Upcoming: Oldest Muslim Annual Convention of the Country

It is that time of the year again when thousands of Muslims of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA gather together at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg (PA), to attend their Jalsa Salana (annual convention). To hold an annual convention is an old Ahmadiyya tradition. The community is established in over 200 countries of the world and a Jalsa Salana is held at different times throughout the year in different countries. Just like in previous years, Jalsa Salana USA 2013 is scheduled for the last weekend of June (June 28, 29, 30) commencing at Jumma (Friday) prayer.

This year marks the 65th year for this unique assembly of faithful from the Ahmadiyya sect in Islam, making it the longest running Muslim convention in America.

The purpose of the event is to not only foster brotherhood and unity among community members but also to encourage spirituality and righteousness and to improve their relationships with God and all His creations. This is why the Jalsa activities include speeches to focus on importance of American Muslim identity, day to day life issues and Islamic solution to them, congregational prayers, award ceremony, fund raising, blood drives, food  and clothing drives to promote service to mankind.

This year’s keynote speeches would include topics such as, “Importance of Congregational Salat (Muslim Prayer) –Our Duty and Distinction”, “Modesty and Chastity,-Not Just for Women” and “Avoiding the Drug Culture-Essential Islamic Guidance”.

Students from grades 2-college level will be competing in a Science Fair named after the first Muslim Nobel laureate Dr. Abdus Salam, who was member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Other activities will include special match making event for marriageable candidates and their families, handicraft competition for women from across the country to showcase their talents, food, clothing, henna tattoo stalls and also a book exhibition.

Although intended for the followers of the Ahmadi sect, people from other Muslim sects and faiths are also welcome to attend this special event. “At a time when much confusion exists about Islam in America,” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, National Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, “this peace conference serves as an educational and inviting reminder that peace spreads best when we work together with each other, not against each other. Our motto is ‘love for all, hatred for none,’ and we invite all Americans to join us in this celebration.”

Saturday June 29th’s program also includes a special dinner event “Muhammad, Messenger of Peace” for non-Ahmadi and non-Muslim guests to present the character of the Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him). Jalsa Salana USA draws close to a thousand non-Muslim guests each year including elected officials, civil and faith leaders and this year is no different.

 For more information about the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community, please visit www.muslimsforpeace.org  or www.alislam.org and follow #JalsaUSA on Twitter to get an update on this year’s Jalsa Salana activities.