UK Muslim Convention Opens With Extra Security

The UK's largest Muslim convention has opened with stronger security measures as organizers respond to rising anti-Muslim hate crime across the country. Thousands of visitors have gathered for the annual event, which continues with close cooperation between security teams, police, emergency services, and local authorities.

Jalsa Salana, the annual convention organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is celebrating its 60th year in the United Kingdom. Around 50,000 people from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the event at a temporary site in Hampshire.

Organizers increased security by adding several hundred staff members to help ensure the safety of visitors throughout the gathering. The additional measures come after another large Islamic event in the UK ended early last month following arrests linked to an alleged far-right threat.

Despite growing security concerns, organizers said they never considered canceling the convention. Rafiq Hayat, head of the UK chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said the event would continue as planned because the community remains committed to bringing people together through faith, dialogue, and mutual respect.

The convention officially opened on Friday with prayers, speeches, and the raising of the Union Jack. The event also included an address from the community's worldwide leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and other public figures are expected to attend during the weekend.

Hayat said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has experienced periods of hostility throughout its history in Britain. The community established its presence in the country in 1913 and built one of London's first purpose-built mosques in 1926.

He said the community has faced different forms of opposition over the decades but has chosen to respond by building stronger relationships with local residents and public institutions instead of withdrawing from public life.

During the construction of a mosque in Morden in the 1990s, local opposition led the community to establish regular meetings with churches, community organizations, local councils, and police. Hayat said those meetings helped create trust and stronger cooperation that continues today.

According to Hayat, open communication has become one of the most effective ways to reduce misunderstanding and strengthen community ties. He believes regular dialogue allows people from different backgrounds to build lasting relationships.

Recent figures have highlighted concerns about rising anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales. Reports show an increase in incidents over the past year, while attacks targeting mosques have also continued. Community leaders say these trends make public engagement more important than ever.

Hayat said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to promote cooperation among people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. He added that loyalty to the country where people live and respect for others remain important values for the community.

He also acknowledged that Ahmadis have faced hostility from some extremist groups within the wider Muslim community, as well as from far-right groups. Despite these challenges, he said the community remains committed to peaceful dialogue and cooperation.

The convention welcomes visitors from many backgrounds, including people who are not members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Organizers hope the event will encourage conversations, improve understanding, and reduce misconceptions about Islam.

Hayat encouraged young Muslims to participate confidently in public life and engage with people from different communities. He said direct personal contact is one of the most effective ways to build trust and overcome prejudice.

He recalled meeting visitors who arrived with concerns but later described feeling welcomed after speaking with members of the community. Hayat said experiences like these show how personal interaction can replace fear with understanding.

As the convention continues throughout the weekend, organizers say their goal is to provide a safe environment while promoting unity, respect, and peaceful coexistence. They believe bringing people together through open dialogue remains one of the strongest ways to strengthen communities across the United Kingdom.