Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V^aba Safely Arrives in America
Arrival is Welcomed by Over a Thousand
Tuesday, June 17- The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, arrived in the United States yesterday, Monday, June 16, 2008 after an eight hour flight from the United Kingdom. Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA greeted Hadhur(aba) upon his arrival along with Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, Ameer Jama’at USA and other dignitaries. After a conversation in the airport’s diplomatic lounge, Hadhuraba proceeded to Baitur Rahman Mosque, and the moment that American Ahmadis had been anxiously waiting and planning for since 2006 finally arrived. As the qafila approached the gates of the mosque, His Holiness exited his vehicle and was greeted with Islamic slogans by the thousands of Ahmadis that had assembled around the Mosque. The scenes of Hadhur’s arrival were telecasted live by MTA on mtausa.tv. Shortly after retiring to his residence, Hadhur (aba) returned to lead Maghrib and Isha prayers, which could be heard resonating around the streets of the Mosque.

“I’m Speechless”
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA has taken the forefront in planning not only Hadhur’s stay, but also the 60th USA Jalsa Salana, which is to be held this weekend, June 20-22, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Tireless hours of work have been put in to every aspect of the planning, ranging from setting up accommodation for workers and guests to providing 24-hours security around the Mosque perimeter. The Khilafat Team (which is the collective title of the entire 7-day MKA organized taskforce) has been working around the clock to manage each sphere of the Jalsa preparation. Many of these workers have described their duties as life-changing and inspirational moments. When asked to describe his sentiments about a Khalifah coming for the first time in 10 years, Shakhar Lone (Qaid, St. Louis) paused, paused, paused, and finally said, “I’m speechless.” Such anxiety and shock could even be felt by the many Atfal present. “I’m seeing the Khalifa in America for the first time in my life,” says Habeeb Kukoyi, 15. “I’m trying to keep it cool.  I’m trying to keep from getting nervous by not thinking about it.”

His Stay
Hadhur’s seven-day stay will consist primarily of meeting with American Ahmadis, conferencing with Jama’at auxiliaries, inspecting the Jalsa Gah, and participating in the interfaith conference, “Muslims for Peace.” In addition, inshallah he will preside over the 60th Salana proceedings, and deliver his keynote address to the American Jama’at on the concluding day of the Jalsa, before departing to Canada on Tuesday, June 24th.
Truly blessed are those who will attend the Jalsa, and those who will pray behind the Ameer-ul-Momineen, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).  May Allah allow us to become drenched in the rains of grace that are flooding America. Ameen