Mujaddid: Advice of the Promised Massih

The Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) believed that there are certain qualities that a believer should possess in order for him or her to be able to recognize when an Elect of Allah such as a Mujaddid makes an appearance in the world in a new Century.The principal quality for being able to recognize a Mujaddid is the possession of spiritual light in the heart. He explained this fascinating insight into the working of the spiritual realm and the human mind by contrasting the responses of Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) and Abu Jahl when they became aware of the claims of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).

We are presenting below the relevant extracts: 

“Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) was the person whose nature had the oil and the wick of blessings and as soon he had the pure teachings of the Holy prophet (sa), he was lit up. He did not argue with the Holy Prophet (sa); he did not ask for any signs or miracle. As he heard of the claim of the Holy Prophet (sa) he asked him if he had really claimed to be a prophet. Having got the answer in the affirmative, he said “let you be my witness that I am the first of those who believe in you”. 

That, very clearly, shows that those who have the light of faith in their nature do not need much of talking. With just one thing they arrive at the conclusion. They have a light in their heart. As soon as they hear the voice, they are lit up.The divine power that they have in them is aroused by hearing the voice (of the person who comes from God and calls the people). It begins to develop. And as for those who do not possess that power, they are deprived (of the light) and are ruined. This is what has been happening since time immemorial.  

Experience shows that those who indulge in questioning are usually deprived of guidance. Of course those who think good of others and are patient, they have the full share of guidance. The examples of both these kinds are to be met with in the persons of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Abu Jahl. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not have controversies and did not ask for the signs to be shown; rather he himself became a splendid sign. Abu Jahl resisted, opposed and did not stop showing his foolishness. He witnessed the signs but could not see them (i.e. he could not benefit from them). Eventually he became a sign for others and passed away in the state of his being an opponent. 

Let everybody fear and know that if a Mujaddid appears in any age, those who believe in him are the blessed people. He who finds reluctance in his heart and does not find himself inclined towards believing in him should be apprehensive, for, these are the signs of a bad end and of deprivation”.  - [Malfuzat,  Vol II, p.165.] 

The Promised Messiah (as)  further says: “Our Holy Prophet^sa has established that there is a need for a Leader of the time (Imāmu Zamān) in every century and has clearly stated that whosoever goes towards God Almighty, not having recognized the Imām, they will go in a state of blindness, and will die a death of ignorance” (Malfūzāt, Vol 5, p. 102). 

Who are these leaders of the time (Imāmu Zamān)?

“Allāh the Almighty has extended the advent of the Khulāfa’ till the Day of Judgment and this special honour and superiority has been bestowed on Islām for its support and reformation. Mujaddidīn have been sent in every century, and will continue so into the future . . . All the times Khulāfa’ served and reformed the Muhammadi Sharī‘a and will continue to come to do so till the end of time.” (Malfūzāt, Vol 10, p 262)