Rahman Nasir speaks to members of Ahmadiyya Muslim during the 36th West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, promoting dialogue and prayer to unite Americans. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, a Muslim conference opened Friday, Dec. 23, in Chino with plans to discuss peace and a cease-fire.
The 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana conference is organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which condemns acts of terrorism and violence, according to its website.
The three-day conference at Baitul Hameed Mosque offered spiritual and discussion sessions about topics such as living peacefully and inner reflection.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Ahmadiyya Muslim members, including actor Mahershala Ali, left, greets friend Monas Chaudry during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, held at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Young volunteer Ahmad Boakye, 9, distributes water to guests listening to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention aimed at bringing together Americans through dialogue and prayer, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Attendees listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Ahmadiyya Muslim members, including actor Mahershala Ali, left, exchange greetings with friend Monas Chaudry during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, held at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Feiz Ahmad addresses members of Ahmadiyya Muslim during the 36th West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, promoting dialogue and prayer to unite Americans. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Volunteers in the kitchen prepare meals to feed guests during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an event fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, held at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Rahman Nasir speaks to members of Ahmadiyya Muslim during the 36th West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, promoting dialogue and prayer to unite Americans. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Attendees listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Ahmadiyya Muslim members, including actor Mahershala Ali, right, exchange greetings with friend Monas Chaudry during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, held at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community listen to speakers during the 36th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana, an annual convention fostering dialogue and prayer to unite Americans, at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
“The convention is focused on the spiritual betterment of Muslim people in our community,” Asif Arif, a convention representative, said. “It’s more geared toward first how to become good Muslims. Because, if you are a good Muslim, if you obey the Quran, if you obey the rules, you will never commit atrocities, and you will never go to terrorism. So it is a moral reflection first upon ourselves.”
The convention began as a gathering in 1891 by the founder of the community and promised messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, while in Qadian, India, according to Al Islam. This gathering eventually grew into the Jalsa Salana, which means “annual gathering.”
The event spread and is now held annually in various parts of the world so members can come together to learn, share, and connect through prayer.
“The conference reminds you of one, who is in control, and two, what is the best way to resolve these issues?” Dhiya Bakr, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA women’s association, said in an interview. “These conferences are held to keep us in touch, promote brotherhood and sisterhood, and service to humanity.”
The 2023 West Coast conference also was scheduled to see participation Saturday, Dec. 23, from Inland Empire leaders such as the mayors of Upland and Chino, who were expected to take the stage to condemn violence.
Tensions and the conflicts between Israel and Gaza were incorporated into many sessions of the conference, where resolutions of peace were discussed.
“I view this as a trial of our time,” Harris Zafar, national spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said in an interview. “It is a trial to see how we will behave and what choice we make. We are living history right now.”
Zafar also said that a cease-fire was necessary and that it was important for all to find a path toward resolution.
“There is needed peace for all those women and children affected,” Sadiqua Malik, president of the women’s auxiliary of Los Angeles, said in an interview. “We are focused on finding a resolution of peace for all.”
Malik said the convention included were topics and seminars specifically for women to attend alongside the main conference, which was livestreamed.
A special session Saturday is expected to be staged for members of the public seeking to learn more about the teachings of the Quran. Also, a tent focused on evidence of Jesus living in India and what the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes was a continuation of his life post-crucifixion.
A talk labeled, “I’m a Muslim, ask me anything,” served as another way to engage guests outside the faith.
