The UK's largest Muslim gathering, Jalsa Salana, is currently underway in Hampshire amidst heightened security measures, a direct response to the growing anti-Muslim sentiment across the nation. With an expected 50,000 attendees from over 100 countries, organisers have deployed hundreds of additional security personnel, working closely with police, emergency services, and local authorities to ensure the safety of those present.
This year's convention, marking its 60th anniversary, features a packed schedule including prayers, speeches from prominent figures such as Members of Parliament and bishops, and the ceremonial raising of a Union Jack. The event is set to conclude on Sunday, with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the global leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivering a key address.
Despite the presence of 12 arrested individuals, three suspected of conspiracy to murder linked to a far-right threat, organisers did not hesitate in their commitment to holding Jalsa Salana. Rafiq Hayat, head of the UK chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, acknowledged the recent incident but stated that the community remained steadfast in their resolve to build bridges and foster understanding.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which was established in Britain over a century ago in 1913, has a long history of navigating hostility. Hayat, who has lived in London since 1967, recalled experiencing various right-wing movements throughout the years. He cited the community's proactive approach to counter prejudice, including building relationships with neighbours and holding regular meetings, as a key strategy in promoting cohesion.
Statistics highlight the scale of anti-Muslim sentiment, with one mosque attacked every five days in Britain. Anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales saw an alarming 19% increase in the twelve months leading up to March 2025. Hayat underscored that the community's response to such threats is not to withdraw but to become more visible and engage with wider society.
However, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community faces challenges from multiple directions, including extremist Muslims both internationally and within Britain. A notable example of this includes the 2016 murder of Ahmadi Muslim Asad Shah in Glasgow. Despite these complexities, the community continues to promote interfaith dialogue and community cohesion, using events like Jalsa Salana as a platform for unity.