Kalim Ahmed, Naib Afsar Jalsa Gah (Press & Media)
The 37th Jalsa Salana Western Canada 2019 concluded in Calgary, amidst countless blessings of Allah the Almighty.
This year, Jalsa Salana for Western Canada was held on 24-25 August 2019 in Calgary. The Jalsa was attended by 3,255 Jamaat members and invited guests. Delegates from all the four provinces of Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) were in attendance.
In fulfillment of the desire of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, to reach out to First Nations of Canada and build long-term relationships, this year’s Jalsa was held on the traditional lands of Tsuut’ina First Nation near Calgary.
In addition to Chief Lee Crowchild of Tsuut’ina First Nation, several aboriginal leaders and elders travelled from Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Northwest Territories to attend Jalsa Salana.
The theme of this year’s Jalsa was, “All goodness lies in coming unto me with sincerity”.
The highlights of Jalsa included various exhibitions showcasing translations of the Holy Quran in world languages, the peaceful teachings of Islam, and the “Pathway to Peace” campaign.
A special reception was attended by over 100 prominent guests including several members of parliament, members of provincial legislature, city councilors, aboriginal chiefs and elders and other community leaders. The Jalsa proceedings were covered by mainstream and ethnic print and electronic media, including CBC, CTV, Global TV, Omni TV and many other radio stations and newspapers.
On Friday, 23 August, Amir Sahib Canada arrived at the Jalsa venue to inspect the Jalsa Salana arrangements at 7pm. He had a tour of various departments and gave detailed instructions to the volunteers. Later, he addressed a formal session of volunteers and highlighted the importance of hospitality citing examples from the life of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas. He stressed on serving the guests of Promised Messiahas with a smile.
The formal proceedings of Jalsa Salana commenced on Saturday, 24 August at 11am with the hoisting of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat by Amir Sahib Canada. The opening session was presided by Chaudhry Abdul Bari Sahib, Naib Amir Canada, who acknowledged that this blessed event was being held on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, comprising of the Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations.
In the inaugural address, Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada highlighted the importance of the blessed institution of Jalsa Salana, which was founded by the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas under divine guidance. He also narrated various ahadith highlighting the blessings of Allah on the attendees of such gatherings. Other speeches of the first sessions included, “Cultivating Divine Attributes in Our Life”, “Hidden Treasures – Books of the Promised Messiahas”, and “Surely, Salat Restrains one from Indecency and Manifest Evil”.
The session was adjourned at 1pm for lunch break. The second session started at 3pm after offering Zuhr & Asr prayers. Sultan Mahmood Sahib, Amir Jamaat Calgary presided over the session, which included speeches on, “Blessings of Spending in the Way of Allah” and “Establishing a Personal Relationship with Allah Through Prayers”.
The third session was presided by Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada. The session started at 5pm after a short tea break. After recitation of the Holy Quran and poem, a few selected dignitaries were invited to say a few words. In their messages, the leaders of First Nations welcomed the Jamaat on holding its annual convention on their territories and commended its efforts in reaching out and extending a hand of friendship. The only presentation after the dignitaries messages was on, “The Holy Quran’s Response to Contemporary Issues”.
The session concluded at 6:30pm followed by a dinner reception in honour of the guests. A simultaneous separate session was held by ladies during this time.
The first day concluded with a Q&A Session with Amir Jamaat Canada held after Maghrib and Isha prayers.
On 25 August, the fourth and final session started at 11:30am, presided by Wasim Bashir Sahib, Amir Jamaat Vancouver. After recitation of the Holy Quran and poem, presentation of Academic Achievement Awards was held. Topics of speeches in this session included, “Obedience to Khilafat”, “The Holy Prophetsa – Liberator of Women” and “Domestic Peace and Harmony”.
A video message from the Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, welcoming the delegates of Jalsa Salana, was played at this occasion.
The highlight of the session was the concluding address by National Amir Sahib on the topic, “Allah Changes the State of Fear of the Believers into Peace Through Khilafat”.
Amir Sahib narrated various incidents of trials and tribulations from the history of early Islam and throughout Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, where the state of extreme fear and anxiety was replaced by peace, under the protection of Khilafat.
The Jalsa Salana Concluded at 2pm with dua led by Amir Jamaat Canada.