By Makutu Manneh
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in The Gambia on Friday opened its 48th annual Jalsa Salana, drawing members from across the country to a three-day gathering focused on spiritual renewal, religious learning, and communal unity.
The convention, held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, brought together Ahmadi Muslims from all regions, as well as lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries. The annual assembly is one of the Jama’at’s most significant events, intended to reinforce faith, promote moral development, and strengthen bonds within the community.
In his opening address, Baba F. Trawally, the Amir of the Jama’at, described the gathering as a forum for spiritual reflection and service. He emphasized the importance of peace and tolerance, praising The Gambia’s longstanding tradition of religious coexistence.
“Progress and true worship cannot be achieved without peace,” he said, urging participants to act as ambassadors of harmony in their communities.
This year’s convention is organized around the theme, “The Holy Qur’an: A Solution for the Challenges of the Modern World.” Trawally said the theme reflects what he described as a period of global uncertainty marked by social unrest, political division, and moral decline, adding that humanity is in need of moral guidance.
Government officials attending the opening ceremony commended the Jama’at’s contributions to national development. Bakary Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, praised the group’s work in education, health care, and youth development and reaffirmed the government’s support.
“We congratulate the Jama’at for its continued contribution to national development,” he said.
Sulayman Saho, a National Assembly member, pointed to The Gambia as an example of religious harmony, noting that communities of different faiths have coexisted peacefully for generations.
Over the decades, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has established a network of schools and health facilities across the country. Among its most prominent institutions is Nusrat Senior Secondary School, widely regarded as a leading center of learning that has produced many of the country’s professionals and public servants.
In health care, the Jama’at operates facilities, including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital, which provides affordable medical services. Its activities also extend into sectors such as agriculture and information technology, reflecting a broader role in the country’s social and economic development.
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