Hello any group from Chicago, IL going to the Aruba Soul Music Festival please email me at JamilAhmad08@gmail.com

Saw Huzur for First Time

I wasn't very lucky to be with Huzur before Jalsa like other brothers. When I walked out from the registration, I heard Huzur just started his Friday Sermon. I almost couldn't believe it. I have heard his voice and saw him in MTA. But, this would be the first time I would sit there and listen to his Friday sermon. I quickly approached the jalsa gah. I needed to perform 'wudhu' first, but I couldn't wait to see Huzur. I peeked through the curtain and I remember my heart was filled with joy. It was amazing.

Love for Khalifa

It was the strangest and most extraordinary feeling to experience how one man who I have never meet or talked to, could bring tears to my eyes and stir up so many emotions inside me; and all he had to do is walk by me……

My Khalifa is a brilliant combination of composure and sincere love
He has a heartfelt desire that members of his community may meet Allah T'ala above
He cries in his salat for each Ahmadi's plight
He pleads with Allah T'ala to help us never deviate from what is right

His presence in America brought prayers to my lips, tears to my eyes and my forehead to the floor
And a burning desire to please Allah T'ala even more

Presence of God

At the end of USA jalsa I was so sad to not be in the company of Huzoor anymore, but knew I had Canada jalsa awaiting me. This kept me going. It wasn't until my last salat led by Huzoor on Monday June 30th at Fajr did my eyes fill with non stop tears knowing that I do not know when I will receive this blessing again. I realized that Allah is everywhere at everytime yet when Huzoor is present an abundant amount of angels and the ever presence of the Almighty is in the room. Knowing this I was filled with awe and humility that my salaat truly had Allah's attention. It really helped me focus so deeply in my prayers and comforted me so much to have the direct feeling of Allah amongst His worshippers. We are indeed a blessed people to have such an honor of having a Khalifa. May all Ahmadi's be worthy of this blessing and obedient to Allah's favorite servant. and may Allah grant Huzoor the best of health and the best of followers amongst him. Ameen.

glimpses of devotion

Sadly for the entire United States, the holiest of His servants had not been a part of this soil since 1998. Finally after ten years, this country was blessed with the presence of a true leader of peace and advocate of God. For those of us who witnessed Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad up close and personal, it was a sight of honor and humbled those of us who know we are potentially not worthy of such a meeting yet have been blessed none the less. The obedience to Khilafath that I witnessed from so many of those devoted Ahmadi's was astounding. And I must hope and pray that this allegiance displayed and disregard for other worldly matters remains a part of the daily lives of those who for ten days served the leader of the rightous. It was similar to an ithekaaf experience that the Khuddam displayed. Pure devotion and lack of concern for self. Sleepless nights and long days with only the hunger to please Huzoor and Allah as nourishment kept these devotees strong. Such a sight is rare for those filled with material pursuits. And it touched my heart so deeply to see the fortune of those able to serve Huzoor so directly. May the fulfillment of your hearts in serving Huzoor be what remains with you daily in your efforts towards Allah and strengthen your ability to spread the message of the true Islam.

Eyes

I had the blessed opportunity to be around Hazoor during most of his trip to the US. One thing that i found fascinating was looking into people's eyes. as i walked past people who would see or were looking at their Khalifa for perhaps the first time, the truth of Ahmadiyyat was evident. You can just see the love coming out exhibiting in various ways.

the second was mulaqat. when people were entering for mulaqat or musafa there was this intensity in their posture and focus in their eyes. when they came out, it was as if they needed to be assisted in walking out as they were in a very different and serene zone. I know I only get that feeling around one Man in the world.

Godly figure

Seeing hazoor so closely and working so close to him was out of the world experience. His beautiful "noorani" face and personality itself is enough to make people think about their faith and actions. He impressed me in many ways, he is truly a very Godly figure.

First Salaat Led

When the Khalifa first arrived in the US, he lead Maghrib prayers with Surah Al Falaq and Surah An Nas. He then led Isha prayers with Al Duha and At Tin. I was curious why he led Maghrib in that order. I asked several others on their opinion as well. My sister reminded of the conditions in America and the background on these Surahs.

A Pennsylvania State Representatives recently had made adverse remarks about Muslims in the hosting state of the Jalsa. The Indonesian anti-Ahmadiyya campaign is escalating. There are plenty of other attacks on our community in the West.

The Surahs together afford protection. In these Surahs (referencing the short commentary surah intro) we are reminded that we should not be afraid of any tyrant, dictator or ruler and should hold the firm belief that God is the sole Director and Controller of the whole universe and He has the power to protect His votaries from any harm or injury that the forces of darkness might see to do them.

Purpose of Jalsa

While on duty I was reflecting on the purpose of the Jalsa and how I also was increasing my peception of Allah even while not attending the events. My challenge was with the interaction of all guests. Many of them also wanted to be close to the Khalifa, I often felt I had to remind them on obedience to the system. That naturally bred some not so happy sentiments. As I kept my wits about me to not be upset with adverse reactions, I was also struggling to enable myself to personally experience religious benefits. This was always reflected as I would see my beloved Khalifa pass from engagement to engagement.

dream while on duty

After a few days on duty I found it to be as challenging as expected. The time to myself, particularly to eat, sleep, and use facilities was limited. I recall a dream which was fairly vivid. I had to call my wife and relay it to her so she could do some research on the interpretation. She later called and let me know that my dream interpretation was that I would win over my enemies. This understanding gave me a new sense of drive to not let any aspect of my duty to falter. I found myself particularly charged up on minimal necessities.

how does he do it?

So many of the brothers that were there for those 10 days became ill. Myself, Amjad, Salman, Salaam, Bilal, and I'm sure there were many more. We're young and mash'allah healthy. Huzoor is nearing 60 and he's running around all over the world like he has the health of an olympic marathoner and the strength of 30 men. How does he do it? It really is incredible in so many ways :) What a beautiful 10 days these were :)

May Allah continue to give him strength Insha'allah.

Working close to the Khalifa

Alhamdulillah I had the great experience to be so close to Hazoor for quite a few days. I remember seeing so many brothers going into meet Hazoor and shake his hands - they were so excited and calling their loved ones minutes before entering and would come out of the meeting even more excited.