2 August 1913: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra son, Abdul Hayy Sahib’s wedding ceremony took place. Regarding his son’s residence, Huzoorra instructed the construction workers that it should be built facing Baitullah in Mecca. Huzoorra wished that his progeny should always remain punctual and regular in their prayers and worship.
2 August 1952: An organisation based in Baltimore, USA planned to celebrate 6 August as Peace Day. Its secretary requested Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to make special prayers on this day. Huzoorra instructed his Jamaat to observe this specific day as Peace Day and inculcate the importance of peace through sermons. Moreover, Huzoorra had Surah al-Fatihah translated into English and sent to the above-mentioned organisation’s management.
3 August 1917: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a delegation of Ahmadi missionaries and devotees to Mumbai. This team spent more than two months discharging their assigned duties there and remained occupied in discussions with people of different faiths.
3 August 1963: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Karachi established its library, which was inaugurated by Niaz Fatehpuri Sahib.
4 August 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached Damascus, en route to Europe. Huzoor’sra entourage chose a railway journey from Haifa to reach their unique destination, the city of Damascus, which is considered to be among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. In one tradition of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, the Imam Mahdi and this city’s name have been mentioned together. Huzoorra stayed in this city until 9 August. Local print media covered his activities in the city, which fulfilled the above-mentioned prophecy about the Promised Messiahas in one sense.
4 August 1934: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad’srh wedding with Hazrat Syeda Mansura Begum took place. The entourage travelled to Malerkotla and returned back to Qadian on 6 August.
4 August 1934: Upon the instructions of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, a twice-weekly newspaper was launched from Srinagar called Islah. It was to spread the voice of the oppressed people of the valley and safeguard their due civil rights.
4 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in London. A delegation from Nigeria had an audience with him. Huzoorra graciously accepted their request and granted his stick to Nigeria Jamaat as a source of blessings.
5 August 1939: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to Dharamshala and Manali. He stayed there until 29 August.
5 August 1955: The editor of magazine Eastern World paid a visit and had an audience with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. On the same day, some students from Zanzibar, Africa had an opportunity to see Huzoorra and seek blessings from his company.
5 August 1956: A delegation of civil servants and government officials from Indonesia visited Rabwah.
5 August 1960: The Scandinavian Jamaat held its first ever Jalsa Salana, which continued for the following two days.
5 August 1961: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Tanzania held its 3-day Jalsa Salana.
6 August 1945: Hazrat Hakim Fazlur-Rahman, missionary in Lagos, Africa laid the foundation stone of the Jamaat’s central mission house there.
6 August 1951: Maulana Muhammad Ismail Munir Sahib formally established the mission in Ceylon, present day Srilanka.
6 August 1955: Hazrat Amma Ji, Sughra Begum Sahibara passed away. She was the wife of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Her year of birth is estimated to be 1874.
7 August 1956: The Ahmadiyya mission in Sweden saw its first convert. He was given the new Islamic name of Saif-ul-Islam Mahmud.
8 August 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started his month-long series of dars-ul-Quran. During this, Huzoorra covered the commentary of Surah Yunus to Surah al-Kahf. In this way, Huzoorra completed almost 5 parts of the Holy Quran. These precious jewels were later printed in Tafsir-e-Kabir, volume 3 in 1940.
8 August 1934: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad’srh walima reception was arranged in Qadian.
(The second address of the Promised Messiahas at the Annual Convention on 28 December 1897 after Zuhr prayer)
At this time, the purpose of my address is that since there can be no guarantee of one’s life, I feel that the number of people who are gathered around me now may perhaps not be with us in the following year. Moreover, during these days, I saw in a vision that in the coming year certain friends would no longer be with us, but I cannot say who of them was referred to in this vision.
I am certain that this is because everyone individually ought to prepare themselves for their journey to the afterlife. As I have just mentioned, no names were disclosed to me, but I know for certain by knowledge given to me from Allah the Exalted that divine destiny and decree has its time. All must leave this transient world at some point or other. And so it is absolutely imperative to state that every individual and friend who is present now must not hear my words as though they were a storyteller’s tale. Rather, I counsel you from Allah and have been commissioned by Him. I address you with immense sympathy, true goodwill and with a burning heart.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 52)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“What state will you be in when the son of Mary will descend among you while he will be your Imam (religious leader) from among you?” In another version it is said, “He will lead you from among you.”
The information given below has been extracted from the accounts of Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib, Ayub Zaheer Sahib, Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib and Malik Lal Khan Sahib, all of whom were instrumental in setting up the simultaneous translation system at Jalsa Salana Rabwah:
A historic and rare group photo of devout Ahmadis who spoke in 47 different languages at the Jalsa Salana Qadian, 1926
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [or languages] as the Spirit enabled them.
“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? … Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (Acts 2:1-12)
This biblical passage, in our belief, points to the coming of a time when believing men and women will simultaneously proclaim the unity of God in one voice, as one community.
Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, at the occasion of the first International Bai‘at on 1 August 1993, whilst referring to the aforementioned reference, said:
“As far as my research has taken me, I have not found proof of any other incident of this nature taking place in history. Thus, this can be taken to be a vision that was seen. This was to take place not in the time of the first Messiahas, but in the time of the second Messiahas.”
Being delivered at the time of the first International Bai‘at, the translation facility now easily available to participants of Jalsa Salana, which materialised this vision, has a long and interesting history, which we aim to present to our readers.
We all know that only 75 persons were able to attend the first Jalsa Salana that took place in Qadian in 1891. Then, in the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas, the number of attendees started to grow into hundreds and then thousands.
Jalsa Salana then went through various phases, where its venue had to be changed – sometimes due to shift of the Markaz and sometimes due to lack of space. From Qadian to Rabwah to Islamabad in Surrey and later to Hadeeqatul Mahdi in Alton, England, the central Jalsa Salana has been through many chapters.
In the time of Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, Ahmadis from foreign countries began attending Jalsa Salana in Rabwah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh felt that such attendees would travel from distant places of the world in their love for the Jamaat but could not benefit from the proceedings of the Jalsa owing to the fact that all speeches were in Urdu.
It was in 1973 that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh instructed the Fazle-Umar Foundation to look into how simultaneous translations of speeches could be made available to foreign guests. The Fazle-Umar Foundation contacted Philips who quoted 2 million rupees for providing translations on 100 sets. This venture was seen as unaffordable at the time and was put off to a later time.
Feeling the dire need of such a system, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh instructed Ahmadi engineers to devise a system of their own. Professor Naseer Khan Sahib was given the responsibility to oversee the project who contacted various foreign firms, but this was to no avail.
At the Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in 1979, Professor Naseer Khan Sahib mentioned the need for live translations at Jalsa Salana to Malik Lal Khan Sahib. Malik Sahib replied that although he was a civil engineer with no experience of electrical designs, he would still look into it and see what could be done.
It was no less of a coincidence that Malik Lal Khan Sahib spoke to Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahibrh about his newly assigned project. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh took great interest in the project and was later assigned the supervisor of the project by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh.
Malik Lal Khan Sahib, upon his return to Islamabad (Pakistan), spoke to Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib who was working at a key post in the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. He too, despite being an electrical engineer, had no experience of electrical designs. In the meantime, Malik Lal Khan Sahib started contacting various firms like Philips, Sumitomo and Siemens, explaining to them the desired project. Only Philips got back showing interest, but the costs quoted were, yet again, out of the Jamaat’s reach. It was then that Malik Lal Khan Sahib and Munir Farrukh Sahib embarked upon the challenging mission of designing a system of their own.
Some other Ahmadi engineers were taken on board, namely Captain Ayub Zaheer Sahib and engineer Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib. With the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and the patronage of Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahibrh, these young engineers, who had worked tirelessly day and night, were able to see a breakthrough. They were able to design two models: a wired system and a loop induction system.
Wired system: This system was based on the model of audio facilities in aeroplanes where passengers can choose an audio track of their choice from a range of tracks. This was very close to what was required – an audio feed of original audio from the stage provided to translators in their booths; their audios relayed through a balanced network of wires; audio tracks relayed through a system of resistance and capacitance. The best feature of this balanced network was that whether the recipient of the audio is one person or 108, all could receive the same audio track of a respective language and benefit from it. Volume control was an added advantage. The amplified signal of the translator was relayed through the master-box to the slave-box and from the slave-box to the seat terminal, from where the guest could select their audio track and listen to it through their headphones.
Loop-induction system: When a cable carries electrical current, a magnetic field is produced around that cable. By placing a coiled wire in this magnetic field, the same frequency of the actual cable is induced into the coil. By amplifying the frequency produced in the coil, it becomes audible through devices like loudspeakers and headphones.
The Ahmadi engineers developed a system on this model. This model, known as the loop-induction system, was picked by the Ahmadi engineers from the pocket transistor radio receivers. A pocket transistor was purchased, its RF (radio frequency) systems were removed, leaving behind only the audio components. A coil was attached to the audio system to pick up the signals from translators’ booths and relayed to headphones. This proved to be a successful experiment, but what was required now were cases to hold these systems. Aluminium cases were acquired from Bolan Radio, but this experiment came with noise and disturbance in the audio. Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib, an Ahmadi carpenter, made wooden boxes for the circuits to be placed in and this produced very good results.
Following these successful experiments, two prototype systems were manufactured – a wired system with provision for 18 recipients and another of the loop-induction system with only a few boxes.
In September 1980, a demonstration of both the prototype systems was given to the board members of Fazle-Umar Foundation who approved the systems and sanctioned a grant of 100,000 rupees. This grant came with the condition that four systems were to be prepared – two for the men’s Jalsa Gah and two for the ladies’; two for English and two for Indonesian languages. But all this was to be fully functional before Jalsa Salana of the same year which was only two months away. The board asked for translations to be available for 200 recipients.
The Ahmadi engineers got to work straight away and within a month, they had their fully functional demonstration ready to present before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh on the Majlis-e-Shura of Ansarullah Markaziya, which was held in October 1980.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh appreciated the efforts of the engineers and approved the systems. The system was used to provide translation facilities with four translators working in turns. The names of the first translators on this newly developed system are Naseem Saifi Sahib, BA Rafiq Sahib, Mujibur Rahman Sahib (Advocate) and Shakil Ahmad Sahib.
With the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, the teams were able to have 220 systems ready for Jalsa Salana 1980, which were delivered from Islamabad to Rabwah on 16 December 1980. It was a great breakthrough in the history of Jalsa Salana. A desire of Khalifatul Masih was fulfilled and that too at a very low cost.
First International Bai‘at on 1 August 1993
Had these 220 systems been purchased from Philips, the cost would have been no less than 4 million rupees. The team of Ahmadi engineers had made it possible in only 80,000 rupees; saving 20,000 rupees of their approved budget. All three engineers would assemble after work at Malik Lal Khan Sahib’s house and work late into the night on this project. Later on, a room was allocated as a laboratory for this project in the guest house of Jamaat Islamabad in the Aabpara area of Islamabad. It was in this small room that this grand project materialised.
The operation was huge anyway, but to have it ready in two months was what made it an even greater challenge. To have it up and running by Jalsa, more members were required in the team; three engineers were not sufficient.
Further members were required to work in four teams; manufacturing, installation, operation and repairs. Similar teams were required for the Lajna side.
The members taken on board to work in various teams were as follows:
1. Engineer Lal Khan Malik Sahib got in touch with various companies and came up with the initial design
2. Engineer Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib worked on the initial design, manufacturing and installations
3. Engineer Ayub Zaheer Sahib worked in the manufacturing and installation as 2nd level supervisor
4. Engineer Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib worked in maintenance and operations
5. Mubashar Ahmad Gondal Sahib in procurement of components
6. Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib worked on devised wooden boxes for the systems
The above names were classed as level 1.
The technicians involved, and classed as level 2, were Manzur Kamal Sahib, Javed Rasheed Sahib, Hamid Mahmood Malik Sahib, Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Tariq Mahmood Malik Sahib and Naseer Ahmad Sahib.
Laymen trained to handle the systems, classed as Level 3, were Zahid Mahmood Khan Sahib, Abdul Mannan Fayyaz Sahib, Maqsood Sajid Sahib, Mushtaq Siddhu Sahib, Faheem Ahmad Sahib, Ahmad Deen Sahib and Naeemullah Sahib. Members of Lajna trained to handle and manage the equipment on the Lajna side were Mrs Lal Khan Malik, Mrs Amatul Rashid Mahmood, Mrs Munir Farrukh, Mrs Ayub Zaheer, Mrs Inamul Haq Kauser, Naila Kokab Sahiba, Zakia Afzal Sahiba, Nasira Afzal Sahiba, Amatul Shakoor Sahiba and Tahira Nusrat Sahiba.
The same systems and the same teams continued to provide translation facilities in Jalsas up to 1983 in Rabwah. After the Hijrat of Khilafat to England, the same systems were used from 1985 to 2009. Some countries are still using the same facilities for Jalsas and other events.
Commending the successful efforts of the Ahmadi engineers working under Fazle-Umar Foundation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, addressing Jalsa Salana Rabwah on 27 December 1980, said:
“A great work that they have done this year is that they have provided translation facilities in English and Indonesian languages for foreign guests … This work has now set off. When we obtained quotes from external companies, they quoted 2 to 2.5 million rupees for about 150 sets. Allah bless our Ahmadi engineers who came forward saying that they would do it for a lot less, and so there was no need to spend such a huge amount. I think they have prepared 228 systems with 80,000 rupees. Pray for them that Allah rewards them. This work has yet to expand so they will deserve more prayers. This proposal was there for many years, but external companies scared us with their quotes and we never had the courage to go for it.” (Khitabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 2, p. 479)
Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, on 20 October 1983, said:
“Some engineers have done a marvelous job in our department of telecommunication. This system of translations has been established by our Ahmadi engineers in much less than some quoted estimates. May Allah reward them in the best way.” (Technical Magazine of IAAAE, 199798)
With the advent of modern technology, the system of simultaneous translations in Jalsa Salana has progressed phenomenally. But the efforts of the pioneers in this important area can never be forgotten. May Allah bless them all.
On Al Hakam’s request, Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib wrote a detailed account on this subject. A part of it is included herewith:
“When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh decided to hold the international Jalsa Salana at Tilford, Islamabad in 1985, Huzoorrh expressed his desire through Wakil-e-Ala Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib to persuade the same team to come to London and install and operate the simultaneous interpretation system.
“Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib conveyed the message to Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and he wrote to all members of the pioneering team.
“I was by then in the Sultanate of Oman. Out of station leave was then applied and 10 days leave was granted by NESPAK, the company in which I was working. Th e visa was obtained easily and I also reached there.
“Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib, Malik Lal Khan Sahib, Ayub Zaheer Sahib, Mubashar Ahmad Gondal Sahib, Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib and some other volunteers like Col Ret Usman, Chaudhry Arshad Sahib and others were already there. The main team had met Huzoorrh and he was delighted to have them with him there.
“They very intelligently hand carried the available equipment like head phones etc. to London. The team performed well to the entire satisfaction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Huzoorrh then wrote the following letter to Munir Farrukh Sahib who sent copies to all members including myself:
‘In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. We praise Him and invoke blessings on His Noble Prophet.
