Ahmadiyya Khilafat and the new Mujaddid

Origins of Ahmadiyya Khilafat

After the death and departure of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in May 1908, the Ahmadiyya Community invented and established the institution of Khilafat to continue the goodwork and divine mission of the Promised Massih. It is interesting to note that the Promised Massih (as) himself established the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya for this purpose in 1906 and made it very clear that after his departure, the Anjuman shall be final decision-making body for the Jamaat. Yet, after the death of the Founder, all members of the Community including the highest governing body, agreed upon the institution of the office of Khalifatul Massih and elected Hadhrat Al-Haj Maulvi Hakkim Nur-ud-Din Sahib (ra) of Bhervi as the first Khalifa of the Community.

During the time of Khalifatul Massih Awwal, all Ahmadis worked together, as per the wish and Al Wassiyat of the Promised Massih (as). This was a period when devout disciples of the Promised Massih (as) known for their spiritual wisdom and religious knowledge and personal commitment for preferring faith above the worldly considerations were still around.

Contrary to the mistaken notion of most Ahmadis today, the Khalifa is not appointed by Allah (swa). He is appointed by an electoral college of prominent members within- the Majlis Shura. The system worked smoothly according to the commandments of Allah, the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad ^(sa) and Hazrat Massih Ma’ud ^(as).

One Hundred Years of the Split

Khilafat as an instition generally worked for the welfare of the members, especially in the early days. The Khalifa is guided by his chosen advisors and the Maulvis within. During the first Khilafat, all his administrative decisions were recorded as taken in the dual capacity of the President of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. However, after the death of Maulvi Hakkim Nur-ud-Din Sahib (ra) in March 1914, the community split into two: the fraction led by Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, a companion of the Promised Massih (as) refused to accept the leadership of the eldest son of the Promised Massih, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad on perceived grounds of deviation from the teachings of the Promised Massih (as).

‘O Muhyi-ud-Din, Arise and Create a New World !’

March 7 is an important day in the history of the new Divine Manifestation in Mauritius. It was on this in the year 2000- exactly 14 years ago- that Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius first spoke to a friend about the glad tidings of a spiritually-edifying dream, foretelling the advent and inaugural of the Divine Manifestation. In terms of the new Mission and its mandate of reformative intervention, the Divine Revelations from the very early days clearly pointed to the appalling decline of spiritual quality among the contemporary Ahmadi Muslims. At a time when Ahmadis have ‘embraced’ and elevated the institution of khilafat over Tauhid, Allah (swa) revealed to His Chosen Reformer for the new century extraordinary dreams and Divine messages filled with spiritually-uplifting prayers at the dawn of the new century, in the year 2000.

In the revealing testimonial of Mukarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib, one could read one such revelation: “O Muhyi-ud-Din, arise and create a new world! The teachings of the Promised Messiah have been trampled to dust…. They give khilafat more importance than My divine words (Holy Quran), the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad  (sa) and the teachings of the second Issa (the Promised Messiah).

Progeny: Biological and Spiritual

...[t]he belief in all the prophets of God is fundamental to a true believer in the Oneness of God, especially for the one who calls himself Muslim. The prophets form a chain and the medallion, which enhances the beauty of the chain, is certainly the greatest prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).

If the Israelite prophets received from God sons who were both biological and spiritual, so why not the Muhammadan Ummah?  From the prayer of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), it is clear that the Messiah (as) wanted a son like Prophets Zakariyya and Ibrahim (as) each received; extraordinary, learned, and intelligent sons, one who would raise the honour of the physical family of these prophets, as well as their spiritual ones, that is to say, their communities of believers.It is in this context that the Promised Messiah (as) went into retirement/retreat at Hoshiarpur so that Allah may listen to his supplications and answer his prayers. 

In addition to this, the people around him wanted to witness a divine sign which clearly assert his veracity. Thus, it was about such a sign which had to be manifested in the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (as) so that they may witness to this sign. And Allah, by accepting his prayer during his retreat has confirmed that He shall fulfill his prayer and grant him such a son who would be from his own seed, and who would be a Great Divine Sign.

