Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba at the Inauguration of Jalsa Salana 2021 in Hadeeqatul-Mahdi, stated:
“It was not possible in the previous year, due to Covid, to hold Jalsa. This year too the conditions are quite similar, they are somewhat better but restrictions are still in place as they alternate between strict and relaxed. Nevertheless, it was decided that Jalsa should take place even at a smaller scale so that by attending this Jalsa people can quench their spiritual thirst and can benefit. In the same way volunteers too, who hold a passion to serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas, can gain the blessings of Allah by discharging their responsibilities.
This was the desire of the volunteers too, though at some point some Officers gave the impression that they do not believe that a Jalsa can take place, which is why sometimes a lapse in organisation was exhibited. However, I said to them that whether Jalsa is on a large scale or whether it takes place on a small scale, it will certainly take place, so that the training of the volunteers continues.
In principle what should have happened was that during the year, some workers should have been called and trained. In Rabwah due to the restrictions of the government, for years Jalsa has not taken place, however, they still train the workers in some manner. Therefore, if a long time passes in which no activities take place, it leads to laziness and forgetfulness.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the volunteers here are very well trained, there is no question of them forgetting after a year. However, due to some restrictions some difficulties may be faced by those serving. For some there will be no issue. Due to a decrease in attendance the hygiene, sanitisation and cleanliness departments may not find an increase in their work. However, the weather has become such that it will not cause a decrease in the amount of work. It will be important to take care of cleanliness especially in the restrooms and toilets.
In the same way traffic management may not have to face the pressure [due to attendance], but I will say here again that due to the weather and due to the shortage of some facilities they may have to face people’s frustration—at such time it will be important to show tolerance.
A new discipline will be needed at the organisation for food, and distance should be kept. Food should be distributed adhering to [social] distancing. Previously people would crowd for food and would stand next to each other when eating, but now distance should be kept between people and those on duty should implement this in a loving way—explaining everything to people: no guest should become upset.
As for other tasks such as preparing Rotis or preparing food, it is the grace of Allah that our workers are now so well trained that whether it is a small Jalsa or a Jalsa of hundreds-of-thousands, they can cater to that need.
In these days, Allah the Almighty has given you the opportunity to serve the guests of Jalsa and to renew the decrease in Tarbiyyat owing to the gap of a year, to polish it anew and become stronger in it.
Discharge your duties whilst thanking Allah. Not much needs to be said. May Allah the Almighty enable you all to discharge your duties in the best way and that which I always say is the most important matter: focus on prayers during these days and observe your prayers on time. May Allah the Almighty enable you to serve in the best way.”
