Sunday, January 22, 2012

Questions about Ahmadi Doctrines

[Janab R. Jamaluddin Raother, the respected Amir Sahib of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Kerala (India) received a bunch of questions through e-mail from an Ahmadi brother who described himself as a “truth seeker”. 

These questions cover a number of issues that are pertinent to the central ideas underpinning the current Divine Manifestation in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius. They include issues such as the continuity of divine revelations and the coming of Mujaddidin and other divinely raised souls in Islam, the historic trajectory of the current Divine Manifestation, especially the episode involving the establishment of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Muslimeen and the issues pertaining to our previous relations with (and present views on) Zafrullah Dumun Sahib, etc.

Reproduced below is the first installment of an edited transcript of the views shared by this humble writer in response to the questions raised by the brother who sought “clear cut one by one answer for (his) questions”. Some of the responses include added material as well.].       

1. I heard that Mr. Munir Azim (is) claming to be Mujaddid, Like that Mr. Nasir Ahmed Sultani, Abdul Gaffar Janba also claiming. All are denying each other. If so, what is the measurement to understand true one and fake one?

To understand and recognize the Imam of the Age, a truth seeker should ideally learn the nature and scope of the views being clearly articulated by the respective persons who says they have a Divinely ordained mission to fulfill. He should examine the claims in the light of the noble teachings of the Holy Qur’an, the path of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the explanations to these teachings given by the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as). Based on a careful study of the views being articulated by the claimants and by applying the spiritual logic to the issues involved, a truth seeker could reach his conclusion. To dispel doubts still remaining, if any, in his mind, he should invoke the ultimate solution of prayer to Allah as famously suggested by the Promised Massih (as).

2. Both this Respected Mr. Munir Ahmed Azim sahib and Mr. Zafarulla Domun were together before, why did they separate? Or (Do you) Still accept Zafarullah Domun as your Imam.

Zafrullah Domun Sahib was the first person to recognize and accept the Divine Manifestation in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba). He was the first person to take Bai’at at the hands of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib as well.

In the recently published Biographical Essay on the life of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib, one can read about an extraordinary event which throws searching light on the special spiritual relationship they shared in the past:    

“On 08 March 2003, the third night of the Safar Zikrullah, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) supplicated Allah to honour his brother Zafrullah Domun Sahib along with him, and therefore he (Hazrat Munir) without receiving any revelation from Allah, humbly dedicated the title of Amir’ul Mumineen to Mokarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib in a special program with the Jamaat. On the spot, he received divine reprimand whereby Allah told him, who has given him permission to dedicate that title which Allah has given him to Mokarram Sahib?

After much Istigfaar, Allah then turned in Mercy to His Chosen One and told him that He has now accepted his prayers and that now there are to be two Amirul Mumineens, Allah not having annulled Hazrat Munir’s rightful claim to being Chief of the believers, and that just like Hazrat Musa (as) pleaded with Allah to honour his brother Harun (as), therefore the relationship between the two men were like Prophet Musa (the one to get the most vital revelations from Allah) and Harun (as). At another time, Allah even said that the two of them were like twin brothers, the two of them confirming each other and Zafrullah Domun Sahib as being his right hand”.

Likewise, the Declaration of 23 November 2005 written by Zafrullah Domun Sahib will also give you an insight into the issue of how they- Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib and Mokarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib-came together. The document is @:


In spite of the special spiritual relationship between the two, the separation of ways happened. We have no right to question the Divine Will. Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib has reflected on the circumstances behind the separation and the reasons for the formation of the new Jamaat in the following document:



3. It has been come to know that 'Jamath Ahmadiyya Al Muslimeen’ has been established by the instruction of God. Then Allah himself separated them?

Yes, Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Muslimeen was established under clear instructions from Allah, the Most High. The name- Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Muslimeen- itself was revealed to Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib in December 2002.

Allah’s trial for believers takes different forms. In the thick and cauldron of human life, sometimes severe trials take place so much so that believers may even wonder about the promised Divine help and succor. From the Holy Qur’an, we can find countless examples where even prophets in the past have made mistakes in understanding the Will of God and gone against the spirit of Divine commandments at times.   

It is not unthinkable to imagine that Zafrullah Domun Sahib may not have understood the full import of the Divine messages descending on Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) on whose hands he took Bai’at and/or he may have been impatient with the meaning of matters he did not comprehend-the nature and full scope of the Divine Manifestation, etc.

The Holy Qur’an tells us that after years of separation, the brethren of Hadhrat Yusuf (as) were allowed to be reunited with him. So, it is perfectly possible to imagine that Allah may bring about events in future in the ongoing Divine Manifestation as well, Insha Allah. May Allah overlook his mistakes and return him back to the Jamaat as the first disciple of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib.

