Jalsa Salana Qadian 3.35

Jalsa Salana is an annual event taking place in various countries around the world. The purpose of Jalsa is to enhance the spiritual wellbeing and knowledge of those attending, enabling them to experience the religious benefits of this event. At the same time, the coming together of various nationalities and people promotes the strengthening of ties between members of the community. In the words of the Promised Messiah (as),

“This is a phenomenon that is based purely on the divine help, for propagation of Islam”.

Over the course of three days, attendees listen to speeches delivered by speakers from various countries around the world, in addition to a series of faith-inspiring keynote addresses delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Community. These speeches cover a range of topics relating to Islam and Ahmadiyyat, as well as looking speeches discussing other faiths and worldly matters. The highlight of the event for many is the international initiation ceremony led by the Head of the Community on the third day which allows many to reaffirm their dedication to their faith.

In Qadian 1891-1946
In 1891, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian announced that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, as foretold by Muhammad. In the same year he decided to hold the first annual gathering - the Jalsa Salana - on 27, 28 and 29 December in Qadian, India. The total attendance was 75. In 1907, this number increased to 2000, shortly before the passing of Ghulam Ahmad. The Jalsa steadily grew and began attracting large crowds from across the entire sub-continent. The last Jalsa before partition in Qadian in 1946 saw a crowd of nearly 40,000 faithful.