Jalsa Salana: UK’s largest Muslim convention to return to Hampshire
Each year, the convention at Hadeeqatul Mahdi in Alton brings together over 50,000 visitors from all over the UK.
This year will be its 60th anniversary and it will run from July 24 until July 26.This year’s programme will include a women’s panel discussion exploring whether Muslim women need “saving” by the West– a topic that is at the heart of public discourse around Islam.
There will be a special feature from the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who will provide insight into his teachings, which emphasise justice and peace, and how these can be applied in the world today.
Other previous guest speakers have included the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, and Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, apostolic nuncio to Great Britain.Mahmood Rafiq, head of external relations, said: “This is no ordinary convention. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a distinct, revivalist movement within Islam, uniquely led worldwide by its Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, and defined by one motto: ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. This year marks the 60th UK Jalsa. At a time when the Islamic faith is too often reduced to negative headlines, it is the hopeful counter-story your readers won’t have seen before.”A highlight of the convention is the Pledge of Allegiance, which is led by the Caliph.
Held on the final day, thousands of participants will join together, reaffirming their faith and commitment to serving humanity and God.
The 210-acre site, which is transformed into over 240 marquees with the help of 7,000 volunteers, also hosts many other showcases, where visitors can explore displays of the community’s work.
This can include humanitarian projects, discovering the important work done by the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers, providing in 50+ countries.Human rights are also brought to the attention of many, raising awareness of the ongoing persecution of Ahmadi Muslims.The celebrations mark the communities’ efforts in the UK to spread Islam, striving to live by its teachings.Social action projects have since reflected this message, including blood donation and feeding the homeless.
You can register your attendance at www.jalsa.org.uk, where more details are available, including the order of events.
For those unable to make the event in person, a media broadcast is available globally on Muslim Television Amadiyyha International.
