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 Assalamo Alaikum My Dear Sisters
Welcome to the 3rd Issue of eLajna Times dedicated to the upcoming 62nd Jalsa Salana!
Alhamdolillah! All praise belongs to Allah Almighty for providing us with this auspicious occasion to come together, develop stronger bonds of sisterhood amongst us, as well as serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). So let us attend the 62nd Jalsa Salana with a firm resolve to show mutual respect for each other, observe prayers in congregation, and volunteer our services wherever and whenever needed. May the proceedings of the Jalsa Salana renew our faith and elevate us to a higher spiritual level, Ameen.
Towards this goal of raising our moral and spiritual levels, I would like to emphasize a few important points:
- Volunteer Work: Always remember that no duty should be considered low or below one’s dignity. Surely all reward is with Allah and He does not like show nor arrogance.
- Improving Discipline in Ziafat Area: This year, we would like to improve our discipline in the Ziafat Area and will be serving food in 2 shifts. We hope that it will reduce the crowding and rushing and help us serve you better. I request your help and cooperation in this matter.
- Children’s Jalsa Gah: We are working hard to improve the Children’s Jalsa Gah so that mothers can truly enjoy the Jalsa with their little children.
- Modesty versus Fashion: In past years, several Lajna have attended the Jalsa in transparent clothing, Capri pants, short sleeves or transparent dupattas. These dupattas have no purpose, because they fall off their heads during Salat and do not cover their bare arms. Please also avoid noisy bracelets that jingle and jangle and disturb Salat. We will personally ask such sisters to remove themselves from the Salat lines if they are not dressed properly. Not only is it un-Islamic and disrespectful and against the etiquettes of Salat, it is also a poor example for the children, teenagers, new members and guests, and very distracting for the rest of the congregation who is trying to focus on their prayers.
- Privacy and Purdah: Please refrain from taking pictures freely in the Jalsa Gah. It is best to leave your camera in your car or hotel room or you can take picture of old friends and relatives with their permission at the end of various sessions. If members use their cell phones to take pictures on the quiet, be prepared to have your phone confiscated!
- Syedna Bilal Fund: We will sell large shopping bags for $ 1.00 at Jalsa. All collections will go towards the Syedna Bilal Fund., If you do not wish to buy a bag, please bring your own so that you can store all your personal items and shoes in one place.
A Jalsa Bulletin has been especially prepared to inform and guide you about the upcoming Jalsa Salana. Please read the information and instructions provided for you in this Bulletin and distribute it to those who do not have access to internet. You can access it at Jalsa Bulletin.pdf
Let us all pray that may this auspicious occasion touch our hearts, stir our emotions, strengthen our ties, bring us closer, and encourage us to work even harder for the cause of Allah. The success of this Jalsa depends on Allah’s Grace and Mercy upon us, and His acceptance of our prayers and sincere efforts. Please pray for the safety of all the travelers as well as for the Jalsa workers. I look forward to seeing you at Jalsa Salana, Insha Allah.
Requesting prayers,
Shanaz Butt
Sadr, Lajna Imaillah-USA
June 20, 2010
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