Annual Gathering
Ijtema
The annual gathering of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. A weekend of spiritual sessions, competitions, and brotherhood, held every year since the auxiliary was founded in 1938.
Upcoming
MKA Northwest Regional Ijtema 2026
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاح · Come to Success
5 to 7 June 2026Masjid Bait-ul-Ehsan, 23515 Old Owen Rd, Monroe, WA 98272
MKA Seattle hosts the Northwest Region this year. Three days of competitions, spiritual sessions, and brotherhood at Bait-ul-Ehsan in Monroe. Open to Khuddam and Atfal (boys ages 7 to 15, organized by age groups: Sitara, Hilal, Qamar, Badar).
The Tradition
What an Ijtema Is
The word اجتماع (Ijtema) means a gathering. For Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, it is the annual moment when the local and regional chapters come together in one place for spiritual, educational, and physical programs.
The format was established by Hazrat Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, the Second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, when he founded Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya on 1 April 1938. The Ijtema is not a tournament with a trophy at the end. It is a renewal of the pledge: to faith, to the Khalifa, to one's community.
Competitions are the vehicle. Brotherhood is the work.
Competition Structure
Two Wings, Distinct Events
Ijtema competitions are split between the Khuddam wing (ages 15 to 40) and the Atfal wing (boys aged 7 to 15). Events span spiritual, intellectual, and physical disciplines. The specific lineup varies year to year; the structure does not.
Khuddam Events · Ages 15 to 40
- Quran Recitation (Tilawat)
- Nazm (Urdu Poetry)
- Adhan (Call to Prayer)
- Quran Memorization
- Hadith Memorization
- English Speech
- Urdu Speech
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Tug-of-war
Atfal Events · Ages 7 to 15
- Quran Recitation (Tilawat)
- Nazm (Urdu Poetry)
- Adhan (Call to Prayer)
- Quran Memorization
- Islamic Knowledge Test
- English Speech
- Urdu Speech
- Salat Competition
From Past Ijtemas
What It Looks Like
Moments from previous gatherings: competitions, prayer, and the brotherhood between them.
Questions
What People Ask
- What is an Ijtema?
- An Ijtema is the annual gathering of a Majlis (chapter or region) of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Khuddam (men 15 to 40) and Atfal (boys aged 7 to 15) come together for a multi-day program of spiritual sessions, competitions, and brotherhood. The word Ijtema is Arabic for 'gathering' or 'assembly.'
- Who can attend an Ijtema?
- All Ahmadi Muslim men and boys are welcome. Khuddam events are for ages 15 to 40. Atfal events are for boys aged 7 to 15. Family members and guests are typically welcome at public sessions; competition participation is restricted to registered Khuddam and Atfal.
- What happens at an Ijtema?
- A typical Ijtema runs over a weekend and includes: spiritual lectures and Q&A sessions, Quran recitation and memorization competitions, religious knowledge tests, speech competitions in English and Urdu, sports events, and communal meals and prayers. The schedule alternates between programs and worship.
- When is the next MKA Seattle Ijtema?
- The MKA Northwest Regional Ijtema 2026 is scheduled for 5 to 7 June 2026 at Masjid Bait-ul-Ehsan in Monroe, WA. MKA Seattle is the hosting chapter. Registration is open via the form linked in the upcoming Ijtema section above. The event is free, organized by volunteer Khuddam.
- Who organizes the Ijtema?
- Local Ijtemas are organized by the Amila (executive committee) of the local Majlis. Regional Ijtemas are organized by the regional Naib Sadr in coordination with the chapters involved. National Ijtemas are organized by MKA USA. All planning is done by volunteer Khuddam.
- Why does MKA hold Ijtemas?
- The Ijtema serves three purposes: spiritual renewal of the pledge to God, the Khalifa, and the community; practical training through competition that builds character and skill; and reinforcement of the brotherhood that defines Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. The format was established by Hazrat Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, who founded the auxiliary on 1 April 1938.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Reach Out
If you're a Khadim new to Seattle, a parent with questions, or a neighbor curious about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, get in touch. We hold weekly programs and welcome visitors.