‘ISMUHU AHMAD’: ‘Munir is Ahmad’

Beyond all thoughts and imagination
Is the status of Ahmad (sa);
Whose servant, you can see, 
Is the Messiah of the age! 

-[Haqiqat-ul-Wahi, RK, Vol. 22, pp.286, f.n.)

Divine prophecies contain within them the seed of profound fulfillment: sometimes once, often several times. In the fullness of time, when it unravel and unveil before the world, it is for the believers to recognize and accept the enduring spirit of Divine Truth reverberating through time and history as magnificent reflections of the original fulfillment. Consider the great prophecy of Jesus (as) regarding the raising of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hadhrat Muhammad (sa). Centuries after it was originally made and recorded in the Holy Books of the Christians (Gospel of John, 14: 16-17; 15:26; 16:7, 12-14),  the Holy Qur’an confirmed the prophecy: ‘Jesus, son of Mary, said, ‘Children of Israel, I am sent to you by God, confirming the Torah that came before me and bringing good news of a messenger to follow me whose name will be Ahmad’   (61:07).    

In a special Sermon delivered on September 07, 2013 the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius explains the ways in which Allah (twa) has imprinted and illuminated his name in the Kitab Al Munir/Qur’an Al Azim through the prophecy on ‘ISMUHU AHMAD’.

Read the Extracts from the Speech:

Allah reveals in the Holy Quran about the glad tidings vouchsafed by Jesus to his people concerning the advent of “Ahmad”.

“And giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad” (61: 7).

Without any doubt, the reference to “Ahmad” as mentioned by Jesus and confirmed by Allah in the Holy Quran calls our attention to the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ^(saw). But like the extent of the verses of the Holy Quran are infinite and its interpretations likewise, Allah made this humble self also understand that this applies also to the advent of the first Messiah of Islam and also to this humble self.

A 'Khalifatullah' among Ahmadis

In his Friday Sermon of 06 September 2013, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius provides an illuminating commentary on the continuity of Divine guidance in Islam in the Later Days. 

The great prophecies regarding the Second Manifestation of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) appearing among the “Aakhariin” have been fulfilled at one level with the appearance of the Promised Massih/Khalifatullah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in the last century. Till the appearance of a Divine Elect as a Khalifatullah who shall speak with the help of the Rooh-ul-Qudus, Ahmadis have been advised by the Promised Massih (as) (in Al Wassiyat) to remain united under an elected leadership and accordingly, the Khilafat-e- Ahmadiyya was established. Now that in the new century of Islam, Allah (twa) has raised His own Khalifa in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, there is no scope for a man-elected Khalifa to play a spiritual role. Instead of propagating 'Khatame Massih Maoud' to continue with the mundane Khilafat system within and thereby  commanding Allah to do as per their liking, the scholars and members of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya would do well to introspect, show spiritual humility and follow the new Divine Messenger.  

Read the extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“And He will raise him from among others of them who have not yet joined the first (ones). He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (62: 4) 

To add to what has been mentioned in this verse of the Holy Quran on the appearance of a Khalifatullah, the Messiah of the last days, and the one who shall in fact symbolize the Spiritual Second Manifestation of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) among the “Aakhariin” this verse of the Holy Quran is indeed very revealing: He regulates the affair from the heaven to the earth; then it will ascend to Him in a Day, the extent of which is a thousand years of those which you count.” (32: 6)

According to this verse, Islam shall go through a dark period that would last a thousand years, after a first period of progress and prosperity. This first glory would last three hundred years, according to the traditions. Indeed the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My century is best. Then it will be the century of those who come after my companions (the Tabi’in) then it will be one of those who will come after Tabeïnes (the Tabi-Tabi’in).”

The Islamic Veil: Ethics and Prudence

Continuing the series of sermons on women’s struggle for dignity, identity and equality in society and the larger Islamic teachings that provide a framework to address these complex questions, in his Friday Sermon of 23 August 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius provides illuminating guidance on the ethics and prudence of the Islamic veil as a moral choice for women (and men). 

