By Aqeela Shanzay Zaffar
The flag of Ahmadiyyat, also known as Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, holds a profound spiritual significance for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Raised annually during the Jalsa Salana, the flag hoisting ceremony serves as a reminder to all Ahmadi Muslims of their collective responsibility to continuously strive for the establishment, unity, and dissemination of Islam and Ahmadiyyat.
The historical significance of raising the flag dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who prepared a flag and designated it to be raised by those who had the right to do so. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) also heard the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) state that we ought to have a flag, as it is sign of the gathering of people and it also creates passion in the hearts of the youth. He (peace be upon him) also stated: “My flag shall grant protection to all righteous people.”
The flag hoisting ceremony during Jalsa Salana is a spiritually charged moment for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It serves as a potent reminder for Ahmadis to uphold the true teachings of Islam and promote the values of peace, love, compassion and present every sacrifice through the help of God so the Ahmadiyyah, the True Islam prevails over every other religion and the flag continues to wave higher than any other flag.
The ceremony witnesses a gathering of devoted Ahmadis, and millions more around the world join through MTA (Muslim Television Ahmadiyya), fostering a sense of unity and connection among community members worldwide. As the flag is raised high into the sky, the Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), offers a heartfelt prayer: “Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (Quran 2:128).
The flag serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for Ahmadis to overcome challenges and adversities in their pursuit of righteousness. It reminds them that with the help of Allah Almighty, they can triumph over any obstacles and raise the flag of Islam and Ahmadiyyat even higher than any other flag.
The Annual Convention and the flag hoisting ceremony strengthen the sense of unity, spirituality, and purpose among the Ahmadi Muslim community. Gathering in the presence of their spiritual leader, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), and witnessing the flag of Ahmadiyyat soaring high, they are reminded of their duty to live up to the true teachings Islam and work towards the betterment of humanity.
