Misbah Anmol Tariq, Jamaica Correspondent
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica organised its 9th Jalsa Salana on 25 and 26 November 2023.
Preparations for Jalsa Salana commenced several weeks in advance with some who travelled from distant towns to assist with the setup of the Jalsa gah. This year, six Khuddam from Canada, under the blessed scheme of Waqf-e-Aarzi, joined us. The chief guest for this year’s Jalsa Salana was Arsalan Warraich Sahib, President and Missionary-in-charge of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize.
On Friday, Arsalan Warraich Sahib led the Jumuah prayer and during his sermon, he emphasised the importance of Jalsa Salana and the associated blessings. This was followed by lunch.
On Saturday, a special session of Jalsa Salana took place after Zuhr and Asr prayers. President and Missionary-in-Charge of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica, Tariq Azeem Sahib, presented the opening remarks and extended a warm welcome to the guests. Subsequently, Arsalan Warraich Sahib spoke on “Our Muslim Identity in the Caribbean.” He encouraged members to actively practice their faith and shared activities of Belize Jamaat, providing ideas for serving the community in Jamaica.
This was followed by a short question-and-answer session, after which lunch was served to the guests.
On Sunday, the main session of Jalsa Salana began in the morning, presided over by Arsalan Warraich Sahib, started with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Arabic qaseedah in praise of the Holy Prophetsa.
Tariq Azeem Sahib delivered the welcome speech, emphasising the theme of “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth.” Stories from the life of the Holy Prophetsa as well as some earlier prophets were shared to illustrate how prophets brought lasting transformations by setting an excellent example for future generations.
A mu‘allim, Ghulam Ahmad Sahib then delivered a speech on the “Role of Parents in Raising Excellent Youth,” and Ahmad Ibrahim Forson Sahib spoke on the “Islamic Approach to Ensuring Peace”.
Tariq Azeem Sahib then read out the special message from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa for the participants of Jalsa Salana, drawing attention to various important points.
Dignitaries, including Mayor Norman Scott, Dr Kurt Waul, Mr Lynton Weir, Mrs Lorraine Spencer Jarret, Andrew Hancel, and Ms Teneish Grant, were invited to share a few words.
Arsalan Warraich Sahib delivered the closing speech on “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth,” motivating youth to recognise their role as future leaders of humanity.
The awards ceremony recognised 22 individuals for their academic, athletic, and community service achievements.
The session concluded with a silent prayer led by Arsalan Waraich Sahib, followed by lunch for the guests of the Promised Messiahas.