18 Years: Phases of A Spiritual Journey

In his opening speech at the Tamil Nadu State Jalsa Salana at Tenkasi on Sunday, 25 November 2018, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, gave an illuminating discourse on the different trajectories of the Divine Manifestation of the Age over the last 18 years or so. These spiritual ruminations contain an intensely personal reclamation of an important phase- of searing trials and life-altering experiences- in the life of this recipient of Divine revelations- the humble Elect and Servant of God- that he has had to under-go at the hands of the reigning elites in the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Mauritius and beyond. The speech also gives a glimpse into subsequent events within the life-world of the Divine manifestation, both in the times of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen and later, with the establishment of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam  in 2008. As such, the discourse is compulsory reading for all true seekers of Divine verities in our times. At a time when the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam is on an expanding curve of wider popular recognition and acceptance in India and also internationally, the challenges of the past provide reassuring contentment for true believers in the signs of Allah that indeed the promise of Allah (swt) is ever true; that Allah (swt) protects and safeguards His chosen servants amidst all trials and tribulations and that the Divine mission and its caravan will continue its incredible journey through different orbits destined for it under the Holy Will of God, Insha Allah, Aameen.  

Read the Opening Speech Below: 

The Divine Manifestation of the Age 

“And say, ‘Truth has come, and falsehood has perished. Indeed falsehood, [by its nature], is ever perishing/bound to perish’.” (Al-Isra, 17: 82).

By the grace of Allah, it has been 10 years now since the creation of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam under divine instructions, and which later on has been legally registered on the 1^st Rabi-ul-Awwal 1429 AH (Hijri), on the 10^th of March 2008 C.E. We held our first Jumu’ah in Mauritius under our new identity bestowed to us by Allah on the 12^th Rabi’ul Awwal of the Islamic year 1429 (Hijri). This is indeed an immense favour and blessings from Allah, that He keeps on showering His rain of grace and blessings and the wind of His mercy has swept us along with it and Alhamdulillah, Allah has enabled His Jamaat – Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – to grow in spirituality and number over all these years and that blessed tree of Allah has spread its branches in many directions in the world, and reaching also India.

‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’: Ahmadi Misconceptions

“So dear friends! since it is the Sunnatullah, from times immemorial, that God Almighty shows two Manifestations so that two false joys of the opponents be put to an end, it is not possible now that God should relinquish His old-established Sunnat. So do not be grieved on what I have said to you; and nor your hearts should be distressed. For it is essential for you to see the second Manifestation, too, and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgment.” (The Will – (Al-Wasiyyat); Page 5, Written on 24th December 1905).

Based on certain writings by the Promised Massih (as) in the last century concerning the future of the Divine Mission he was to leave behind, and the subsequent interpretative understandings on the same proffered within the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to deepen Its institutional order, most Ahmadis had been taught to consider that the present Nizam-e-Jamaat or the Ahmadiyya establishment- led by the assembly-elected Khalifatul Massih- system, is nothing less than ‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’ (Second Manifestation of Divine Power), mentioned by the Promised Massih (as). With the Divine decision to raise a Messenger to guide all humanity in the person of Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius; the claims of the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya concerning Qudrat-e-Saniah (the lofty station of Divine favour), are increasingly looking a little shaky. Many Ahmadi youths are raising their spiritual concerns. Fundamental questions on the meaning and 'selective' interpretation of profound concepts like ‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’, are no longer off the table. Inquisitive about the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius in the blessed person of Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), Ahmadi brothers in India are wondering now as to how to adjust their ‘received/ conventional wisdom’ in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya concerning Divine favours (Qudrat-e-Saniah) so as to appreciate the great manifestation of ‘Qudrat’ that is before them.  

In his Friday Sermon of 29 May 2009, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius spoke on Qudrat-e-Saniah, clearly explaining the meaning and correct interpretation of this profound concept for our times. For the benefit of all Ahmadi brothers, we reproduce the relevant extract below:

In his will (Al Wasiyyat), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) has elaborated that after his death his community would be assisted by a second manifestation of divine power and support, just as it was assisted by a first manifestation during his life. The Ahmadi brothers have interpreted this ‘second power’ to mean the establishment of their Khilafat.

