Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar, Canada
Every year, the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat holds its annual conventions, known as Jalsa Salana, in countries across the world. These gatherings, which attract tens of thousands of attendees, are a remarkable demonstration of what can be termed the “moral economy” – an economy, driven not by financial transactions but by far more valuable spiritual inputs and outputs. At the heart of this unique system lies the Jalsa Salana Chanda, as instituted by the Promised Messiahas.
The Jalsa Salana Chanda is a unique form of donation required of all earning Ahmadi Muslims. Despite being a relatively small amount per person, the collective funds generated are used to help cover the cost of hosting the Jalsa Salana events. This system ensures that the entire community shares finances and that the blessings of contributing to this noble cause are accessible to all, regardless of their individual means. The input is time, effort & prayers, while the output is blessings, knowledge, the satisfaction of giving back to the community, social cohesion, unity and faith in action.
The moral inputs that go into each Jalsa Salana are immense. Foremost is the massive volunteer workforce that dedicates countless hours to organising and running the event, from planning logistics to cooking meals for the multitudes. Their service is offered freely as a labour of love and devotion. In today’s fast-paced world, the wealth of donated time & service is more valuable than ever. The Holy Quran praises such selfless volunteers: “They who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah, then follow not up what they have spent with taunt or injury, for them is their reward with their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.263)
Another key moral input is the financial sacrifice of the attendees themselves. Across the world, hundreds of thousands of Ahmadi Muslims save and spend their own money to travel to the Jalsa Salana, seeing it as a blessed opportunity to gain the pleasure of Allah. The Holy Quran states: “The similitude of those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [it] further for whomsoever He pleases; and Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V.262)
Central to the Jalsa Salana is the power of prayer. In the lead-up to the event, Ahmadi Muslims around the globe beseech Allah for its success and pray for all the attendees. There are many challenges in hosting large gatherings. All success depends on the Grace of Allah. Every volunteer and attendee fervently prays for the premier event of the year. This is the most potent moral input, as sincere prayers never go unanswered. They witness the command: “And your Lord says: ‘Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer.’” (Surah al-Mu’min, Ch.40: V.61)
The Jalsa Salana serves many important purposes, including the moral training of attendees, fostering brotherhood and sisterhood, and showcasing the teachings of Islam. Religious conventions and pilgrimages have long been part of economic systems, with a famous example being the pilgrimage to Mecca. In the United States alone, faith is estimated to contribute $1.3 trillion to the economy through various direct and indirect means. (“The unseen economic and social impacts of American faith”, www.deseret.com)
So, what are the moral outputs and returns on this incredible investment of time, money and prayers? While they cannot be quantified in worldly terms, they are priceless in the eyes of faith.
Firstly, the very act of praying for Jalsa increases the supplicants’ own faith and connection with God. As the Holy Quran says, “Remember Me, and I will remember you.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.153)
Secondly, sacrificing one’s time and skills as a volunteer builds moral character and empathy in a way that no other act can. The promised Messiahas said: “The principle to which we adhere is that we have kindness at heart for the whole of mankind.” (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, V. 12, p. 28)
Serving others solely for the pleasure of Allah, inculcates humility, resilience, and love for humanity. The Jalsa Salana showcases the best of Islamic knowledge and teachings in a communal setting.
Perhaps most profoundly, the blessed atmosphere of Jalsa Salana, steeped in spirituality and knowledge, generates a sense of unity and cohesion among the participants that endures long after the event concludes. Attendees leave feeling recharged in faith, connected with their global Jamaat, and inspired to live up to the high moral teachings of Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa advised keeping good company, using the parable of a perfume-seller and blacksmith – the former’s company uplifts while the latter pollutes. (Riyad as-Salihin, Hadith 363) The Promised Messiahas emphasised the benefits of keeping company with the truthful and pious, noting that it leaves an indelible positive impact on a person, just as the fragrance of perfume lingers. (Tafseer Hazrat Masih-e-Mau‘udas, Vol. 2, p. 647)
In today’s world, especially in Western nations where materialism increasingly dominates, these moral values and outputs are more critical than ever. With jalsas held annually from the USA and Canada to the UK, Germany and beyond, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat provides a much-needed counterpoint to the money-driven economies surrounding it, showing that true prosperity lies in the treasures of the soul. A recent study in Canada found that faith’s contribution to society is not just financial but also profoundly moral, offering an ethical framework that benefits even the non-religious. The Jalsa Salana embodies this principle. (“The Hidden Economy”, www.cardus.ca)
Generations of Ahmadi Muslims have grown up serving guests of the Promised Messiahas at Jalsa Salana. From performing water duty at a very young age to the complex management of an event with tens of thousands of members, the Jalsa has built character and technical experience in countless volunteers. Companies spend millions building a corporate ethos of service that is provided by the Jalsa Salana experience to volunteers for free.
Every professional is eager to donate time, effort, and knowledge to Jalsa Salana. Even if the task is not related to one’s worldly position, it is taken as a blessing. Professors cook at Langar, managers clean washrooms, and businessmen serve food. No duty is menial or unworthy. This spirit of volunteerism injects services valued at millions of dollars into Jalsa Salana.
As the Promised Messiahas wrote over a century ago: “Do not consider this Jalsa to be equivalent to any ordinary worldly gathering. The fact of the matter is that it is founded upon the pure support of truth and the propagation of Islam. The foundation stone of this Jamaat has been laid by Allah the Almighty Himself, and nations have been readied that will soon come to join its fold. This is due to the fact that it is the work of the All-Powerful God, for Whom nothing is impossible.” (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, p. 361)
In a world where people often focus too much on money and possessions, the Jalsa Salana represents something different. It serves as a guiding light, reminding us of what’s really important. It shows how faith can lift people up and make society better. When people come together in unity, sharing values like kindness, helping others, and putting others before themselves, the Jalsa Salana proves the enduring strength of community and the potential for positive change. At this special gathering, the idea of a fair and peaceful society isn’t just a nice thought – it’s a real possibility. It inspires everyone who witnesses how much it can change things to believe in the endless power of the human spirit.