Jalsa Salana, the largest Muslim convention in the UK, is proceeding this weekend with significantly increased security measures in response to a rising climate of anti-Muslim sentiment. The event, organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is expected to attract approximately 50,000 people from more than 100 countries to a temporary site in Hampshire. Enhanced coordination with police, emergency services, and local authorities accompanies the deployment of several hundred additional security personnel.
The decision to proceed comes after another major Islamic gathering was forced to close early last month following the arrest of 12 people, including three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder related to a suspected far-right threat. According to recent statistics, one mosque in Britain is attacked approximately every five days, while anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales increased by 19% in the 12 months to March 2025. Despite these challenges, Rafiq Hayat, head of the UK chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, stated the organization had no hesitation about holding the 60th annual convention.
Hayat pointed to the community’s extensive history in Britain, noting that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community established itself in the country over a century ago and constructed one of London’s first purpose-built mosques in 1926. He described decades of experience navigating hostility from various far-right movements and cited a successful approach involving building relationships with neighbors and local authorities through regular liaison meetings. He emphasized that deliberate community engagement and visibility have proven more effective than withdrawal in response to threats.
The convention opened on Friday with prayers, speeches—including an address from the community’s global leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad—and other ceremonial events. MPs, bishops, and other public figures are expected to attend. Hayat noted that the Ahmadiyya community has faced persecution not only from far-right groups but also from extremist members of other Muslim communities, both internationally and within Britain. Despite these multifaceted challenges, he expressed commitment to increased public engagement and visibility as the community’s primary response strategy.
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