the call to prayer, I felt goosebumps as if it were the first time I had ever heard it.
I always appreciate the cooperation and the atmosphere of love that fills the place. Participating in all your activities always brings me comfort and reassurance.”
A Jewish guest said:
“I want to thank you very much for your very respectful hospitality, and also, for that, we see, even in these very difficult times, that God is working through the community in a truly loving way, bringing people together with the understanding that the path of peace is the only way. I have truly had the opportunity to come here to see the activities of the community, and I really thank God for the wisdom He has granted to the Ahmadis and for the way He has brought us together on the path of peace and the path of God. Therefore, I truly want to thank the entire community and hope that this blessed activity really spreads to all people so that we may reach the path of peace in these difficult times. Thank you very much.”
An Arab guest said:
“We travelled all the way from Jerusalem to Haifa to learn about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. This community advocates for peace and love, which truly reflects the essence of our religion, Islam.”