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“O children of Adam! We have indeed bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment.” (7: 27).

 “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. This is the best way for them to be recognized and not be abused. And Allah is really Most-Forgiving and Most-Merciful.” (33: 60)

 “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment...” (24: 32)

The ISLAMIC VEIL has always been the subject of debate in several countries which is said to be modern with liberal thoughts. The West and countries adopting European cultures around the world see the Muslim woman as a prisoner and without having any dignity, just by the way they dress, the way they cover themselves from head to toe.

Experiences of Divine Revelation: Then & Now

“And it is not for a man that Allah should speak to him except

by revelation or from behind a veil or by sending a Messenger

to reveal by His command what He pleases. Surely, He is High, Wise.”

                                                                             -  [Holy Qur’an, 42:52]

Allah the Almighty raises His Elects in every era. The sublime purpose is to guide and lead the people in the Straight Path of Divine Favour.  To teach them wisdom and judgement, Allah (swt), thus, reveals His Messages to His chosen servants and the miraculous power of the Lord Almighty is experienced by the people in countless ways.  The great blessing of Divine revelations and guidance with which the Messengers are invariably blessed with, point to their Divine nearness, help and succour. The shadow of Divine Mercy and Grace protects the Messengers from harm in the complex contingencies of their everyday lives. Truth seekers know that the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian had left a graphic portrait of aspects of Divine revelations as he experienced it. Indeed it would be spiritually uplifting and intellectually enlightening for common folks like us to look for similarities in the experiences of Divine revelation by claimants to this august office. Today, we have thus an extraordinary opportunity: to see and bear witness to the magnificent, living reality of Divine revelations! For, we are living in the times of a Messenger of Allah in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius who is a recipient of this uncommon and precious privilege of Divine Mercy. Alhamdulillah Rabbul Aalameen! 

It is astonishing to note that there are remarkable similarities between the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian and his spiritual progeny, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius, although their times are separated by a century or so. In this article, we discuss one such similarity.

Mukarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib, who at one point of time in his life led the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya Mauritius as its National Amir for almost a decade, had written a personal, comprehensive and scholarly testimonial to the truthfulness and veracity of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) and his claims. This document is an authentic, living testimonial/record of an intimate witness to the phenomena of Divine revelations descending upon a man who claims for over a decade now on the basis of the Divine Mandate that he is indeed the Imam of the Age. This testimonial touches upon, and captures the essence of, the experience of Divine revelations descending upon Hadhrat Khalifatullah Sahib (atba) in the early days of the Divine Manifestation. We reproduce below extracts from this document and also, place before you, similar extracts from the writings of the Promised Massih (as) pertaining to the experience of Divine revelations. It is, of course, for the discerning readers to read and reflect upon and derive appropriate conclusions from here. 

Zafrullah Domun Sahib records in his official Declaration: “During the course of those conversations I understood that he was receiving several revelations and that through the dreams, visions and revelations we were being told about matters of which we knew not. Our attention was being drawn to several verses of the Holy Quran, to known and unknown ahadiths , to several prayers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad  (s.a.w), to prayers, the source of which we were unaware of, and also to extracts from the Promised Messiah's books or from his malfoozaaat. At the same time we received long texts on particular topics pertinent to spiritual understanding and elevation: what is Islam, what is the meaning of God being close to man, zikr , tawhid , the condition of humanity, international current affairs, religious reform, the necessity of revelation, and many others. I have to confess here that later on we became aware that many of the texts received already existed in one form or other in some books or articles but we were not aware of them when they were being received. As far as we are concerned many of these materials were new to us and they were spiritual delights.

These revelations were sometimes received in English or in French or in Urdu or even in Arabic or Persian or sometimes even in our local dialect Créole but most of them were in French or English. Whatever was received in Urdu or Arabic or Persian was followed by a translation so that we might understand the message….” 

