Introduction
By the grace of Allah Ta’ala, my attendance at the United Kingdom Jalsa 2025 was a cherished aspiration fulfilled. Since performing Hajj in Mecca in 2012, I had long wished to participate in both the UK and Qadian Jalsas, though I had not previously put much effort into making this happen.
In 2024, I was invited to the Sadran Majalis Meeting during the UK Jalsa but was unable to attend personally, so a fellow Amila member (the Late Yacoub A.B. Abubakar, may Allah be pleased with his soul) graciously represented me and later shared the meeting’s details. Encouraged by this experience and the support of friends, I prepared to join the UK Jalsa in 2025, trusting in Allah’s divine timing and mercy to turn my long-held prayer into reality.
Preparing for the Journey
Shortly after the meeting at the office of Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Alhajj Mohammed Y. Twumasi encouraged me to prepare for the trip to the UK Jalsa 2025, acknowledging my financial constraints as a retiree. He assured me that he would mobilize friends to provide financial support, and true to his word, both he and other kind-hearted brothers pledged assistance. With faith in Allah that everything is possible, I relied on their generosity alongside my own modest resources, even taking a loan to secure a ticket and a five-year UK Visitors’ Multiple Entry visa. My visa application was supported by official sponsorship letters from Majlis Ansarullah and Wakilut Tabshir, backed by the Majlis’s bank statement and a letter signed by Ameer Sahib. Alhamdulillah, through their help and my determination not to burden the Majlis financially during its current difficulties, I was able to prepare for this life-changing journey.
Departure and Arrival in the UK
On Monday, July 21, 2025, Alhajj Mohammed Twumasi and I departed for the UK aboard Turkish Airlines, receiving exceptional VIP treatment at the airport thanks to Sister Salamat (Alhajj Twumasi’s wife) and her Civil Aviation colleagues, who assisted with departure formalities. The evening at the Departure Hall was pleasant, where we met other members of the Ghana Jama’at traveling on the same flight, experiencing the strong spirit of brotherhood throughout the journey. Arriving at Heathrow Airport early the next morning, the warmth and community spirit of the Jama’at were immediately felt, as volunteers greeted us with friendly smiles and efficiently arranged our transport to Jamia UK, making us feel truly at home and ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transition.
Arrival and Pre-Jalsa Days – The Spirit of Brotherhood at Jamia UK
We arrived at Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 on the morning of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, where the spirit of the Community was immediately felt through the warm welcome of Jalsa volunteers who arranged our airport pickups. Alhajj Twumasi and I, along with other brethren, were transported by a minibus to Jamia UK campus, a journey made comfortable and convenient thanks to the cheerful volunteers whose kindness alleviated the usual travel anxieties and costs. At Jamia UK, we were ushered to the information desk to receive our gold cards, our essential key to all Jalsa activities, which symbolized our entry into the global unity of the community. Settling into our nearby rooms, we met brothers from Ghana Jama’at, including Murabbi Ayyub Abdallah (Qaid Talim of Majlis Ansarullah Ghana and Headmaster of E-Amass), and later enjoyed excellent meals prepared by dedicated volunteers, ensuring everyone was well cared for. One of the most cherished moments was the daily opportunity to travel by bus to Islamabad to offer Zuhr and Asr prayers behind our beloved Huzoor Anwar (atba), a dream come true for many, made seamless by the excellent transport arrangements and thoughtful scheduling. Throughout, the atmosphere of genuine fraternity among diverse participants from around the world was palpable, as language barriers dissolved amid smiling faces, helpfulness, and engaging conversations, a truly inspiring experience of a worldwide community, MashaAllah.
Experiencing Worship at Mubarak Mosque
Performing Salaat at Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, where Our Beloved Huzoor, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (atba) resides, is a deeply inspiring and cherished experience for every Ahmadi. Praying behind Huzoor Anwar fulfills a heartfelt dream, evoking a spiritual atmosphere akin to the desire of pilgrims rushing to Masjid al-Haram in Mecca for prayer. The mosque’s serene and tranquil environment, characterized by quiet dhikr before the prayers and the powerful collective response to Huzoor’s salaam, leaves a lasting impression. On Fridays, the dedication of members queuing for hours, patiently waiting for Huzoor’s sermon despite timing changes, testifies to the community’s devotion and reverence. This atmosphere of calm, unity, and spiritual fulfillment at Mubarak Mosque is unmatched and profoundly moving.
