[The translation of] A poetic couplet of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) reads:
O Lord of Beneficence, how do I express
my deep sense of gratitude to You
From where do I summon the eloquence
That would aptly convey my profound thankfulness
It is not possible to thank God for His blessings and favours. Every trip that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih makes encompasses God’ blessings and favours in different ways. Recently he graced the Jalsa Salana in Germany and there, at the Jalsa as well as in other instances he experienced such Divine grace and blessings which further strengthened the belief that indeed God daily fulfils the promises made to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) with renewed glory. Ameer Sahib Germany said that whatever he beheld surpassed his expectations and those of his associates. German people as well as the German press showed unprecedented interest. There was exceptional interest shown by local people, authorities and even Christian clergy at the inaugurations of mosques and mosque foundation laying ceremonies. God’s grace during Jalsa was also felt to be more than ever. It is not possible for human mind to encompass Divine blessings; at least what happened in Germany was unparalleled; although expectations were high but certainly not in the realm of how God blessed the occasion.
As it is his practice, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gave a discourse on the Divine blessings after his tour. It is also customary for him to thank Jalsa workers and he wished to do that today. This was a brief, ten-day trip during which two mosques were inaugurated and foundations were laid for two mosques. With the grace of God the receptions held on these occasions were very successful and helped in allaying the reservations people had about mosques. Foundation stone was laid for Masjid Subhan in Morfelden and Masjid Baitul Ata was inaugurated in Florsheim. Baitual Ata has been converted into a mosque from a pre-existing building. Members of the Jama’at did Waqar e Aml for seven thousand hours for this mosque conversion. Baitur Raheem, Neuweid was the other inaugurated mosque while foundation stone was laid for Baitul Hameed in Fulda. These programmes were attended by local mayors, officials, political and religious leaders.
At the inauguration of Baitul Ata in Florsheim am Main, the secretary of state of district Hesse said that he had also attended the inauguration of Jamia Ahmadiyya. He mentioned the teachings of the Jama’at as well as the deportment of Ahmadis. He thanked the Jama’at programmes which portray a positive image of Islam like charity walks, cleaning of streets etc. 270 German guests attended the inauguration of this mosque which included four mayors, a secretary of state, politicians, members of the national parliament, clergymen, a police commissioner and representatives of the city council.
At the foundation laying ceremony of Baitul Hameed the first councillor of city said that the Ahmadiyya Jama’at was a part of the city of Fulda. He said he knew about our activities and felt that building a mosque in Fulda was a sign that we wished to be involved with the civic matters of the city. He remarked that not only does he hear positive words from Ahmadis but these words were backed with actions and that Ahmadis were law-abiding citizens. An 81 year old local guest said that he may not see in his lifetime the fulfilment of whatever Khalifatul Masih had said in his address, but the world will accept the message of the founder of Ahmadiyya Jama’at through him. The elderly guest returned the next day and said that in his heart he had found truthfulness of religion. He asked to be taught Salat so that he could pray. The president of the district council expressed his wish for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih to visit their head-office. He said people found Huzoor’s address open-minded which was intellectually enlightening as well as moving. The local Sadr Sahib reports that people are constantly coming to see the mosque. In excess of 500 visitors have been and they have shown great interest in the teachings of Islam.
A lady guest said that she was delighted that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s address was conciliatory as regards Christianity. She felt there were more commonalities and fewer differences between religions. Another guest said that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih had also given the message that Islam was a peaceable religion at earlier occasion and this was a very important message that he repeatedly gives. Another guest said that he was delighted to hear the word love frequently mentioned at the programme. He said he was an active Protestant and the word love was also very significant for him but perhaps he had not heard it mention in his church as often as he heard it here. He said he felt great love at the occasion. He felt people who had misconceptions about Islam usually did not even know any Muslims.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was interviewed by TV and newspapers. Overall thirty newspapers, three radio stations and five TV channels gave coverage to these events. The Jama’at was given coverage by the national German channel for the first time. Our message reached approximately 1.2 million people whereas the Jama’at was introduced via the national TV which also broadcast Huzoor’s photograph. Another channel which is also seen in Switzerland and Austria also carried Jalsa news as a result the message reached three countries which the German Jama’at did not expect. A newspaper reported that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that in a place where things were once purchased with money, the converted mosque was once a market, as a mosque it dispenses spirituality for free.
The Jama’at has now acquired status in Germany by virtue of which it can have its own schools and get some help from the Government. However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih made it clear that the Jama’at is self-funding, its members most keenly make sacrifices and build mosques and we do not need to ask for any help from the Government.
A guest noted that the bond of love between members of the Jama’at and Khalifatul Masih was incomparable and it was an unforgettable experience to witness this bond up close. Indeed, many have observed this and articulated it. Huzoor’s message that the teaching of Islam and the Jama’at was to respect all religions and indeed the new mosques will represent this teaching was highlighted in the media, especially on web sites.