My reply to this, the Promised Messiah (as) has come to continue the work of Hazrat Muhammad (sa) – work which has been trampled by the so-called Muslim scholars or Ulemas. Then, in order to accomplish that work, the manifestation of the power of God takes place, as it says in the Holy Quran:

“This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you.”

Its manifestation took place in the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). But after him, this continued in the times of his caliphs (four right-guided caliphs), revivers of faith, or Mujjadidin. They were all the ‘second power’. The ‘second power’ cannot be limited to a particular form.

Serving Islam: Bai'at & Our Tasks

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala (India) organized its Eighth Jalsa Salana at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid at Mathra on Sunday, 9th December 2018. As noted in an earlier post, the Jalsa this year was special for all its participants, including for the large delegation of brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu, with the august presence of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius among them. While Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in his opening Speech elaborated on the significance of an annual spiritual congregation of brothers; in the concluding Speech, Hazrat Saheb (atba) called attention to important organizational tasks ahead for the brothers to keep in mind to act upon. 

Bai'at at the hands of an Elect of God is nothing less than a covenant with Allah and it entails grave responsibilities on those who choose to strive in the sublime path of seeking proximity to the Divine presence. The social dimension of the worship of the Divine is to reach out to people so that they may also come to be aware of the great blessings on offer in the life to come, and also the felicity that God promises to those who strive in His path in their worldly life as well. Progressing forward as a community requires brotherhood, solidarity, sustained engagement and generous support for collective objectives. Each person can and should make contributions, including  financial sacrifices so as to leverage our collective capacity to reach out with the Divine Message to as many people as possible through the diverse projects identified by the Divine Elect (atba) of our times. 

Marking the culmination of the Jalsa Salana Programme, a collective Bai’at Programme was also organized for the benefit of all members present on the occasion; with all brothers gaining an opportunity to take the Bai'at at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba), Alhamdulillah. Hence, the Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra once again became the venue of this historic event: Hadhrat Saheb (atba) explained the conditions of Bai’at and procedural stipulations therein and following this, everyone placed their hands on the hand of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) and pledged their help and assistance to the Divine Manifestation of this era in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), Summa Alhamdulillah.

Read the Closing Speech of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) below: 

My dear disciples,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

By the grace of Allah, Allah has chosen you in this era for a great work in the Grand Divine Plan. This Divine Plan consists of the revival of Islam, our religion. Many people have asked, ‘Why, if he says that He comes from Allah, must he operate under the name of a Jamaat. Why another Jamaat?’

To all those who have the same lines of thought I would like to say that first of all as Muslims, this humble self as well as all my disciples’ religion is truly ISLAM. Now, ISLAM as a religion is not an entity which can be used for one to register himself officially, especially in a non-Islamic country so that he can operate and construct buildings and preach the religion of Allah without any fear. As such Allah saw the need to elevate His Khalifatullah with a Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam so that we, His chosen servants can work effectively in a modern-day system which does not consider ISLAM as the prime and foremost religion of the people and society in general.

The Purpose of Jalsa Salana

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- South Kerala (India) organized its Eighth Jalsa Salana at the historic Noor’ul Islam Masjid at Mathra on Sunday, 09th December 2018. Beyond the regular members of the Jamaat in Kerala, the present Jalsa Salana was notable for a couple of important reasons. For one, the august presence of of Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius along with the respected and honoured  members of his family. Secondly, a large delegation of our dear brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Mukarram Amir Siraj Saheb and Mukarram Naib Amir Saleem Saheb came to participate and as such, this Jalsa Salana was special and memorable, Alhamdulillah, Soumma Alhamdulillah.

In the opening session of the Jalsa Salana, Mukarram Amir Jamaluddin Raother Saheb presided over the proceedings. YK Hariz Saheb recited the Holy Qur’an, Muhammad Sabir Saheb of Palakkad recited a Nazm. In his Opening Speech, Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba) spoke about the aims and objectives of an annual congregation like the ‘Jalsa Salana’. Drawing copiously from the explanations given in the previous century by the Promised Messiah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in his writings, Hazrat Saheb (atba) endorsed the noble practice initiated by the Promised Massih (as) and underscored the purpose of Jalsa Salana as an occasion for brotherhood, mutual understanding and shared learning.  