Days of the Jalsa – Unity and Order
The Jalsa, held from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, was a remarkable gathering of around 46,000 participants, marked by seamless organization and a spirit of brotherhood. Efficient transportation was provided with buses bringing attendees to Hadeeqatul Mahdi, and orderly entry was ensured by volunteers who carefully screened guests with kindness and respect, using issued cards to maintain smooth access without any disruption. Upon arrival, participants were greeted by neatly parked vehicles and maps at key points to help navigate the expansive grounds. The Tabshir’s Guest Marquee welcomed our group with abundant refreshments and comfortable facilities, becoming a vibrant place for networking and cultural exchange that embodied the Jama’at’s core values of respect, humility, and unity. The Jalsa featured inspiring speeches by Huzoor Anwar (atba), including the flag hoisting ceremony, the opening address, the ladies’ session, the global report, and the closing address after the International Bai’at, all of which strengthened faith and community ties. Additional addresses by Jama’at scholars further enriched the spiritually uplifting atmosphere of the event.
Sadran Majalis Meeting: Collaboration and Fellowship
The Sadran Majalis meeting, held on Sunday afternoon after the international ba’ait, brought together all Sadran of Majlis Ansarullah along with their Amila members or representatives from various countries to network, share ideas, and discuss common issues. A group photograph with Huzoor Anwar (atba) was planned to be taken at the office of Huzoor’s Press Secretary after the concluding session. After gathering as scheduled near the Flag Hoisting stand, Alhajj Twumasi and I briefly left to use the washroom, and on returning, found that the group had already departed. Unable to locate them, we accepted this and went to Tabshir’s Marquee before heading to the main car park to leave for Jamia UK. By divine intervention, I received a timely WhatsApp message from Dr. Pazi, guiding us to the location just as the photo was about to be taken. We rushed back and were welcomed to join the group, creating a deeply memorable moment of grace and timing.
As the Jalsa concluded, participants prepared to depart, with volunteers dismantling the setup to restore everything to its original place, while members in the UK coordinated their return home. Looking forward, I pray Allah grants me the ability to attend the next Jalsa, Insha Allah.
Sadran Majalis in a Group Photograph with Huzoor Anwar during the 2025 UK Jalsa Salana
Post-Jalsa Activities and Visits
After the Jalsa, many guests either stayed at Batul Futuh or visited relatives, while others explored London, visiting iconic landmarks such as Wimbledon, London Bridge, Chelsea, Albert Bridge, Grosvenor, and Oxford Street, enriching their cultural experience and sharing fellowship beyond formal events. We enjoyed reconnecting with family, including a memorable visit to Alhajj Twumasi’s senior sister in Harlesden, accompanied by relatives from Italy, which truly felt like a home away from home. In addition to leisure, we attended important Jama’at programs, including discussions at the Ansar Markazia office in Deer Park with senior officers, where we gained valuable insights and guidance on Majlis activities and conducting Shoora meetings from the Head, Mr. Abdul Khaleque Takuldar.
I also joined Alhajj Twumasi in attending Raqeem Press programs, enhancing my understanding of our community’s work.
Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Ghana, Alhaj Ali Muhammad Katu and (Seated 2nd from right) during the Raqeem Press meeting after the 2025 UK Jalsa Salana
A Special Mulaqat
A profound highlight was the Ghana delegation’s Mulaqat with Huzoor Anwar on August 2, 2025. Led by the Ameer & Missionary in Charge, the delegates, including male and female first timers, sat with Huzoor, conversing and sharing smiles. Receiving his personal blessings left an unforgettable impression and privilege for first-time delegates, inspiring renewed dedication to attending future Jalsas, Insha Allah.
Ghana Jamaat’s Delegates to the 2025 UK Jalsa Salana in a Special Mulaqat with Huzoor Anwar
Departure and Reflections
The day of departure, Monday, August 4, 2025, arrived with gratitude and thanks to the dedicated transport team who smoothly took us to Heathrow Terminal 2 for our flight. Traveling with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, we reached home safely on the evening of Tuesday, August 5.
Alhamdulillah, this journey was a profound blessing, made possible by the prayers, financial support, and generosity of many brothers and friends. I pray that Allah richly blesses them all abundantly and grants me the strength and means to attend future Jalsas to continue strengthening our global community.
