By Aqeela Shanzay Zaffar
A unique aspect of the Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) is that it is entirely organized and run by volunteers. These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and professions, but what motivates them to willingly dedicate their time and effort without any financial gain?
The answer lies in their faith, Islam. The volunteers embody the true spirit of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of serving humanity (“Haququl ‘Iba”) as an integral part of worship. Islam teaches that it is not only essential to worship Allah but also to fulfil the rights of fellow human beings. In fact, on certain occasions, the rights owed to others take priority over the rights owed to Allah.
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (peace be upon him) once said: “To love mankind and to show compassion to others is an immense form of worship of God Almighty and an outstanding means of attaining His pleasure and rewards.”
Reflecting on the teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and cultivating genuine love and kindness in our hearts, we should desire for others the same blessings and good things we desire for ourselves. The Holy Quran emphasizes: “And whatever good you do, surely Allah knows it well” (4:128)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) even said that smiling to your Muslim brother is an act of charity; commanding good and forbidding evil is charity; giving directions to a man lost in the land or one with bad sight is charity; and removing a rock, thorn, or bone from the road is charity. Pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity. (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birr wa-s-silah ‘an rasulillahsa, Hadith 1956)
Did you know that scientists have found that smiling is contagious, so making others smile and feel happy is also a simple act of kindness.
Jalsa Salana volunteers exemplify the teachings of Islam by selflessly dedicating their time and skills to serve others during the convention. Their tireless efforts, without any expectation of financial gain, demonstrate their commitment to embodying the spirit of Islam and serving humanity.
