Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (sometimes called the 'Qadiani' community, after the locality of Qadian, India) is based on the Ahmadiyya movement founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889. The original movement split into two factions soon after the death of the founder. (The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam is the second offshoot.)

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, claimed to be the Mujaddid (reformer) of the 14th Islamic century as well as the Messiah, Mahdi and The Second Coming of Christ. Members of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community consider him to be a prophet.

These claims have proven to be extremely controversial among Muslims. Mainstream Muslims believe that no prophet or messenger will come after Prophet Muhammad and that Jesus himself will descend from heaven at the End of Days to wage war against the forces of evil.

Due to this, and other reasons, the unanimous consensus of Muslim scholars (both Sunni and Shia) vehemently denounces Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and his followers as being outside the fold of Islam. Members of Ahmadiyya community are not allowed to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of islam. This is due to disapproval of their beliefs by muslim scholars. They were declared non-muslim by an amendment in 1973 constitution of Pakistan on 7 september 1974. Even the Pakistani Supreme Court entered into the act at the initiation of Qadiyanis (the followers of Qadiyanism) and rendered its verdict in favor of the government, after a long process of litigation. In early 1996 the government of South Africa followed the suit and declared Qadiyanism not to be labelled as Islam.

Ahmadis belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (as opposed to those belonging to the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement), however, argue that Muhammad, whom all Muslims believe to be the greatest of all prophets, was the last law-bearing prophet and that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad did not create a new religion or bring a new law, but rather revived and rejuvenated the teachings of Islam. They divide prophets between law-bearing and subservient prophets. The latter follow the given law of the law-bearing prophet and act as a restorative prophet. A historical comparison given by them are of Jesus and Solomon who were “subservient prophets” and the successors of Moses, “the law-giver”. Prophets

Ahmadis believe that:

  • The Qur'an has no contradictions (or abrogations), and has precedence over the Hadith or traditions; i.e., that one verse of the Qur'an does not cancel another and that no Hadith can contradict a verse of the Qur'an.
  • Jesus (called Yuz Asaf) was crucified and survived the 4 hours on the cross, then was revived from a swoon in the tomb. He died in Kashmir of old age whilst seeking the “Lost Tribes of Israel”. He also clearly foretold the coming of Muhammad after him, which Christians have misinterpreted.
  • There is only one God, and He revealed the knowledge of religion to all humanity through nation-based prophets up to Muhammad. Islam is the first universal religion.
  • That Jihad can only be used to protect against extreme religious persecution, not as a political weapon or an excuse for rulers to invade neighbouring territories.concept of Jihad
  • That the “Messiah” and “Imam Mahdi” are the same person, and that Islam will defeat the Anti-Christ or Dajjal in a period similar to the period of time it took for nacent Christianity to rise (300 years). Mainstream Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified, but made to look as though he had been, and that he ascended to heaven from where he will return personally in the flesh to revive Islam, “kill the pigs and break the crosses”.
  • The central value of prayer, charity, good intention, et cetera.

Other beliefs include: Accountability, afterlife, angels, conscience, creation, destiny, doomsday, evolution, happiness, Heaven, Judgment Day, knowledge, life, miracles, prophecy, punishment, resurrection, spirituality, suffering, and truth. See [1]

Contents

Organization and size

Figures for the total numbers of adherents vary greatly among different sources. The Association's own figures range from around 10 million (in 1980) to over 200 million (in 2003) members; it has offices in over 176 countries.

The supreme head is currently Mirza Masroor Ahmad, given the title Khalifatul Masih Khamis (Khamis = "fifth" in Arabic). He is often referred to as “Your Holiness” or “Leader of the Faithful”. The headquarters was originally in Qadian, Punjab, India; then in 1947 it was moved to Rabwah, Punjab, Pakistan. Initially it was secure in Pakistan, but during the time of President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a law was passed stating that Ahmadis were a non-Muslim sect, and this was followed by waves of persecution. During the time of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the situation deteriorated, and the operation of the Community was so badly inhibited that it moved to its present location in southfields, London in 1984.

On January 9, 2004, Bangladesh banned books published by Ahmadis. According to a consensus of Islamic scholars, Ahmadis are considered 'kafirs' because they are seen to contradict some of the basic Islamic tenets of faith. Ahmadis who are pacifists believe this is a confirmation of the truth of their faith.

History

Al-Haaj Maulana Hakeem Nooruddin (1841-1914)

Maulana Hakim Nooruddin is referred to as (Khalifatul Masih I) by members of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He was born in the village of Bhera in Punjab in 1841. He was Royal Physician to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir for many years, and he travelled far and wide, including a four-year stay in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in pursuit of knowledge. He was the first person to swear a pledge of allegiance (baiat) to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah on 23 March 1889. In Qadian, his only pursuits were religion and the amelioration of the poors' conditions. He exercised modesty, kindliness, patience, and self denial, which earned him the affection of all around him. He never ventured out of Qadian or wrote anything without the approval of his Imam Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. After Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's demise, Maulana Hakeem Nooruddin was unanimously acclaimed as his successor on May 27 1908. He guided the community in this capacity until his death on Friday, March 13 1914. His achievements were; He laid the foundation for the institution of Khilafat. Oversaw the translation of the Holy Qur'an into English. First foreign mission was established in London. Extensions were carried out to Aqsa Mosque and Talim-ul-Islam High School and Boarding House buildings. Noor Hospital and Noor Mosque were inaugurated. A number of publications were started to broaden the propagation activities of the Ahmadiyya Movement; including, "Al-Fazal" and "Noor" from Qadian, "Al Haque" from Delhi, and "Paigham-e-Sulha" from Lahore.

Biography

The Split in 1914

In 1914 a split took place in the Ahmadiyya Community with the accession of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, the 2nd Khalifatul Masih, over definitions of doctrines forming the mainstream Ahmadiyya Movement and Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam. They are respectively known as the Qadiani and Lahori sects.

Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (1889-1965)

Khalifatul Masih II styled "Musleh Maoud" (1914-1965)

Prophet Muhammad is said to have had prophesied the advent of a spiritual and pious promised son of the Mahdi at a time when Islam would be at a stage of decline and depression. He had prophesied that he would come with a mission to revive and strengthen Islamic theology and, through him, Islam would resurge. Muhammad called this holy and spiritual son as the Musleh (Reformer) and the Promised one.

Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad's birth in 1889 was associated with the revelation of the Promised Messiah, the advent of the Promised Son. He offered himself to the Community and soon formed an organisation called Anjuman Tashheezul Azhaan and started a magazine by the same name for proselytising.

On May 26 1908, the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad passed away at Lahore when Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad was 19. At that moment, this promised son stood by the bed of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and vowed: "Even if all the people leave you and I am left alone, I would stand by you and would face all opposition to and onslaughts on your Mission." On May 27 1908, he was the first to take the oath of allegiance to the first Khalifa.

In September 1912, he travelled to Egypt, then on to Mecca to performed the Hajj and, whilst travelling, he preached his father's new doctrine, Ahmadiyyat. In June 1913, he started a newspaper "Al-Fazl" which became the central organ of the Community. On March 14 1914, in Qadian, the will of Khalifatul Masih I was read out, which requested the people to elect someone as his successor.

Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad was elected the second successor to the Promised Messiah on March 14 1914, and remained Khalifa until November 7 1965, a period of about 52 years. His achievements involved developing the scope of missionary activities, and established Madrasa Ahmadiyya [Seminary] up to university status to provide learned religious missionaries. As part of this, he established 46 missions abroad from the remote town of Qadian. With his knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith, he navigated his way through swathes of opposition from Muslim and Christian clerics, raising the importance of the movement worldwide. In a public gathering in Delhi in 1944, he claiming himself to be the "Musleh Maoud" (Promised Reformer) and reiterating his challenge about the interpretation of the truths and wisdom of the Qur'an. He also managed the translation and publication of the Qur'an into various languages.

He also inspired and established the present configuration of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, establishing;

  • central and regional organisations:
  • an organisation, Ansaarullah, for men above 40 years of age.
  • an organisation, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, for youth below 40.
  • an organisation, Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya, for boys of below 15 years.
  • an organisation, Lajna Imaullah, for women.
  • an organisation, Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya, for girls.

Migration of Ahmadis from India At independence in 1947, the country was divided along religious lines with Indian Muslims migrating to Pakistan. The Community found a tract of waste-land and built the town of Rabwah, which became the new headquarters. In it they built offices, schools, colleges, and various community departments.

After an attempt on his life with a knife while leading prayers, he went to London in the first week of April 1955 for medical treatment. Despite this, he opened various new missions in Europe. He died in Rabwah in 1955 after 52 years as Khilafa.

Biography

Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad (1909-1982)

Khalifatul Masih III (1965-1982) Mirza Nasir Ahmad was born on 16 November 1909 son of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, the second Caliph.

Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad became the third Caliph in 1965. He expanded missionary work despite opposition, which at times was violent. Another accomplishment was holding together the Ahmadiyya Community when Pakistan declared the community as a non-Muslim minority.

Under Mirza Nasir Ahmad, the Ahmadiyya Community propagated Ahmadi Islam throughout the world; built and ran schools, colleges, hospitals, preaching centers, and mosques, especially in West Africa and despite Christian missionary work at the same time. The Qur'an was translated into many languages.

In 1976, he toured America, Canada, Norway, West Germany, Holland, Sweden, and England; in 1982 he again visited Holland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and West Germany, and attended the London Conference in 1978 concerning Jesus' crucifixion (which Ahmadis consider to be a false doctrine). After more than sixteen years as Khalifah, he died on June 9 1982.

