Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada held its 7th Francophone Jalsa Salana in Montreal, Quebec, on 14 and 15 September 2024, at the An-Nusrat Mosque.
The geographical immensity of the Canadian territory necessitated two English-speaking jalsas to facilitate accessibility for the majority of Jamaat members that are spread throughout the vast country. Francophone Jalsa originated in 2018 to cater to the needs of the increasing members in Quebec, the main French-speaking province of Canada.
The first day commenced with the Tahajjud prayer, followed by the Fajr prayer and dars. A few hours later, after breakfast, the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. Around 10:30 am, the opening session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and poem, followed by speeches on “Guidance of Khulafa for the attendees of Jalsa Salana” by Raza Shah Sahib, “Quran’s blueprint for a fulfilling life” by Sajid Muslun Sahib, “Exploring gender identity through an Islamic lens” by Abdool Hamid Abdool Rahman Sahib and “What is the pleasure of life if He is not found?” by Missionary-in-Charge Canada, Abdul Rashid Anwar Sahib. The session ended with a silent prayer.
After the Zuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, the second session started with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by speeches on “A religion without prayer is not a religion” by Imourane Chados Sahib, “Truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas” by Luqman Ahmad Sahib, “Objectives and benefits of financial sacrifice in Islam” by Mohamed S Boodhun Sahib and “The Khalifa is appointed by God” by Ilyas Himmich Sahib.
A parallel session was conducted on the Lajna side as well, where speeches were delivered on “Looking for the One True God in a world of many idols” by Nadia Mahmood Sahiba – Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada, “Taqwa: Abstaining from un-Islamic customs and traditions” by Uffaq Bashir Sahiba, “The Holy Quran: A cure for modern-day ailments” by Aisha Cheema Sahiba, “The role of women in the progress of the Jamaat” by Mazidath Fagbemi Sahiba and “Khilafat: a means of peace” by Dieneba Drame Sahiba.
The opening day of Jalsa ended with a silent prayer, followed by dinner and Maghrib and Isha prayers.
The second day of the Jalsa began with Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, followed by dars. The formal session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Arabic qasidah in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Then four speeches were delivered: “The power of prayers in our age” by Nabil Ahmad Mirza Sahib, “Ahmadiyyat’s Services to the Cause of Muslim Ummah” by Asif Arif Sahib, “The Leader of the World Peace: The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa” by Markaz representative Ataul Quyyoum Joomun Sahib, and “Identity of Ahmadi Muslims: Leaders to Humanity” by Naib Amir Jamaat Canada, Mubarak Ahmad Sharma Sahib.
In between the aforementioned speeches, an engaging documentary showcasing hundreds of Ahmadiyya mosques around the world was shown.
City Councillor for the district of Marie-Clarac, Mr Abdelhaq Sari, paid tribute to the local Ahmadi Muslims for their unwavering engagement in serving Humanity, saying:
“I have great respect for my sisters and brothers in the Ahmadiyya Community; they are committed to helping those in need.”
Around midday, the session concluded with silent prayer, followed by lunch and Zuhr and Asr prayers.
Throughout the Jalsa, the stimulating bookstalls, Quran Expo and Tabarrukat Exhibition captured the attention of the visitors. The Jalsa was attended by 969 people, including 83 non-Ahmadi guests. Thousands of members benefitted from the proceedings via live broadcasts on YouTube and multiple social media posts.