Muslims spread the message of peace at their annual convention

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the oldest Muslim organization in the US, concluded its three-day annual convention, Jalsa Salana. The event which commenced on June 28, 2013 at the Pennsylvania Farm Expo Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg, was attended by over 6,400 delegates from all over the country.

Explaining the idea behind these annual conventions, Nasim Rehmatullah, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said, “The purpose of the convention is to get the members together at least once a year for spiritual bonding and to learn from each other.”

The Jalsa Salana was initiated by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, in 1891. According to him the purpose of this convention is “to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits.” He further said, “Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a reformist movement within Islam. The Community was established in 1889 in Qadian, India. It spans over 200 countries and has membership exceeding tens of millions. It is the only Islamic organization which believes that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian is the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The world today is going through troubled times with political unrest in many Islamic countries. Yet, there is no question that everyone desires to live in a world of peace and harmony. Though the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a spiritual organization it has taken upon itself the task of promoting peace through active community outreach to promote the message of peace and tolerance. Appreciating precisely this initiative by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Mayor of Harrisburg, Linda D. Thompson, who attended the convention said, “It is so fitting that the theme for your gathering this year celebrates the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad; a message of peace, with a focus on three critical areas from his farewell address – sanctity of life, property and honor, the rights of women and equality.”

The 3rd Annual Ahmadiyya Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding commitment to the cause of human rights, was presented to Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA). Dr. Swett remarked, “By your words and deeds, you remind us…that when conflicts arise they should be resolved whenever possible by the pen and not the sword.” She went on to say, “The message of the Ahmadiyya community is not ultimately about its own needs, but about humanity’s deepest aspirations.  Ahmadiyya Muslims want freedom, not just for their own personal comfort, but so that others can find freedom and be empowered to serve human needs.” Congressman Wolf, who also works closely with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on human rights endeavors, remarked, “I appreciate your commitment to human rights and religious freedom.”

The weekend was a time for spiritual rejuvenation which was achieved by listening to inspiration speeches by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Some of the topics addressed were, the benefits of praying in congregation, chastity and modesty, Prophet Muhammad the model for leading to divine mercy and love, and raising righteous children in today’s materialistic world.

The convention concluded Sunday morning with an internationally broadcast address by the Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad. His Holiness recently visited the United States west coast in May, where he delivered a landmark address in Los Angeles before 300 dignitaries, politicians, and scholars. At the Jalsa Salana peace conference, His Holiness spoke live via satellite from Germany, and implored Ahmadi Muslims worldwide to demonstrate Prophet Muhammad’s magnanimous and compassionate character through their actions of love and service of both God and humanity.