Survey Reveals Misunderstandings of Islam, Ahmadiyya Caliph Requires True Teachings as Jalsa Salana Concludes

By Samuel Ssenono in Alton Hampshire.

Survey Reveals Misunderstandings of Islam, Ahmadiyya Caliph Calls for True Teachings as Jalsa Salana ConcludesThe spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has urged Muslims around the world to return to the core teachings of Islam. Speaking at the close of the 59th Jalsa Salana UK, he delivered a powerful message on justice, humility, and spiritual renewal at a time of deepening global instability.

This year’s convention was one of the largest in recent memory. Over 46,000 people gathered at the community’s convention grounds in Hampshire, with another 15,000 joining online from more than 50 countries. As is tradition, the final day’s address was led by the Caliph, Khalifatul Masih V, who spoke in Urdu with live translations available worldwide.

In his wide-ranging speech, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad addressed the state of the Muslim world and the growing disconnect between religious teachings and daily practice. He criticised religious scholars who spread division and warned that justice and moral conduct are collapsing, both within Muslim societies and beyond. He called on believers to be part of the solution by living out the true teachings of Islam in their personal conduct and social responsibilities.
The Caliph referenced a recent UK poll that revealed widespread public suspicion towards Muslim immigrants, driven in part by harsh and rigid interpretations of Islam promoted by some self-proclaimed scholars. These distorted teachings, he said, have fuelled misunderstanding and fear.

Quoting the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Caliph explained the spiritual significance of this age, comparing it to Lailatul-Qadr – a period of darkness that demands the descent of divine light through a Reformer. He said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded in response to this need, is tasked with dispelling ignorance and reintroducing Islam’s true essence: peace, justice, and spiritual integrity.
“Do you understand what Lailatul-Qadr is?” he quoted. “Lailatul-Qadr is the name of that age of darkness whose darkness reaches an extreme limit… When a thousand months elapse… the seeds of one or many Reformers are sown secretly by heavenly operation.

The Caliph urged every Ahmadi Muslim to spread Islam’s real message with wisdom and compassion, and to reflect on how they can play a role in countering falsehoods and prejudice. He noted that many who encounter Islam Ahmadiyyat with an open mind and sincerity end up accepting its teachings — evidence, he said, of the power of truth when presented clearly.
He warned of the rising influence of anti-Islamic forces and ideologies, often disguised under the banner of free speech, which are systematically working to discredit the religion. He also criticised certain Muslim leaders who, rather than defending Islam, spend their energy opposing the Ahmadiyya Community and falsely claim to protect the concept of finality of prophethood through persecution.

“Instead of defending the Holy Prophet Muhammad, they attack those who are reviving his message,” he said.
Among the highlights of the day was the awarding of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace to Benin-based humanitarian activist Grégoire Ahongbonon, recognised for his work supporting people with mental illness across West Africa.
The significance of the gathering was acknowledged by both the UK Prime Minister and His Majesty King Charles III.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent a message expressing gratitude to the Ahmadiyya community for its message of peace and commitment to service:
“I am aware of the immense contribution that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community makes, and I am very much impressed by your message of peace, non-violence, respect for all and hatred for none. I am extremely grateful to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for all that you do to bring people together, help those in need, and for your long history in raising millions of pounds for charitable causes across the country.”
The Prime Minister also extended warm regards to His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, and wished all attendees a joyous and meaningful convention.
In a personal message King Charles commended the community’s continued loyalty and service:
“I much appreciate your message and value your continued support. I was interested to learn that His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad is scheduled to attend and address the convention each day during this three-day event… I send my warmest good wishes to you all for a memorable and enjoyable event.”
The convention ended with a silent prayer and the announcement of attendance figures. The Caliph reminded members that the success of the community lies not in numbers or visibility, but in divine support and righteous conduct.
“Continue to serve with sincerity,” he said, “and never forget why we are here to bring light into the world.”