Organising, setting up, and hosting an event for over 40,000 people is no small task. It demands immense dedication, countless hours of preparation, and the commitment of a unified team. Unlike most large-scale events, there is no commercial event planning company, no professional caterers, and no hired security. Instead, at Jalsa Salana, every aspect is made possible by the grace of Allah and the tireless efforts of volunteers.
For 28 days, members of the community put their busy schedules on hold, taking time from their jobs and coming together to make Jalsa Salana a reality. Regardless of their backgrounds, they unite in a spirit of brotherhood, working side by side as equals, driven by a shared purpose.
Let’s learn more about some of the dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes to bring this blessed event to life.
Trading his stethoscope for an apron: Dr. Asadullah Ahmed – A&E doctor
While most doctors chase rest over the weekend, Dr. Asadullah Ahmed chooses to put on an apron and serve food. A qualified doctor based in the A&E department at Epsom Hospital, Dr. Ahmed made a conscious decision this year: instead of working the standard weekday shifts, he rearranged his schedule to prioritise weekend shifts – all so he could dedicate more time to serving in the hospitality department during the 28-day lead-up to Jalsa.
“I became a doctor because I wanted to help people,” he shares. “But Jalsa service takes that to another level. There’s a special kind of blessing in serving food to those who come here to volunteer. It’s not just duty – it’s an honour.”
For Dr. Ahmed, no role is too small – not even when you’re used to saving lives on a daily basis. He insists, “Some people may think serving food isn’t much. But this is the Langar of the Promised Messiahas. What could be more noble than that?”
As he moves from trauma bays to trays of daal and rice, Dr. Ahmed is a powerful example of humility and purpose. He reminds us that true service isn’t about the title you hold – it’s about the intention behind your actions.
From runways to rice: Sohail Ahmed Choudhry – Airfield engineer
Meet Sohail Ahmed Choudhry, an airfield engineer who works closely with airports across the globe. During Jalsa, Sohail takes on a very different role – he is responsible for langar logistics, ensuring that both Lajna and men receive the required food on time.
He describes this duty as a completely different experience from his day job. “In my professional work, most of my time is spent behind a computer screen, but at Jalsa, my role is much more hands-on,” he explains.
What motivates Sohail to serve in Jamaat work is the immense blessings that come with it. “No matter what task you’re involved in during Jalsa, you can feel the blessings and prayers surrounding you throughout the entire experience.”
He adds, “That’s the beauty of our Jamaat – whatever we do professionally, it doesn’t limit us. Instead, it inspires us to contribute as much as we can during Jalsa.”
Sohail also shares how his involvement with the Jamaat sparks curiosity among his colleagues. “When I talk about my work outside of the office, people are genuinely interested. They want to know more about what happens at Jalsa and the community spirit behind it.”
Whilst commenting on his job, Sohail adds: “I’m not that proud of what I do (for work), but I am really proud of what I do for the Jamaat, and I think it is only the blessings of Allah that He attracts those people to Jamaat work. So I think that you can never do enough Jamaat work and you can never get enough blessings.”
From Wall Street to waste bags: Khurram Ahmed– Corporate banker
In his professional life, Khurram works in investment banking. But during Jalsa, he swaps his tie and suit for gloves and boots to serve in the hygiene department, collecting bin bags and picking up litter.
“I love it,” Khurram says simply. “This work is about passion and hard work. I’ve been doing this duty with my good friends for a very long time, and we always have a good laugh and time serving the jamaat this way.”
What could seem like thankless work has become a source of genuine fulfilment for Khurram.
“Alhamdulillah, this is the blessing of Khilafat. We are essentially creating a clean setting at the Jalsa Gah so that we can welcome the guests of the Promised Messiahas in the best manner possible,” he reflects, recognising the spiritual aspect of his service.
Perhaps most meaningfully, Khurram is instilling these values in the next generation. “I’ve been trying to instil this very passion in my son. He’s part of our team now and has been tirelessly doing this duty with a smile on his face.”
Powering the Jalsa: Naveed Akhtar – Renewable heating specialist
Naveed, who works in the heating and renewables sector, has been part of the Jalsa electricity department for nearly 13 years. However, his days of service date back much further.
