Jalsa Salana, the UK’s largest Muslim gathering organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, took place in Hampshire with increased security measures involving several hundred additional staff members and enhanced coordination with police and emergency services. The 60-year-old convention attracted roughly 50,000 participants from more than 100 countries, with the event opening on Friday featuring prayers, speeches from community leaders, and attendance from MPs, bishops, and other public figures.
The decision to proceed came amid a challenging climate for Muslim communities in Britain. Anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales increased by 19% in the 12 months to March 2025, with reports indicating one mosque faces an attack every five days. The Ahmadiyya community’s commitment to hosting the event reflected a broader philosophy of continued public engagement rather than withdrawal in response to hostility.
Rafiq Hayat, head of the UK Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, noted the organization has encountered various forms of opposition throughout its history in Britain, dating back to its establishment in 1913 and the construction of one of London’s first purpose-built mosques in 1926. He referenced facing hostility from far-right movements across decades, including protests during construction of the Morden mosque in the 1990s. The community responded by building relationships with local institutions, establishing regular liaison meetings with church representatives, local authorities, and police.
The Ahmadiyya community also faces persecution from extremist Muslim groups, both internationally and within Britain. A 2016 incident involved the religiously motivated killing of Ahmadi Muslim Asad Shah in Glasgow. Despite these challenges from multiple sources, Hayat emphasized the community’s approach centers on increased visibility and interfaith engagement rather than retreat from public life, believing personal encounters between people of different backgrounds represent the most effective path toward peaceful coexistence.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI