During the first Jalsa Salana in 1891, the Promised Messiah(as) had announced that the newly initiated Jalsa would continue annually every 27th of December. Accordingly, in 1892, Jamaat members travelled to Qadian for the Jalsa Salana and partook of the Promised Messiah’s(as) blessed company.
“The Big Jalsa”
The Jalsa Salana of 1892 became known as “the big Jalsa” among those attending. Tareekh-e-Ahmadiyyat paints how this Jalsa was held next to the pond in Qadian, the stage was built from the mud collected from in and around the pond. The Promised Messiah(as) was sat upon the raised platform on which carpet had been laid, jamaat members were seated around him on the floor.
A view of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2018
Jalsa Salana Programme 1892
The historical proceedings of the 2nd Jalsa Salana is presented for Al Islam readers.
Tuesday, 27 December
The first speech was delivered by Hazrat Maulana Noorudin Sahib(ra) on the death of Jesus. Thereafter, Hazrat Syed Hamid Shah Sahib(ra) recited a Qaseedah before the audience. Then, the Promised Messiah(as) delivered a powerful lecture regarding a section of his book ‘Tauze e Maram’ that dealt with angles; Muslim clerics had raised objections against it. The speech had a profound effect upon those present.
The Promised Messiah(as) later also conversed with his companions after Zohar and Asr prayers.
The Promised Messiah(as)
Wednesday, 28 December – Shura
On this day, a Majlis-e-Shura was held to discuss plans for tabligh across Europe and America – approximately 40 prominent companions contributed and presented their ideas. The gathering decided to create a detailed leaflet portraying the beautiful teachings of Islam and distribute it for free in Europe and America. Counsel was also taken on building a press in Qadian, a list of those companions was also recorded who would contribute to this project.
Another proposal was concerning the initiation of a newspaper that would aid in spreading the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Maulana Syed Muhammad Ahsan Sahib Amrouhi(ra) was given the responsibility to promote this proposal across India and Punjab.
The aims and purpose of Jalsa Salana was discussed by Majlis-e-Shura and its organisation was given structure; a committee was proposed who would take care of arranging Jalsa Salana. The proposal presented Hazrat Maulana Noorudin Sahib(ra) as the In-Charge.
The Shura concluded with prayers.
Sources: Tarikh e Ahmadiyyat vol. 1, pp.442-43
Further Reading (Friday Sermons):