‘My dear Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib; Assalamo alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
‘The sincerity, love and effort through which you and your team have worked shall always remain documented in history. May Allah reward you all the best of rewards and enable you to be of the recipients of His divine bounties and blessings. May Allah enable you to offer similar services in the future also. Please convey my affectionate Salam to everyone.
‘Wassalam, [signed,] Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV.’
“The same pioneering team from Pakistan, under the leadership of Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and Ayub Ahmad Zaheer Sahib rendered their services up to the year 2008. A number of local volunteers were taken on board and trained in due course while the present head, Safdar Sahib was one of them.
“It was decided in 2009 to hand over the work to the UK Jamaat. Since then, the UK team has been running the project.
“It is worth mentioning that the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) was founded by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh almost in the same period (October 1980) and the association considers simultaneous interpretation work as their first and foremost project.”
Currently, the translations department at the Markazi Jalsa Salana in the UK offers translations in 14 languages, including Arabic, Urdu, French, English, Bangla, German, Turkish, Russian, Spanish, Bosnian, Albanian, Indonesian and Swahili, with around 75 translators providing translations to not just those present, but also the world over through the divine blessing of MTA International.
“Hearken ye, hearken ye! Ready yourself to embrace the International Bai‘at that will encompass the heavens and the earth!”
With these words began the historical notice seizing the attention of millions of Ahmadi Muslims around the world towards an experience that humanity had not seen since the time immemorial. It was an invitation from Khalifatul Masih IVrh to every Ahmadiyya mission in the world, urging members to intensify their tabligh efforts, inviting new righteous souls to the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas. It also reignited the spirit of every member to reaffirm their faith at the hand of Khalifatul Masih, concurrently, no matter where in the world they resided.
Seven short months earlier, in the ides of winter of 1993, a small delegation from Hungary had an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. The Hungarian delegation consisted of Hadi Silard Sahib, his wife and two other Muslim friends; they were representatives of a Muslim organisation from Hungary and were travelling under the leadership of a devoted Ahmadi Muslim, Ravil Bukharaev (d. 2012).
The Hungarian delegation travelled to the UK to bring glad tidings that 1,000 of their countrymen would be joining the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. It was a joyous occasion. Huzoorrh prayed for guidance and discussed the most feasible method to conduct the Bai‘at of these new devotees.
It was sometime before the spring of 1993 that Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh came across an account of the Promised Messiahas, that stated “To date, 400,000 people have taken the Bai‘at at the hand of this humble one.” This instigated a deep desire in Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh.
Since the migration of Khilafat to London in 1984, 250,000 people had entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat and the desire in Huzoor’srh heart became intense that “if another 150,000 join the fold of Ahmadiyyat this year, I will have the honour of resemblance with the Promised Messiahas.” Thus, he started praying.
He issued a target of 150,000 new Bai‘ats to all missions in the world and started praying for 200,000 new righteous souls.
On the blessed day of International Bai‘at, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained how the idea came about:
“Regarding the International Bai‘at ceremony, I would like to briefly mention that when Allah the Almighty placed this inspiration in my heart, the number of those taking the Bai‘at was 10 to 20,000 … and a very short time remained before Jalsa … I was concerned … How would this occur in such a short period? At that moment, Allah the Almighty intuitively inspired my heart and its entire outline came before me.”
As prophesised the Bible (Acts 2:1-12) the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh were answered. On 1 August 1993 (the third day of Jalsa Salana UK) in a small farming community in England, 204,308 people from all around the world entered the fold of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The Bai‘at was held in Islamabad, (Tilford) UK and millions of Ahmadi Muslims from around the world joined in large gatherings via live satellite transmission of the event on MTA.
On the blessed day, people sat in accordance with the instructions given. Five people, each person representing a continent was seated in front of Huzoorrh and all others seated behind them, joined together in unison by placing their right hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them, with the front five placing their hand under the hand of Khalifatul Masih. In a symbolic likeness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh wore the green coat of the Promised Messiahas. He spoke to the eager audience about the significance of the event and then proceeded to take their pledge.
Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib (Former Amir USA – d. 2002), Missionary Khalil Mubashar Sahib (at the time representing Africa, presently missionary in-charge Canada) and Abdul Qayoom Sahib (of Indonesia, representing Asia) were among the blessed five chosen to represent their respective continents.
Huzoorrh sat down and said, “I shall place my hand on their hands and take the pledge of initiation. People assume that the whole affair is merely a hand placed on another’s hand. The Holy Quran does not mention this. It states, ‘O Messenger, when you were taking the pledge of allegiance, it was not your hand which was upon their hands, rather یداللہ فوق ایدیھم [Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.11]; because you have completely become God’s, it was God’s hand which was upon theirs.”
What is Bai‘at?
The Arabic term Bai‘at [بیعة] has numerous English translations, with the most popular being “pledge of allegiance” or “oath of allegiance.” The Promised Messiahas has explained the objective and purpose of Bai‘at most eloquently in many of his writings. In one place, he writes:
“The true object of Bai‘at is to acquire the spiritual knowledge, blessings and signs which brings about true repentance. The real purpose of Bai‘at is to (willingly) enslave oneself to the spiritual leader and guide, and to acquire, in exchange, the knowledge, spiritual insight and blessings which help to fortify the faith and sharpen the spiritual vision and establish a pure relationship with God.” (The Need for the Imam, p. 45)
In Islamic history, the earliest described use of the Bai‘at is its role in conversion to Islam and in the testimony of faith. The method of taking the Bai‘at is outlined in the Holy Quran. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was commanded that if anyone wished to take the Bai‘at, they should take “the oath of allegiance at thy hands that they will not associate anything with Allah, and that they will not steal, and will not commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor bring forth a scandalous charge which they themselves have deliberately forged, nor disobey thee in what is right …” (Surah al-Mumtahinah, Ch.60: V.13)
After the demise of Holy Prophetsa, the Bai‘at was also offered to each of the Khulafa-e-Rashideenra upon their appointment to the office of Khilafat. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra took the Bai‘at upon becoming Khalifa, he added the following obligations upon those wishing to offer their allegiance:
“O people, I have indeed been appointed over you, though I am not the best among you … Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey them, then you have no obligation to follow me …” (K Armstrong, Muhammad, p. 258)
Under divine commandment, the Promised Messiahas took the first Bai‘at on 23 March 1889. 40 fortunate people took the Bai‘at at the hand of the Messiahas in these words:
“I repent today, at the hand of Ahmad, of all the sins and bad habits to which I was addicted; and most truthfully and solemnly do I promise that, to the last day of my life, I shall eschew, to the best of my ability, all manner of sin. I will hold my faith above all worldly considerations. I shall try, as far as I can to observe the ten conditions of Bai‘at laid down in the leaflet dated 12 January 1889. I seek forgiveness of God for my past sins.” (AR Dard, Life of Ahmad, p. 206)
Similarly, in May 1908, following the demise of the Promised Messiahas, the First Khalifatul Masih issued an admonition to those wishing to offer their Bai‘at at his hand:
‘If you want to do Bai‘at at my hand, be very clear about what Bai‘at means. It means to sell yourselves. A man eschews everything and that is why Allah has called his servant ‘Abd’ [one who worships]. So, whatever feelings and inclinations you have, you have to follow what I say, and if you accept these conditions, then in the name of Allah, I accept these responsibilities.’’ (Hasanat Ahmad, Hakeem Noor-ud-Deen, p. 114)
Why should I take part in the International Bai‘at?
The short answer is, because we are directed to do so by the Holy Quran (Ch.9: V.111). The Prophet of Allah, Muhammad Mustafasa guided us in these words:
“When you find the Mahdi, perform Bai‘at at his hand. You must go to him, even if you have to reach him across icebound mountains crawling on your knees. He is the Mahdi and the Caliph of Allah.” (Sunan Ibn-e-Maja, Kitab-ul-Fitan, Vol. 2, p. 1367)
Today, Khalifatul Masih is the embodiment of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias.
