A Beacon of Peace in Burkina Faso: The 34th Ahmadiyya Jalsa Salana and Its Message for a Nation
In a powerful demonstration of faith and civic duty, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Burkina Faso convened its 34th annual Jalsa Salana from December 26 to 28, 2025, in Kouba, Ouagadougou. The convention, centered on the profound theme “All Blessings Emanate from the Holy Prophet Muhammad,” transcended a mere religious gathering to become a forum for national healing, spiritual renewal, and practical guidance for over 8,500 attendees from across the country and neighboring Mali.
More Than a Convention: A Spiritual and Civic Gathering
The opening ceremony, chaired by Dr. Hatimi Démé representing the Minister of Basic Education, set a tone of unity and purpose. The choice of the inaugural lecture’s theme—“Love for one’s homeland is part of faith”—was a deliberate and poignant response to Burkina Faso’s ongoing security and humanitarian challenges. This framing elevates patriotism from a secular concept to a core Islamic principle, directly countering narratives that might exploit religious identity to undermine the state.
As Dr. Démé emphasized, such gatherings are vital for “raising awareness and training members to have behaviors that contribute to the reconquest of our territory.” This statement underscores the community’s proactive role in national stability, positioning faith as a foundation for constructive citizenship rather than division.
Core Themes: Bridging Spiritual Doctrine and Contemporary Life
The Jalsa Salana’s agenda was meticulously crafted to address both timeless spiritual truths and pressing modern dilemmas. The presentations offered a holistic view of the Ahmadiyya interpretation of Islam, which emphasizes peace, service, and intellectual engagement.
Key Pillars of the Convention’s Teachings:
1. Islam as a Religion of Peace: Sessions on “The Teachings of Islam Regarding Peace” and “The Concept of Jihad According to Ahmadiyya” are crucial. For Ahmadis, Jihad is primarily an internal struggle for self-purification and, externally, a struggle through pen and speech to establish peace. This doctrinal clarity directly challenges violent extremism and provides a theological foundation for non-violent civic engagement.
2. Practical Faith in Action: Topics like “Cleanliness in Islam,” “Islamic Teachings on Credit,” and “The Blessings of Contribution” demonstrate how faith translates into daily life. These sessions move beyond abstract theology to offer ethical frameworks for hygiene, financial integrity, and philanthropy, contributing to societal well-being.
3. Navigating Modern Challenges: The presentation on “How to help our children use social media healthily?” is a prime example of the community’s engagement with contemporary issues. It provides religiously-grounded, practical parenting guidance for the digital age, showing the relevance of faith in modern contexts.
A Call for Believers to Be Builders
A Model of Inclusivity and Cross-Border Unity
The presence of a special guest from Mali, Oustaz Omar Moaz Coulibaly, representing the worldwide spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, highlighted the transnational unity of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. This connection fosters a shared identity that supersedes national borders while reinforcing local patriotic duties. The community’s spirit of openness, noted by attending dignitaries, where participation required “no distinction related to religion, race, or ethnicity,” models the pluralistic society it advocates for.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Faith-Based Contribution
As articulated by Vice President El Hajj Souleymane Kaboré, the Jalsa Salana serves a dual purpose: to harmonize understanding of Islamic precepts and to update their application for today’s world. The convention’s conclusion with the presentation of academic certificates symbolically married spiritual growth with worldly education.
This 34th Jalsa Salana in Burkina Faso was far more than a religious event. It was a strategic initiative in peacebuilding, civic education, and community resilience. By rooting national loyalty in faith, providing ethical tools for modern life, and modeling inclusive community, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community presented a compelling vision of how religious conviction can actively contribute to the social fabric and stability of a nation in need of hope and unity.
Boukary BONKOUNGOU
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