Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention), initiated in 1891, by the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, under Divine instruction, presents a magnificent spectacle of interfaith harmony.

On the second day of this three-day religious gathering, a dedicated interfaith session is held, in which representatives of various religions share their thoughts on the establishment of peace, unity and mutual harmony.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as emphasised respect for the founders and leaders of other religions and underscored the importance of honouring the religious sentiments of all people. He states:

“My countrymen, a religion which does not inculcate universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly, a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human at all. Our God has never discriminated between one people and another.

He continues:

“The earth created by God provides a common floor for all people alike, and His sun and moon and many stars are a source of radiance and provide many other benefits to all alike. Likewise, all peoples benefit from the elements created by Him, such as air, water, fire and earth, and similarly from other products created by Him like grain, fruit, and healing agents, etc. These attributes of God teach us the lesson that we, too, should behave magnanimously and kindly towards our fellow human beings and should not be petty of heart and illiberal.”

During this years’ interfaith session, representatives of different religions, local dignitaries and other respected members of society addressed the gathering, sharing their views on promoting peace and harmony. They also appreciated the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in advancing the cause of peace and its lived motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None”.

Apart from the guest speeches, the second day featured five speeches across two sessions. Mr Shameem Ahamd Ghori, in-charge Waqf-e-Nau Department, delivered the first speech on the lives of Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra, a companion of the Holy Prophet^sa, and Hazrat Burhanuddin Jehlumi^ra, a companion of the Promised Messiah^as.

The second speech was delivered by Mr Muzaffar Ahmad Nasir, National Director Islah-o-Irshad, who addressed issues related to marriage and family life, offering solutions in light of the guidance provided by the Promised Messiah^as and the Caliphs of the Community.

Mr M Nasir Ahmad, National Director of Outreach, South India, delivered the next speech on the importance of calling people towards the path of God, highlighting the Quranic teachings and the guidance of the Holy Prophet^sa and the Promised Messiah^as regarding the propagation of Islam.

This was followed by an important speech on Khilafat as a means of spiritual progress, delivered by Mr Ataul Mujeeb Lone, Additional Director Islah-o-Irshad, South India. He emphasised that strong attachment to the institution of Khilafat is what guarantees faith, righteousness, protection from the satanic trials prevalent in the modern age.

During the interfaith session, Mr Mubashir Ahmad Khadim, Professor of Comparative Religious Studies (Sikhism) at Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian (the Ahmadiyya Institute of Languages and Theology), delivered a speech on “Love for All, Hatred for None”. He explained that this guiding principle is rooted in the teachings of Islam and exemplified in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa. He also emphasised that the only solution to worsening global conditions, rising hatred, and growing threat of wars lies in adopting justice, love and peace.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community remains proactively involved in serving humanity to the best of its ability, utilising all available means, both individually and collectively. It consistently strives to alleviate hunger, care for the underprivileged, and provide educational assistance.

At a time when the world is rapidly heading towards a third world war, the World Head and the Fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, has drawn global attention towards the urgent need of peace. He has repeatedly emphasised turning to God, fostering mutual brotherhood and compassion, and upholding the principles of justice and fairness. His Holiness has addressed various national parliaments around the world and written to numerous heads of state as part of this mission. His addresses and correspondence have been published in the book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.