“I started these Jalsa duties with my father when Jalsa Salana would take place in Islamabad in the late 1980s,” Naveed recalls. “I learned a great deal working alongside my father – not only in terms of technical skills but also in terms of mindset, especially when it comes to understanding the true essence of khidmat and serving the Jamaat.”
Today, Naveed proudly discusses how he has been able to pass down what he learned from his father to his own son. He explains, “My mother reminded me greatly of this – the importance of those skills I learnt back in Islamabad in the mid to late 1980s working with my father, I now use successfully in my professional life. I have also brought the next generation into this tradition. Alhamdulillah, today four generations of our family work side by side, serving the Jamaat while volunteering at Jalsa.”
Beyond his family legacy, Naveed has also mentored many engineers within his team, sharing both his technical expertise and his service-oriented approach.
When discussing his professional work, Naveed shares how he has successfully translated skills learned through Jalsa duties into his career. “The knowledge I’ve gained during Jalsa, I have applied to my day-to-day work life. For example, with three-phase systems and other electrical systems, I am now the go-to person at work. I am considered the champion for these systems, and these are skills that I developed through volunteering at Jalsa.”
Khair Muhammad Pasha: Bathroom & tile specialist
Khair Muhammad Pasha, a tile and bathroom specialist by profession, has been selflessly dedicating his skills to the Jalsa Salana maintenance department for the past 40 years. He began volunteering as an energetic 20-year-old and continues today in his 60s with the same passion and commitment.
Khair Muhammad’s service commenced with his family’s arrival in the UK in 1984, when he witnessed the first Jalsa Salana in Islamabad, Tilford.
“Alhamdulillah, I have seen how the Jamaat has progressed over time,” he reflects. “I witnessed Allah’s blessings when organising a Jalsa in the presence of Khalifa was still new for Jamaat UK. Now we host such large attendance in Hadiqatul Mahdi – all through Allah’s grace and the blessings of Khilafat.”
Starting in the Jalsa bazaar for three years, his talents were recognised, and he was invited to join the maintenance team, where he has served ever since.
“Whenever an issue arises, we always find a solution,” he says. “It’s about passion – if only two or three people are available, we can get the job done no matter how big or difficult the task seems. We are ready to get our hands dirty because we understand the blessings of doing this duty.”
When he’s not fixing tiles, Khair Muhammad is firing up grills. A legendary BBQ specialist in his own right, he leads a team of grill-masters. He has also had the honour of cooking barbecue for Hazooraa on various occasions.
A dream fulfilled: Aspiring physiotherapist Hazeem Ahmad Salik
For Hazeem Ahmad Salik, this year’s Jalsa is more than just an event – it’s the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Aspiring physiotherapist Hazeem is attending his very first Jalsa Salana, and for him, every moment feels surreal.
Growing up in Rabwah, Pakistan, Hazeem was surrounded by the spirit of Jalsa but never got the chance to experience it in person. Due to the ongoing persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, holding such gatherings is forbidden. “In Pakistan, Ahmadis are persecuted,” Hazeem explains. “This opposition meant that we were never able to hold Jalsa, let alone see Khilafat up close. I’ve always prayed to attend one.”
This year, his prayers were answered. Not only is he attending Jalsa for the first time, but he’s also actively taking part in duties – something he never thought he’d be able to do.
“I had a lot of experience doing waqar-e-amal and security duties back home in Rabwah,” he says. “Alhamdulillah, that experience is coming in handy today, as I’m now helping with security duty here.”
For Hazeem, serving at Jalsa is more than just a responsibility – it’s a personal milestone
“I used to imagine what it would be like to stand in the presence of Khilafat, to be part of this blessed atmosphere,” he shares with a smile. “Now I’m living it – and serving in it.”
As the days of Jalsa unfold, one thing becomes abundantly clear: titles and professions are left at the gates. Whether they are doctors, engineers, teachers, students, business owners, or taxi drivers – every volunteer puts their worldly roles aside to serve a higher purpose. During these blessed days, there is no hierarchy, no status, and no distinction. Everyone stands shoulder to shoulder, united by faith, driven by duty, and inspired by a deep love for community and service.
