Jalsa Salana: Rain fails to dampen Ahmadiyyas’ spirit

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of people of the Ahmadiyya community on Day 1 of the much-awaited 129th annual convention, which commenced on a vibrant and vivacious note here on Friday. Banners of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ formed the backdrop of the proceedings.

The convention is a formal gathering of the community and was initiated by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the community, in 1891. The gathering comprised 15,000 people with 3,000 Ahmadiyyas, who arrived from Pakistan.

If the residents were elated with the rain which could prove to be a boon to them, the Ahmadiyyas took nature’s vagaries in their stride and managed to go through the day sans any hiccups. “Life is not all about finding shelter when the droplets fall; it is about learning how to dance when the rain comes,” said K Tariq, spokesman of the community.

The community members have their own set of rules, which they follow religiously. The rules are strict in nature. There should be absolutely no malice towards anybody in an extempore. The word ‘hate’ is a curse. Each and every visitor is treated like Caesar’s wife-above suspicion. Discussions about the pros and cons of other religions are strictly banned.

‘Universal brotherhood’ is the only religion followed. Reason enough why banners of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ adorn public places during the convention.

“The holy Quran categorically rejects the concept of compulsion and clearly states that every human being is free to choose between good and evil,” said K Tariq.

The first two days of ‘Jalsa Salana’ are just a prelude culminating in a climax on Day 3. On that day, the convention will conclude with a session broadcast from London by the world head of the community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmed.