Shamim Ahmad Qazi, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland
The 37th Jalsa Salana Switzerland was held at Noor Mosque Wigoltingen, from 20 to 22 September 2019.
The planning process started at the beginning of this year. Various officials were nominated who established their teams to carry out the preparatory work for the Jalsa Salana. Volunteers, young and old, including ladies gave time to prepare the venue of this august and blessed event.
A large marquee was erected for men and separate tents were installed for registration, information, Jalsa office, MTA, book stalls, food distribution, exhibitions for tabligh and Humanity First, on both ladies’ and men’s side.
The men’s marquee and the hall for the ladies were decorated in a beautiful way. The transmission of the Jalsa proceedings were arranged by MTA to reach all areas of the Jalsa site. Amir Jamaat Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer inspected the Jalsa Salana site on the evening of 19 September and was accompanied by Afsar Jalsa Gah, Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib and Afsar Jalsa Salana, Malik Arif Mahmood Sahib.
Friday prayers were led by Missionary- in-Charge, Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib. In his sermon, he described the importance of Jalsa Salana and the prayers the Promised Messiahas had made for all participants of Jalsa Salana.
After the Friday prayers, the participants listened to the Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. Lunch was served both before and after the Friday prayers and Friday sermon.
At 4:30pm, the flag hoisting ceremony took place where Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib raised the Ahmadiyya flag and Amir Sahib raised the Swiss flag, which culminated in the silent prayers.
The first session was chaired by Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib. It started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a poem written by the Promised Messiahas. Irfan Thakur Sahib read the message sent from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The translations of Huzoor’saa message were also read out.
This was followed by a speech by missionary Wafa Muhammad Sahib in Urdu on “Allah’s support for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya”. The next speech was in German by Shahid Iqbal Sahib, Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Switzerland on, “Allah loves earnings through hard work”.
Simultaneous translations in Urdu, German and French were provided for all speeches. The translations were transmitted on various frequencies using FM radio headphones provided to those who needed them.
After the session, dinner was served to all the participants at 6:45pm. Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered at 7:45pm.
On 21 September, Tahajud prayer was offered at 5:30, followed by Fajr prayer at 6:15am. Breakfast was served from 8am.
The second session of the Jalsa started at 10:30am, chaired by Saeed Arif Sahib, Missionary Berlin Mosque, Germany.
After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Irfan Thakur Sahib spoke on the topic of “Importance of Islamic Purdah”. This was followed by a speech in German by Imtiaz Shaheen Sahib, missionary Noor Mosque, Frankfurt, on “Salat is the way to peace of heart”.
In the sub-session geared towards external guests, Zahid Butt Sahib, Secretary External Affairs introduced the Jamaat. Ataul Haq Sahib then spoke in German about “Islam – A message of peace or fear?”. Dr Shamim Qazi, Secretary Tarbiyat and Umur-e-Ama and Chairman Humanity First Switzerland showed a presentation highlighting the humanitarian activities of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland in the country and in Africa.
A non-Muslim guest then spoke about the peace efforts of the Jamaat and pledged his support to work with the Jamaat for this purpose. Some people then asked questions, which were answered by Saeed Arif Sahib and Amir Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib.
After a break for lunch and prayers, the third session started at 3pm under the chairmanship of missionary, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib, Lecturer Jamia Ahmadiyya, Germany.
After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, missionary Abdul Wahab Tayyab Sahib spoke in Urdu on “The Companions’ love for the Holy Prophetsa”.
Tahir Mahdi Sahib, Manager Al Fazl International spoke about the 113 years history of Al Fazl and encouraged all members to read it and subscribe to its membership. He also spoke briefly about his years as an aseer [prisoner in the name of Allah] at a Pakistani jail. Then, Saeed Arif Sahib spoke in German on the importance of Khilafat and unity.
At 5pm, a question and answer session started in which Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib and Imtiaz Shaheen Sahib responded to questions in Urdu and German. After the session, dinner was served to all the participants and Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered at 7:45pm.
On 22 September, Tahajud prayer was held at 5:30am followed by Fajr prayers at 6:15am. Breakfast was served from 8am.
The fourth session of Jalsa Salana Switzerland started at 10:30am under the chairmanship of missionary Laeeq Ahmad Atif Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge and National President, Malta.
After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Talha Tarnutzer Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau spoke in German on, “It is our responsibility to call out everywhere”. Then, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib spoke in Urdu on “The Quranic teaching for financial and trade dealings”.
Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib then delivered a speech on “Life in Paradise” in Urdu.
The last speech of the session was by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib on “Life of the Promised Messiahas”.
After lunch and prayers, the last session of the Jalsa started at 3pm and was chaired by Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib. After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Amir Sahib gave his concluding remarks. The missionary-in-charge once again read out the message received from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa .
By the grace of Allah, the total attendance was 695, representing 11 countries.
May Allah bless this Jalsa with His innumerable blessings and accept all the prayers of the Promised Messiahas in favour of all participants.