The world today is fractured by religious divisions, economic disparities, and social unrest. We see that our global society faces numerous challenges: the Muslim ummah is experiencing severe conflict, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, and persecution based on creed and colour persists. Against this backdrop, Jalsa Salana UK emerges as a living example of unity and brotherhood.
As Muslims, we take great pride in the fact that Islam promotes justice across the board, as evidenced by the teachings of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. We often give the example of the Holy Prophetsa as the emancipator of the slaves or we recall the Hadith in which the Prophetsa stood on Mount Arafat and proclaimed that, “There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white.” (Musnad Ahmad, Ahadith rijalin min as-habi n-nabiyy, Hadith rajulun min as-habi n-nabiyy)
However, the questions can very reasonably be asked, are such beliefs echoes of the past or do Muslims display similar standards in the modern world?
The reality is that this isn’t a mere claim, in fact, it is during Jalsa Salana that we see this assertion in full, vibrant action. For three days, people from every corner of the globe converge for a single purpose: the pursuit of righteousness. From remote African villages to American cities, from the Middle East to Europe, attendees represent a true cross-section of humanity.
Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:
يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقۡنٰكُمۡ مِّنۡ ذَكَرٍ وَّاُنۡثٰي وَجَعَلۡنٰكُمۡ
شُعُوۡبًا وَّقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوۡا ؕ اِنَّ اَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِنۡدَ اللّٰهِ اَتۡقٰكُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِيۡمٌ خَبِيۡرٌ
“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.14)
This verse shows us that diversity among people is only a means of recognising and appreciating different cultures and has no intrinsic value. What Allah the Almighty does value is righteousness and this is the very aspect that unites us at Jalsa Salana.
While commenting on this verse, the Promised Messiahas states:
“Allah the Almighty is pleased neither with mere body nor with nationality. His gaze is always on piety. ‘Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you.’ This means that the one who holds the highest status in Allah’s view is the one who is most pious among you. It is completely false to say, ‘I am a Syed,’ or ‘I am a Mughal,’ or ‘I am a Pathan or Sheikh.’ If one takes pride in a great nationality, this pride is futile. After death, all these distinctions disappear. In the presence of Allah the Almighty, there is no regard for nationality, and no person can attain salvation merely because of belonging to a noble family.
“Allah’s Messengersa said to Hazrat Fatimara, ‘O Fatima! Do not be proud of being the daughter of a Prophet. In God’s view, there is no consideration of nationality. The ranks that are given there are based on piety.’ These nationalities and tribes are merely the customs and arrangements of the world. They have no connection with God Almighty. The love of Allah is born from piety, and it is piety alone that leads to higher ranks.” (Al Hakam, Vol. 6, No. 30, 24 August, 1902, p. 10)
Thus, these three days become a physical manifestation of this verse, where people from various countries unite to increase spiritually. While the tradition of respecting elders and honouring distinguished guests, as instructed by the Holy Prophetsa (Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, Kitab al-adab, Hadith 7861), is upheld, unnecessary social markers are set aside to foster a sense of brotherhood.
When the wealthy and the poor, the young and the elderly, from different walks of life, adorned in their vibrant cultural attire, stand shoulder to shoulder in the jalsa gah to observe the daily prayers behind Huzooraa, the perfect image of unity is on display.
Then, when the time for ba‘iat comes, a beautiful image of unity is portrayed when each believer’s hand rests on another’s shoulder, and a human chain forms, branching outward, all connected to a single point, united by one purpose – Khilafat.
Interactions among attendees of Jalsa Salana are characterised by warmth and humility, reflecting the teachings of the Promised Messiahas, who emphasised selflessness and compassion. He said:
“I say most truly that a person’s faith can certainly not be complete until one prefers the comfort of his brother over that of his own as far as possible. If a brother of mine sleeps on the floor in front of me, despite being weak and ill, whereas I, being hale and healthy, take possession of the bed so that he may not sit on it, then how pitiable is my condition. And how sorrowful would be my condition if I were not to get up and give the bed to him by way of love and compassion, preferring the floor for myself. If my brother were to be ill and suffering from some pain, then how pitiable would my condition be if in such a situation I would be sleeping comfortably and would not try my best to bring him relief and comfort. And if some brother in faith of mine speaks harshly to me out of haughtiness, how pitiful would it be if I, too, wilfully and knowingly, respond to him harshly. I should, on the contrary, patiently bear what he says and earnestly supplicate for him in my daily prayers, crying and weeping, for he is my brother and is spiritually ill. If my brother is naive, or not very learned, or makes a mistake out of naivety, I should not ridicule him or hastily frown at him in anger, or tell others of his shortcomings out of ill intention. All these are ways to destruction and no one can become a true believer unless he is tender-hearted and until he considers himself to be the most lowly in comparison with all others and unless all his haughtiness is far removed. Being of service to people is a mark of distinction for those who truly serve their people. And speaking to the poor in a kind manner while bowing humbly is the characteristic of those accepted by God. And responding to mischief with beneficence is the sign of good fortune. And suppressing anger and tolerating harsh words are acts of extreme courage.” (Shahadatul Quran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, pp. 395-396)
Huzoor’saa powerful words of guidance from last year’s Jalsa, telling every worker to keep smiling, are a reflection of the attitude that is encouraged within Islam and displayed very beautifully during the days of Jalsa. Thus, these three days serve as a testament to the principles we, as Ahmadi Muslims, hold and cherish.
In conclusion, Jalsa Salana is more than just an event; it is a profound manifestation of unity aimed at spiritual growth. It exemplifies how Islam Ahmadiyyat transcends worldly divisions and fosters a global brotherhood under the teachings of Islam.