Muslims from 100 countries take pledge of allegiance to the Caliph

MUSLIMS FROM OVER 100 COUNTRIES TAKE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE CALIPH

The Caliph of tens of millions of Ahmadi Muslims will extend his hand to over 35,000 people from more than 100 countries on Sunday, initiating a pledge of allegiance at the largest convention of Muslims in the UK.

Ahmadi Muslims have travelled from over 100 countries for the _Jalsa Salana_, which takes place on a 200-acre farm in Hampshire, owned by the community.

On Saturday, the Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, conducted proceedings from the ladies marquee. 15,000 Muslim women witnessed the Caliph award prizes to women for academic achievements. In his keynote address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the impact excessive use of tablets and other electronic devices is having on the family unit and the development of children.  .

HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD SAID:

“_Modern technology has many benefits but it also has certain harmful effects that should be guarded against. As a result of people spending hours upon hours each day on electronic devices, family members are becoming distant from one another. Family life is breaking down. Instead of sitting together as a family and talking, it is common for each family member to be engaged in their own world on their own electronic device._”

THE CALIPH ADDED:

“_The development of young children is being proven to suffer because of excessive use of electronic devices. Furthermore, instead of talking through issues with their children, some parents just leave them to their own devices and so parents are not aware of the issues their children are facing. The unity of family life is facing a grave crisis and so it is necessary for parents to maintain close relations with their children and to take them outdoors for recreational activities and to encourage them to read and study things that can benefit them and society._”

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE THE CALIPH WILL TAKE FROM HIS FOLLOWERS IS AS

FOLLOWS:

_I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger._

_I have firm faith that Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah is Khataman Nabiyyeen, the Seal of all the Prophets._

_I also believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the same Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiah whose advent was prophesied by Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah._

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, will deliver five speeches over the course of the weekend.

The Jalsa focuses on increasing the spirituality of participants, whilst also tackling issues facing the world’s second largest religion – including the rise of so-called Islamic extremism, the growing threat of the far-right and Islamophobia.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 in India and is led by a spiritual caliphate, with tens of millions of adherents.

The Jalsa concludes on Sunday.