Ruttab Noor
The beautiful sun is up and so are you. The light covers the house and you keep in mind that there is a much greater light you’ll experience today. The car’s engine ignites and so does the excitement in your heart.
As you reach your destination, faces surround you. Some are familiar, some are not but you still feel the same happiness as you pass by each one. You find a seat inside and the speeches start, each one better and more captivating than the last.
As the speaker begins, you feel yourself teleported to the 1890’s, to the time of our Promised Messiah (as). You travel through Qadian, India, and witness various signs that were prophesied and that became true.
With each passing moment, you go further and further back in time, witnessing incredible incidents. And suddenly, you’re back to the 21st century.
You feel enlightened as the words spoken are about yourself, about how we can become better people, ensuring the future is safe and peaceful.
You feel inspired as you learn the various ways to keep away from the evils of society. You feel reformed.
The speeches come to an end and it is announced that prayers for the session will begin, followed by lunch.
Everyone gets in rows and simultaneously raise their hands to their ears.
“Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)
In congregation, we pray. We bow down together and whisper prayers as our foreheads touch the earth, prayers heard in the heavens. We are at peace and are unified.
“Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah” (Peace be on you and the blessings of Allah)
“Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah” (Peace be on you and the blessings of Allah)
As the prayer comes to an end you feel a sense of satisfaction and relief, your heart is at peace. As the worshippers end their prayers, they walk towards the dining hall.
Another wave of excitement….Though it may seem like ordinary daal chawal (rice and lentils) and kulfi (ice cream), it takes on a new meaning during the Jalsa Salana. We all eat the same meal, united as one.
Lunchtime is also a time to speak to the other participants. You can make new friends, and rekindle old relationships with others.
People smile, laugh and pray. Unity is what it was they say. As the day comes to an end, you reflect. Another day has gone by.
This is your journey, our journey, the journey of reformation.
This is Jalsa Salana.
