Jalsa Salana

The same year that I discovered Unitarian Universalism was the same year that I decided to visit a mosque for the first time. I heard mixed opinions from all different members of all different religions, but I really wanted to discover the true meaning of Islam for myself. And so, I found a musket random in the middle of Harrisburg, right next to a Buddhist house that I had visited a year prior, and decided to check it out for myself.

The first time I went, I got a couple of looks from the mostly Pakistani individuals that worships there, mostly of curiosity. A couple of them asked me afterwards what I was doing there, having come up to worship under my own accord. It was a quiet Friday afternoon, and I was ready to learn. I learned that a week after this day was the start of Ramadan, and that they had meals with a community after Sundown every night, especially on Fridays.  And so, I knew that I would return the next week to celebrate with them.

If you've ever had to fast for medical reasons, fasting for Ramadan could be arguably similar but it's still extremely different. Fasting for religious purposes is a completely different form of discipline. Fasting is very healthy for you in actuality, and helps reset metabolism and therapeutic nutrient levels in your body, giving you time to get rid of excess. Not being put aside, I did a partial fast for my first 2 days of Ramadan in my entire life, and I returned to the mosque one night very hungry and ready for food time I must like the rest of them. I told them that I was fasting as well with them, to understand first-hand what they do, and they were so happy to hear this that they actually called me to the front of the room with my friend John so that we could talk to the congregation about our first experiences and impressions. Needless to say, they were very thankful for our presents, and we made several new friends that night.

It was on this night that I really came to understand the world of Islam for what it really is. When we got to the Food Hall after the evening prayer, doors were held for us, we were encouraged to go in front of people in line, we were given plates, and one person actually gave up their seat at the table for me. Now of course, I thought that this of course had to be because I was a visitor, and they wanted to put on a and good luck for The Outsiders. This was simply not the case. They were acting this courteous and friendly towards each other and everybody else around them as well. Their sect of Islam is love for all and hatred for none, followed by freedom of in Liberty for all individuals, and no compulsion within religion. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community mayday long lasting impression in my heart of the true meaning of Islam, and after Ramadan was over, they invited me to their biggest Gathering, the Jalsa Salana in Harrisburg.

Jalsa Salana is the biggest Gathering of Muslims in the entire United States, and most likely the world. A regular and steady 2 million people or so come in and out of the entrance doors every year when the convention is held. Upon entry, I was greeted warmly by security guards and escorted to the sign-in desk, where am I responsible post found me and sign me in under his wing. From there, he took me on a small tour to show me what was around the facility, show me where the shops were, introduce me to some people close to my age, and attempts to other General history and questions. The Jelsa was created when the first major wave of Islam moved from Pakistan to the UK and the USA. The Ahmadiyya were forced to leave because their religion was not treated as truly being Muslim, which was punishable by law in Pakistan at the time. Now, they ought to hold the biggest Muslim gatherings in the United States and United Kingdom every single June.

My first year, I learned how to get involved with Humanity first, their nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to eradication of poverty and violence. They showed me around the attendance Hall, showed me information on History, different books, different organizations within the Religion, some people that have come from Washington and Massachusetts, and of course, some very wonderful free food. And because I wasn't honored guests invited there by somebody in the Muslim Community, I was invited to go upstairs later on after their afternoon presentations to have a sit-down meal with other esteemed guests, learn more about their important individuals in their religion, and enjoy conversation. The food was delicious, and I made a lot of friends that day from Arkansas and Beyond. After this, we all gathered once again in the main room, giving final presentations and final evening prayers before the night was done.

I enjoyed everything I learned about the world of Islam so much, that I decided to come back for the next two summers to participate in Ramadan and to also go to Jalsa Salana once again. Every yard went back, they kept getting better and better. And that being said, I'm so fortunate that I decided to step into their world. Love really has no borders, no doors, and no walls. What is most important to remember is that there is no good or bad religion or mine said, only good and bad people that promote or corrupt said behaviors. And the end, regardless of religious affiliation, love will win.

Photo Credits go to Jalsa's Twitter.