Before the first International Bai‘at took place on 1 August 1993, generally people would have only two opportunities to take part in public initiation. Once when they entered the Jamaat and second, when a new Khalifa took the office of Khilafat. The gist of the pledge was, and remains to be, a simple confirmation that a person who wants to enter the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will follow the word of God, will not harm any living being through their actions, words or thoughts and refrain from all moral and social ills. In addition, they will follow the appointed Khalifa in “all things good.”
Like millions of Ahmadi Muslims around the world, I have been blessed with the occasion of performing Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih many times, via the most blessed scheme of MTA. However, in 2016, Allah bestowed a special favour upon me and I was able to travel to London and perform the Bai‘at with thousands of Ahmadi Muslims who had travelled especially for the Jalsa Salana and the Bai‘at that has become an integral part of it.
For days before the Jalsa, I watched with amazement the sheer multitude of people, all colours, all creeds that were gathered together. All joined in spirit with the love of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Every prayer in the Fazl Mosque felt as if I was in the gardens of heaven and everyone before my time and all those yet to come stood beside me, praying to Allah the Almighty.
Jalsa started and was over in a matter of three very short days. The third day, perhaps the most memorable, was when the International Bai‘at took place. An hour before the designated time of Bai‘at, with our souls thirsting for the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, thousands gathered in the main marquee. Subhanallah! What an astounding scene that was! But the main event was yet to come.
At the designated hour, our beloved Imam, Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa entered the hall and a silence of windless desert night surrounded the anticipating souls. The seconds became unbearable and then, we heard the voice of our master as he greeted us with Salam.
Almost immediately, in anticipation of events to come, the tears started gravitating. All around me were people who had travelled a great distance to come there that day. Some from places geographically far, some from places spiritually far; but there we were, from Europe, Asia and Africa, from theism and Hinduism, from Christianity and Islam, all voices now one and all souls now bare in front of Allah, our Lord. I cannot describe the feelings as the prophetic words of the Holy Bible came to fruition in front of my very eyes; “Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus and they began to speak in various languages which they had no knowledge of beforehand.” (Acts 2:4)
Much to my astonishment, the Bai‘at ended far too soon and I reflected on where I stood that day. For an Ahmadi Muslim, the Bai‘at is an opportunity to reflect on the ten conditions of Bai‘at as outlined by Promised Messiahas. It is an invitation for us to reflect where we stood the previous year at the time of taking the Bai‘at and where we are today. Huzooraa has guided us on the importance of each condition of Bai‘at and how we can implement the spirit of each condition in our daily lives (see Conditions of Bai‘at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi)
I am not fortunate enough to travel to Jalsa Salana UK this year and be close to my beloved Huzooraa and be in the marquee which, I am certain, is encompassed by angels at most times. Nevertheless, Insha-Allah, I will partake in the heavenly commissioned Bai‘at through MTA.
With my wife and children, I will stand in front of God, once again, and promise to improve myself; promise to become a better Muslim.
Primary sources:
Speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on 1 August 1993
Memo from Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office, March-April 1993
Interview of Chaudhry Hadi Ali Sahib – Former Private Secretary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh – on 8 July and 10 July 2019, conducted by Fazal Malik
Despite the fact that the Promised Messiahas has clearly elucidated the reasonable and beneficial objectives of Jalsa Salana on numerous occasions, opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the Promised Messiahas continue to raise allegations against this annual convention.
Highlighting the purpose and intention behind Jalsa Salana, the Promised Messiahas states:
“The basis [of Jalsa Salana] is to offer pure assistance [for establishing] the truth [of Islam] and to glorify the name of Allah. In fact, Allah the Almighty placed the primary brick of this institution by His own hand.”
The Promised Messiahas was foretold regarding the global progression associated with the institution of Jalsa Salana by Allah the Almighty. He received glad tidings that nations had been created by Allah the Almighty to take part in this Jalsa. However, he was very cautious and mindful to highlight the fact that he had no desire to display the large number of his followers like a worldly saint or a religious leader.
The opponents target various aspects of Jalsa Salana. At times, the journey to Jalsa is referred to as an innovation and sometimes the attendance of the gathering is ridiculed. On some instances, the picture of sajda-e-shukr (prostration of gratitude to Allah) offered at the occasion of International Bai‘at (initiation ceremony) is deliberately presented out of context to manipulate the minds of innocent people. In addition, the accommodation facilities built for the convenience of guests are targeted to further malign members of the Jamaat.
The humble beginning of Jalsa Salana dates back to 1891, when it was held in the remote village of Qadian and attended by around 75 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The primary purpose of this convention was to help enhance the religious knowledge of members and to provide means whereby their perception of Allah may progress.
In spite of all the helpful and spiritual benefits of Jalsa Salana, the opponents hailed it an innovation. A person in the time of the Promised Messiahas went to Rahim Bakhsh, the Imam of Chinian Wali Mosque, Lahore and asked for an edict to be issued regarding far-off journeys which are made in particular days to take part in this annual convention. Further to make the edict much more dramatic, a verdict was taken regarding the person who specifically builds a house as a holy place for Jalsa or offers monetary sacrifice for it. The reason for demanding the second verdict was that Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra built a house at his own expense for the accommodation of Muslims who would come to attend the convention and Hakim Fazl Din Sahib of Bhera raised monetary contributions for the house.
Hence, Mian Rahim Bakhsh issued an edict against the institution of Jalsa Salana and produced a lengthy statement referring to a Hadith, which was not relevant to the matter. Cutting the long story short, he declared that the journey for Jalsa was an innovation, rather it was a sin and the recommendation of these gatherings was unconventional as there was not a single example in the Holy Quran or Sunnah (practice of the Holy Prophetsa) which testified to it. Moreover, the person who established it in Islam was accursed – God forbid.
As Jalsa Salana was established by the Promised Messiahas and the objections against it were also raised well within his time, he himself responded and eliminated these allegations in his detailed announcement, published on 17 December 1892. It was recorded in the first volume of Majmua Ishtiharat (collection of announcements) on pages 352 to 365. Below is the summary of the announcement:
The Promised Messiahas deemed the objection against Jalsa Salana to be a great sign of the approaching Judgment Day, when ignorant persons would become masters and leaders of the masses after the demise of righteous scholars and owing to their ignorance and lack of reasoning in deducing religious matters, they would not only mislead innocent minds but themselves as well.
Those who level allegations against the blessed institution of Jalsa Salana, their state resembles the muftis (those who issue edicts) of the final days, i.e. the maulvis, the muhaddises (well-versed in the knowledge of Hadith), faqihs (Islamic jurist); they would all be the worst of all people dwelling on the earth.
The news of these fault-finders have been foretold in a Hadith that they would recite the Quran but it would not go beyond their throats, i.e. they would not act according to its teachings.
The Promised Messiahas highlighted the fact that it is not only permissible to embark on a journey for the reason of acquiring religious knowledge, but in fact it is compulsory in light of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.
The Promised Messiahas presented the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa to support his argument. The Holy Prophetsa said:
طلب العلم فریضۃ علی کل مسلم و مسلمۃ
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.”
On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated:
اطلبواالعلم ولوبالصین
“Acquire knowledge even if you have to go as far as China.”
The Promised Messiahas emphasised that the main intention behind the journey for participating in Jalsa Salana is to acquire knowledge; to pose questions against it is an act of thrashing honesty, sincerity, impartiality, nobility and purity.
As far as the issue of allocating specific dates for the gathering of members is concerned, it is only a matter of management and neither is it condemnable, nor an innovation in Islam to carry out a task in an organised manner, as it is said in a Hadith:
انماالاعمال بالنیات
“Verily, actions are judged by intentions.”