With the grace of God this year German Jalsa Salana was attended by new converts and friends under Tabligh and well-wishers from France and Belgium as well as from Malta, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Hungry, Latvia, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia. The delegation from Bulgaria was eighty strong whereas fifty three people came from Macedonia. Everyone, including the outsiders, was moved by the spiritual ambience of Jalsa Salana . The German Jalsa has taken on a central role for Eastern European and other European countries. As such, the field of Tabligh is getting ever wider. As ever, the guests were impressed by children providing drinking water, care of the elderly and general good organisation. Some said it all appeared miraculous to them.
A Christian lady guest from Macedonia, who is a professor of English, said that it was her first visit and she found the Jalsa highly organised. She felt that everyone including young children, were helping each other and this gave her the impression that the Jama’at is at a very high station. She realised the peaceful teachings of Islam after listening to the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and felt Jalsa had brought a change in her.
A doctor from Macedonia said that he was impressed to note the multi-national yet non-discriminatory atmosphere of Jalsa. Listening to the Jalsa speeches he felt he had found his real place. He took Bai’at on the last day of Jalsa. He said that he had been to Hajj but found the atmosphere there political and his heart was not satisfied. He appreciated the reforms as presented by the Jama’at and felt the Jama’at strengthens Islam. He said he has now accepted Ahmadiyyat and for him it was Seeratal Mustaqeem (the right path). He flet it astonishing that there was no police present at such a huge gathering, indeed the Government was assured about this gathering not to deploy any police. He had never heard the matters as elucidated by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih from any Maulwi. He was proud of be part of the Jama’at. He said when he found out that the Jama’at has a Khalifa, he felt he had found his way!
A young man, a new Ahmadi from Macedonia who comes from a very orthodox Muslim family was severely opposed when he accepted Ahmadiyyat. He had to leave home for six months, later his wife also took Bai’at. He attended Jalsa Salana and sought permission to recite a poem written by people from Macedonia. Huzoor gave him permission. His poem created an amazing atmosphere, perhaps MTA will broadcast it. He had a good voice and children joined him in singing the poem.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said to the German [Jalsa] management that they should allow people to recite their poems rather than just have poems in Urdu. Lajna also complained that they did not have any German poems at the end and only Urdu poems were recited. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said care should be given to this matter.
A friend from Belgium said that he was moved by the mutual unity and brotherhood of Jama’at and their service to mankind. He had researched the Jama’at for two years. When he heard the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih at Jalsa he felt a change within himself and decided to take Bai’at, which he did.
A young man from Ghana who was under Tabligh came to the Jalsa. His heart was clear about Ahmadiyyat but he felt he could not take Bai’at just yet due to some difficulties. When he returned at night he was full of enthusiasm and said that he had heard the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and now there was no reason why he could be an Ahmadi. He thus took Bai’at.
A Christian friend said that he was delighted to hear the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih because he briefly but most clearly explained the teaching of Islam. He said he wishes to hear such clarity from Christians and felt that few people seldom speak with such clarity.
A lady guest said that she had learned many new things at Jalsa and was impressed by the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. He had explained in a lovely manner matters which are complex and about which theologians write many a book in order to explain.
An Ahmadi relates that a German young man came to him and said that he was a Christian. During conversation he took the name of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) with full salutation. He said it was time for Salat, he had done Wadhu and wished to offer Salat behind Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. He said he was introduced to Ahmadiyyat six months ago. He had read the book ‘Life of Muhammad’ and when he spoke to his priesthe could not answer him satisfactorily. So the young man said he had given up Christianity and was very much inclined towards Islam and asked for prayer that may the rest of his impediments be removed!
A German language teacher came from Lithuania. He said he was very impressed with the Jalsa. This was his first introduction of the Jama’at and all his negative perceptions about Islam had completely changed. He had the opportunity to personally ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih why slogans were raised at the Jalsa instead of clapping. He said he was given a most elegant answer that while clapping certainly was an expression of joy, but slogans had an element joy as well as praise of God.
A Christian priest who teaches philosophy at the University of Malta and has read a few books of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said he had very positive impressions of the Jalsa. He said he completely believed that Ahmadiyya was a peaceful Jama’at. He purchased a ring with ‘Alaissallah’ inscription and asked what it meant. When it was explained to him, he said such a phrase should always be held close to one. He inquired if the Pope had been contacted by the Jama’at. When he was told that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih had written a letter to him which was hand delivered, yet the Pope did not even acknowledge it, the guest appeared somewhat disappointed.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gave an historical insight into the matter of contacting the Pope. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) went to Italy during a European tour he tried to contact the Pope. The response came that the Vatican Palace was being renovated therefore a meeting was difficult. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked by the press if he was going to meet the Pope, he related the situation to them. The news was duly reported with a note at the end that it was hoped in order to avoid meeting the Ahmadi Khalifa, the renovation of the Papal palace will never be completed.
An Ahmadi from Kyrgyzstan said he took his Bai’at in 2007 but as they do not have a mosque in his home country, he was enabled to offer Salat in an Ahmadi mosque in Germany when he came to attend Jalsa and thus fulfilled a great wish.
A person of Niger origin who lives in Belgium said he had heard many speeches of religious leaders in Africa but the effect and benefit he felt from listening to the speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was unprecedented. He took Bai’at at Jalsa.