Now, it would be interesting to observe the experience of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) on the matter of Divine revelations descending upon him: 

“During the process of writing Arabic, hundreds of complete sentences descend upon my heart, either in the form of verbal revelation or in the form of a writing on a paper which is shown to me by an angel. Some of these sentences are verses of the Holy Qur’an, or similar to them with minor modification. Sometimes I only find out later that a certain Arabic sentence that had been revealed to me by God was in fact present in a certain book. God, being the Lord of everything, has the authority to reveal to my heart a fine sentence from some book, or an exquisite verse from some book of poetry. So much for Arabic, but even more surprising is the fact that I receive revelations in languages like English, Sanskrit or Hebrew, with which I have no familiarity whatsoever. Some specimens of these were included in Baraheen-e- Ahmadiyya. God, in Whose hand is my life, is my witness that this is how He has been dealing with me. This is one of the signs pertaining to matters of the unseen that continue to be revealed to me in various forms. My God cares not if any phrase that is revealed to me happens to figure in some Arabic, Sanskrit or English book, because for me it is a matter of the unseen…”  -[ Nuzul-ul Masih, Ruhani Khasa’in, vol. 18, pp. 434-436; Essence of Islam, vol. V, p.157]

The Prophecy on ‘Qamaran Munira'

Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the Promised Massih and Mahdi of Islam was vouchsafed many glad tidings and Divine Prophecies regarding the brilliant and successful future of his physical and spiritual progeny. The spiritual progeny of the Promised Massih (as), who shall speak with the Holy Spirit, will spread the message of Islam to the ends of the earth and the victory of the Divine Path over all other material ideologies will take shape under their hands. Among the Ahmadi Muslims, there is no doubt or difference on this basic postulate, though the believers differ among themselves on the interpretation and application of this general principle. Among the prophecies vouchsafed to the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) in this regard include the following:  

“He gave me the glad tidings: you shall have a son,

Who shall one day become My darling.

I shall dispel all darkness through this Moon,

And demonstrate the transformation of a world;

It’s not just a glad tiding, but it is the very sustenance of my soul,

Holy is He who disgraced the enemies!”                                             

                                   - [ DURR-E-THAMIN, p. 50; Essence of Islam, Vol. V, p.51 ]

“THE MOON OF PROPHETS SHALL COME, and your task shall be accomplished. A son will be born to you and Divine grace shall be brought closer to you. In other words, he will be the source of Divine Grace…” -[TIRYAQ-UL-QULUB, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol.15, p.220; Essence of Islam, Vol. V, p.51]

The Elixir of Truth in Divine Prophecies

March 23 is an important date in the modern history of spiritual Islam. It was on this Day in 1889 that the the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya was established by the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian. [Inset: a photo from the 2005 Jalsa Salana at Qadian, which the present writer attended]. He initiated the Bai’at Programme through which devout Muslims could express their allegiance to the Divine appointee. In a special speech to mark the occasion on Saturday, 23 March 2013 the Chosen Messenger of our times, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius spoke at length about the sacred, foundational prophecies that undergird the belief about the coming of Divine Messengers/Massihs’/Mahdis’ in the Latter Days of Islam. The speech beautifully captures the essence of Divine prophecies foretold in the sacred writings of Muslims, Christians and the seers of other religious. It demonstrates how these prophecies have been fulfilled in the times of the Promised Massih (as) and also reflects on their contemporary significance. The spiritual outlook regarding the continuity of Divine revelations and the appearance of Divine Messengers in future, who will speak with the Holy Spirit, as emerging from the writings of the Promised Massih (as) and as discussed in the speech must be of special interest to devout Ahmadis.   

Read the Extracts from the Speech:

Today 23 March 2013 establishes 124 years since an event took place in the once unknown small village – Qadian – situated in the province of Punjab in India. It was an event destined to change the course of history. In Islamic literature, the Quran predicts a thousand years during which Islam will suffer an extraordinary decline.

