By Talat Syam
Jalsa Salana UK is a spiritual event that thousands of Ahmadi Muslims partake in each year from all over the globe. In a matter of a few days, a 200-acre farm is transformed into a tent city, that hosts one of the largest Islamic conventions in the UK. The aim of this event is to allow Ahmadi Muslims to take part in a three-day journey to promote the true teachings of Islam, whilst enhancing their own knowledge. Thousands of volunteers work hard each year to make this influential convention a success. Their countless efforts have are aimed at ensuring the best for the guests of the Promised Mesisiah (as). Every job, whether large or small, plays a crucial role in the coming together of Jalsa Salana. Many volunteers sacrifice their time, jobs and other responsibilities to allow them to focus their time solely for the preparation of the Jalsa Salana.
The Jalsa Salana office’s responsibility is to co-ordinate everybody’s work, between various departments and workers of Jalsa. The three main important key areas are the Jalsa Salana, Jalsa Gah (Jalsa Marquee) and Khidmat-e-Khalq (service to humanity) departments. Meetings are held regularly in order to co-ordinate and effectively make any improvements needed.
The Khidmat-e-Khalq department plays a key role in the preparation of the Jalsa Salana. There are approximately fifty-one sub-departments within Khidmat-e-Khalq. The overall in-charge of Khidmat-e-Khalq is called Afsar (officer) Khidmat-e-Khalq, and under the officer there are six additional vice officers who carry out various duties. The many departments that fall under Khidmat-e-Khalq consist of car park, security, scanning and external liaisons; liaising with the police and fire services.
The Afsar Jalsa Gah is responsible for the Jalsa Gah and his task is to ensure that all the key moments of the Jalsa Salana proceedings within the main Marquee run smoothly. This department is responsible for the arrangements of the programmes, addresses, tilawat, nazm, loudspeaker, recording, photography and much more.
By the Grace of God, everyone works with the spirit of sacrifice and they know that this Jalsa is not a normal festival, this event carries a lot of blessings, to help serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as).
