It was established in 1891 by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, according to whom the primary purpose of such an annual gathering was the enhancement of religious knowledge in addition to secondary benefits of strengthening the bonds of fraternity within the Community. The first Jalsa that was held had an attendance of just 75 people yet some 115 years later the Community has such Conventions in over 150 countries in the world with attendances of up to 70,000 people at each of these Conventions. The purpose and significance of the Convention, however, has remained true to the initial aims.

Since 1994 MTA International has been transmitting the UK Convention live to the entire world.  Due to the presence of the current leader of the Community, the Khalifa, being in the UK, this Convention also has the status of an International Convention for worldwide members of the Community, as well as those living in the UK. As such, MTA provides an essential role in transmitting the proceedings of the Convention to all those around the world who do not have the opportunity to attend in person.

The three days of the Jalsa Salana are three days of great spiritual devotion and contemplation. With speeches from various distinguished members of the Community supporting the seminal addresses delivered by the Fifth Successor to the Founder of the Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, every person who partakes in the Jalsa either in person or through MTA benefits greatly both in terms of gaining religious knowledge and by strengthening their ties with the Community. We all pray that this the 44^th UK Annual Convention is a success and that all those who participate in it benefit from its great blessings.