“He regulates His command from the heaven to the earth; then shall it ascend to Him in a day the measure of which is a thousand years of what you count.” (As-Sajdah 32: 6).

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has predicted that this decline will not begin until three hundred years after his advent: “The best century is the one in which I live, then the second and the third will be good, afterwards lies will spread, truth shall disappear; cruelty, excesses, differences and divergences shall appear”. (Miskat, Bukhari & Tirmidhi).

SYRIA: Some Prophecies and the War Clouds

According to the Holy Qur’an, men of purified intelligence can ‘read’ the ‘world’ as a ‘text’. For, the Signs of Allah are present everywhere for the discerning eye. And there are many prophecies that will find there fulfilment in the promised Latter Days of Islam. Many of these prophecies have been indeed fulfilled in the times of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as). And hidden dimensions and other subtleties of those prophecies unclear in the previous era will unveil itself and become apparent in the present times, Insha Allah, with Allah the Most High raising His Chosen Messenger for the era, Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius amongst us, Alhamdulillah.  

  

One of the stunning prophecies made by the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) was about the arrival of the ‘Zaki Ghulam’/ ‘Musleh Maoud’ in the Jamaat-a- Ahmadiyya, who would be a servant of Allah for his times. Ruminating on future world events, the Promised Massih (as) indicated about troubling times ahead when there will be wars and countries invading one another, and instances of kings subjugating kings. He specifically mentioned that the centre of these all-encompassing troubles shall be Syria and that is the political and material context in which the Musleh Maoud would be making his Divine Mission. Most aspects of the signs were fulfilled in the times of Hadhrat Khalifa Sani Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad (ra), physically and literally. When Hadhrat Khalifa Sani (ra) made his public claim of being the Musleh Maoud, the Second World War was  still raging and there were troubles all over the Middle East and beyond, as indicated in the sacred prophecies.

It is astonishing to note that a great blessing for our times is that Allah has once again raised a spiritual son of the Promised Massih (as) with the grand title of ‘Musleh Maoud’ on February 20, 2004. It is also instructive to note that the political and military scenario emerging and unfolding in our times as well point to the arresting scenarios divined in the prophecies, if one pays close attention to the developments in the Arab world in the last decade and elsewhere. Indeed, for those who believe in Allah and His astoundingly subtle ways, these are times of a second Musleh Maoud in the personhood of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba), spiritually and metaphorically fulfilling the great Divine prophecies in this era.

The Heavenly Signs of Hadhrat Ahmad (as)

One of the most important beliefs among the Muslims is the appearance of Al Imam Al Mahdi in the Latter Days. The grand prophecies of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) regarding the appearance of his substitute in the Latter Days also point to the sign of solar and lunar eclipses. The appearance of the Divinely-ordained soul took place at the appointed time and the signs of celestial events also fulfilled as foretold in the holy traditions. Allah the Most High kept his side of the bargain. Yet, the world in general and the contemporary theologians in particular, rejected him. 

In his Friday Sermon of 22 March 2013, Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius reflects on the personal background of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian who was raised to the august spiritual office of Al Imam Al Mahdi by Allah the Most High, against the backdrop of the decline of the fortunes of Muslims in India and their capacity to articulate Islam’s spiritual appeal in general. In his speech, the Khalifatullah (atba) bears witness to the sublime truth of Hadhrat Ahmad (as) and further, confirms that his own Divine Mission in this era is inextricably intertwined with the Divine Mission of the Promised Massih (as) in the previous era.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

The year 1835 holds a proud place in the human calendar. During that year a child was born in Qadian, an obscure village in northern India. For generations his ancestors had ruled with distinction over the region around Qadian. Prior to his arrival even Islam fell in decline and lost much of its glory. The child who was born was not ordinary. He was intended to bring about a great revolution not only in the realm of the spirit, but also well into the realm of matter. He was born on 13 February 1835 and was named Ghulam Ahmad by his parents and later became famous under the name of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani. He was appointed by God as the Messiah and Mahdi.