The Promised Messiahas explained that setting aside prejudices, a person can easily understand that there is no innovation in gathering on a fixed date.
Hazrat Ahmadas expressed surprise about the fact that Maulvi Sahib declared him accursed but forgot to recall those sayings of the Holy Prophetsa in which he urged his followers to embark on journeys in order to acquire knowledge, and declared the act of going to meet a Muslim brother as a source of God’s delight, and stated that making a journey to visit holy persons was a means of attaining forgiveness and expiation for sin.
It should be kept in mind that taking the Hadith:
لا تشد الرحال الا الی ثلاثۃ مساجد، المسجدالحرام و مسجدی ھذا والمسجد الأقصی
“Do not partake in a journey except for three mosques, i.e. Al-Masjid-ul-Haram (the Holy Ka‘bah), the Mosque of the Holy Prophetsa (Masjid-e-Nabawi), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa (Baitul Maqdas)”, to mean that all other journeys are forbidden except for those mentioned in it is in fact an act of sheer ignorance.
The Promised Messiahas pointed out countless occasions when it is necessary and beneficial for a person to set out for a journey. For instance, one travels to acquire knowledge, to meet relatives, to find work, to convey a message, to set out in the cause of Allah, to seek an edict, to visit saints (as Hazrat Umarra went to meet Hazrat Owais Qarnira), to visit holy masters (as was the practice of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadirrh, Hazrat Bayazid Bastamirh, Hazrat Muinuddin Chishtirh, Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sanirh) and to view the wonders of the world as it is indicated from the verse of the Holy Quran:
سِیۡرُوۡا فِی الۡاَرۡضِ
“Go about in the earth” (Surah alAnam, Ch.6: V.12) and to stay in company of the truthful (sadiqin) as it is guided in the verse of the Holy Quran:
“O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with the truthful” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.119).
On other occasions, a journey is undertaken to visit the sick, to seek medical treatment, to appear in court, to carry out trade etc.
It is quite strange that both the persons – the one who sought the edict and the one who issued – partook in various journeys of the same kind, but they do not pay heed. The Promised Messiahas asserted that in view of the opponents, if all other journeys except for the three mosques were forbidden, then they should renounce their relationships, abandon their relatives and refrain from undertaking any journey towards their loved ones in order to meet or to join them in grief or sickness.
One should ponder over the book of Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari, which gives glad tidings that Allah the Almighty would make the passage of paradise easier for that person who makes a journey for acquiring knowledge and follows a path.
The Promised Messiahas reiterated that the opponents should examine and observe the subject of his announcement published on 7 December 1892, which clearly shows that he introduced the institution of Jalsa Salana for members of the community to gain knowledge, to resolve religious issues, to provide assistance for Islam and to meet each other in order to increase brotherhood. Huzooras clarified that the gathering is not for enjoyment or entertainment.
The Promised Messiahas called the attention of the opponents towards the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa in which the journey for the purpose of seeking religious knowledge and eliminating doubts was declared a source of great rewards and abundant bounties. It is stated in a Hadith that on the Day of Judgment, a person would be under firm accountability for their bad deeds, but Allah the Almighty would ask them if they went to meet a certain holy person. They would reply that they did not visit them intentionally, but once they happened to meet someone on their way. Thereupon, Allah the Almighty would forgive them on the basis of the encounter and tell them to enter the paradise.
The Promised Messiahas expounded upon the matter of allocating specific days of a month for the religious Jalsa and stated that someone may possess a doubt and question whether it is justified by the practice of the Holy Prophetsa or the Companionsra.
The reply to this query is that a person should contemplate and study the books of Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim. People of remote areas used to visit the Holy Prophetsa and seek guidance on various issues. At times, groups would visit him in specific months of the year.
It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Hamza in Sahih al-Bukhari that a messenger group from the tribe of Abdul Qais came to meet the Holy Prophetsa and said that as they had journeyed from a far-off land, they could not visit except in the sacred months. The Holy Prophetsa did not reject their request and accepted it.
Hence, it is substantially proven from the Ahadith that people can set dates according to their convenience for visiting their spiritual leaders to increase knowledge and hold religious meetings. The Promised Messiahas put forward that Hazrat Imam Bukharirh formed a separate chapter on the allocation of specific days for holding a gathering to acquire religious knowledge. The heading of that chapter is, “Selecting specific days to benefit the seeker of knowledge is a sunnah (practice) of certain Companionsra”. To justify the title, Hazrat Imam Bukharirh then quotes a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Wail that Hazrat Abdullahrh had fixed Thursday to deliver his address and people used to participate in it on Thursdays. As Islam is going through a phase of difficulties in the changing times and we are being attacked by opponents through new and innovative ways, we have to devise plans and make strategies to counter the attacks on Islam. Hence, it is quite evident from the 61st verse of Surah al-Anfal that Allah the Almighty grants us general authority to be ready and make plans against the opponents in the best possible ways. Those who hail the blessed institution of Jalsa Salana an innovation or infidelity and call the servants of faith “accursed” – regarding whom the Holy Prophetsa said:
حب الانصار من الایمان
“Love for Ansar is a part of faith” – are in fact those who lead people towards spiritual damnation.
Imam Bukharirh has taken up the matter of those persons who mislead people and formed an entire chapter about it. He states that Hazrat Alira once said:
“Tell people that which they can understand. Would you like for Allah and His Messenger to be rejected?” and further states in the interpretation:
ای تکلموا الناس علی قدر عقولھم
“That is, talk to people according to their mental capacities,” which means that people should be conveyed those sayings of God and his Prophetsa which are rational and can easily be comprehended so that they do not renounce Allah and his Prophetsa.
It is obvious from the act of the maulvi that people would point fingers at the edict because it not rational to declare all other journeys unlawful except for journeys to the three mosques. Such a statement provides a reason to mock Islam and ultimately to raise allegations against most dignified personage of the Holy Prophetsa. The Promised Messiahas further sheds light on the issue that innovation is a matter which is clearly against the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa and there are examples in the life of the Holy Prophetsa where he has reprimanded or admonished people against it. If we do not realise the requirements of the changing times and start calling every revolutionary act or strategy an innovation, then Islam is full of countless innovations. For instance, the knowledge of Arabic grammar and morphology should be called an innovation and the knowledge of Hadith would be deemed an innovation as well. Moreover, journeying by train, wearing clothes prepared by machines, posting letters, receiving news by means of telegrams and fighting wars with guns and cannons, all would be acts of innovation. In fact, using guns and cannons would be hailed huge sins because it is stated in the Ahadith that killing your enemy by the torment of fire is strictly forbidden.
The Companionsra were the most worthy of all to understand the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa, but the meaning that was deduced by Mian Rahim Bakhsh was not comprehended by the Companionsra.
They carried out various new works to fulfill the requirements and needs of the time that were neither performed by the Holy Prophetsa, nor were they present in the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Umarra invented the Islamic Hijri calendar, appointed chief police officers to guard the cities, established a formal office for Bait-ul-Mal (the treasury), determined the rules of attendance and leave for soldiers, draft ed the disciplines of fighting, issued instructions regarding the cases of Mal, personally published proposed rules for the safety of state subjects and deemed it obligatory upon himself to secretly patrol at night and look after his subjects. None of the steps or actions taken by Hazrat Umarra were considered innovations.
Hence, the Promised Messiahas was not an innovator in Islam when he established the institution of Jalsa Salana for members of the Jamaat to gain knowledge, to provide assistance for the promulgation of Islam and to meet each other.
Lastly, we clarify the second edict which was about the building of an abode for the participants of Jalsa Salana. As far as the construction of a house is concerned, the construction of a guesthouse or places for accommodation for the convenience of guests and hospitality cannot be considered a wrongful act. If it was an innovation or an act of extreme transgression, then it was mandatory upon the opponents to present a Hadith or verse of the Holy Quran to support their argument.
It does not behove a virtuous person to hold Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra accountable for building a house for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat just for the sake of attaining God’s delight and serving the religion of Islam with great effort and using all his wealth.
Prophet Abrahamas has been portrayed in detail throughout the Holy Quran, from his rational arguments against idols to his fervent prayers for his progeny.
His respect and hospitality to strangers had also been recognised by Allah. Prophet Abrahamas, when approached by a group of unknown guests, “was not long in bringing a roasted calf ” (11:70) the Holy Quran notes.
Another prophet whose exemplary trait of hospitality is mentioned in the Holy Quran is Prophet Lotas.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, addressing the Jamaat prior to a Jalsa Salana in Qadian related how prophet Lot’sas nation were against accommodating guests or showing any hospitality to passing travellers. Prophet Lotas, on the other hand, was extremely passionate and caring when it came to guests. Despite opposition, he would entertain the needs of guests and bring them to his home; it was no easy task due to the opposition, however his resolve to serve overcame any hostility.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra aft er relating the high standards of hospitality within prophets, turned to the Ahmadi audience at Jalsa and said, “Now, I strongly advise you, who have accepted a prophet, that [Jalsa] guests will arrive here. You must serve them with happiness, go to the organisers and present your services to them. Even if you are dealt harshly by any guest, you should show forbearance.” (Al Fazl, 5 January 1918)
Towards the end of the address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said, “Hospitality is a very special trait of the prophets”.
The epitome of this attribute was manifested in the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. When, out fear for his mental well-being, the Holy Prophetsa rushed home in a state of extreme anxiety aft er his first revelation, his wife, Hazrat Khadijara comforted him by declaring, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you” and then listed his great morals, of which, one was that “you respect and serve your guests”.
The Holy Prophetsa engraved hospitality in the ethos of every believer. He said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable with his or her guests” (Sunan Ibn-e-Majah). Whole chapters of Hadith books have been dedicated to the sayings of the Prophetsa regarding the care and respect guests deserve. Fast forward 1400 years and we arrive at the Promised Messiah’sas time, who followed the Holy Prophetsa in letter and spirit. In fact, surrounding the year 1889, when the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was established, the Promised Messiahas received three peculiar revelations; peculiar because the number of believers and visitors to Qadian was, if anything, very limited. However, these revelations spoke of a grand future. One revelation ordered:
وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ
“Enlarge thy abode.” He also received the revelation:
یأْتِیکَ مِنْ کُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِیْقٍ
“People will come to you from every faroff distant track.”
“Do not act haughtily (turn thy cheek) and do not tire of people.”
Langar Khana Jalsa Salana Rabwah
These revelations are living proof of how Allah informed the Promised Messiahas concerning the future, and at the same time, a constant reminder for us to always have open hearts and show the best standards when receiving these guests.
These divine instructions were followed by the Promised Messiahas and can be witnessed through countless narrations of his great example of hospitality. The Promised Messiahas, in his book Victory of Islam, also established hospitality of guests as a branch in propagating Islam Ahmadiyyat.
The narrations, incidents and episodes regarding Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas incredible passion for hospitality are boundless, particularly when Jalsa Salana started.
Since the first Jalsa of 1891, the Promised Messiahas was at the forefront in serving guests; spreading out bedding, serving food, seeing off guests, bearing expenses and finding better arrangements. The Promised Messiahas would try and cater for the needs of every guest. He would tell the cook at the Langar to ensure everyone was given food according to his preferences.
With regard to hospitality of guests, the Promised Messiahas said:
“I am always mindful that no guest should be inconvenienced and therefore, I always give instructions that guests should be afforded comfort as much as possible. The heart of a guest is fragile like glass and is broken by the slightest of knocks.”
His companions were left speechless when witnessing this prophet of Allah going to such extremes when serving guests.
Hazrat Sheikh Asghar Alira noted that the Promised Messiahas personally looked after his guests and always drew Hazrat Hafiz Hamid Ali’sra attention to it. Speaking of his own experience, he expressed that once, in 1903, he arrived at Qadian after a long journey via train and horse carriage and it had been raining. He was with a friend and upon arrival, they were provided very comfortable accommodation and served delicacies. The Promised Messiahas also personally enquired if they were inconvenienced in any way during their stay.
One companion, Hazrat Seith Ghulam Nabira, narrates that he came to Qadian during winter and the weather was extremely dire as there had been torrential rainfall. He reached Qadian in the evening and went to bed after supper. In the middle of the night, someone knocked at the door. Upon opening it, he found the Promised Messiahas standing with a glass of hot milk in one hand and a lantern in the other. The Promised Messiahas said, “Somebody sent me some milk and it occurred to me that you may be accustomed to drinking milk at night, so I have brought this for you; please drink it.” Hazrat Seith Sahib narrates that his eyes welled up with tears of gratitude.
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra narrates an incident. He recalled:
“I came from Lahore to Qadian. Upon seeing me, the Promised Messiahas said ‘Take a seat. I shall bring you food.’ I assumed a servant would bring the food. To my surprise, I witnessed the Promised Messiahas himself bringing a tray of food for me. When Huzooras saw me, he said ‘Please eat, I shall bring water for you’. Tears began to flow uncontrollably with this in mind that if Hazrat Sahibas, whilst being our leader, serves us like this, then how much more responsibility do we have in serving one another.”
Another companion, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira, narrated that once, when he was in the company of the Promised Messiahas inside a room, some other guests were also present. A knock was heard at the door, as soon as one of the guests was about to move to open the door, the Promiesd Messiahas stood up at once and said, “Wait, I will open the door. You are a guest, and the Holy Prophetsa exhorted us to honour our guests” Guests who arrived at Qadian were from various backgrounds; the poor and the wealthy. Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra of Kapurthala relates that the Promised Messiahas was once sitting on the roof of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian waiting to have his meal with some guests. One destitute Ahmadi, Mian Nizam Din Sahib, wearing ragged clothes, was also sitting there at a short distance.
Meanwhile, some respectable guests came and sat near the Promised Messiahas. To create space for them, Mian Nizam Din Sahib had to move back until he reached the area where the shoes were placed. When the meal was about to start, the Promised Messiahas, who had witnessed this ordeal, took a plate of food and called Mian Nizam Din, saying, “Come, Mian Nizam Din, you and I will eat together inside.” Thus, the Promised Messiahas always kept in mind the sentiments of all guests, especially if they were of a “lower” social rank.
In the same vein, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa pior and during Jalsa Salana 2006, reminded the Jalsa volunteers and organisers that a great number of guests from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are mostly farmers and simple in nature, were leaving their countries for the first time to attend Jalsa. Huzooraa expressed that these guests have great thirst for the love of Khilafat, therefore, observing their simplicity, volunteers should not discriminate in their hospitality towards them.
The kitchen of Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jehan Begumra. This was the first ever Langar facility of Jalsa Salana
Sacrificing his own comfort for the comfort of guests was no difficult feat for the Promised Messiahas, it was his norm. On one occasion, the bedding at Jalsa Salana had run out and a companion began searching for all the bedding he could to present to the guests. He had also taken the Promised Messiah’sas bedding. Later, when another companion entered the room of the Promised Messiahas, he found him sitting on his bed with a thin cloth over himself and his arms tucked under his armpits. Surprised, the companion asked the Promised Messiahas why he had no bedding. The Promised Messiahas replied by expressing his desire for the guests to be comfortable and that he would be okay.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, speaking on the subject of sacrifice for Jalsa guests, narrated an incident of a companion of the Holy Prophetsa. Once, the Holy Prophetsa assigned companions some guests to take care of. One companion took the guest he was assigned to home. He asked his wife what food was available, to which his wife informed him that nothing was left apart from the children’s share. The companion replied by saying that he had brought a guest of the Holy Prophetsa, therefore the children should be put to sleep and then, when the food is ready, the lights should be put out. He explained to his wife that he would tell the guest that there was no light so they would have to eat in the dark. “When the guest starts to eat,” said the companion, “we too will make noises to show that we too are eating. This is imperative as the guests will not eat if he knows we do not have food.” And so, in the dark, the guest ate his food, while the companion and his wife pretended to be eating. In this way, the companion sacrificed the food of his household for a guest. Allah informed the Holy Prophetsa of this incident to which the Prophetsa was very pleased.
