“Evil and hate sells, love wins!” Jalsa Salana Canada, an inspiring moment of Canadian history

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“This is no ordinary gathering. There are many benefits of the Jalsa to the participants. Members should utilize this opportunity to renew their personal faith and spirituality, meet and establish friendship with other members of the community, welcome new members into the fold of the community and remember those who have passed away in the previous year and pray for them.”

The Promised Messiah (AS)

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper were invited to Canada’s largest and longest-running Muslim Convention that took place last weekend from July 15^th -17^th, 2022. Thousands from across Canada and around the world attended this unique religious gathering titled Jalsa Salana Canada. This year, the convention was entirely reimagined as it took place at a new outdoor venue. Attendees converged in Bradford, Ontario where a village had been created for this convention. This is the only such gathering of its kind in Canada, and I drove up there to take in the spiritual oasis that had been created.

I want to give a little history on this event; the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the leadership of its holy founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, held its first convention on December 27^th, 1891 in Qadian, India. Approximately 75 people attended the event. For over a century since then, the Community has held its Annual Convention, or Jalsa Salana, in numerous countries around the world. Tens of thousands of community members gather at these conventions at various times throughout the year. The principle aims of the Annual Convention are to facilitate greater spiritual awareness among community members, strengthen ties, and promote peace.

Canadians from all walks of life, including dozens of elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders attended the event. The convention commenced with a large Friday prayer gathering, followed by a special press conference. Media was invited to attend this prominent convention on all three days, which included unique Islamic exhibitions, scholarly presentations, workshops, food stalls and much more. Over the span of the three-day convention, more than 25,000 fresh meals were served to the attendees.

The men’s event was hosted at Jalsa Gāh: Hadiqa Ahmad, 3999 10 Sideroad, Bradford Ontario, and the ladies hosted their guests at the Baitul Islam Mosque, Peace Village, 10610 Jane Street, Maple Ontario

The teachings during the convention focused on how human beings must navigate this world in order to have a peaceful existence. Speakers teach on having a refined social personality of the highest degree, to demonstrate the true values of his spiritual dedication and the practical application of those values by attaining beautiful human attributes. These teachings remind us that our distinct social character represents our values, which can be seen by the way in which we interact with the people around us.

I had a chance to take a peep at some of the teachings that would occur in the men’s session during the convention. They included:

• Merciful God and Human Suffering – How can they both exist?
• Transformation of a Barbaric Society into a Divine Society – Unique Achievement of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sa)
• Attaining Peace of Mind – Islamic Perspective

The ladies sessions also had diverse topics that are universally important, and would be great things to discuss in the community. The topics included:

• Ways of upbringing children as taught by the Holy Prophet
• Importance of Loyalty and Sincerity to Khilafat

On Friday was the flag hoisting ceremony, which symbolized the official start of the 44^th Jalsa Sālāna Canada. It was broadcasted live at www.jalsa salana.ca, and my personal host Hassaan Shahid who is not only a caring volunteer, but a devout follower, took the time to go over what was happening that weekend. He also facilitated an interview with a man who set the tone for what was to be expected.

I had the opportunity, and honour to speak with Maulana Azhar Haneef, a man that as soon as I saw him reminded me of the dynamic man we know as Malcom X. It was everything about him, his accent, his presence, and his demeanour. This incredible man was trained as a missionary at Jamiah Ahmadiyya Rabwa Pakistan and has served the Jama’at in the USA in various capacities including missionary in charge. He is currently serving as Naib Amir USA.

I had my questions prepared, but in my usual fashion, I sat there and listened, intrigued and drawn by his message.

“I was born into this faith, and my dedication to missionary work is innate,” he began. “I have always had a strong desire to uplift people, and it is not just the matter of doing the work to do good out of generosity; it is a duty. I am aware of my duty to call others to Islam, and I do not spare any effort to do so.

During these turbulent and trying times Simone, we have to focus on the love of God, and the love of humanity. We can only do this if we draw closer to the creator.

Evil and hate sells, love wins! We are born to love, and born from love. This is something that we must not forget!”

I shook my head innerstanding exactly what he was saying. Spiritual gatherings like the Jalsa Salana are necessary during this time. They bring out the best in humanity, and remind us that truly, we are all in this together.

Thank you to the team at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamā at Canada for including the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper in such an incredibly inspiring moment of Canadian history.