From the Holy Land to the Garden of the Mahdi

RoR Women’s Team

The Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) UK, held at Hadiqatul Mahdi or ‘the Garden of the Mahdi’ in Hampshire, UK is an international gathering which brings together thousands from around the world. 

The founder of this convention, who also founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) stated:

‘It is essential for all those who can afford to undertake the journey, that they must come to attend this Convention which embodies many blessed objectives. They should disregard minor inconveniences in the cause of Allah and His prophet (peace be upon him.). Allah yields reward to the sincere persons at every step of their way, and no labour and hardship, undertaken in His way, ever goes to waste.’

This spirit of devotion and perseverance to attend Jalsa Salana UK was profoundly reflected in the experiences shared by Palestinian ladies at Jalsa Salana UK. A group that displayed intense emotions upon seeing seeing the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) come on the screen, with uncontrollable streams of tears running down a few of their faces. 

One such Palestinian lady recounted her emotional journey to attend this year’s Jalsa. Despite financial and other constraints, her prayers were answered in an extraordinary way. ‘It was almost impossible for me to come this year. My son and I prayed really hard to be here. SubhanAllah (Holy is Allah), after praying, I got a permanent job that was almost the cost of our tickets. It was very touching for us. It was like a miracle, really. My son was so moved. He’s 8 and he said, “Mum, Allah Almighty hears prayers.” Alhamdolilah (all praise belongs to Allah), we wrote a letter to His Holiness (aba) to tell him this also.”

Her dedication to attending Jalsa is rooted in a deep spiritual connection, ‘I have come here so many times,; she continued. ‘You never get used to it! It’s always improving, always more emotional, more touching.’ 

The journey this year brought different challenges due to the current situation in Palestine, ‘Till the last day, we were living in a very dangerous area. We felt that maybe the war will start before we come… anything could have happened. I still can’t believe that we are finally here, Alhamdolilah.’

After listening to His Holiness’ (aba) address, she reflected, ‘I just wanted to write everything down so I won’t forget. Mash’Allah (Allah’s plan is best), it is like His Holiness (aba) is answering things that we think about, things that you go through, that you ask yourself. He gives you in a straight and clear way, Alhamdolilah. You get many things from the sermon that you really wish to take and do yourself.’

When asked about His Holiness’ (aba) appeals for prayers for Palestine, with tear-filled eyes she said, ‘In our area, we cannot speak, we cannot say anything, we cannot express ourselves. So, whenever His Holiness (aba) talks about it, it’s like he is talking in the name of everyone. His Holiness (aba) is our father, and he knows what everyone is going through. He always mentions Palestine and asks for prayers; you feel like you’re really in a big family. You cannot thank God enough for it.’

A young Palestinian girl expressed how attending Jalsa Salana UK means a cherished opportunity to see her family living in the UK. ‘Every year feels different,’ she commented. This year, several generations have gathered together— mother, grandmother, aunts, and cousins. 

Another member of the Palestinian delegate shared how, despite visiting the UK every year, this year’s trip felt different due to the conflict in Palestine, ‘The situation is not safe. We can feel it…..We need your prayers. We need His Holiness’ (aba) prayers.’ When at the airport, they faced several hurdles; their names were called out, and passports were checked just before boarding. It seemed they would not be allowed to fly. However, whilst she and her husband prayed, the airport staff received a phone call, after which they were unexpectedly allowed to board and are now attending Jalsa. Till now, they have no idea who made that phone call. A clear example of the words of the Promised Messiah (as): ‘Allah yields reward to the sincere persons at every step of their way, and no labour and hardship, undertaken in His way, ever goes to waste.’

The testimonies of these guests highlight the unwavering faith and resilience of those who, despite the odds, come to partake in the blessings of Jalsa Salana, embodying the true spirit of the Promised Messiah’s (as) message.