Britain's largest Muslim convention marks 60 years with message of peace and unity
Organisers say they hope the event will challenge misconceptions about Islam and bring communities together.
Britain's largest Muslim convention will go ahead this weekend with organisers promising a "magnificent example of unity" less than two weeks after another major Islamic gathering in Suffolk was forced to end early following an alleged terror threat.
More than 50,000 people from over 100 countries are expected to attend the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK's annual Jalsa Salana convention at Hadeeqatul Mahdi near Alton, Hampshire, between 24 and 26 July.
The event comes after thousands attending the UK Ijtima gathering at Shrubland Hall near Ipswich left early on Sunday 12 July after police became aware of what they described as "a potential serious threat" to the event. Thirteen people have since been arrested and the investigation remains ongoing.
Organisers of Jalsa Salana say extensive security measures are in place for this weekend's convention, which marks 60 years since it was first held in Britain.
Mahmood Rafiq, Head of External Relations for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK's Jalsa Salana, said planning for the event begins around a year in advance and involves close coordination with the authorities.
"We work with counter-terrorism because of the scale of this event. We work with local Hampshire Police as well, and we've built up relationships, and we have our own security as well," he said.
"So, touch wood, from our side, working with all the local authorities and national authorities, with whatever instructions they give, we follow, we implement.
"We think it should be pretty secure. There should be no issues."
Mr Rafiq said organisers also work to minimise disruption for nearby communities.
"We do look out for our neighbours as well. We try to finish early and ensure we don't cause too much disruption locally either."
Message of peace and unity
The convention's theme this year is peace and unity, with organisers saying they hope to challenge misconceptions about Islam and encourage dialogue between communities.
Mr Rafiq said increasing division and Islamophobia had made that message particularly important.
"Sadly there are some people who've hijacked certain agendas, given Islam a bad name and blamed a lot of issues towards Islam," he said.
"I think this event is to try and get rid of those misconceptions, clarify how British Muslims are contributing towards Islamic values... and showcase the peaceful message of Islam."
Ahead of the convention, the worldwide head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said the gathering offered an opportunity to demonstrate Islam's teachings.
"At a time when misunderstanding of Islam and hostility towards Muslims are rapidly increasing in many parts of the world, the Jalsa Salana provides an outstanding opportunity to present the true teachings of Islam, which are of peace, security and goodwill for all.
"It is this message of peace that I shall deliver to the participants, and it is the message that will resonate throughout the Convention.
"Indeed, the Jalsa Salana is a magnificent example of unity, in which people from every corner of the world, including many non-Muslims, come together in peace and harmony, not only to worship God, but also to inspire one another to show compassion, love and respect for all people."
60 years in Britain
This year's convention marks six decades since Jalsa Salana was first held in Britain.
Mr Rafiq described the anniversary as a proud moment for the community.
"We started the annual convention in 1964... with a very small number of participants," he said.
"Even now I have to pinch myself when I have to say 50,000 people. That is a big number coming from 100 countries.
"For us, this is a very, very proud moment... it just shows that we're a part of British society."
Poll suggests concerns over division
Ahead of the event, a YouGov poll commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community found 77% of UK adults believe Britain is more divided than it was five years ago.
The survey of more than 2,000 adults also found 56% believed the positive contributions made by British Muslims were not widely recognised.
Khalil Yousuf, a spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, described the findings as "eye opening" and said: "Dialogue is the antidote to division."
Mr Rafiq said conversations with members of the public remained the best way to challenge misinformation.
"I'm always hopeful," he said.
"Sadly, there's a lot of misinformation out there... they make assumptions about our faith.
"If you look at British society, we've all lived here all our lives. I feel British... this is our country and we're contributing towards it."
The three-day convention begins on Friday and is expected to bring together worshippers, volunteers and visitors from more than 100 countries for speeches, exhibitions and community events.