By: Precious Kargbo
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio formally opened the 59th Jalsa Salana conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at worldwide in the southern city of Bo, with a mission to remind its followers and true believers of Allah about His deeds, peace, tolerance, love, and compassion among mankind.
The special guest from Markaz, Maulana Azhar Haneef, while relaying the message from His Holiness the Khalifa of Islam Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), expressed his admiration for the way the mission was holding its annual Jalsa Salana. He prayed for Allah’s blessings on the gathering, supplicating for all participants to gain immense spiritual blessings.
Maulana Azhar Haneef emphasized the significance of the Jalsa gatherings, describing them as manifestations of the fulfillment of a divine promise. He urged attendees to recognize the unique spiritual nature of the event, which was founded on the support of truth and the propagation of Islam.
In his welcoming address, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to Allah for allowing the Jama’at to gather once again for their annual conference. He highlighted the Jalsa Salana as a crucial event for promoting spiritual growth, fostering community, and facilitating religious discourse.
President Bio underscored the importance of unity, spiritual reflection, and renewal during the Jalsa Salana, stating that these qualities were much needed in the nation. He emphasized the theme “ISLAM MEANS PEACE,” stressing the importance of achieving peace with God, oneself, and others through submission to divine guidance.
The President called for the celebration of religious diversity and tolerance in the nation, recognizing Sierra Leone as a confluence of Islam and Christianity with government-backed freedom for religious practices.
Amir Musa Mewa Esq., the Amir of Ahmadiyya Mission in Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to President Bio, the First Lady, guests, and well-wishers for attending the 59th Jalsa Salana. He urged Muslims to embody kindness, tolerance, and peace, reminding them of their responsibilities to Allah as emphasized by the Founder of Ahmadiyya.
