Farhan Khokhar, Naib Amir, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada
On 23 January 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada held a virtual Jalsa at the MTA Canada studios to remember the blessings of Khilafat.
This virtual event was hosted via Zoom and it became a family event. Later we learnt about how many families got together and watched the programme in their living room. The inter-generational experience was remarkable. Based on the live feeds, a conservative estimate indicated over 10,000 viewers watched the programme live.
Asif Mahmood Basit Sahib, Director Programming of MTA International participated from the UK. Covering a span of many decades, Asif Basit Sahib emphasised the unifying force of Khilafat. At each juncture in Ahmadiyya history – since 1908, the institution of Khilafat has been a guardian that not only safeguarded Ahmadis against trials but also guided them to new heights of successes around the world. He shared some remarkable examples of successes from the blessed lives of Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat.
Subsequently, audiences of the Jalsa were captivated by MTA video clips of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on the status of Khilafat and an emotional video clip of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa love for the members of the Jamaat from every country and race.
The missionary, Umar Khan Sahib narrated his experiences of growing up in Canada and discussions with non-Ahmadi Muslims. He shared his memories of how his friends were inquisitive about many mosques built by the Canada Jamaat and were respectful to find that this is only possible because Jamaat members from every race and ethnicity are united under one Khalifa.
Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada referred to the outpour of love we have witnessed during the current media campaign of vilification against the Jamaat. This has also enabled us to watch the deep love of the members of the Jamaat for their beloved Khalifa.
Amir Sahib narrated the awe-inspiring words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa at the Khilafat Centenary celebrations that had left us spellbound on the trust Huzooraa had in Allah.
The highlight of this Jalsa was the question and answer session. Missionary-in-charge Canada joined Amir Sahib and Asif Basit Sahib for one-hour allocated for this session. Over 150 questions and comments were received from members across Canada. The questions, therefore, had to be combined into themes, including social media, contemporary issues, history of the Jamaat and the status and blessings of Khilafat.
Many members provided online feedback on the event.
A mother wrote:
“Masha-Allah, it was a very nice programme. The children were also listening with full attention and after, they were discussing it with each other. May Allah the Almighty bless you all abundantly, amin.”
The programme in English was particularly targeted to the youth. About this one member said, “Alhamdulillah, the programme was very good and it is necessary to have such programmes for our young generation often.”
Another young member said:
“This was much needed since social media usage has increased […] It is more relatable for our youth since they know they grew up in the same environment of Western culture. May Allah the Almighty bless you all for the efforts you made for this programme. It was a very good programme.”
Another member said:
“It was such an informative and heart touching session. Of course, we are the servants of the Jamaat and Huzooraa. May Allah always bless us with Khilafat.”
A Lajna member commented:
“It was an excellent programme and I love my Khalifa so much. May he live a long, happy and healthy life, amin”.
The audience was able to provide online feedback too and the majority assessed the programme as “excellent”or“very good”.
Through this Jalsa, members affirmed that Khilafat establishes the authority of Allah on earth. Ahmadi Muslims attain the blessings of Khilafat by holding firm to their faith, exemplifying obedience and remaining unified under the hand of Khalifatul Masih.
The programme concluded by watching the faith-inspiring pledge that was repeated by tens of millions of people across the world in 2008.