Curtains on Ahmadiyya convention

The 129th edition of the annual Ahmadiyya convention, also known as “Jalsa Salana”, concluded on a vibrant note today.

A speech by community leader Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad from London was the highlight of the concluding day festivities. The extempore was broadcast live to the audience. The main objective of the event was to promote mutual respect among community members.

Ahmadiyyas are persecuted in Pakistan and are considered non-Muslims because they follow the teachings of movement founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Sources said they had been facing persecution since 1989, when the movement first surfaced. They follow the Quran, but even then they are considered non-Muslims by mainstream organisations.

“The Pakistani authorities must end the harassment and uphold our right to freedom of belief and religion,” said a visitor.

The annual commune serves as a key event for inter-religious peace and harmony around the globe. Visitors from more than 40 nations, including Pakistan, had arrived in Qadian for the event.

“We get a chance to meet people from all walks of life, countries and cultures. We learnt that each person brings his or her own identity and character to the Jalsa. Each and every one leaves Qadian having made new friends. Recitations from the Holy Quran, soulful poems and inspiring speeches coupled with continuous prayers make the environment lively,” said a woman visitor.