Khilafat Team Prepares for Hadhur's Arrival
Over 200 Khuddam are Present On-Site

Originally dubbed the “A Team”, organization of the Khilafat Team began several months before Huzoors (aba) arrival.  The mission; to coordinate a nationwide Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya dream team committed to dedicate at least a week of their lives to the cause of Khilafat.  To be selected to this prestigious team was no small accomplishment. 
      A Khadim required approval from his local Qaid, his regional Qaid, and certainly must have been an active chanda paying member.  Moreover, a firm commitment of 7 days was required.  After months of coordination, contemplation, and supplication, the Khilafat Team convened on June 16, 2008, just in time to welcome our beloved Hazrat Ameer ul Momineen, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifa tul Masih V (aba).  As arduous the journey to reach Silver Spring, MD, with members driving from as far as the Midwest and flying further in from the West Coast, the real work had only just begun.

The atmosphere in the days up to and of Huzoor’s arrival likened an indescribable energy.  As each brother said salaam to the next, the energy transferred and multiplied.  Excitement filled the air as more and more members of the elite Khilafat Team arrived.  It had been a decade since America last saw the Khalifa.  10 years had come down to this final day of preparation.  The work seemed insurmountable but by the Grace of Allah, the Khilafat Team was up to task, collectively logging literally thousands of work hours in but a single day.  Working relentlessly throughout the day and on through the night, Transportation ensured all team members arrived at their destinations safely and on time.  Registration guaranteed all team members were organized by assigning ID badges and distributing scarves and fashionable MKA hats.  Ziafat, Hifazat e Khaas, Khidmat e Khalq, all worked tirelessly to fulfill their respective responsibilities to the level of excellence Khudammal Ahmadiyya has come to expect out of its youth.  The behind-the-scenes workers in General Security and Hospitality surpassed all expectations, as they provided for the workers’ who needed peace of mind and stomach.  It seemed the energy emitted by the Khilafat Team reached the heavens as they burst forth with a torrential rainstorm of thunder and lightening.  Rather than frightening, it was enlightening to see such beauty from Allah.  However, this monsoon was no obstacle in the race to prepare everything to perfection for our Beloved Khalifa (aba).  By the Grace of Allah, all divisions of Khilafat Team worked as a collective unit through their love for Allah, Islam, and their Khalifa.  The true quality of MKA USA shone forth as all targets were met and exceeded.  There remained only one missing piece to the unfinished masterpiece, and he was set to arrive at 10pm EST.
   
As an artist brings a painting to life by adding the final but most crucial strokes, so did Huzoor (aba) rejuvenate MKA USA.  As he arrived, a crowd of nearly 2000 men, women, and children filled with anticipation crested into a dazzling display of love for the Khalifa (aba).   The entourage began arriving close to quarter to ten, cars entering the premises in random intervals, keeping everybody on bated breath as to which car was transporting the priceless package.  When the blessed moment arrived shortly after 10 PM EST, Respected Sadr MKA Faheem Qureshi was indeed correct to say that this was our Eid after having prepared for what seemed like “ten Ramadhans.”  Children sang songs of praise for Allah while Lajna and Ansar alike offered their slogans of Narray Takbeer.  The Khuddam, however, knew their mission was to continue to fulfill their responsibilities.  By the Grace of Allah, Huzoor’s arrival was a success, practically as well as spiritually.  The marathon of a day finally came to a blessed close as Khalifatul Masih V(aba) lead Magrhib and Isha prayers in Bait ur Rehman masjid at about 11pm EST and then retired to his quarters.  The day one mission had been accomplished, Alhumdolillah.