Mohammad Nasser Khan
Afsar Jalsa Salana
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, every year a management committee is appointed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (may Allah be his Helper) to oversee the arrangements of Jalsa Salana.
The management committee consists of Amir Sahib UK, Afsar Jalsa Gah, Afsar Khidmat-e-Khalq, Afsar Jalsa Salana and Sadr Lajna. Every year, Huzoor-e-Anwaraa also approves the names of Afsar Jalsa Salana along with the Naib Afsaran who will be responsible for the various Nizamats that function to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him.
There is a vast number of supplies and other services that are required to make the Jalsa Salana a success, and for this the various Nazimeen who are responsible for overseeing their respective departments provide a detailed budget to the management committee, which then approves such requests in collaboration with the finance committee, of course with the final approval of Huzoor-e-Anwaraa.
Painstaking efforts are undertaken to ensure that the best quality services and supplies may be procured for the cheapest possible price. A separate department for supplies is responsible for procuring things like disposable plates, glasses, water, rice, flour, lentils, meat, milk, oil, butter, tomatoes, onions, etc. All of these budgets and all other matters are constantly sent to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masihaa for guidance and approval. It is with Huzoor-e-Anwar’s blessing and continuous guidance that the preparations for Jalsa Salana move forward every year.
During the year, the Jalsa Salana management committee meet to ensure that all preparations are progressing as planned. The red book from the previous year is also taken on board, and every year there is an active effort to ensure that lapses from previous years are not repeated again, so there can be a constant growth to improvement.
Another important aspect of Jalsa preparations is the formulation and finalisation of the site-map. The Jalsa Salana has grown over the years and now every year by the grace of Allah a tiny village is temporarily constructed to accommodate 35,000 to 40,000 people. The position of every marquee and cabin, as well as all the temporary tracks, showers and toilets are outlined on a site-map, with dimensions and exact particulars. Other services such as water, electricity and sewage etc. are all planned well in advance and the infrastructure to support their successful operation is planned and put in place in due time.
Furthermore, transport and accommodation are also provided for the guests of the Promised Messiahas. We receive our guests from various hubs and airports, and bring them to the Jalsa Salana. All of our overseas guests are provided with bedding to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Tents are also available to hire for those who are interested. All of these things must not only be purchased, but are setup well in time so that our guests are made to feel as easy as possible.
The Langar of the Promised Messiahas also works to serve the guests of Jalsa Salana, and volunteers work relentlessly to cook 3 meals a day for 40,000 people. Our automated roti plant produces 10,000 flat-bread rotis per hour.
The Jalsa Salana is held in Alton, Hampshire, on a 210 acre farm – Hadeeqat-ul-Mahdi. There are strict guidelines that must be adhered to as stipulated by the local council. The Jalsa management is given a 28-day window in which to erect all the temporary structures for the Jalsa Salana and dismantle everything, returning the farm to its original state. We remain in constant communication with the local authorities and as soon as one Jalsa finishes, we begin meeting with them in preparation for the next years arrangements.
By the grace of Allah Almighty and with the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masihaa this seemingly impossible task is accomplished every year. Thousands of guests from all corners of the world come to participate in this blessed Jalsa, and a multitude of facilities – some tangible and other intangible – are offered to make their Jalsa experience as convenient as possible.
Without the grace and mercy of God, this could never be possible. We pray that Allah covers our shortcomings and enables us to continue serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas in the manner that pleases Him. Amin.