Read the extracts from the Speech: 

                                THE PURPOSE OF THE JALSA SALANA

My dear disciples and followers, My friends and supporters in Kerala,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

I am happy to be here today, for this special event: Jalasa Salana. Today, my dear ones, I would like to expound on the purpose of the Jalsa Salana which was first initiated by the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). In his book Asmani Faisala (The Heavenly Decree) on pg. 74-75, Hazrat Ahmad (as) said concerning the Jalsa Salana:

“This gathering will be devoted to the exposition of such truths and spiritual insight as are necessary for the promotion of faith and certainty and spiritual understanding, and there will be special prayers and attention for the participants. And to the best of our ability we shall endeavour to supplicate at the threshold (doorstep) of the Most Merciful that He may draw them towards Him, may accept them and may bring about a pious change in them. An additional benefit of these gatherings will be that each year new entrants to the Jamaat shall, by being present on the fixed dates, get to know their brethren who had joined earlier. And these meetings will lead to progressive strengthening of the bond of mutual love and affection. Prayers for absolution will be offered for brothers who will have passed away in the interim, and supplications shall be made at the threshold (doorstep) of the Glorious God that He may unite all these brothers in spirit and banish all estrangement, dryness and differences from amongst them.

Reframing Ahmadiyya Doctrines

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, founded by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in the last century in India, is one of the most dynamic missionary movements in the world today. Despite persecutions in Pakistan and some other Muslim-majority states, the community continues to prosper around the world with its peaceful propagation of Islam. While upholding that Divine revelations descending on God’s chosen servants is a special blessing and an enduring spiritual reality in every era of Islam till the last century, the community leadership now preaches the pious facade of Ahmadiyya Khilafat as the Divinely- endowed institutional order of Islam and rejects the descent of Divine revelations on grounds of expediency and ‘institutional’ discipline. 

Against the backdrop of most common Ahmadis today being ignorant of the theological engineering and interpretative understandings that gave birth to, and continue to sustain the pious facade of ‘Ahmadiyya Khilafat’; last month, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International published a new book, ‘Khalifatullah’: Reframing Ahmadiyya Doctrines. 

The Book is a compilation of 15 Sermons made by Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb of Mauritius over the last 15 years. Since the turn of the present century 2000-01 when this devout Ahmadi Muslim announced that he has a Divinely-inspired mission to revive the original teachings of Islam as taught in the last century by the founder of the Ahmadiyya community Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, the Discourses provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich, inner world of Islamic spirituality and thereby reframes the current Ahmadi doctrines that perpetuate mythical beliefs around the infallibility of the elected community leader- the Khalifatul Massih. The book argues that the system of Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has incrementally corroded the very idea of Divinely-revealed guidance as irrelevant in this era, posing a “threat” (Fitna) to the institutional order of the community. In reframing the Ahmadiyya doctrines such as Qudrat-e-Saniah, ‘Islamic Khilafat’ etc, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) helps to richly contextualize the role of Ahmadiyyat within the wider and larger framework of Islamic spirituality.

Reproduced below are Extracts from the Introduction to the Book:

Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), the Founding Head of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen, Mauritius and the Supreme Head of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International belongs to, and lives in, the Indian Ocean- island State of Mauritius. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) is a born-soldier of Islam, having had with him from a relatively very young age of his blessed life, an abiding interest in religious matters and an intuitive understanding of effective preaching and an exceptional drive to spread further and further the true message of Islam for all of humanity.

'I am the Messiah of this Era'

"I want neither pelf nor power. I have been commissioned by Allah as a Warner unto mankind, and deliver His message to you. Should you accept it, you shall have felicity in this life as well as in the life to come. Should you reject the word of Allah, surely Allah will decide between you and me." 

