The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of The Gambia last Friday held its 31st JALSA SALANA (Annual National Convention) at the Nusrat Senior Secondary School premises in Bundunka Kunda.

In his welcoming address, the Amir, Mawlana Baba F. Trawally, summed up the purpose of the gathering. According to him the annual convention was meant among other things to glorify and extol Almighty Allah.

The major aim of the convention, he said, is that the sincere members of the Jamaat (brotherhood) should be able to derive spiritual benefits, gain knowledge and thereby make progress towards the goal of God-realisation.

Another aim of the gathering, according to the Amir, is that it will broaden their circle of brotherhood and strengthen their mutual ties. He urged members of the Jamaat to pray for the country during the spiritual occasion.

For his part, Mr Laeeq Ahmad Tahir Sahib, special guest from U.K., said that because Allah is Holy, one needs to purify oneself morally, spiritually and physically in order to be able to meet Him.

According to him, the whole of mankind is suffering today because we have severed our relations with our Lord. “Today most of the people have turned their back to their Lord. Who claim to believe in God [sic]. If this is a fact, then why has he abandoned the Muslim Umma to suffer and suffer and suffer?” he questioned.

Deputising for the Secretary of State for Youth, Sport and Religious Affairs, Permanent Secretary Ebou Joof applauded the Ahmadiyya Jamaat for what he called their immense contribution in the country’s health and education sectors.

For his part Sulayman Trawally, Permanent Secretary Office of the President, representing the Secretary-General Office of the President, advised Muslims to be practical in their religion.

The annual religious gathering, which ended yesterday, was attended by followers across the country. The occasion was also graced by representatives from Guinea Bissau, Senegal, the United Kingdom and Holland.