Thousands attend 50th Jalsa Salana opening in UK

By Devina Samaroo

The message of peace and unity resonated throughout a gargantuan tented village at the opening of the 50th Jalsa Salana (annual convention) held at East Worldham in Hampshire, England on Friday.
An auspicious flag raising ceremony lead by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the world leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, marked the opening of the three-day event which is dedicated to promoting the message of Islam.
Decked in their finest traditional attire, thousands flocked the venue to share in the grand experience and celebrate the growth of their community.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who delivered the key address at the opening ceremony, encouraged all individuals to live a life characterised by bounteousness and in accordance to the teachings of the Holy Quran.
The head Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad then underscored the need to abstain from falsehoods and all other elements that contradict the message of Islam.
Furthermore, he remarked that while the observance of the 50th convention is quite an achievement, the purpose of the event remains the same: to encourage mutual harmony and camaraderie among each other, despite differences.
His Holiness will also be delivering addresses today and Sunday.
Day two of the activities will also feature other speeches from key dignitaries from around the world, who will continue to spread the

message of peace and speak out against extremism.
Speaking with Guyana Times during the opening ceremony was the Deputy Head of the Jama’at in the United Kingdom, Akram Ahmedi, who expressed concerns about some of the challenges facing the religion globally.
“One of the difficult aspect is that of terrorism. It’s not just against the general population of Europe but also what’s going on in the Middle East and elsewhere as well. This is a great challenge we have to overcome together as human beings. To do that, we promote peace conferences. His holiness, our spiritual leader gives almost on weekly basis, his speeches of how to bring peace on earth,” he stated, noting that the world is going through great turmoil.
In this regard, his message to the world is to return to their creator and reach out to humanity: “We cannot have one without the other. To worship God is to help mankind as well; they go hand in hand and that is what the message will be for us and around the world,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, the convention showcased many booths of crafts, literature, clothing, and food from many cultures worldwide.
Also, on display were many of the humanitarian projects being spearheaded by charity entities and non-governmental organisation that are working in collaboration with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to reach out to the less fortunate.
This unique event is the largest of its kind in all Western Europe, bringing together thousands of participants from all over the world every year to promote the message of peace and unity.
This annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was initiated by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the community who claimed to be the Promised Messiah.
The general sect of Islam considers the Ahmadiyya adherents (Ahmadis) apostates because they believe that there is another prophet who came after the final law bearing Prophet Muhammad.
The Ahmadiyya community believes that Prophet Muhammad is indeed the final law bearing prophet but that another prophet came as a follower prophet, serving the same law of Prophet Muhammad in accordance to the fulfilment of the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad as Mahdi and Messiah.