This spirit of sacrifice is still present within the Jamaat. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in 2004, narrated how the atmosphere he witnessed in Canada Jalsa Salana reminded him of the Jalsa Salanas in Rabwah. This was because Ahmadis in Canada themselves stayed in basements and gave the rest of the house to other guests, who were at times not even related to them.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra would also encourage the residents of Qadian to offer their homes for the guests of Jalsa Salana and a huge amount of properties were thus made available during the days of Jalsa Salana.
The Promised Messiahas would exhort his Jamaat to ensure the stay of Jalsa Salana guests was as comfortable as possible. In one sermon prior to Jalsa Salana, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra discussed the limited resources of the Jamaat when serving the guests at Jalsa Salana. He explained that the limited funds meant that, at the time, proper arrangements could not always be met. Nevertheless, he listed small, yet effective ways of hospitality that required no extra funds and could be practised by all. He said, “We can greet [guests] with good morals … If someone loses a possession, we can help them search for it … If someone needs to find the whereabouts of a doctor, you can help them”. Accordingly, we can all seek out small effective ways in serving the Jalsa Salana guests.
With the presence of Khalifatul Masih, Qadian served as the Markaz of the Jamaat. Considering this, in 1920, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra reminded the residents of Qadian that the guests of Jalsa Salana would observe those residing in Qadian and see them as examples. He further advised:
“If you, the inhabitants of [Qadian] cannot show mercy to others, like that of parents, then at the very least, you should show mercy like that of an older brother. Those who come here observe you and adopt your example. Thus, you should show high morals … If you do not show a good example then it will have negative effects.”
Further, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra commented on someone who would call Qadian a hospital. Huzoorra said, instead of a hospital, Qadian should be called a “school where people come to gain knowledge and adopt good morals.” With this in mind, it is imperative that those of us who live in the Markaz in the UK, should also adopt good morals and etiquettes for this too is part of hospitality.
The trait of hospitality may be exclusive to prophets, yet it is also very closely twinned with the Jamaat and Jalsa Salana. It is imperative that we uphold these examples set by the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa so that the guests of Jalsa Salana are properly taken care of. By following and acting upon the great moral of hospitality, our generations to come will also adopt a “special trait of the prophets”.
Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 28 July: Earlier this evening, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa inspected the various sites of Jalsa Salana UK and later officially inaugurated the Jalsa duties.
At around 4:40pm, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa left his residence in Islamabad and proceeded towards various departments that are offering duties during these Jalsa days in Islamabad.
Huzooraa visited the reserve marquee where special guests are offered food throughout the day.
Thereafter, Huzooraa walked past the general car park in Islamabad and inspected the ladies’ and men’s food marquee. This department has been offering duties for over a week now, and will continue to do so for the rest of the week, and some for even another week.
After visiting these departments, Huzooraa left with his entourage for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK in Haslemere, approximately a 20-minute drive away. Jamia UK is currently housing many of the guests that have travelled for the convention from around the world.
Huzooraa arrived at Jamia at around 5:15pm and was welcomed by many Arabic-speaking guests who sang choral poems in Arabic. Huzooraa was then welcomed by volunteers, women and men, who have travelled from far and wide to serve the guests staying at Jamia.
Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Sahib, Nazim Reserve 1 then informed Huzooraa about the total number of volunteers and showed Huzooraa the sleeping arrangements and showering facilities for guests, which Huzooraa carefully observed. Thereafter, Huzooraa proceeded towards the dining area where organisers had on display some of the food that is served there.
After heading to the ladies’ food area, where ladies sang poems in Arabic, Huzooraa departed from Jamia and headed towards Hadeeqatul Mahdi where the main Jalsa arrangements are.
Upon arrival in Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Huzooraa first went inside his residence, after which he came out to inspect many departments situated at the main Jalsa site.
Huzooraa first visited the barn area, where the Langar Khana, roti plant and Jalsa stores are located. At the Langar, Huzooraa was shown various dishes like aloo gosht and tested the quality of the food, offering guidance and advice to the cooks.
Rafi Shah Sahib, Nazim Langar 1, told Al Hakam, “Huzooraa had instructed the Langar Khana this year to grind their own masala [spices and herbs]. Huzooraa instructed us not to use garam masala, which consists of spices and herbs like cinnamon, cloves and black cardamom. So this year, these were not used and we put together our own spices and avoided garam masala.”
At the roti plant, Huzooraa was shown a new piece of equipment by Agha Abdul Karim Abid Sahib, Nazim Roti Plant in Hadeeqatul Mahdi; this new machinery has been designed to cut the dough into 9-kilogram pieces, assisting the many volunteers at the roti plant, who previously would have to do this all by hand. This was designed and built by an Ahmadi pilot, Fathey Ahmad Sahib. Alongside this, Huzooraa inspected the roti plant and tested the quality of the rotis being cooked.
Huzooraa then made his way to the accommodation store, where he checked the quality of the mattress through a demonstration by Hassan Sahib of the accommodation department.
Before proceeding to enquire about the car park arrangements from Maqbool Ahmad Sahib, Naib Afsar Jalsa Salana, Huzooraa was greeted by a line of volunteers working in the electrics department. Whilst observing the main car park, Huzooraa enquired about how many tracks would be used and where they would be placed.
Photo courtesy of AMA UK
Huzooraa visited the tents area and observed how the facility had been set up. As the Lajna side of the Jalsa Gah is adjacent to this part, Huzooraa visited the Lajna registration, security and scanning marquee at the main Lajna entrance.
The next stop on Huzoor’saa route was the Khidmat-e-Khalq operation and site-security command centre, after which was the crucially important first aid facility. Huzooraa walked into the marquee and enquired about the arrangements, giving important instructions about how the facility should be ready to respond to any given situation. In the Homeopathy Dispensary, Huzooraa issued instructions to Dr Hafeez Bhatti Sahib.
Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK and Afsar Khidmat-e-Khalq at Jalsa Salana UK told us:
“Huzooraa enquired about the response time in case of an emergency, to which Huzoor was told that it was half a minute. Huzoor particularly enquired about the number of CCTV cameras on site and their locations as there is an increase in number of CCTV cameras this year.”
IT plays a very important role by turning the farmland of Hadeeqatul Mahdi into a modern facility with best of the range communication services and connectivity arrangements – two facilities that have become a basic necessity of modern life. Maqbool Ahmad Sahib, Naib Afsar responsible for this section, briefed Huzooraa about this year’s arrangements.
We all know how Huzooraa is keen about hospitality of his guests at Jalsa Salana. This keenness is evident from every instruction that Huzooraa gives to the administration during the inspection. However, the dining area is where Huzooraa ensures that every one will have food that is clean, healthy and sufficient. Having examined the dining facilities, Huzooraa walked towards the main Jalsa Gah. The Review of Religions team stood in a line on the side of Huzoor’saa walkway and greeted Huzoor. On his way, Huzooraa stopped in front of the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre exhibition and the Al Hakam Hub. Huzooraa enquired about the glass wall whether it always used to be transparent or whether it was a new addition this time.
