A Slice in the Life – In Perspective
Article and pictures by Qasim Rashid and Salaam Bhatti

No doubt Huzoor’s (aba) arrival is a momentous event in the life of every Ahmadi Muslim in America.  With that in mind, we thought we would capture the thoughts of many of our devoted brothers and mentors on the Khilafat Team.  We asked them questions ranging from their thoughts on Huzoor’s (aba) arrival to their concerns, if any.  We asked what their prayers are for Huzoor’s (aba) visit, and what their prayers are for Huzoor.  We received wonderful answers, some spiritually enlightening, and some that made us laugh out loud.  Below we present a brief ‘slice in the life’ of many of our brothers, many of your brothers and put them In Perspective. Muzaffar Khalid – 21 – Security – Chicago East Jamaat – Loves Armani cologne
Do you remember Huzoor’s last visit?
In 1998 I was 11 years old.  The US Jalsa was my first Jalsa ever and Huzoor (Khalifatul Masih IV (rm)) was there.  I am so excited that Huzoor (aba) is coming again!

How do you feel the Khilafat Team efforts are going?
All the teams are working very hard in both sites (Bait ur Rehman and Harrisburg, PA). 
I’m so proud to be a part of this team.  It is truly an honor.

Habeeb Kukoyi – 15 – Security – Chicago East Jamaat – Does fine on little sleep
When was the last time you met Huzoor (aba)?
I’m seeing the Khalifa in America for the first time in my life.  I don’t even know what to say or think.  I’m just trying to keep it cool and keep myself together because I’m so nervous and excited.  I’m trying to keep from getting nervous by not thinking about it.

Mirza Nayar Ahmad – 20 – Hifazat e Khaas – Huge Pacers fan
What do you feel is the biggest change in the US Jamaat over the past 10 years?
Since the Khalifa’s last visit to the United States 10 years ago, the Jamaat has become a lot bigger.  We used to have the Jalsa at Bait ur Rehman Masjid, and now we have to rent out huge halls!  Another important improvement is the Khilafat Team.  We have more Khuddam to help make this Jalsa successful.

What do you hope to gain with Huzoor’s (aba) visit to America?
I’m excited to gain a sense of spirituality, it’s a feeling that is so special, it’s really indescribable.  I earnestly pray tha,t Insha’allah, the US Jamaat can take full advantage of Huzoor’s visit.

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Ahmad Antar – Regional Qaid East Region – Accepted Ahmadiyyat Islam in 2005
How do you feel about Huzoor (aba) returning to America after 10 years?
This is a very different experience for me than for most Ahmadis.  I accepted Ahmadiyyat only 3 years ago so this is the first time I am seeing Huzoor.  I am incredibly excited.  It is beautiful to see so many young khuddam united together, working together, just to see Huzoor.

So what does this visit mean to you?
Personally, I’m looking to gain a spiritually uplifting experience.  Being that close to Huzoor (aba) and talking to him, I’m curious to find out more about him.  When I read The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, by the Promised Messiah (as), I felt so touched and at peace spiritually, in a way I had never felt before.  That is why I accepted Ahmadiyyat Islam in the first place.  I hope that by meeting Huzoor (aba) I can again feel the same way.

Jamil Ahmad – Security – Chicago East Jamaat – Has a blue tooth headset
All this work, all this sacrifice, what does it all mean to you?
It means the world to me.  10 years later, Ahmadiyyat is still strong!  The Khalifa cares about us and loves us!  We love him and are motivated to serve him, to serve our Khalifa.  We must serve him with so much love that it brings the Khalifa back to visit us every year.  Alhumdolillah, the US Jamaat is progressing and we are getting better.

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As we gained wonderful advice and insights by speaking to our fellow Khuddam on the Majlis Khuddamal Ahmadiyya Khilafat Team, we also received beautiful morsels of spirituality from our respected USA leadership.  These respected elders prove to us that at the age of 40, only the title of Khadim is changed, for the duty of a Khadim is a life long commitment.  We had the opportunity to interview Respected Daud Haneef Sahib, Respected Shamsad Ahmad Nasir Sahib, and Respected Dr. Naseem Rahmatullah Sahib.  Here is what they had to say, In Perspective.

Respected Missionary In Charge and Naib Ameer USA Daud Haneef Sahib
Please share with us your goals and desires of Huzoor’s (aba) blessed visit?
Without question we have an increase of expectations in all areas with the visit of Huzoor.  We hope for great spiritual changes that will enable us to devote more time in prayer to Allah.  We hope that through our prayers, Huzoor comes back year after year.

What is the most notable change in the Jamaat these past 10 years?
The biggest advancement of the Jamaat in the past 10 years is that we have more devoted earning members, sacrificing for the sake of God.  Huzoor (aba) has also taken note of this, Alhumdolillah.  Jamaat USA members are devoting their time as well, and time devotion is essential to the progress of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Respected Missionary L.A. Jamaat Shamsad Ahmad Nasir Sahib
What can the US Jamaat do to fully benefit from Huzoor’s (aba) visit to America?
“As Huzoor (aba) says, the institution of Khilafat is a blessing upon us.  And hence, it is very important that we listen to him, that we be around him, that we obey him – for in fact that is the secret to our progress.  The whole world is seeking leadership, the very same leadership we have.  Let us take benefit that we have this leadership by obeying the directives of our Khalifa.”

Respected Naib Ameer USA and Director of MTA USA Dr. Naseem Rahmatullah
What type of preparations are needed to properly address an event as big as our beloved Huzoor’s (aba) arrival?
With Huzoor’s blessed arrival, the work we typically do for Jalsa has been easily tripled.  There is lots of excitement and it feels as if Jalsa is 10 days long.  Everything we record will be live on mtausa.tv .

What is the schedule of something this complicated and how do you coordinate it?
We will begin telecasting 10-15 minutes before Huzoor arrives.  This will be live on mtausa.tv .  We will then send that video feed to London over night and they will broadcast it worldwide via MTA International. 

How many people are on the MTA Team?  What’s the atmosphere like?
There are 50-60 people on the MTA team.  There is tension but it is a tension of excitement.  Alhumdolillah, by the Grace of Allah there have been no major problems at all.  All in all, throughout Huzoor’s visit we expect to record roughly 50 hours of video footage.  I don’t think we’ve ever had this large of a project in the US Jamaat.  I encourage all Ahmadis who cannot attend this Jalsa, to log onto mtausa.tv and partake in the blessings of listening to and seeing the Jalsa events.

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So stay with us as we begin this blessed 60th USA Jalsa Salana.  Indeed, it has been 10 years since our Beloved Huzoor joined us in celebrating the US Jalsa, but from the testimonies above it is quite clear that his love and prayers were always with us.  May this Jalsa be a blessed event, and be the first of many USA Jalsa’s attended by our beautiful Ameer ul Momineen (aba), Insha’Allah.