Interpreting the Prophecy on Musleh Maoud

In a special speech delivered on the occasion of the Musleh Maoud Day on February 20, 2013 Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius paid glowing tributes to the grand prophecy revealed to the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) regarding the birth of an auspicious, blessed, fortunate son who would be a servant of Islam. Extolling the literal and physical fulfilment of that great prophecy in the time of the second Khalifa of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad (ra), the Chosen Messenger of Allah of our times points to the contemporary relevance of this prophecy.

A revelation of Allah can be realised in many ways and in different eras also. Just as there was the physical fulfilment of this prophecy in the previous period, the metaphoric and spiritual fulfilment of the prophecy takes place in this era on 20 February 2004, when Allah the Most High raised Hadhrat Khalifatullah with the title: “Musleh Maoud”.  Further, drawing upon the principles of interpretation of numerical values familiar to the great, mystical saints of Islam, Hadhrat Sahib provides an interesting explanation regarding the fulfilment of the prophecy in this era on his august personhood, Alhamdulillah.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:    

Recent Dreams about the Divine Manifestation

“The world of dreams is in a manner like the world to come. The wonders that nature has sealed up in the dreamland and the mysteries therein and the manner in which these spiritual phenomena appear are similar to that of the Hereafter. One might say that the dreamland is a kind of reflection or a photograph of the world yet to come. That is why death and dreams have been spoken of as real sisters, alike in their features, appearance, components and integral parts.

The only way to have a glimpse at the secrets of the world to come without the aid of inspiration and revelation, is this source- the world of dreams; it is, therefore befitting for the wise and thinkers, if they are keen on acquiring some knowledge of the happenings of the next world, that they must ponder and deliberate over the happenings in the dreams because the wonders of the world to come are not unlike the wonders of the dreamland. Just as the state of dreams is created after a strange change so are the conditions transformed in the Hereafter”.- Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (SURMA CHASHM ARYA; p. 159).

By the grace of Allah, Allah keeps sending new revitalising signs in His Divine Manifestation as a constant blessing. In other words, Allah keeps on pouring down His multitudinous spiritual grace in the hearts of both His Chosen Servant, the Khalifatullah of this era, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius and the sincere believers in his advent. For the benefit of our readers, we present below two important dreams (dated Sunday 24 February 2013), one seen by the Khalifatullah (atba) and the other by one of his most devoted, wise and pious disciples.

Imam of the Age: Qualities and Faculties

More than a century back, the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) wrote an important essay on the Need for the Imam. This tract provides illuminating insights into the spiritual order of Imamat that Islamic ethics prescribes for perpetual Divine guidance for the common folks who seeks to strive in the straight and narrow path of pure spirituality.

Read the Extracts from the Book:

   

"Now, an important question arises: Who is to be called the Imam of the age? What are his hallmarks? And why is he to be preferred over other recipients of revelations, dreams and visions? The answer to this question is that the Imam of the age is the one for whose spiritual training God Almighty Himself assumes charge. He imbues his nature with such a light of Imamat that he takes on all the rationalists and philosophers of the world, and vanquishes them in a comprehensive debate.

Sustained as he is by God Almighty, he answers all subtle and abstruse questions in such an excellent manner, that one has to admit that he has come to this transient world equipped with all the provisions for its reform. As a result, he does not have to suffer embarrassment before an opponent. Spiritually speaking, he is the Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) and it is God Almighty’s Will that through him faith should once again become victorious. All those who gather under his flag are also vouchsafed with capabilities of the highest order. He is blessed with all the necessary conditions essential to reform, and all the knowledge necessary for refuting objections, and for presenting the beauties of Islam.

Islam and Polygamy

Polygamy as an institution has been discredited the world over in our times. Unlike in the medieval times, the patriarchal practice is now seen as an affront/insult to the dignity of women. In an age of increasing consciousness about human dignity and the basic rights of women, polygamy has gone against the grain of societal acceptance as an indulgence by men and worse. Critics of Islam always frown upon Islam for the perceived/alleged legitimacy it extends to men through the institution of polygamy. They argue that it militates against the notions of equality and women’s rights.

