Syed Shamshad Nasir, Missionary, USA
On 19 to 21 August 2022, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya USA gathered at the Baitur Rahman Mosque for their 52nd annual Ijtema.
The topics and discussions of the Ijtema revolved around the theme for this year “Living Connection with Allah”, given to the majlis by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa at the start of the year. The Ijtema began on Friday morning with various activities including a Khidmat-e-Khalq meal-packing activity where Khuddam packed 48,000 meals for distribution to those in need.
This year’s Ijtema also included a new concept known as the “MKA Hub”. This was a special section that included different activities for Khuddam to enjoy and featured an exhibition on Khilafat, a station to write letters to beloved Huzooraa, areas for asking various questions from the missionaries and additionally numerous games and a bazar.
One of the biggest highlights of this MKA Hub was the English poem competition that was held on Saturday afternoon and drew a large number of Khuddam who enjoyed the session.
Additionally, amongst the formal MKA Hub sessions, there was a virtual call with a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist from Los Angeles who joined us to discuss a career in journalism while sharing some stories from his experience. MKA also worked with The Review of Religions to inspire and encourage Khuddam to subscribe to the magazine.
The opening session was presided over by Naib Amir Jamaat USA, Faheem Younus Sahib.
The special message from beloved Huzooraa was read out, which was followed by the khuddam pledge and a speech by Sadr Majlis, Madeel Abdullah Sahib.
The programmes for Khuddam and Atfal were held separately in parallel so that each auxiliary received tailored content of their specific interest.
On Friday evening, Khuddam enjoyed a session from The Review of Religions “Existence Project” team.
The Saturday programme was filled with academic and sports competitions.
On Saturday afternoon, we were fortunate to be joined by Amir Sahib USA, Sahibzada Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib. Khuddam hosted Amir Sahib and other national amila members for the regional BBQ competition. The evening session included a question and answer session with Amir Sahib where Khuddam had the opportunity to ask various questions.
On the final day, Amir Sahib joined the Atfal for their closing session and prize distribution, which was live streamed for parents at home to join in and watch. Khuddam were joined by naib Amir Sahib and Missionary-in-Charge, Azhar Haneef Sahib for the closing session. At the end of the closing session, all Khuddam and Atfal were fortunate to join in on the live concluding address of Jalsa Salana Germany delivered by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.
The total attendance for this year’s Ijtema was 1604 Khuddam, Atfal and guests.