The sixth Jalsa Salana Paraguay and foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Fazl-e-Umar Mosque took place on 12 April 2026 in Encarnación. International guests and Waqf-e-Arzi teams began arriving at different points of the country to then gather in the south of Paraguay in the small city of Encarnación.
The Jalsa day began with members and guests arriving at the Jalsa venue, despite heavy rainfall. The Jalsa was held on the land purchased by the Jamaat for the first Ahmadiyya mosque in Paraguay and all of Spanish-speaking South America. The property was a full-blown construction site, right across from the majestic Paraná River, which was prepared with tents to host the guests of the Promised Messiah (as).
The flag-hoisting ceremony by Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada, was followed by a silent prayer. The session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem and speeches by various missionaries and dignitaries, concluding with a speech on “Mosques as a Source of Peace for Society” by Amir Sahib, Jamaat Canada.
The highlight of the Jalsa was a special message sent by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) for the Jamaat Paraguay, which was read out by Amir Sahib Jamaat Canada and the translation was read in Spanish by Abdun Nur Baten Sahib, National President of Paraguay Jamaat.
A few dignitaries spoke at the Jalsa, including city councillor Carlos Marino, ex-Director General of the Governor’s office Ricardo Lohse and a journalist, Richard Moreira.
The Jalsa concluded with the laying of the special foundation stone, which was sent and prayed on by Huzoor (aa) for the mosque. The foundation stone was placed by Amir Jamaat Canada, who had been appointed by Huzoor (aa) for this historic task, after which some other members of the Jamaat, missionaries and representatives of different auxiliaries were also given the opportunity to lay a stone.
After a blessed day of spiritual rejuvenation and socialising, attendees returned to their homes, some travelling from up to seven hours away in rain and lightning. The total attendance at the Jalsa was 148, including non-Ahmadi guests. There was representation from six cities across Paraguay: Asuncion, Pastoreo, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, Campo 9 and Capitán Meza. Six countries were represented at the Jalsa, including Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Here are some comments that were left by the attendees of the Jalsa and foundation stone ceremony:
Diego Villalba, a Paraguayan Ahmadi, said:
“I attended Jalsa Salana 2026 with an open heart and no expectations, seeking mainly forgiveness and spiritual connection. I never imagined everything I would receive in return. Since my conversion in 2017, as one of the first Paraguayans to embrace Islam within this community, my journey has been full of learning, brotherhood, and growth. On this trip, that story took on a new meaning. I had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in the heavy rain, contributing wherever I could, but what was most meaningful was the honour of placing one of the first bricks in the construction of the mosque. That moment was not just symbolic – it was deeply spiritual: I felt that I was also building something within myself. I leave with gratitude, with a lighter heart and with the certainty that when a person takes a sincere step toward God, He responds in ways that exceed all expectations.”
Another Ahmadi, Gabriel López, expressed:
“I often see that some events – whether religious or of another kind – are cancelled because of rain. However, the missionaries put forth all their willpower and with the blessings of Allah, they were able to ensure that the Jalsa took place despite the bad weather and the difficulties that arose. The Jalsa continued and was successfully held. This shows that when someone wants to accomplish something, they should be steadfast, but above all, allow the blessings of Allah to bear their fruits.”
An Argentinian Ahmadi, Domingo Legal, said:
“My experience at the Jalsa in Paraguay was very enriching for several reasons. Being part of a historic moment for the community – the beginning of the construction of our mosque in South America – was truly special. To contribute, to help and to be at the service of others is part of this ‘love for all.’ I thank God for allowing me to be part of this profound spiritual experience, as the Jalsa in Paraguay has been. I did not feel like just another guest, but as a member of the Paraguayan community, happy to have been welcomed with so much love.”