Over 35,000 attendees are anticipated for one of the UK’s largest spiritual conventions, the three-day Jalsa Salana, commencing this Friday. Held annually on a farm near Alton, Hampshire, the event draws members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from around the globe.
This year’s convention will emphasize prayers and peace, encouraging Muslims to actively contribute to reducing global instability and uncertainty. The event, broadcast worldwide, will feature a seminar on news reporting of the Gaza conflict, alongside various spiritual ceremonies.
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Rafiq Hayat, UK President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, stated, “Our convention serves as a reminder that our duty as Muslims is to be loyal, peaceful, and dutiful citizens. Through our motto ‘Love for All, Hatred for None,’ we aim to build stronger, more cohesive communities and promote peace and tolerance.”
The Ahmadi movement, originating in British-controlled northern India in the late 19th century, is considered heretical by orthodox Muslims because Ahmadis do not believe Muhammad was the final prophet.
First held in 1964, Jalsa Salana UK moved to its current site in East Worldham in 2006 to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Organizers of this year’s convention aim to alleviate previous traffic issues by opening a new entrance and providing shuttle buses.
