SoCal Muslim Convention to Highlight Faith, Peace and Justice through Service
National 'Jalsa Cares' community service initiative comes to West Coast’s oldest Muslim convention as it tackles the present Middle East conflict
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA hosts its 36th West Coast Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) this weekend to bring together Americans through dialogue and prayer. Three weeks after bringing Congressional, academic and faith leaders together at its “Voices for Peace” event on Capitol Hill calling for a ceasefire and long-term peaceful resolution to theIsrael-Palestine conflict, the nation’s oldest Muslim organization now brings its message of peace, justice and faith to the largest annual interfaith gathering in San Bernardino County.
This year’s event introduces a “Jalsa Cares” community service initiative later this week to feed over 600 needy families, in partnership with Isaiah’s Rock. It will also feature a special session open to all guests Saturday afternoon entitled “The Role of Faith in Our Lives,” that will bring congressional representatives, councilmembers, mayors, law enforcement, college faculty, students, community and faith leaders across Southern California together with Muslims from around the country.
Event:36th West Coast Jalsa Salana
Where:Baitul Hameed Mosque, 11941 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA
When:Opening Session – Friday, December 22nd, 3:30pm
Main Guest Session – Saturday, December 23rd, 3:30pm
Media:Interviews with Muslim leadership and guest speakers can be organized
Guest speakers at the Saturday afternoon Guest Session will include:
• Eunice Ulloa, Mayor of City of Chino
• Bill Essayli, Member, California Assembly
• Eddie Tejeda, Mayor of City of Redlands
• Bill Velto, Mayor of City of Upland
• Frank Garcia, Mayor of City of Maywood
• Professor Heather Ferguson, Claremont McKenna College
“Our Jalsa Salana is an annual tradition in Southern California during the holiday season to celebrate our common purpose of promoting peace on earth,” said National Spokesperson for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, Amjad Mahmood Khan. “We are especially excited to partner with Isaiah’s Rock as a perfect example of Christians and Muslims coming together during the holiday season to serve those in need.”
About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 213 countries with tens of millions of members. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the oldest American-Muslim organization.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.
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