The Mujaddid of the Fourteenth Century, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian engaged with the arguments of the critics of Islam in several of his writings and even defended the practice from the point of view of individual liberty and human rights. While Islam recognizes the practice of polygamy and allows men to take more than one wife at a time, as the Promised Massih (as) points out, Islam has not made it a compulsory institution or an obligatory practice on the men.

Marriage is a bilateral agreement/contract under the Law of Islam. Hence, the parties are perfectly entitled to design the conditions of agreement/rules of engagement as well. Muslim women can, if they so wish, certainly determine the conditions of their marriage and not powerless, as is generally being thought of. In the search within the Islamic tradition for the empowerment of Muslim women against the abuse of religious doctrines by the men, the viewpoint of the Promised Massih (as) has been found to be singularly useful. It is pertinent to note that in the century that followed since these observations were made by the Promised Massih (as), the family law reforms in most Islamic countries have moved in this direction as well.

Hadhrat Ahmad (as) and the Miracle of the Pen

In his Friday Sermon of March 23, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius paid glowing tributes to the staggering literary contributions and special spiritual achievements of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian. The sermon succinctly summarises the extraordinary efforts of the Promised Massih (as) to defend and espouse the cause of Sahih Al Islam by wielding the pen as the sword of Allah.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

“… Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India. From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and used to devote the majority of his time in reading books and staying in the Mosque because of his love for Allah.

He was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve. Over time by the grace of Allah his knowledge and understanding of religion and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim it was his firm belief that all religions were true at origin and he always sought to uphold the dignity of religion and to demonstrate its relevance to everyone. His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah – a blessing that he received for the rest of his life.

His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It was through this that he would bring mankind together and establish everlasting peace. In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (upon him be peace) founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a community which had grown in stature and strength and conveyed the message of Islam to the ends of the earth.

But today, after having reached its peak, it (this community/Jamaat) has lost its credence and essence as true all because of some rebels (creators of chaos) found therein who have trampled the teachings of Islam under their feet. But Allah remained true to His promise which He made to His Messiah and He sent another Messiah to hold fast the torch of True Islam which Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (upon him be peace) came to revive in his era.

Remembering Hadhrat Massih Maoud (as)- II

Prophets and other Messengers are raised by Allah, the Most High. He bestows His favour on whomsoever He wills among His servants and such persons declare a Divine Mission when the Divine Grace descends on them. And Allah knows best when and where to place His Message (6: 125). The Holy Qur’an declares: ‘He cannot be questioned as to what He does’, but those who reject the Messengers will be questioned as to what they did (21:21).

About the Divine Messengers, Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: “We sent none as Messengers before you but men to whom We sent revelations. So ask those who are well versed in scriptures, if you know not. And We did not give them bodies that ate no food, nor where they to live forever” (21:8-9).

No wonder, Divine Messengers invariably affirm their humanity. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly mentions this fact: “We are indeed only men like yourselves, but Allah bestows His favour on whomsoever He wills from among His servants” (14:12). About his status and mission, a Messenger declares: “I am only a man like yourselves; but I have received the revelation that your God is only One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord do good deeds, and let him join no one in the worship of his Lord” (18:111).

Hence, the profound duty and responsibility of a Messenger of Allah is to make people understand the real purpose of life and to guide them in leading a life of meaning and enduring value, both in this world and the world to come. Their life as lived in this very earth is the message for their fellow beings. In this way, the Messengers essentially seek to purify people and to guide them to their Lord through their noble precepts and credible practices.

To know the prophets and the Divine messengers is to know the ways of Allah. The life of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian is a recent testimonial to the enduring principles of Divine Mercy and continuity of revelations confirmed by the Holy Qur’an. Understanding the physical and material circumstances of his times, family background, early education, traits of character and spiritual inclination from early life are important in a way for the believers to marvel at the contingent circumstances against which Divine Messages emerge and thrive.