A friend from Morocco said that he has read many commentaries of the Holy Qur’an by many other Muslim scholars as well those of the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) and his Khulafa and the latter were the authentic commentaries. He had accepted Ahmadiyyat earlier and his family joined him in accepting Ahmadiyyat at Jalsa.
A Muslim friend from Niger said that he used to wonder if any Prophet of God was to stay alive it should have been the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and not Hazart Isa (on whom be peace). When he arrived in Belgium and met Ahmadis, he found his answer. He also quickly understood the matter of the blessings of Khilafat. He said he appreciated that whatever point the Jama’at presented, it was with reference to the Qur’an or Hadith. He took Bai’at on last day of Jalsa.
A friend from Kyrgyzstan said he used to wonder if he was ever going to meet with Khalifa of the time. Now that he has met him, his faith is stronger.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said prayers should be made for the Ahmadis of Kyrgyzstan. They are facing huge difficulties. May God either give sense to the so-called Mullahs, who have created chaos there, or bring about their chastisement!
A new convert Lebanese said that once his thirteen year old son asked him about the latter days. The father told him the latter days were hundreds of years in future. The son contradicted him and said that in fact we are going through the latter days. He also said to his father that Dajjal was not the name of a person, rather it was a body of people. The father asked him how he knew this. The son replied that once he was channel-hopping when he came across MTA in German and now he watched it regularly. As the father did not know German, the son began to explain to his father whatever was said on MTA. One day the father became angry and warned his son not to watch MTA although deep down he felt it’s message was correct. Later, the father met two Ahmadis and found out that his son was right all along. He took Bai’at.
A friend from Bosnia said that he was particularly moved by the Jalsa and asked for prayers that may he continue to feel its effect when he returns home.
A friend from Kyrgyzstan, whose presence Hazrat Khalifatul Masih noticed at the Jalsa, had taken Bai’at a while ago. He had been to Hajj and most lovingly told Huzoor that he had brought Aab e Zamzam from Hajj and had thought of giving it to Khalifa of the time whenever he met him. He thus expressed his love and offered the water to Huzoor.
A friend from Algeria said that he once noticed two people doing Tabligh and overheard mentioning Imam Mahdi’s advent. He was furious to hear this and felt that those people had fouled the atmosphere. His conversations with those people were derisory in the early days, however, he felt that they backed every argument with strong proof. He contacted a very well-known Arabic TV channel and asked them about Ahmadiyya Jama’at. He was told that the TV station would ring him instead. When they rang him they said that Ahmadis were Kafirs (infidels) and should be avoided. The TV station called him every day reinforcing the Kufr of Ahmadis. Yet when he listened to the Ahmadis he felt they were truthful but became doubtful when he listened to Maulwis. He continued reading on the subject and eventually the truth became clear to him. When he arrived at the Jalsa and saw people of all nationalities he thought how could it be that they were they are liars and he alone was truthful. He felt peace of mind and took Bai’at.
A friend from Niger says that attending Jalsa has completely changed his life. He was not an Ahmadi but now he is and feels proud that he has taken Bai’at and joined the Jama’at.
A friend from Bosnia said prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat they were embroiled in every sin. They have felt a pure change after coming to Jalsa and now wish to lead a pure life. They asked for prayers most movingly in this regard.
A Turkish young man who attended Jalsa felt that he was not ready for Bai’at on the third day. However, when it was time for Bai’at he wanted to take Bai’at and cried throughout the ceremony. He said an Unseen Power has included him among those who took Bai’at.
A friend from Niger said that prior to Jalsa he had not even thought of Bai’at but when he saw the love Ahmadis had for their Khalifatul Masih he decided to take Bai’at.
67 people of sixteen nationalities took Bai’at at the German Jalsa this year.
In terms of management matters, this year the MTA van was parked outdoors and the translation cabins were also located outside. As a result some translation transmissions had interference. It is hoped this will be rectified. Similarly, some translations were not available in the ladies section so they had to come into the men’s hall. Nowadays facilities are available whereby mobile devices are used for listening to translation, this is how it is in the UK Jama’at. The sound system was better but there was still some resonation and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih could hear his voice echoed. These were the few faults; efforts should be made to remove them. With the grace of God there were 3,100 men and 3,700 women workers at the Jalsa. More than 100 Khuddam daily worked for 14 hours to prepare the site. Ziafat department worked better than before, water was available at food tables. It is indeed the instruction of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), to have water on hand when eating one’s meal. The quality of roti was also better, Huzoor tasted it and awaits to hear what Jalsa attendees thought. Cleanliness was also improved as was the scanning system. Men, old and young as well as ladies and girls served the guests of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) at Jalsa. May God reward them and continue to enable them to serve and increase them in their sincerity.
Next Huzoor said that Jalsa Salana of Canada, Belgium and Ireland are starting today. May God enable them to participate with the true spirit of Jalsa and may these Jalsas conclude safely. Similarly today the UK Khuddam Ijtima starts. May God enable the youngsters to fulfil the objective of Ijtima in the real sense. Every Khadim and very member of the Jama’at should remember that the objective of Ijtima and Jalsa is to attain the pleasure of God and to improve one’s spiritual and moral condition. Special attention should be given to this matter.