More than 1400  years ago, addressing the doubting Makkan chieftains of his times, Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)  emphatically declared his Divinely-inspired spiritual Mission in the aforesaid words. Through out history, the Holy Prophet's ringing words have been the signature tune of Islamic Messiahs and other Divine Elects; people who spoke with the help of Holy Spirit (Roohul Quddus) and were known by different spiritual titles. Like the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 CE) in the previous era, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius in this era claims Divine revelations and messages as the authority behind his spiritual titles and religious claims as the Imam, Caliph, Mujaddid and Messiah of this era. 

06 December 2003. Almost 15 years ago, it was  on this day that Hazrat Saheb (aba) made his official proclamation as the Muhyi-ud-Din (Reviver of the Faith) and the Messiah of this era. The Speech is noteworthy on a number of grounds. As the Founding Head of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen, Hazrat Munir (aba) explains the spiritual and material circumstances in which the Jamaat was founded as a distinct group of believers who follow all teachings of Islam.  

Social Boycott in the Ahmadiyya Community

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new book in Malayalam, entitled ‘Boycott? Or, No Boycott?’. Originally written by Hadhrat Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, the present Malayalam translation is by Mukarram Amir Jamaluddin Raother Saheb of Mathra. Written almost five years ago, the Book remains as relevant and topical as ever, discussing the official policy of of the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya vis-a-vis the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius, especially the arrogant institutional decision by the Nizam-e-Jamaat leadership to socially boycott all those who believe or support Hadhrat Munir Saheb (atba) -a Muslim believer who claims he is a recipient of Divine messages in our times.

The Boycott Policy calls for profound spiritual reflections on the part of common Ahmadis as it touches upon, and has grave implications for, their foundational beliefs and personal convictions. Do they plan to behave unjustly and arrogantly in the times of a Divine Elect among them? As the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is premised on the continuity of Divine revelations within the Muslim Ummah in every era, it is astonishingly ironical to see how the Nizamis seek to dispute God’s messages in this era, with no authority to do so. How can they be so deluded when they can still read the Qur’an?

Indeed, the Holy Qur’an advices humility, openness, caution and wisdom- rather than expulsion and boycott induced by power and hubris- to people who encounter God’s servants in their midst, by referring to the sojourn of Moses (as) among the Pharoah’s people:

“How can you expel a man just for saying, ‘My Lord is Allah,’? He has brought you clear signs from your Lord- if he is a liar, on his own head be it- and if he is truthful, then at least some of what he has threatened will happen to you. Allah does not guide any rebellious, outrageous liar. 

My people, as masters in the land you have the power today, but who will help us from the punishment of Allah if it comes upon us?” (40: 29-30)

Reproduced below is the text of the Introduction to the Malayalam Translation:

The present book entitled ‘Boycott? Or, No Boycott?’, written by Hadhrat Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius in 2014, makes an important contribution to the debates around the anti-Islamic policy of “social boycott” being aggressively implemented by the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in recent times. The profound forensic examination and clinical arguments of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba), unravelling the roots and branches of this anti-human policy of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, is compulsory reading for all Ahmadi Muslims who care about their foundational beliefs and the ‘directions’ of their Jamaat in recent times.

'Haqiqatul-Wahi' in Malayalam

Last month, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International announced the publication of the first part of ‘Haqiqatul-‘Wahi’ (The Philosophy of Divine Revelations) in Malayalam. This classic of Ahmadiyya spiritual literature, written by the Promised Massih (as) in the last century was long available only in its original Urdu and Arabic editions, and the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has finally unveiled an English edition of the work last week, almost 110 years after the Book was originally published. The Malayalam translation of the Book from the Arabic was accomplished by Mukarram Amir Jamaluddin Raother Saheb of the South Kerala Jamaat, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.

Reproduced below is the text of the Introduction to the Malayalam Translation:

“Haqiqat-ul-Wahi” is one of the most remarkable works of the Promised Massih and Mahdi Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 CE). Written in May 1907 in Urdu and Arabic; the Book in many ways consolidates the saintly author’s life time of engagement with, and profound study of, the spiritual phenomenon of Divine revelations. In the social and religious context (of India and elsewhere) where dreams and other psychic phenomenon that the humans experience often confuse common people about the true nature of spiritual illumination and mislead them into giving credence to psychic illusions and there is a crying need for clear guidance on how to distinguish between false claimants and the Divinely-imbued souls in the path of the Exalted Being; the Promised Massih (as) makes this important contribution to our collective understanding on mystical realities surrounding dreams, visions and revelations.

