Iftekhar Ahmed, Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
As Ahmadi Muslims across Germany gather for their Jalsa Salana this year, they are filled with a spirit of optimism and a deep commitment to fostering understanding and goodwill between communities. The Jalsa Salana, with its longstanding tradition of openness and inclusivity, serves as a powerful testament to the peaceful nature of Islam, offering a platform for dialogue, engagement, and the building of bridges between faiths and cultures.
This annual gathering, a cornerstone of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s global outreach efforts, is not only a religious event but also a celebration of our shared humanity. It stands as a testament to the power of communication and mutual respect in bridging divides, and as a vibrant expression of the values that bind us together as citizens of a diverse and evolving world.
The Jalsa Salana comes at a time when Muslims in Germany, and indeed across Europe, are facing a complex and challenging social and political landscape. While significant progress has been made towards greater inclusion and understanding, a deep-seated discomfort with Islam persists. This discomfort is often amplified by misleading media narratives, the political manoeuvring of right-wing actors, and a general lack of nuanced understanding of the faith and its diverse expressions.
This unease frequently manifests in a pervasive securitisation of Islam, framing Muslims primarily through the lens of potential threats and demanding their constant disavowal of terrorism. This expectation, fuelled by a relentless media cycle that thrives on sensationalism and conflict-driven narratives, creates a never-ending cycle of suspicion. Even the sincerest pronouncements of condemnation from Muslim leaders are often met with scepticism, twisted into evidence of latent sympathy or guilt by association.
This scrutiny extends beyond individuals to Muslim associations and organisations, which are frequently subjected to disproportionate levels of scrutiny and held accountable for events happening thousands of miles away. Their invaluable contributions to German society – from fostering interfaith dialogue to combating discrimination, to providing essential social services – are often overshadowed by a narrative that casts them as a potential fifth column, perpetually suspected of harbouring extremist tendencies.
The recent controversy surrounding the term caliphate offers a striking example of this dynamic. While the demand for a political caliphate by fringe extremist groups is a legitimate security concern, the public discourse surrounding the issue has been marked by harmful generalisations and fear-mongering. This approach ignores the vast majority of Muslims who reject extremist ideologies. The very word caliphate has been weaponised, evoking an immediate association with ISIS and terrorism, and obscuring the fact that most Muslims, including Ahmadi Muslims, embrace the separation of mosque and state.
For Ahmadi Muslims, the concept of the caliphate is a purely spiritual one. Our Caliph is not a political ruler, but a spiritual leader who advocates for peace, justice, and interfaith harmony. His voice, a constant call for global unity and a firm rejection of extremism and violence, offers a powerful counter-narrative to the divisive rhetoric that seeks to demonise Islam.
It is precisely this spirit of peace, dialogue, and understanding that we aim to showcase at our Jalsa Salana. This year, as we gather in Germany, we extend a warm invitation to our neighbours, friends, and fellow citizens to join us in this celebration of unity and mutual respect. We hope to dispel misconceptions about Islam, foster meaningful conversations about faith and society, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to building a better future for all.
The Jalsa Salana provides a unique platform for engagement and learning. Guests can witness our commitment to prayer and spiritual reflection, learn about the true teachings of Islam, and engage in open conversations with Ahmadi Muslims from all walks of life. We believe that through such interactions, prejudices can be challenged, common ground can be discovered, and bridges of understanding can be built.
While acknowledging the challenges, it’s crucial to recognise the positive strides Germany has made towards becoming a more inclusive society. The increasing visibility of Muslim voices in public discourse, the growing recognition of Muslim contributions to German society, and the numerous initiatives promoting interfaith harmony are all encouraging signs of progress.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, through its Jalsa Salana, aims to be a partner in this ongoing effort. We are committed to working collaboratively with individuals and organisations from all sectors of society to build bridges of understanding and create a more harmonious and just Germany for all.
The recently published report, “Anti-Muslim Hostility – A German Balance Sheet 2023,” highlights the continued prevalence of Islamophobia in Germany. It documents the alarming rise of hate speech and violence targeting Muslims, exposes discriminatory practices in housing, employment, and education, and underscores the inadequacy of existing support systems for victims of anti-Muslim racism. While this report paints a stark picture, it also serves as a powerful call to action, reminding us that the journey towards a truly inclusive society requires ongoing vigilance and a commitment to addressing both individual prejudices and the structural inequalities that perpetuate discrimination.
As Ahmadi Muslims, we believe that open and honest dialogue is essential to overcoming prejudice and building trust. The Jalsa Salana is one manifestation of this commitment. It’s also reflected in our ongoing efforts to engage with our neighbours, participate in interfaith initiatives, and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our communities.
We recognise that Germany, like many nations, is grappling with the complexities of integration in a rapidly changing world. The influx of refugees from conflict zones, the rise of populism and nationalism, and the spread of misinformation and online hate speech present significant challenges. However, we remain hopeful that through open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the common good, we can overcome these challenges and create a more just and equitable society for all.
The Jalsa Salana is not only a celebration of faith; it is an invitation to join us in this vital endeavour. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection to transcend differences and build bridges of understanding. It offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where fear and exclusion give way to empathy, compassion, and a shared sense of belonging.