By Dr. Naseer Tahir, Rochester, NY

He had taken months to prepare and only two minutes to deliver it.  On  November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg is undoubtedly the best speech in the history of the United States. But he was not the main speaker that day. Edward Everett, the famous orator had spoken for over two hours just before Lincoln’s speech, a speech that would not be remembered by many for long.

Not far from Gettysburg, on July 1-3 of this year, more than five thousand had gathered to listen to well prepared speeches as well. Ahmadi Muslims had come to attend the Jalsa Salana held at Harrisburg PA. The event was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center. It is a big indoor arena. It is primarily used for concerts, agricultural exhibitions, the PA farm show, and indoor football. The complex also hosts more than 200 other exhibits and trade shows every year. The Farm Show Complex is 60 acres (240,000 m²), houses 24 acres (97,000 m²) under roof, spread throughout 11 buildings including three arenas.

The Jalsa Salana (annual gathering) started  in1891 when Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad proclaimed to be the Promised Messiah and announced the gathering and 75 participated in the first Jalsa Salana held in Qadian, India. Describing the purpose of this gathering the Promised Messiah, may peace be on him, had declared:

The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits; They may enhance their knowledge and –due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, the Exalted- their perception [ of Allah ] may progress. 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.” (Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Page 340).

On July 1st,2011,  the Friday sermon was delivered by Maulana Nasim Mahdi elaborating the importance of Istaghfar or repentance. His masterly eloquence did justice to the topic and he explained in easy to understand way the methods of practicing it.

Respected Ameer USA, Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar welcomed attendees during the opening ceremony and read to them the message of Khalifatul Masih V, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the international leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.  The ceremony started after the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem of the Promised Messiah. Three well prepared speeches were delivered on interesting topics: The Holy Quran on trial, Civic Order, and Salat. First day program ended with dinner and salat in congregation.

Ameer of USA: Dr Ahsanullah Zafar

The afternoon session was very interesting and included guests speakers from USA Congress and administration including local Mayor Linda Thompson.  This afternoon session was a gallant Public Affairs event and was well conducted by Amjad Mahmood Khan.  Mayor Linda Thompson had a very eloquent and friendly message to deliver to the large gathering of more than 5000 and her comments were very much appreciated by all the attendees.

The function on Sunday included speeches on various topics. Dr. Faheem Younus Qureshi spoke eloquently about How to Guard Against Harmful Trends. Dr. Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad ( elder brother of Hazur) spoke about life history of The Promised Messiah. Maulana Naseem Mahdi talked about How to Establish a Living Relationship with Allah. Talent awards were given to talented students and Ansar and Khudam office holder. Dr. Ahsanula Zafar, the Ameer of USA, gave the concluding speech and the event came to conclusion.

Missionary in Charge USA: Maulana Naseem Mahdi

I specially enjoyed the theme of Friday sermon by Maulana Naseem Mahdi.  Additionally, Missionary Azhar Haneef’s presentation about religious freedom and its history and stress on the covenant that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him, gave to the Christian priests of Mount Sinai was emotionally and intellectually very fulfilling for me.

Missionary Azhar Haneef

These three days were special days for many. Getting to meet with friends and having delicious lunches and dinners with them, offering congregational prayers and enjoying ice-cream and jalebi in spare time.

Everyone was impressed with the exhibition set up by Col. Fazal Ahmad. Poster size pictures of different mosques from around the world, with rare pictures of companions of the Promised Messiah, pictures of martyrs of Lahore, and pictures of all missionaries who served in the USA starting from Hadhrat Mufti Mohammad Sadiq.

The book stall is one the most visited spots every year. Books written by the Promised Messiah, Khulafa, and other scholars were on sale. This year, along with other languages, I also saw Arabic books on sale.

Three talent awards were given this year for academic excellence in different capacities.  One of the recipients I knew personally, Tayyab Shah who is son of my friend Zia Shah.  Tayyab had perfect scores in SAT and many other examinations and is representing USA in International Chemistry Olympiad in Turkey next week, where teams from 68 countries will be competing.  He will be going to Princeton University this fall.

Tayyab Shah receiving Talent award and appreciation from Ameer of USA: Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar

After the Jalsa, I and my family have reached home safely, by the Grace of Allah.  However, the sounds of all the inspiring speakers is still resonating in my ears. Like every year, I learned many new things and hoping to bring those into my daily practice.