Why Follow A ‘Mujaddid’- I

Islam after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)

Contemporary Muslim world is riddled with profound paradoxes and deep ironies both in its secular and spiritual realms. Muslims today stand at the crossroads of time: from providing frameworks for the profound transformation of whole communities and nations, and guiding people on the virtues of inner peace and social equilibrium; the Muslims have come to witness periods of decline and fall in their political and spiritual fortunes as well. Severe trials of history in the forms of colonialism and imperialism- the long onslaught of alien economic, military and ideological dominance over the Muslim lands- scarred the psyche of many Muslim societies and peoples. Even in the face of the jealous machinations of the enemies and the many failings of its claimed adherents, it is astonishing that Islam could survive and flourish against all odds. Indeed, by all indications and empirical projections, Islam is poised to outgrow all other religions and is destined to embrace every nook and corner of this world in the foreseeable future. Insha Allah, Aameen. 

The Path of the Saints: Mujaddid/Muhaddith/Khalifatullah 

Notwithstanding the clear intimations of Divine favour on Islam as the paramount belief system of the evolving future; it is deeply ironical that the religion is besieged by simmering internal crises. Much of the Islamic world is beset with looming fires of various kinds amidst deepening sectarian divisions. At a time when the propaganda against Islam as an oppressive social order (God forbid) remains raging in non-Muslim public/ social circles, it is also disconcerting that there is a glaring disconnect between the ideals of the Faith and the realities of practice in every day life among the Muslims. 

Since most Muslims today have an imperfect understanding of Divine commandments and religious doctrines they have inherited from their pious ancestors, it is a religious imperative that the spiritual appeal and ethical beauty of Islam is reclaimed and renewed by living testimonials in the everyday life of the community at large. It is instructive to note in this context vital Islamic teachings regarding the continuity of spiritual vicegerency in every era of Islam through the advent of some perfect followers of the Light of Muhammad (sa). Indeed the Qur'an makes a spiritual promise that Allah (swt) shall raise His special servants with a mandate to hold aloft the torch of Faith and for the renewal/re-birth of sublime morals of Islam among the believers. Such teachings about the coming of the Saints of the Faith to serve as the guiding stars even in times of crises and confusion powerfully point to the inner vitality of the Islamic Way. If Islam has survived and continues to endure as the Holy Path of God despite all the political crises in Muslim lands, it is indeed in large measure due to the instrumental and exemplary roles of the extraordinary men (and women) of God who appeared to serve the Faith over the centuries. 

Mujaddidin will continue to Appear

The Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian was a spiritual polymath, steeped in all the religious sciences. He spoke with extraordinary urgency and consistency on the need for the wider acceptance within the Muslim Ummah of forgotten Islamic teachings- regarding advent of Divinely-imbued souls such as a Mujaddid/Muhaddith/Khalifatullah among the Muslims in every era. 

Perhaps some of the finest explanations on the purpose and significance of such Divine Manifestations in Islam is found in the enduring writings of the Promised Massih (as). In an era in which his own so called followers and disciples have completely trampled to dust the great legacy of the Promised Massih (as) by ignoring and evading the Divine Manifestation of this era among the Ahmadis in the person of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, it is all the more important to revisit his thoughts and reclaim his profound reflections on the advent of Mujaddidin and Muhaddithin among the believers. Reproduced below are certain extracts from the Speeches and Discourses (‘Malfoozat’) of the Promised Massih (as) on the theme:

“If now is not the time for the advent of the awaited one, the earliest that he can appear now is after a hundred years. For a divinely appointed Reformer (Mujaddid) must always appears at the head of the century”. -----The First Address of the Promised Messiah (as) at the Annual Convention on 25 December 1897).

