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Ahmadiyya

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For the town, see Ahmadi, Kuwait.

Ahmadi (Template:Lang-ur Ahmadiyya), are followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They comprise two subsects, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (sometimes called the 'Qadiani' community, after Qadian, India, though this term is considered offensive by some[1]) and the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement (Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam).

Ahmadi Muslims' beliefs are considered heretical and outside of Islam by most mainstream Muslims,[2][3] though an exception may be made by some in the case of the smaller Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.[4]

Mainstream Muslims consider both Ahmadi sects to be heretics for a number of reasons, chief among them being the question of finality of prophethood,[5] since they believe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community do not regard the Islamic prophet Muhammad to be the last prophet[6] (the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement does not subscribe to this belief[7]). Ahmadis claim that this may be a result of misinterpreting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's statements referring to his coming "in the spirit of Muhammed",[8][9] (similar to John the Baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah[10]). Both Ahmadi sects believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Mahdi and promised Messiah,[11] while mainstream Muslims refute this claim. Ahmadis believe that rejecting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the true Promised Messiah runs contrary to the teachings of Muhammad. Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, the son of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community group, declared that Muslims who do not believe in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's teachings are “kafirs” (rejectionists).[12] However, members of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement do not subscribe to this belief, either. Since both Ahmadi groups are considered heretical by the Saudi Arabia government, they are not allowed to enter the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina.

Some mainstream Muslims group both Ahmadi sects together and refer to them as "Qadianis", and their beliefs as "Qadianism" [13](after the small town of Qadian in the Gurdaspur District of Punjab in India, where the movement's founder was born). Most, if not all, Ahmadis of both sects dislike this term, however, as it has acquired derogatory connotations over the years and because they prefer to differentiate their two separate movements. Furthermore, some Muslim groups will not use the term "Muslim" when referring to Ahmadis, even though both sects refer to themselves as such. In earlier times in Pakistan and India, there was widespread persecution of Ahmadis by certain Muslim groups. Sporadic violence as well as persecution of a more subtle nature against Ahmadis continues even today.[14]

Although the central values of Islam (prayer, charity, fasting, etc...) are shared by all Muslims, distinct Ahmadi Muslim beliefs include the following:

  • The Qur'an has no contradictions (or abrogations), and has precedence over the Hadith or traditions; i.e., that one verse of the Qur'an does not cancel another and that no Hadith can contradict a verse of the Qur'an. Hadith that appear to contradict the Qu'ran are not accepted by Ahmadi Muslims.[15]
  • Jesus (called Yuz Asaf) was crucified and survived the 4 hours on the cross, then was revived from a swoon in the tomb. He died in Kashmir of old age whilst seeking the "Lost Tribes of Israel".[16] He also clearly foretold the coming of Muhammad after him, which Christians have misinterpreted.
  • That Jihad can only be used to protect against extreme religious persecution, not as a political weapon or an excuse for rulers to invade neighbouring territories (Concept of Jihad and [17]).
  • That the "Messiah" and "Imam Mahdi" are the same person, and that Islam will defeat the Anti-Christ or Dajjal in a period similar to the period of time it took for nascent Christianity to rise (300 years). Mainstream Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified, but made to look as though he had been, and that he ascended to heaven from where he will return personally in the flesh to revive Islam, "kill the pigs and break the crosses".

History

The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam claims to represent a latter day renaissance of the religion of Islam. At the end of the 19th century, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian proclaimed himself to be the "Reformer of the age" Mujaddid, Promised Messiah, Mahdi and Prophet of the age. (Note that the two subsects of the Ahmadiyya interpret this last claim very differently). He claimed to have fulfilled the prophecy of the return of Jesus. He and his followers claimed that his advent was foretold by Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, and also by many other religious scriptures of the world. In 1889 Mirza Ghulam Ahmad laid down the foundation of his community, which was later given the name of "Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat". Since its inception, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat's objective has been the revival of Islam. Soon after the death of the first Khalifa, the movement split into two sects over the question of the Finality of Prophethood. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement affirmed the traditional Islamic interpretation that there could be no new prophet after Muhammad and viewed itself as a reform movement within the broader Ummah [18]. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, however, claimed that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad had indeed been a prophet (albeit a "non-law-bearing" one) and that mainstream Muslims who rejected his message were guilty of disbelief. The question of "Khilafat" was also an issue in the split of the Ahmadiyya movement. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement believes that an "Anjuman" (body of selected people) should be in charge of the Jamaat. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, however, believes that Caliphs are appointed by God and they are in charge. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community calims to have establish offices in 182 countries with population of over 200 million [19] and growing in hundreds every day. There is no reliable count of the population of members of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.