From there, Huzooraa went into the Jalsa Gah and addressed the Jalsa duty holders. This dignified event started with the recitation of the first five verses of Surah al-Mulk by Mahmood Vardi Sahib, followed by the translation in English by Nisar Orchard Sahib.
Next, Huzooraa delivered an address in which he commended the preparations of Jalsa Salana. Huzooraa said that by the grace of Allah, every year, we are witnessing progress in the organisation and preparations for Jalsa Salana. In fact, Huzooraa expressed that he believed that Jalsa Salana preparations are out of the best to date. Further, Huzooraa said that the organisation we have currently at Jalsa, only raises one concern; that the workers start to imagine that no more improvements can be made, and thus, due care and hard work is not made, or prayers are not made as they should be. Huzooraa stressed that this mindset should not be adopted.
Huzooraa told the volunteers to pray that Allah blesses our efforts in arrangements for Jalsa. Huzooraa also advised the volunteers to protect their prayers and even if Salat is inevitably missed in congregation, one should ensure they offer their prayers at another time. Huzoor said to always keep in mind that human effort, without the blessings of Allah, cannot be successful.
After the inspection, Huzooraa enquired from the management about the backdrop measurements and other details to do with the stage.
Huzooraa then made his way to the Lajna Jalsa Gah where all Jalsa volunteers on the ladies’ side had convened.
After visiting the ladies’ side, Huzooraa inspected the MTA transmission truck and broadcast unit, giving detailed guidance for the many upcoming MTA broadcasts during Jalsa. Before proceeding to the main MTA offline compound, Huzooraa noticed MTA International Lajna team standing to one side and Huzooraa met them all and enquired about their roles during Jalsa.
In the main MTA compound – where MTA 3, MTA Africa, French stream, MTA Programming, IT, Production, MTA office, stores and various other departments are situated – Huzooraa inspected the site and took a glance at all the volunteers who had gathered at MTA.
After walking past the translation marquee, where many volunteers will simultaneously translate the Jalsa proceedings in the three-day event, Huzooraa proceeded towards the rear end of the men’s Jalsa Gah where Huzooraa graced a dinner with all Jalsa volunteers and workers.
Baitul Futuh, 26 July: A major event before Jalsa Salana UK is the inspection of arrangements and inauguration of duties by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masihaa. During the inspection, Huzooraa inspects the arrangements of Jalsa Salana ensuring that the guests of the Promised Messiahas, who flock from all over the world, will be looked after well and that plans are set to run the grand operation smoothly.
This year, after delivering the Friday Sermon at Baitul Futuh earlier this afternoon, Huzooraa inspected the arrangements at Baitul Futuh – one of the major sites of Jalsa UK operations.
After delivering the sermon, many volunteers were seen assembling at their relevant departments to welcome their beloved Imamaa and to inform him of their respective arrangements.
Huzooraa started the inspection from the ladies’ food marquee, where food is served not only for the guests staying at Baitul Futuh but those staying at a number of other locations. Girls sang taraney (choral poems) as Huzooraa blessed their marquee with his footsteps.
From here, Huzooraa proceeded to the men’s food marquee, followed by men’s accommodation in the Baitul Futuh complex where residence is arranged for participants during the Jalsa hospitality period. A separate marquee has been allocated in the car park of Baitul Futuh to accommodate male guests, where Huzooraa inspected the bedding that all guests will use in the marquee.
All these guests, men and women, will be moved to the accommodation marquees in the Jalsa Gah at Hadeeqatul Mahdi on Thursday – the day before Jalsa starts.
Thereafter, Huzooraa proceeded to the Jalsa Salana reception where the administration will welcome guests, prepare for their accommodation and provide food.
Zaheer Ahmad Khan Sahib, Naib Afsar Jalsa Salana UK, told Al Hakam:
“Recently, a proposal was sent to Huzooraa that locals of Baitul Futuh, Fazl Mosque and Islamabad be offered a parchi [ticket] system, where if they have guests, they may be able to obtain food from the Jamaat’s Langar so that food does not go to waste and it benefits the local Ahmadis, much like the system that was in place during the Rabwah Jalsa Salanas. Thus, Huzooraa, during the inspection, enquired of me whether this was being implemented this year.
“Sadrs of local Jamaats or their representatives, according to Huzoor’s instruction, will be available 24 hours a day to issue such tickets. During the inspection, Huzooraa said, ‘Even if the Sadrs are not available, no one should be denied food.’”
Huzooraa then enquired about various arrangements and graciously gave instructions to the people at work. One such department was the department of overseas registration, of which Khawaja Abid Rasheed Sahib is nazim, from whom Huzooraa enquired about the procedure of registering guests.
Al Hakam will be reporting on the main inspection event that is due to take place on Sunday, 28 July at Hadeeqatul Mahdi Insha-Allah.
Follow our Twitter handle @AlHakamWeekly and download our app to receive notifications of Al Hakam live-reporting throughout Jalsa Salana UK.
With Jalsa Salana UK right around the corner (starting Friday 2 August) preparations in Hadeeqatul Mahdi are moving at full speed.
Currently there is a huge amount of work taking place to prepare for the Jalsa at various locations, including in Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Baitul-Futuh and Islamabad. Volunteers are flooding the Jalsa Salana site every day to offer their services in preparations.
At present, many of the marquees have already been erected, including the scanning and food marquees. The two main marquees for men and ladies, which will serve as the Jalsa Gah and where the Jalsa proceedings will take place, are currently being erected.
The wooden flooring that is laid in the various marquees is fitted every year by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ansarullah through waqar-e-amal. In Hadeeqatul Mahdi, we will have approximately 100 portable shower and toilet cabins for guests, while temporary lavatories are also being built from scratch by our very own Khuddam. Specialist teams consisting of our own Khuddam and Ansar connect these facilities to our water supply and sewage systems for the inflow and outflow of water and waste.
There is a huge demand for electricity supply and lighting throughout the Jalsa period. Our volunteer teams have already done 50% of the electrical wiring throughout the site. Volunteers have also completed approximately half of the plumbing and maintenance works required during the Jalsa period.
On average, we install 12 miles of metal tracking throughout Hadeeqatul Mahdi. This year, Insha-Allah, in view of weather forecasts predicting sun during the three days of Jalsa, 9 miles of tracks will be sufficient.
We always have contingency plans in place to deal with any eventualities and adverse weather conditions. At present, 45% of these tracks have been installed.
Marquees have been put up at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK in Haslemere where some guests will be staying. Additional portable showers and toilets have also been delivered to Jamia and 50% of the electricity requirements on this site have been completed.
With Islamabad being the new Markaz where Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa resides, we expect a huge flow of guests in Islamabad. The kitchen, or Langar, is serving lunch and dinner for guests on a daily basis now.
A huge aspect of the Jalsa Salana site is water supply as well. On average, the total amount of water used during the Jalsa period is 2.2 million litres of water. We use pillow tanks to store the water, with each tank holding 100,000 litres of water. 7-8 of these tanks pump water out to showers, toilets etc.
Our entire water supply is first cleaned through a process known as chlorination, then an external company takes 12-13 samples of the water from varying points throughout our water network, after which they test the samples taken and finally provide a report to the council. Only when the results are approved are we permitted to use our water supply for Jalsa Salana.
At the moment, there is an organised Waqf-e-Arzi (voluntary work dedicated for the service of the Jamaat) taking place by Khuddam and they are also covering various security posts throughout Hadeeqatul Mahdi 24 hours a day.
As each day passes, the intensity of the work increases and by the grace of Allah, we are witnessing an increasing number of volunteers who are arriving to take part in waqar-e-amal.
We request prayers from Al Hakam readers and members of the Jamaat for the success of Jalsa Salana UK 2019.
