Are You an Ahmadi?

One of the significant characteristics and blessings of Ahmadiyyat is the affinity that grows naturally among the community members and draws them closer to each other. This affinity is spotted all around the globe.

Some time in the late eighties I pulled over to a gas station in New Jersey. The attendant at the gas station was a young man in his late twenties who appeared to be from the subcontinent. While filling my gas tank he asked me if I was from Pakistan. On my affirmation he further asked, “Are you an Ahmadi?” My answer was ‘yes’ again. At this point he disclosed that he was also an Ahmadi and had recently arrived in the USA from Rabwah. He did not have a permanent resident status but looked confident and hopeful. Judging from his confidence I assured him that he would not be working at the gas station very long.

Some years after this incident, I moved to Long Island, New York and became affiliated with Queens Chapter of the Jama’at. I saw the same young man in the mosque actively running around and supervising Jama’at programs. This man had been elected Qa’id Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, married to a pious professional lady, and was father of two children now. He was also running a small business and had obtained resident status.

The bond that connected me and the young man at the gas station was not a unique experience. We see this spirit wherever the Ahmadis gather, whether in a small or large group. This demonstration of brotherhood is more visible at Jalsa Salana where no one needs any introduction. To further this spirit and to strengthen the bond of brotherhood I try to meet as many new people of all ages as I can. I tell them about myself and learn about them and their background.

In have experienced the same spirit of affinity in each Jama'at I have been a part of. Since 2009, I am a member of Los Angles Jama’at. Almost all faces were new and unfamiliar initially but it took one hand shake with Assalamu Alaikum and all barriers of unfamiliarity came down tumbling.

I pray that this spirit of brotherhood continues to grow and expand among all mankind. Ameen.