The 60th Annual Jalsa Salana UK, the largest annual Muslim convention in the United Kingdom organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, officially opened on Friday, drawing tens of thousands of participants from across the globe for three days of worship, dialogue, and international fellowship.
The convention, inaugurated by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, began with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, during which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community flag and the flag of the United Kingdom were raised. His Holiness later delivered the opening address, welcoming participants and emphasizing the spiritual significance of the gathering, which seeks to strengthen humanity’s relationship with God while promoting unity, brotherhood, and service to mankind.
This year’s gathering has attracted participants representing more than 90 countries, including Liberia, making it one of the most diverse religious conventions in the world. Organizers expect approximately 40,000 international and UK-based attendees over the three-day event, while millions more are following the proceedings through satellite television and online platforms.
The convention is being broadcast worldwide with simultaneous interpretation in several languages, including Arabic, French, German, Russian, Hausa, Twi, Yoruba, and Swahili, enabling audiences across different regions to participate in the proceedings.
Beyond its spiritual focus, Jalsa Salana UK has become an important international platform for dialogue on contemporary global issues. Throughout the convention, participants are engaging in discussions on peacebuilding, religious harmony, humanitarian service, and some of today’s most pressing international challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and other issues affecting millions around the world.
The event also features exhibitions, volunteer activities, humanitarian initiatives, and educational sessions designed to strengthen communities and encourage peaceful coexistence among people of different cultures, faiths, and nationalities.
Among the thousands attending the convention is Ahmad Masroo Singba, a Liberian participant who expressed excitement about taking part in this year’s Jalsa Salana.
Speaking to this reporter, Singba described the experience as both spiritually uplifting and inspiring, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to join fellow Muslims from around the world in a gathering dedicated to peace, unity, and service to humanity.
With the convention coinciding with Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary on July 26, Singba said his prayers were focused on his homeland.
“My prayer to Allah is for Him to continue to bless my country and make Liberia a country of peace,” he said.
For the Liberian Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the convention carries added significance as the nation celebrates another year of independence. The display of the Liberian Lone Star alongside the flags of more than 90 nations serves as a powerful symbol of Liberia’s place within the international community and reflects the country’s continued engagement in global conversations centered on peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation.