BLESSINGS OF JALSA As Ahmadi Muslims, we have been attending annual conventions (Jalsa) in our respective countries. We have done so enthusiastically and it is an important part of our lives. We eagerly await it every year and cannot imagine missing such a revitalising gathering for the anticipated three days. Every individual has a responsibility to host their Jalsa and to ensure the success of it. It is such a crucial part of our lives and, for many, an obvious and ‘automatic’ event. Because of this, we may not ponder upon it in depth. But when someone asks “what is Jalsa?” we can sometimes be left looking for answers apart from the obvious.
The History of Jalsa
In May 1891, the Promised Messiahas declared that he was the Promised Mahdi. He declared that he was the Messiah whom all Muslims had been waiting for.
On 27th December 1891, the first annual convention in Qadian was held, with an attendance of 75 members. 1
On the 30th of December 1891, the Promised Messiahas published an announcement that “…three days of every year should be fixed for a gathering in which all my devoted followers should—God willing—be present, with the condition of health, time and absence of strong
impediments…”2
Till 1946, the annual convention took place at its headquarters in Qadian. After the partition in 1946, annual conventions took place in Lahore (Pakistan) for 2 years. In 1949, Rabwah became the headquarters for Ahmadi Muslims up till 1983 where nearly 250, 000 people attended. And what a blessing it is that by the grace of Allah, Ahmadiyyat is spreading to the corners of the earth. Today, most countries hold their own annual convention where thousands join in unity to spread the message of Islam and supplicate to God the Almighty. “There is a Hadith in which the Holy Prophet saw says, when people gather
together for the remembrance of Allah they are surrounded by angels and are covered by mercy from their Lord”3
28 Maryam