By Arooba Zaffar
This Jalsa was special for us as we are going to experience the Jalsa through the eyes of our beloved brother, Mazhar, who passed away last September at a young age. Whilst this was an incredibly difficult time for us, we accepted it as Allah’s will, praying hard for the strength and patience to bear this huge loss.
As the countdown to Jalsa began, we remembered how he would begin volunteering two weeks prior to Jalsa and help with the wind up for more than a week later. Mazhar loved helping and preparing for the arrival of the guests of the Promised Messiah (as) and had helped in various roles over the years. From laying carpets in the Jalsa Gah to receiving Tabshir guests and helping with the transport for guests, he was always keen to help in any way that he could.
Fortunately, a few years ago, my beloved brother was given the honour of calling the Adhaan and Takbir before each Jalsa namaaz led by Huzoor (aba). In 2016, a month or so after his stem cell transplant, my brother test recorded his Adhaan on his mobile phone to check how his lungs were recovering. He was unhappy with the recording and wanted to delete it straight away, as he felt it did not meet his usual standards. However, we persuaded him not delete the recording and this now serves as our alarm clock audio for Tahajjud and Fajr prayers.
Following his passing, Huzoor (aba) mentioned the following in his Friday Sermon delivered on 30th September 2016:
“He had a very nice voice so his sister had recorded Azaan in his voice and used it as an alarm to wake up for Fajr prayer. His mother says that when he was in his last breaths, the Azaan in his voice started ringing. This made them even more emotional but it was the decree of Allah.”
These are just a few of the precious memories I have of my dearest brother. My message to all those Ahmadis who have lost their loved ones, whether recently or long ago, is that they should try to come and experience Jalsa through the eyes of their loved ones. Remember the little things they did or spoke about during the Jalsa days. The excitement and enthusiasm at being able to attend Jalsa and how blessed they would feel that they had good health and would be able to sleepover at Hadeeqatul Mahdi or travel there. Remember how honoured they would feel to be able to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as) by doing duty at Jalsa. Remember how emotional they would feel during the International Ba’ait, repeating the vows under the leadership of the Khalifa (aba). Remember how proud they would feel when Huzoor (aba) would announce the final attendance of the Jalsa UK attendees at the last day of Jalsa and how sad they would feel that Jalsa had finished, yet their exhilaration and excitement for the next Jalsa would always be present.
Remember your loved ones during Jalsa and remember to pray for them. Remember that this is a special gathering where Allah Almighty has revealed to the Promised Messiah (as) that the Jalsa attendees will be granted with numerous blessings. Remember that Allah Almighty will listen to your prayers and that during these blessed Jalsa days He would be really close to His people. Remember that the best gift that you can give your loved ones who are not here anymore is prayers, prayers and loads of prayers. Remember how lucky we were to be able to attend Jalsa this year. Remember your loved ones in your prayers and remember all those who are unable to attend the Jalsa due to various reasons.
Requesting prayers and wishing all Ahmadis around the world Jalsa Mubarak!