Current status

Pakistan and Bangladesh have one of the largest Ahmadi populations, both nations have declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. In 1974, Pakistan Government amended its constitution to define a Muslim "as a person who believes in finality of Prophet Muhammad" [43]. As a result, Ahmadis have been the target of many attacks led by various religious groups.[20][21][22]

Since both groups claim to be the true heirs to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's legacy even though they have radically different interpretations of his teachings (see below), the term can be quite ambiguous. Ahmadis claim that mainstream Muslim critics of Ahmadis often fail to note the important distinctions between the groups, treating all "Ahmadis" as members of the "Ahmadiyya Muslim Community."

Doctrines compared between major sub-groups and to mainstream Muslims

Article of faith Mainstream Islamic belief Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement belief Ahmadiyya Muslim Community belief
Second coming of Jesus (Isa in Islam) At the “end of days” Jesus himself will descend from heaven in the flesh[23] References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[24] References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[25]
Status of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Differs, but often considered an apostate. Many mainstream Muslims believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was one of the 30 false claimants to prophethood[26] about whom the prophet Muhammad warned Muslims 1400 years ago A prophet in the allegorical sense.[27] Mujaddid of the 14th Islamic century. The promised Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus. A prophet in every sense of the word except that he did not bring a new law. Mujaddid of the 14th Islamic century. The promised Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus[28]
Kalima Shahadat Professing the Kalima required to become a Muslim and in some cases (Pakistan,[29] Bangladesh...) accepting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be an apostate a prerequisite to be considered a Muslim[30] Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else[31] Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else. However main-stream Muslims saying the Kalima are referred to as "Kafirs" in the context of their non belief in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a prophet, the Mahdi and Promised Messiah[32]
Finality of Prophethood Prophet Muhammad is the last of the prophets. However this does not preclude the re-arrival of an old Prophet (Jesus) at the end of days[33] Hazrat Mohammad is the last of the prophets. No prophet, either new or old can come after him.[34] Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Mujaddid (reformer) of the 14th century Hijra and not a true prophet[35] Hazrat Muhammad brought prophethood to perfection, he sealed prophethood and religious law. New prophets can come after him provided they follow the example and message set by him in every respect. Prophet Muhammad was the last law-bearing prophet, new prophets can come but they must be subordinate to Hazrat Muhammad and cannot exceed him in excellence nor bring any new law or religion[36]
Jesus son of Mary Born of a miraculous birth[37] from the virgin, Mary. Did not die on the cross but was transported to heaven,[38] where he lives to return in the flesh to this world shortly before Doomsday.[39] Since Jesus (considered a prophet) came before Muhammad, his return to Earth would not disqualify Muhammad as the “last” prophet. Similar to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community belief except that the question of Jesus's virgin birth is not an essential requirement of faith and is left to the individual's personal conviction[40] Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He survived the cruxifiction and did not die an accursed death.[41] Instead he travelled east to India in search of the Lost Tribes of Israel.[42] Jesus lived a full life and died on earth, specifically Jesus's tomb lies in Kashmir under the name Yuz Asaf.

Chronology with leaders

  • 23 March 1889 Ahmadiyya movement founded.
  • 1914 Split into two branches, one remaining in Qadian, today known as Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (Jamaat-i ahmadiyya), and one being established in Lahore, known as the Ahmadiyya anjuman ishaat-i Islam.

Only two leaders were recognized by both branches of the sect:

  • 23 March 1889 - 26 May 1908 Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founding Mahdi (b. 1835 - d. 1908)
  • 27 May 1908 - 13 March 1914 Maulana Hakim Nur-ud-Din (b. 1841 - d. 1914), the first Khalifa, after whose death the movement was split:

Leaders recognized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Qadian Branch), referred to as Khalifas ('Successors'):

  • 14 March 1914 - 7 November 1965 Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad (b. 1889 - d. 1965)
  • 8 November 1965 - 9 June 1982 Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad (b. 1909 - d. 1982)
  • 10 June 1982 - 19 April 2003 Mirza Tahir Ahmad (b. 1928 - d. 2003)
  • 22 April 2003 - 20.. Mirza Masroor Ahmad (b. 1950)

Leaders recognized by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement (Lahore Branch), referred to as Emirs:

  • April 1914 - 13 October 1951 Maulana Muhammad Ali (b. 1874 - d. 1951)
  • 1951 - 15 November 1981 Maulana Sadr-ud-Din (d. 1981)
  • 1981 - 15 November 1996 Saeed Ahmad Khan (b. 1900? - d. 1996)
  • 1996 - 14 October 2002 Asghar Hameed (b. 1919 - d. 2002)
  • 3 November 2002 - 20.. Abdul Karim Saeed (b. 1945)

References

  1. ^ "Plight of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan (1989-1999)", ThePersecution.org, [1])
  2. ^ "Fatwas and Statements of Islamic Scholars about Ahmadiyya", AboutAhmadiyya.com, [2]
  3. ^ "Fatwas of Muslim Scholars and Organizations Regarding the Qadiani (Ahmadiyya) Cult", Central-Mosque.com, [3]
  4. ^ "Tributes Paid to the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and Maulana Muhammad Ali", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [4]
  5. ^ "Five Pillars of Islam", Islam101.com, [5]
  6. ^ "The Question of Finality of Prophethood", The Promised Messiha and Mehdi, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam INternational Publications Limited, [6]
  7. ^ "Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood [in the light of his own writings]", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [7]
  8. ^ "Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood [in the light of his own writings]", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [8]
  9. ^ "The Question of Finality of Prophethood", The Promised Messiha and Mehdi, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam INternational Publications Limited,[9]
  10. ^ "In what way can we harmonize John the Baptist’s claim that he was not Elijah with the statement of the Lord that he was?", Tony Capoccia, Bible Bulletin Board, [10])
  11. ^ "The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid", Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [11]
  12. ^ "Declaring Muslims as kafir", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Islamic Movement, [12]
  13. ^ "Lies and the Liar who told them!", www.inter-islam.org, [13]
  14. ^ "Pakistan: Killing of Ahmadis continues amid impunity", Amnesity International, Public Statement, AI Index: ASA 33/028/2005 (Public), News Service No: 271, 11 October 2005, [14]
  15. ^ "The Matter of Abrogation", Friday Sermon by Maulana Muhammad Ali, December 20, 1914, [15]
  16. ^ "Death of Jesus", by Shahid Aziz, Bulletin October 2001, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore (UK), [16]
  17. ^ "True Meaning of Jihad", Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, [17])
  18. ^ "Ahmadiyyah", Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, [18]
  19. ^ " The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam An Overview", Al Islam, The official website of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community, [19]
  20. ^ " Violent Dhaka rally against sect", BBC News, [20]
  21. ^ " Eight die in Pakistan sect attack", BBC News, [21]
  22. ^ " Sect offices closed in Pakistan", BBC News, [22]
  23. ^ "Islamic View of the Coming/Return of Jesus", by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat, 2003, Islamic Perspectives, [23]
  24. ^ "Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood [in the light of his own writings]", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [24]
  25. ^ "A Prophet Like Unto Moses", The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [25]
  26. ^ "Who Was the Impostor of Qadian? Decide for Yourself!!", Inter-Islam.org, [26]
  27. ^ "The Use of the Terms Nabi & Rasul For Non-prophets", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [27]
  28. ^ "A World Reformer", The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [28]
  29. ^ "An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan [Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, 21st September, 1974]", [29]
  30. ^ Passport Application Form, Government of Pakistan, [30]
  31. ^ "Who is a Muslim?", Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [31]
  32. ^ "Refutation of Maulvi Muhammad Ali's Account of Ahmadiyya Dissensions", Al Islam, [32]
  33. ^ "Further Similarities and Differences: (between esoteric, exoteric & Sunni/Shia) and (between Islam/Christianity/Judaism)", Reproduced with permission from Exploring World Religions, © 2001, by Oxford University Press Canada[33]
  34. ^ "The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin", Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [34]
  35. ^ "No Claim To Prophethood: 20 Arguments by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad", Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [35]
  36. ^ "The Question of Finality of Prophethood", The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [36]
  37. ^ "Early History of Islam", Religion Online, ThinkQuest, Oracle Education Foundation, [37]
  38. ^ "Islam", MSN Encarta Online, [38]
  39. ^ "Further Similarities and Differences: (between esoteric, exoteric & Sunni/Shia) and (between Islam/Christianity/Judaism)", Reproduced with permission from Exploring World Religions, © 2001, by Oxford University Press Canada[39]
  40. ^ "The Birth of Jesus", Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [40]
  41. ^ "Jesus Did Not Die On The Cross", The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [41]
  42. ^ "Jesus Migrated to India", The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [42]

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