4. In the Past history, is there any such an incident that 'Mulhams' (I meant those who getting revelations) separated?

From the Qur’anic narration of history, we understand that Allah sometimes descends revelations on more than one person at the same point in time- a Chief of the believers and his assistant(s) who operates as the right hand of the Chief of the Believers to convey the Divine Message. The Holy Qur’an clearly indicates that ‘Mulhams’ or those who are recipients of divine revelations could be separated under certain circumstances. Sometimes, it may happen that the grandeur and majesty of the divine revelations descending upon the Chief of the believers may not be fully understood by his assistant.

If the assistant displays impatience on matters of which he does not really comprehend, it may lead to separation of ways from the Master to whom the Assistant has taken Bai’at- May I follow you on condition that you teach me of the guidance which you have been taught”. Remember that Ask me no questions about anything till I myself speak to you concerning it”, was a condition to avoid separation of ways between ‘Mulhams’ in the past [HQ: 18: 66-71]     

Believers are also specifically instructed to refrain from unnecessary questioning of Messengers. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘O you who believe! Do not put questions about things which if revealed to you may trouble you, and if you question about them when the Quran is being revealed, they shall be unfold to you; Allah pardons this, and Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing. People before you indeed asked such questions, and then became disbelievers on account of them.’ (5: 102-103)

From the above verses of the Holy Qur’an, it is abundantly clear that separation of ways may happen between the Chief of the Believers and his close disciples and assistants even if they are also recipients of divine revelations. Such incidents cast no aspersions on the sanctity of the Divine Manifestation. Allah does what He will. And we cannot question Divine Will. The Holy Qur’an says: He is not to be questioned as to what He does, but they will be questioned” (21: 24).

Apart from the Holy Qur’an, the Promised Massih (as) also in his book “The Need for an Imam” confirms the incident of a man named Balaam who was a recipient of divine revelations challenging Hadhrat Musa (as) himself. During the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), a scribe of his also used to receive divine revelations, yet he got separated from the Holy Prophet (sa)’s mission later on.

5. As per the Hadiths of Nabi(s), is there more than one Mahdi Maseeh?

Holy Qur’an confirms and every Ahmadi believes that Allah’s blessings for the Ummah are till the Day of Judgement. The Hadith of the Nabi (sa) on the coming of Mujaddids in every century itself confirms there will be several Mahdis (Guided Ones). 

Listen to what the Promised Massih (as) clearly states:

I am the claimer of Promised Messiah, and this is not the only claim of mine, that only I am the one and the last Promised Messiah. Hence, according to me it is possible that after my age (time period) ten thousands (10,000) Promised Messiahs shall come. But for this age (time period) I am the Promised Messiah.”

He then, writes: “It is also evident that this view is not mine alone. The ‘mirror images’ of the Massih could be several persons’- This is also not just a personal opinion of mine. This is actually the essence of the great prophetic traditions in this regard. There could be around 30 Dajjals till the Day of Judgement. Thus 30 Dajjals might appear in the world. Based on the prophecy “Li Kulli Dajjalin Isa”, at least 30 Massihs should come. Due to these descriptions, the other Massihs will make an appearance at some other time. All this is perfectly possible”.   (Izala Auham pg.197)

Today, Ahmadis have completely moved away from the real spiritual path of Islam which anticipates the coming of Elects of Allah in every age. Forget about 10,000 Massihs or even the comparatively smaller figure 30 Massihs, mentioned by the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as), his own so-said Jamaat has discarded his teachings by the way side. They do not even expect a single Massih to come in their midst now as they feel they have an elected Khilafat system which is designed to last till the Day of Judgement in the fashion of the Christian Khilafat. Such thinking is in line with the mindset of other peoples of the past who also thought that after their Prophet, no one will come in future!

For the record, Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) also stated: Hundreds of Prophets/ Messengers/ “Mahdis” (Guided Ones) will emerge in the Ummah in future. See the link:


Khalifa Sani (ra) also wrote about the future of Mujaddidin in his very famous Commentary of the Holy Qur’an, see the link:


6. Did Hazrath Ahmad (as) say that, there would be Mujaddis at the head of each and every centuries, after him?

Yes, the Promised Massih (as) did say that there will be Mujaddidin in Islam till the Day of Judgement.

“Once a man asked a question, Will a Mujaddid come after you?” The Promised Massih replied: “What is wrong with a Mujaddid coming after me?” He explained that the prophethood of Moses had come to an end, and that is why his chain of successors ended with Jesus. However, the Khilafat of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will last till the Day of Judgement. There is nothing improper about the appearance of another person so long as the Day of Judgement keeps away its destruction. We do not deny in any manner that pious and righteous men will continue to make their appearance as time goes by. And then, the Day of Judgement will descend suddenly”. (Malfuzat, Vol.7, p.119)

Hadhrat Ahmad (as) continues: “Another important point found in the Holy Qur’an is the letter RA in ALIF LAM RA. The letter refers to the permanent institution of Mujaddids”, the coming of Mujaddids and other men of God till the Judgement Day”. (Ruhani Khazain, No.2, Vol.2, p.63).