In a world that refuses to recognize the spiritual reality of a Living and Ever- Subsisting Lord who speaks to His servants and answers the prayers of His supplicants, what better way to affirm those principles than to remember the lived history of such Divine Messengers? In his Friday Sermon of March 16, 2012, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius sketched a fascinating glimpse into the early life and times of Hadhrat Massih Maoud (as). The first part of the Sermon was published here at the Sahih Al Islam Blog on March 17, 2012.

Read the second and final part of the Sermon:

Promised Massih (as): Portrait as a Young Man- I

In his Friday Sermon of March 16, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius spoke about the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). The speech graphically portrayed a picture of Hadhrat Ahmad as a young man and also that of Qadian, birthplace of the Promised Massih (as).  The growing up years of the man who would eventually be raised with a Divine Mission, as emerging from this Biographical note, makes one really appreciate the Divine Plan behind it all.  

Read the Extracts from the Speech:

"When Massih Ma’ud (upon him be peace) was born in India there was no schools or colleges. Education in Muslim households consisted of learning the Holy Quran and, at the best, learning to read Urdu and Persian.

The first tutor of Hazrat Massih Ma’ud (upon him be peace) was engaged when he was about six or seven, around 1841. He taught Massih Ma’ud (upon him be peace) verses of the Quran and started on a few elementary Persian books. When he was about 10 years old, another tutor was engaged. He worked hard with Hazrat Massih Ma’ud (upon him be peace) and taught him the elements of Arabic. A few other boys came to his house to share the services of the tutors. One tutor was often teased. It is not known whether Hazrat Massih Ma’ud (upon him be peace) joined in, but it is unlikely. He was a serious, studious boy and when the day’s lessons were done, they were held in what was a living room, he normally climbed the stairs to his room, which was immediately above and continued reading.

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?

Celebrating ‘Christmas’

The very basis of modern Christianity and its foundational theological concepts are shrouded in mythical haze. No less a festival than the ‘Christmas’- celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ (as)- itself reminds one about the extraordinary theological engineering that underpins and sustains the constructed belief systems of contemporary Christians. In his Friday Sermon of December 23, 2011 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) spoke about the dimensions of mystery surrounding the faith and the futility of Christmas when viewed through the prism of pristine spirituality. As the Divinely-raised Warner of this (spiritually) empty age, Hadhrat Sahib reminds Muslims-including Ahmadis and their leader- against indulging in vain pursuits-such as celebration of Christmas- that takes one away from the true path of Allah.

Read the extracts from the Friday Sermon:     

”…That Jesus is the central figure and the very soul of Christian theology is manifestly clear. Without some kind of belief in his Christhood, whichever way may it be defined by various denominations and scholarly theologians, the very foundations of Christianity are totally altered. Throughout the last two thousand years, hundreds of millions of Christians have been sustained in their beliefs through their deep faith in the life of Jesus. The miraculous character attributed to his birth, the stories of the miracles he performed, his encounters with the Romans, Israelites and other gentiles, and finally, his crucifixion provide the basic ingredients which have continued to nourish this leading religion of the western world not only today but through the centuries past.

Yet, it is rather strange, indeed ironic, that most important events of his life have always remained veiled in mystery. Was he born of a virgin mother? When was he born? Why is hardly anything known about his life from early infancy to the time when he proclaimed his ministry? How long did his ministry last? Who were really responsible for his being led to the cross – hostile Jewish leaders or the Roman rulers? Did he really die during the few hours that he was on the cross or was he only unconscious when he was taken off the cross with unusual haste? If there was a resurrection, then who were the eye-witnesses, if any? What is the significance of the blood stains of the shroud in which he was temporarily wrapped and which is now preserved in the Cathedral of Turin, Italy? [Inset: An image of Christ which corresponds exactly to the Shroud of Turin]. Did he leave Palestine for the eastern regions to accomplish his proclaimed mission of having come for the lost tribes of Israel? These and several other issues about the life of Jesus of Nazareth have continued to challenge the curiosity of the Christian as well as the non-Christian scholars.