The Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the United Kingdom has officially commenced at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire. The international event, which draws over 35,000 attendees from more than 90 countries, is dedicated to promoting religious understanding, spiritual growth, and global peace.
The convention opened with a high-profile international media press conference focusing on the urgent need for global peace and strategies to prevent the outbreak of a third world war.
Three distinguished panellists led the discussion: Atif Rashid, Editor-in-Chief of Analyst News (UK); Peter Oborne, journalist, author, and human rights advocate; and Abid Khan, Press Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
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The panellists raised serious concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations, particularly criticising the use of veto power by the United States and its ally, Israel. They described this mechanism as having undermined global consensus and weakened the UN’s ability to act decisively in conflict zones.
The speakers also strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Gaza, calling attention to the severe humanitarian crisis and the loss of civilian dignity resulting from Israeli military actions.
The impact and warnings of the Ahmadiyya leader against the stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction and the imminent threat of another world war were appreciated. Calling on world leaders to uphold equality, justice, and fair play in their dealings.
The panellists espoused the power of religious leaders as a great influence for advocacy on world peace. In their words, “Religious leaders must show courage to ensure that religion changes the world for the better.”
The panel discussion was followed by the observance of Friday prayers led by the World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V. He led the flag hoisting of over 90 countries, including Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The leader of the community later addressed the delegates on the progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community globally, providing an invaluable insight into religious teachings and how they are a source of guidance for the world today.
For the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, eminent speakers would discuss a range of religious topics and their relevance to contemporary society. Additionally, several parliamentarians, civic leaders and diplomats from different countries also address the gathering and underline the convention’s objective of enhancing unity, understanding and mutual respect.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was founded in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him) of Qadian, India. He claimed under divine guidance to be the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, whose advent was awaited by all the religions of the world. He championed the peaceful teachings of Islam, revived the faith with a sense of purpose and inspired his followers to build a strong bond with God and to serve humanity with a selfless spirit of compassion and humility.
The community is now established in more than 210 countries, and it spearheads an international effort to promote the true message of Islam and of service to humanity. It also leads a global peace campaign to champion respect and human rights for all. The United Kingdom chapter of the community was established in 1913, and it now has 130 branches, making it one of the oldest established Muslim communities in the United Kingdom. The community follows the true spirit of Islam and lives by its motto: Love for All, Hatred for None.
Importance of Jalsa Salana
The founder of the Islamic community underscores the importance of the annual Islamic gathering in 1892 as one “founded upon the pure support of truth and the propagation of Islam. The foundation stone of this community has been laid by Allah Almighty Himself, and such nations have been prepared that will soon come and enter its fold. This is because it is the work of that all-powerful Being, for Whom nothing is impossible.”
He further noted that the key purpose of this convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefit, to broaden their knowledge and to deepen their understanding of Al.