Biography

Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928-2003)

Khalifatul Masih IV (1982-2003) He was born on December 18 1928 another son of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (the second Caliph). He graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya (Theological Academy) at Rabwah, then he studied in London for two and half years. After completing his higher education, he dedicated his life to the service of his faith. Mirza Nasir Ahmad (the third Caliph) passed away on the June 9 1982, and the following day Mirza Tahir Ahmad was elected as Khalifatul Masih IV, the fourth Caliph.

He instructed Ahmadi women to strictly observe "Purdah" and to focus on spirituality over materialism. (Because of this, most Ahmadi women in the West are strict in purdah.) He made proselytizing mandatory for every Ahmadi Muslim, in with regard to this set goals that resulted in an increasing number of converts year after year. He built up the organization and its finances, and actively visited many countries throughout the world.

The Persecution

In 1984, the Government of Pakistan, under General Zia-ul-Haq, passed Ordinance XX, which banned proselytization by Ahmadis and also banned calling Ahmadis as Muslims. According to this ordinance, any Ahmadi who refers to oneself as a Muslim by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, directly or indirectly, or makes the call for prayer as other Muslims do, is punishable by imprisonment of upto 3 years. As a result, persecution began against the Ahmadis. Because of these difficulties, Mirza Tahir Ahmad fled to London, which has been called a Hijrah, recalling Muhammad's fleeing Meccah for Yathrib (now called Medina).

On June 10 1988, Mirza Tahir Ahmad challenged some of the Sunni scholars to a Mubahila or debate. Soon after, a certain Maulana Aslam Qureshi, who was said to have been kidnapped and murdered by Mirza Tahir Ahmad, reappeared. Qureshi admitted that he went to Iran on his own and was not kidnapped or abducted. The Daily Muslim Pakistan newspaper on 13 July 1988 states:

"Lahore, July 12: Maulana Muhammad Aslam Qureshi of the Tehrik Khatme Nabuwwat, who was alleged to have been kidnapped and murdered by a minority of Pakistan over five years ago was produced on Tuesday before newsmen at a hurriedly called press conference addressed by Inspector General Police Punjab, Nisar Ahmad Cheema. Maulana Qureshi told newsmen that he served the Iranian Army for about five years and fought at various fronts during this period. He said that he had left his hometown Sialkot due to frustration caused by financial and other domestic problems." (Daily Muslim, 13 July 1988)

General Zia-ul-Haq, who vowed that he would eradicate Ahmadiyyat, was the most prominent person to whom the challenge was addressed. Many atrocities were committed against Ahmadis. Repeated warnings were given by the Caliph to the General that he had been named in this Mubahila and, whether or not he formally accepted the challenge, he was a party to it. The General did not heed these remarks. In his Friday sermon on August 12 1988, the Caliph said that because the General and his government did not cease their persecution, and had thus gravely sinned, their fate was sealed.

On August 17, 9 weeks after the challenge was issued, the General's plane exploded, killing him. This is seen by Ahmadis as a confirmation of their mission by God.

The Great Expansion

Mirza Tahir Ahmad expanded proselytization by Ahmadis. This expansion included 152 countries. During his time, the community gained more influence by the influx of converts, including eminent personalities and tribal leaders. By the end of his caliphate, there were 200 million members. The Qur'an had been translated into 51 languages, with select verses in 118 languages, which achievment has been without parallel. He established the first Muslim satellite TV station. Thousands of parents dedicated their children to serve the community. He spoke and wrote extensively on a wide range of spiritual and secular subjects. In one of his many books, Murder in the Name of Allah, he forcefully argued from the Qur'an and early Muslim history that Islam unequivocally rejects coercion and compulsion in the matter of faith. In his recent book, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge, and Truth he sought to establish the truth of the Qur'an in light of modern physical and biological sciences. As Caliph, he toured Australiasia, Europe, America, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa, opening the first mosque to be built in Spain in 750 years. An internationally-acclaimed thinker and scholar of comparative religions, he had a profound understanding of the Qur'an, the Bible, and other scriptures. A discerning student of world history and a keen observer of international politics, he urged peace and tolerance among all nations and peoples. He cared deeply about human rights, championed the cause of the persecuted and the dispossessed, and advocated Islam as the solution of all contemporary political, social, economic, and spiritual problems.

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad passed away on April 19 2003, after a brief illness.

Biography Mubahala

Mirza Masroor Ahmad (1950- date)

Khalifatul Masih V (2003-present)

[Mirza Masroor Ahmad] was born on September 15 1950 in Rabwah, Pakistan, which was the Ahmadi community's headquarters at the time. He is the son of Mirza Mansoor Ahmad.

Mirza Masroor Ahmad did his primary education at Taleem-ul-Islam High School, Rabwah, and obtained his BA from Taleem-ul-Islam College, Rabwah. In 1976 he earned his Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the Agriculture University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He is currently expanding the mosque, seminary, and education programs of the community

Biography

Ahmadiyya involvement in the creation of Pakistan

1

External links

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