UK's Jalsa Salana Muslim Convention Holds 60th Anniversary Amid Heightened Security

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Jalsa Salana convened in Alton, Hampshire for its 60th anniversary, drawing about 50,000 participants from more than 100 countries. Organisers deployed nearly 5,000 volunteers and added several hundred security staff, coordinating closely with police and emergency services after a similar gathering was forced to end early amid a suspected far‑right threat.

Speakers included the community’s global leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who highlighted unity and compassion. The event arrived as anti‑Muslim hate crimes have risen in the UK, prompting the community to emphasise longstanding liaison with local authorities. Polling cited by the Ahmadiyya group suggested a growing sense of division in British society, underscoring the convention’s role in promoting dialogue.

Despite heightened alerts, the three‑day festival proceeded without incident, showcasing the resilience of the Ahmadiyya community and its commitment to peaceful gathering on a large international scale.