The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Baba F. Trawalley, accompanied by other members of the Jamat, recently returned to the country after attending the 42nd Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) in the United Kingdom which concluded on 27th July 2008.

The delegation from The Gambia, led by the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat The Gambia, also attended the three-day convention and returned home recently. The convention is part of activities marking the end of the first century of the Ahmadiyya Caliphate.

In his opening address, the Supreme Leader of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (A TBA), reminded the members about the favours that Allah Almighty has bestowed on Islam. He mentioned the highest status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) and stated that Allah Almighty assisted and protected him and made him go through all the evil designs of his enemies successfully. He said that Hadrat Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) has come to defend the honour and dignity of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Mustapha (saw). That is why throughout his life, Allah Almighty showed spectacles of Divine support in his favour in the defence of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (saw). Even now, he said, Allah Almighty is showing these favours and He will always destroy the designs of the enemies

In his concluding speech, the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at emphasised the importance of Dua (prayers). He said that nothing can be attained without prayers. A prayer in which there is no glorification of Allah and no Durood (praying for the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa—peace and blessings of Allah Almighty be upon him), that prayer is not accepted. He quoted the founder of the Jama’at as saying that no one can have a true relationship with Allah Almighty except through the agency of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). We have to be completely obedient to the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) in order to have the love and pleasure of Allah Almighty.

When we pray for the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw), we are indeed praying for ourselves. In order for us to see the flag of the Holy Prophet flying higher, we need to intensify our efforts.

Being true followers of the Holy Prophet (saw), it is our responsibility to establish the true Unity of Allah on the earth. In doing so, we have to be totally devoted to the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) and continuously send down blessings on him. This will guide our preaching and make the entire world peaceful. The second century of the Ahmadiyya Caliphate should be characteristic of sending blessings on the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). The spectacle of the victory of Islam will not happen in centuries, it is indeed very near. He concluded by praying for the blessings of Allah.

On Saturday, 26th July 2008, he addressed the ladies section. He also gave a report of the achievements and activities of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at which include mosque construction, mission houses, hospitals/clinics, schools, the publication of the Holy Qur’an and other Islamic literature, among others.

The spiritual and Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA) prayed for world peace, security, harmony and spiritual uplifting of humanity.

The convention was attended by many foreign dignitaries from different countries representing countries and organisations. It was attended by 40, 655 delegates from eighty-three countries.