Eight Years of the Jamaat in India

A Divine Elect in our Times

The Holy Founder and Imam of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) belongs to, and lives in, the Indian Ocean- island State of Mauritius. For close to two decades now, this devout servant of Islam has been proclaiming through all means available that he has a Divinely-inspired mission: of reclaiming and revitalizing the enduring message of Tawheed-thereby helping people appreciate the correct spiritual path; strengthening them morally and spiritually in these bewildering times. Like all men of God throughout history, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) preaches Divine Love. Sharing pure Divine Messages coming from the Unseen, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) invites people to recognize the advent of his humble self in our midst as an Elect of God and consider the extraordinary possibility of acceding to the Divine countenance in this era as well by following his personal example. 

Those familiar with the profound history of Islamic spirituality over the last millennium and more- that witnessed the appearance of so many Divinely-imbued souls as the Pole Stars of the Religion and the Way- would not be surprised by the claims and arguments of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in our times. 

Like the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian noted in the previous era, perfect followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) have always been blessed with Divine converse and guidance, all through Islamic history. The Promised Massih (as) referred to this special Divine phenomenon in many of his writings, when he stated: 

“Of all the leaders of Tasawwuf that there have been till the present day, not even one has disagreed with the point that in this religion the path to become the likes of prophets is open, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad has given the glad tidings for spiritual and godly learned persons that ‘the Ulama of my nation are like the Israelite Prophets’. 

Peace and Unity among Ahmadis

The world of Islam today is splintered on denominational and sectarian lines. The lineages of the great divide among the Muslims go far back into history, originating in the disputes over obedience to authority and the sharing of power in the times after the Holy Prophet (sa) and his rightly-guided successors, the pious Caliphs. It’s a searing fact of history that after that first century of Islam, the Muslims had never been united as a single spiritual and political order. With the great schism among the believers leading to the formation of sectarian identity among them; the lofty identity of Islam receded to the backdrop and the Muslims were reduced to be either Sunnis or Shiites and in course of time, with the entrenchment of deep divisions over questions of Islamic law, new groups emerged among them on sectarian lines.

Indeed, there is no monolithic/single/unified ‘Islam’ in our times; there are many ‘Islams’ as the proliferation of religious groupings among the nearly two billion Muslims around the world so clearly demonstrate. This is unfortunately true as well, even in the relatively humble and small world of Ahmadiyya Islam- the community of Muslims assembled originally by the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in the previous century. Today, despite all that the Promised Massih (as) had taught about the unity of all religions in Islam, the Ahmadis or the people who claim themselves to be the followers of that great saint of Islam, themselves are splintered into numerous sects and groupings. For instance, the different Ahmadi sects include the following: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Qadian, Anjuman Ahmadiyya Lahore, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Al Muslemun, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Islah Pasand, Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam and the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Haquiqui.

No one can deny that the Holy Qur’an had indeed warned the Muslims about the lessons of human history. Whereas unity and cohesion leads to progress and blessings, disagreement and splintering leads to decline and fall. The Divine Book says, “This community of yours is one single community, and I am your Lord. So fear Me. But they are divided into sects, each sect rejoicing in its belief.” (23: 53-54). “And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community. Yet they continue to disagree (among them) except those upon whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy. This is why He created them ...” (11: 119-120). 

It is possible to look at the diversity of situations and the plurality of opinions among Ahmadis as the existential condition of the times we are living in. In dealing with questions where we differ among ourselves, however, it is important to keep the big picture in mind all the time- including the obligations of brotherhood left behind by the Holy Prophet (sa) when he stated: “A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. Do not hate each other and do not be jealous of each other and do not desert each other, O worshipers of Allah! Be brothers! And whoever meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs”. Indeed, the Ahmadi believers have a duty to respect the integrity and religious choices of our fellow humans found in different sects of Islam. Rather than seeking to project narrow interests, group-based prejudices and sectarian mindsets; engage with the brethren in faith in a spirit of solidarity and kindness in furthering the shared ideals of Islam. 

An Appeal to All 

In October 2008, in the seventh year of the present Divine Manifestation, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius made a fervent, Divinely-inspired Appeal to all mankind, especially to his Ahmadi brothers found in various sects of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to improve the quality of their spiritual engagements and public debates and to rise above their sectarian perspectives so as to truly embrace the purpose of a spiritual life. 

Read the Document Below: