Difference between revisions of "Ahmadi" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Baitul Futuh.jpg|thumb|340px|[[Baitul Futuh]] Ahmadiyya Mosque in London]]
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[[Image:Baitul Futuh.jpg|thumb|340px|The Ahmadiyya Mosque in London, [[England]].]]
  
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The term '''Ahmadi''' (Urdu: '''احمدیہ''' ''Ahmadiyya'') refers to the followers of a controversial religious movement that emerged in north-western [[India]] (modern-day [[Pakistan]]) during the end of the 19th century. The movement was founded by [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]] (d. 1908) from [[Qadian]], who was a [[Muslim]] claiming to have fulfilled [[Christian]] and [[Islam]]ic prophecies by being the second advent of Christ as well as the [[Imam Mahdi]] and [[Mujaddid]] of the 14th Islamic century.<ref name="hmgaintro_mma">[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/callofislam/reformermujaddiddeathjesusmessiahimammahdidajjalggogmagog.shtml "The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," from the "Call of Islam"], by [[Maulana Muhammad Ali]]</ref> Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad termed his movement the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (community) envisioning it to be a revitalization of Islam. However, Ahmadis are not considered to be Muslims by [[Sunni]]s and [[Shia]]s.<ref>[http://www.alhafeez.org/rashid/rabita.html 1974 Declaration by World Muslim League]. World Muslim League. April 1974.</ref><ref>[http://www.quranicstudies.com/article84.html A Study of the Fatwa by Rashid Rida on the Translation of the Qur'an]</ref><ref>[http://alhafeez.org/rashid/constipak.html Pakistani Constitutional Amendments of 1974 Declaring Qadianis as a non-Muslim Minority]</ref>
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The term '''Ahmadi''' (Urdu: '''احمدیہ''' ''Ahmadiyya'') refers to the followers of a controversial religious movement that emerged in Qadian, a small village in East Punjab [[India]], during the end of the nineteenth century. The movement was founded by [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]] (d. 1908), a [[Muslim]] who claimed to have fulfilled [[Christian]] and [[Islam]]ic prophecies by being the second advent of Christ as well as the Imam [[Mahdi]] and [[Mujaddid]] (reformer of the age) of the fourteenth Islamic century.<ref name="hmgaintro_mma">Maulana Muhammad Ali.[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/callofislam/reformermujaddiddeathjesusmessiahimammahdidajjalggogmagog.shtml "The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," from the "Call of Islam"], Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad termed the movement that he founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (community) envisioning it to be a revitalization of Islam. However, Ahmadis are not considered to be Muslims by [[Sunni]]s or [[Shia]]s.<ref>Mohammad Bashir, [http://www.alhafeez.org/rashid/rabita.html 1974 Declaration by World Muslim League]. ''World Muslim League'', April 1974. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.quranicstudies.com/article84.html A Study of the Fatwa by Rashid Rida on the Translation of the Qur'an] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://alhafeez.org/rashid/constipak.html Pakistani Constitutional Amendments of 1974 Declaring Qadianis as a non-Muslim Minority] ''alhafeez.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
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The original Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat split into two separate groups<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/splitahmadiyyamovement/splitahmadiyyamovement.shtml "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali]</ref> after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's death, known respectively as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the smaller [[Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam]] ''(Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam)''.  These groups vary in their specific interpretations of Ahmad's teachings and claims. They also differ in their views on who should have succeeded Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, and how such a successor should be chosen.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/splitahmadiyyamovement/splitahmadiyyamovement.shtml "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali]</ref><ref>[http://www.alislam.org/library/split/part1.html "Refutation of Maulvi Muhammad Ali's Account of Ahmadiyya Dissensions"]</ref>
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Following Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's death, the original Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat split into two separate groups<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/splitahmadiyyamovement/splitahmadiyyamovement.shtml "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> known respectively as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the smaller [[Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam]] ''(Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam).'' These groups vary in their specific interpretations of the founder's teachings and claims. They also differ in their views on whom should have succeeded Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, and how such a successor should be chosen.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/splitahmadiyyamovement/splitahmadiyyamovement.shtml "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.alislam.org/library/split/part1.html "Refutation of Maulvi Muhammad Ali's Account of Ahmadiyya Dissensions"] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
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The Ahmadi version of Islam has been controversial to mainstream Muslims since its birth. Muslims have not accepted Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's claims and do not consider Ahmadis to be Muslims at all citing in particular the Ahmadiyya view on ascension and return of [[Jesus]], the concept of Jihad and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community view on the [[finality of Muhammad]] with particular reference to interpretation of verse {{Quran-usc|33|40}} of the Qur'an. <ref>[http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=115 "Pseudo-Islamic Cults-The Ahmadiyya/Qadiani Movement"], thetruereligion.org</ref> Ahmadis however argue that their beliefs are in accordance with Islam,<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mainacus.shtml Accusations Answered] AAIIL</ref><ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/ Misconceptions about Ahmadiyyat] AAIIL Website</ref> and using arguments from the Qur'an, Hadith and opinion of Islamic jurists, challenge the contention of the groups calling them non-Muslims.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/fatwas/fatwas.htm Fatwas of Kufr] AAIIL</ref>
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The Ahmadi version of Islam has been controversial to mainstream Muslims since its birth. Muslims have not accepted Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's claims and do not consider Ahmadis to be Muslims at all citing in particular the Ahmadiyya view on ascension and return of [[Jesus]], the concept of Jihad, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community view on the finality of Muhammad with particular reference to interpretation of verse {{Quran-usc|33|40}} of the Qur'an.<ref>[http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=115 "Pseudo-Islamic Cults-The Ahmadiyya/Qadiani Movement"], ''thetruereligion.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Ahmadis, however, argue that their beliefs are in accordance with Islam,<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mainacus.shtml Accusations Answered] AAIIL. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/ Misconceptions about Ahmadiyyat] ''AAIIL Website''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> and using arguments from the [[Qur'an]], [[Hadith]] and opinion of Islamic jurists, challenge the contention of the groups calling them non-Muslims.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/fatwas/fatwas.htm Fatwas of Kufr] ''AAIIL''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The Ahmadiyya movement claims to represent the 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 of the age. (Note that the two sub-sects 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 [[Caliph]], 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]].<ref>"Ahmadiyya," Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, [http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9354774?query=jesus%20islam&ct=]</ref> 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.
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The Ahmadiyya movement claims to represent the latter day renaissance of the religion of Islam. At the end of the nineteenth century, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian proclaimed himself to be the "Reformer of the age" ''(Mujaddid),'' (Promised Messiah, Mahdi of the age.) (Note that the two sub-sects 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 both Prophet [[Muhammad]] and 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 successor, 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]].<ref>"Ahmadiyya," ''Encyclopaedia Britannica'' Online.</ref> 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.
  
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Some of the first people to convert to the Ahmadiyya movement were highly educated people from secular and religious circles. These included many civil servants and also from the military, such as Ali Gouhar of the British-Indian Army.<ref>"The British Archives,[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?queryType=1&resultcount=1&Edoc_Id=1106158]</ref> The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has established offices in 190 countries and claims to have a population exceeding tens of millions.<ref>"The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam An Overview," Al Islam, The official website of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community, [http://www.alislam.org/introduction/index.html]</ref> The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has branches in 17 countries.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/cntct/contact.shtml World Wide Branches of AAIIL] Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement</ref> There is no reliable information available regarding the population numbers of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
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Some of the first people to convert to the Ahmadiyya movement were highly educated people from secular and religious circles. These included many civil servants and also from the military, such as Ali Gouhar of the British-Indian Army.<ref>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?queryType=1&resultcount=1&Edoc_Id=1106158 "The British Archives] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has established offices in 190 countries and claims to have a population exceeding tens of millions.<ref>[http://www.alislam.org/introduction/index.html "The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam An Overview,"] ''Al Islam, The official website of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has branches in 17 countries.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/cntct/contact.shtml World Wide Branches of AAIIL] ''Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> There is no reliable information available regarding the population numbers of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
  
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Overseas Ahmadiyya missionary activities started as early as 1920's. For many modern nations of the world, the Ahmadiyya movement was their first contact with the proclaimants from the Muslim world.<ref>[http://ethesis.helsinki.fi/julkaisut/hum/aasia/vk/racius/themulti.pdf] The Multiple Nature Of The Islamic Da'wa, Egdunas Racius Page 158-160. University of Helsinki</ref>  
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Overseas Ahmadiyya missionary activities started as early as 1920s. For many modern nations of the world, the Ahmadiyya movement was their first contact with the proclaimants from the Muslim world.<ref>[http://ethesis.helsinki.fi/julkaisut/hum/aasia/vk/racius/themulti.pdf The Multiple Nature Of The Islamic Da'wa, Egdunas Racius, 158-160]. ''University of Helsinki''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>  
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Ahmadiyya movement is considered by some historians<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0521840953&id=Kzm4-D1-ODQC&pg=RA1-PA253&lpg=RA1-PA253&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=MASRv579aOkQPr6X1XdzYbqllAk] Black Crescent: the experience and legacy of African Muslims in the Americas By Michael Angelo Gomez, Pages 254-256</ref> as one of the precursors to the African-American [[Civil Rights Movement]] in [[United States|America]]. According to some experts, .<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0791423972&id=og_u0Re1uwUC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=hkO32Dn7ksOZ0StFHX6kmRc2-Lk] America's Alternative Religions By Timothy Miller, Page 280</ref>Ahmadiyya were "arguably the most influential community in African-American Islam" until the 1950s, when [[Nation of Islam]] gained support among black communities{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. Many notable [[Jazz]] musicians converted to Ahmadiyya Islam<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0791423972&id=og_u0Re1uwUC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=hkO32Dn7ksOZ0StFHX6kmRc2-Lk] America's Alternative Religions By Timothy Miller, Page 280</ref>. The influence of Ahmadiyya movement was later reduced by the splits among the community caused by Nation of Islam as well as the Sunni scholars during the 1950's.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0791423972&id=og_u0Re1uwUC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=hkO32Dn7ksOZ0StFHX6kmRc2-Lk] America's Alternative Religions By Timothy Miller, Page 280</ref>
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Ahmadiyya movement is considered by some historians<ref>Michael Angelo Gomez. [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0521840953&id=Kzm4-D1-ODQC&pg=RA1-PA253&lpg=RA1-PA253&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=MASRv579aOkQPr6X1XdzYbqllAk Black Crescent: the experience and legacy of African Muslims in the Americas], 254-256. ''books.google''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> as one of the precursors to the African-American [[Civil Rights Movement]] in [[United States|America]]. According to some experts, Ahmadiyya were "arguably the most influential community in African-American Islam" until the 1950s, when [[Nation of Islam]] gained support among black communities.<ref>Timothy Miller. [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0791423972&id=og_u0Re1uwUC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=hkO32Dn7ksOZ0StFHX6kmRc2-Lk America's Alternative Religions], 280.''books.google''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Many notable [[Jazz]] musicians converted to Ahmadiyya Islam.<ref>Timothy Miller. [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0791423972&id=og_u0Re1uwUC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=Ahmadiyya&sig=hkO32Dn7ksOZ0StFHX6kmRc2-Lk America's Alternative Religions], 280. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> The influence of Ahmadiyya movement was later reduced by the splits among the community caused by Nation of Islam as well as the [[Sunni]] scholars during the 1950s.  
  
 
==Current status==
 
==Current status==
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In some countries it is an offence for the Ahmadiyya Movement to preach their religion as Islam. In Pakistan, parliament has declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. In 1974, the government of Pakistan amended its constitution to define a Muslim "as a person who believes in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad".<ref name=pakistanconstitution>[http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/amendments/2amendment.html An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, 21st September, 1974]</ref> Due to this strong clash of beliefs, Ahmadis have been the target of many attacks led by various religious groups.<ref>[http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/hrj/iss16/khan.shtml Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan: An Analysis Under International Law and International Relations] ''Harvard Human Rights Journal'', Vol 16, September 2003<br/>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4556318.stm "Violent Dhaka rally against sect"], BBC News<br/>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4317998.stm "Eight die in Pakistan sect attack"], BBC News<br/>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4131624.stm "Sect offices closed in Pakistan"], BBC News</ref>
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In some countries it is a legal offence for the Ahmadiyya Movement to preach their religion as [[Islam]]. The [[Pakistan|Pakistani]] parliament has declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. In 1974, the government of Pakistan amended its constitution to define a Muslim "as a person who believes in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad".<ref name=pakistanconstitution>[http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/amendments/2amendment.html An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan] ''Gazette of Pakistan'', Extraordinary, Part I, September 21, 1974. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Due to this strong clash of beliefs, Ahmadis have been the target of many attacks led by various religious groups.<ref>Amjad Mahmood Khan, [http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/hrj/iss16/khan.shtml Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan: An Analysis Under International Law and International Relations] ''Harvard Human Rights Journal'' 16 (September 2003). Retrieved June 25, 2008. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4556318.stm "Violent Dhaka rally against sect"], ''BBC News'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4317998.stm "Eight die in Pakistan sect attack"], ''BBC News'' October 7, 2005. <br/>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4131624.stm "Sect offices closed in Pakistan"], ''BBC News''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
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As a result of the cultural implications of the laws and constitutional amendments regarding Ahmadis in [[Pakistan]], persecution and hate-related incidents are constantly reported from different parts of the country. All religious seminaries and madrassahs in Pakistan, belonging to different sects of Islam have prescribed essential reading materials specifically targeted at refuting Ahmadiyya beliefs.<ref>[http://uoit.ca/sas/Articles/DAW.pdf] Denizens of Alien Worlds. T Rahman - Contemporary South Asia, 2004. A Survey of the Education System of Pakistan. By Tariq Rahman. Page 15</ref> In a recent survey in Pakistan, pupils in private schools of Pakistan expressed their opinions on religious tolerance in the country. The figures assembled in the study reflect that even in the educated classes of Pakistan, Ahmedis are considered to be the least deserving minority in terms of equal opportunities and civil rights. In the same study, the teachers in these elite schools showed even lower amount of tolerance towards Ahmadis than their pupils.<ref>[http://www.thdl.org/texts/reprints/pdsa/pdsa_01_01_04.pdf]Peace and Democracy in South Asia, Volume 1, Number 1, January 2005. Passports to Privilege: The English-Medium Schools In Pakistan, Tariq Rahman</ref>
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As a result of the cultural implications of the laws and constitutional amendments regarding Ahmadis in [[Pakistan]], persecution and hate-related incidents are constantly reported from different parts of the country. Religious seminaries and madrassahs in Pakistan, belonging to different sects of Islam have prescribed essential reading materials specifically targeted at refuting Ahmadiyya beliefs.<ref>Tariq Rahman, Denizens of Alien Worlds: ''A Survey of the Education System of Pakistan.'' ''Contemporary South Asia, 2004'' 15. </ref> In a recent survey in Pakistan, pupils in private schools of Pakistan expressed their opinions on religious tolerance in the country. The figures assembled in the study reflect that even in the educated classes of Pakistan, Ahmadis are considered to be the least deserving minority in terms of equal opportunities and civil rights. In the same study, the teachers in these elite schools showed even lower amount of [[tolerance]] towards Ahmadis than their pupils.<ref>Peace and Democracy in South Asia, Volume 1, Number 1, January 2005. Passports to Privilege: The English-Medium Schools In Pakistan, Tariq Rahman. </ref> Lahori 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."
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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. Lahori 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."
 
  
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In Bangladesh, fundamentalist Islamic groups have demanded that Ahmadiyyas be declared "officially" as [[kafirs]]. Ahmadiyyas have become a persecuted group, targeted via protests and acts of violence. According to Amnesty International, followers have been subject to "house arrest," and several have been killed. In late 2003, several large marches, lead by Moulana Moahmud Hossain Mumtazi, were directed to occupy an Ahmadi mosque. The march was supported by thousands of protesters, armed with sticks, bricks, and other weapons; they chanted sloguns of hate-filled and violent rhetoric. In 2004, all Ahmadi publications were banned, the official reason being that they "hurt or might hurt the sentiments of the majority Muslim population".<ref>http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa130052004 Bangladesh: ''The Ahmediyya Community - their rights must be protected'', Amnesty International </ref>
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In [[Bangladesh]], fundamentalist Islamic groups have demanded that Ahmadiyyas be declared officially as [[kafirs]] (infidels). Ahmadiyyas have become a persecuted group, targeted via protests and acts of violence. According to [[Amnesty International]], followers have been subject to "house arrest," and several have been killed. In late 2003, several large marches, led by Moulana Moahmud Hossain Mumtazi, were directed to occupy an Ahmadi [[mosque]]. The march was supported by thousands of protesters, armed with sticks, bricks, and other weapons; they chanted slogans of hate-filled and violent rhetoric. In 2004, all Ahmadi publications were banned, the official reason being that they "hurt or might hurt the sentiments of the majority Muslim population".<ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa130052004 Bangladesh: ''The Ahmediyya Community - their rights must be protected''], ''Amnesty International''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
 
==Beliefs==
 
==Beliefs==
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Ahmadiyya beliefs mostly mirror those of Islam in general, including belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, reverence for historical prophets, belief in a single creator [[Allah|God]] (strong [[monotheism]]).  They accept the Qur'an as their holy text, face the [[Kaaba]] during prayer and accept the authority of [[hadith]]s (reported sayings of and stories about Muhammad).
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Ahmadiyya beliefs mostly mirror those of Islam in general, including belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, reverence for historical prophets, belief in a single creator [[Allah|God]] (strong [[monotheism]]).  They accept the [[Qur'an]] as their holy text, face the [[Kaaba]] during [[prayer]] and accept the authority of [[hadith]]s (reported sayings of and stories about [[Muhammad]]).
  
 
===Distinct Ahmadi beliefs===
 
===Distinct Ahmadi beliefs===
 
Although the [[Five Pillars of Islam|central values of Islam]] (prayer, charity, fasting, etc.) are shared by mainstream and Ahmadi Muslims, distinct Ahmadi beliefs include the following:
 
Although the [[Five Pillars of Islam|central values of Islam]] (prayer, charity, fasting, etc.) are shared by mainstream and Ahmadi Muslims, distinct Ahmadi beliefs include the following:
  
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* That the prophecies concerning the second coming of Jesus were metaphorical in nature and not literal and that [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]] fulfilled in his person these prophecies and the second advent of Jesus, was the promised Mahdi and Messiah.<ref>[http://www.ahmadiyya.org/books/f-ahm-mv/ch4.htm] [[Mahdi]] and [[Messiah]], Chapter 4, "The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement
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* That the prophecies concerning the second coming of [[Jesus]] were metaphorical in nature and not literal. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad fulfilled these prophecies as the second advent of Jesus, the promised Mahdi, and the Messiah.<ref>Maulana Muhammad Ali. [http://www.ahmadiyya.org/books/f-ahm-mv/ch4.htm [[Mahdi]] and [[Messiah]], Chapter 4, "The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement.''].''ahmaniyya.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
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by Maulana Muhammad Ali"</ref>
 
  
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* That 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.<ref>"The Matter of Abrogation," Friday Sermon by Maulana Muhammad Ali, December 20 1914, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/hq/sermons/mali/godwordjews.shtml#abrog Abrogation]</ref>
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* That 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 Qur'an are not accepted by Ahmadi Muslims.<ref>Maulana Muhammad Ali, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/hq/sermons/mali/godwordjews.shtml#abrog Abrogation "The Matter of Abrogation," Friday Sermon December 20 1914].''AAIIL.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
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* That Jesus, contrary to [[Islamic view of Jesus' death|mainstream Islamic belief]], ''was'' crucified and survived the four hours on the cross. He was later revived from a swoon in the tomb.<ref>http://www.alislam.org/topics/jesus/index.php Jesus, a Humble Prophet of God</ref> Ahmadis believe that Jesus died in [[Kashmir]] of old age whilst seeking the [[Lost Tribes]] of Israel.<ref>"Death of Jesus," by Shahid Aziz, Bulletin October 2001, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore (UK), [http://www.aaiil.org/uk/newsletters/2001/1001ukbulletin.pdf]<br/>"Jesus Migrated to India," The Promised Mehdi and Messiah, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=50#top]</ref> Jesus' remains are believed to be entombed in Kashmir under the name [[Yuz Asaf]]. Ahmadis believe that Jesus foretold the coming of Muhammad after him, which Christians have misinterpreted.<ref>Muhammad in World Scriptures (Vol. 2):by Maulana Abdul Haq Vidyarthi, Advent of Holy Prophet Muhammad Foretold in the Books of the Old Testament of Jews and the New Testament of Christians [http://aaiil.org/text/books/others/abdulhaqvidyarthi/muhammadworldscriptures2/muhammadworldscriptures2.shtml]</ref>
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* That Jesus, contrary to mainstream Islamic belief, ''was'' crucified and survived the four hours on the cross. He was later revived from a swoon in the tomb.<ref>[http://www.alislam.org/topics/jesus/index.php Jesus, a Humble Prophet of God] ''alislam.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Ahmadis believe that Jesus died in [[Kashmir]] of old age whilst seeking the [[Lost Tribes]] of Israel.<ref>Shahid Aziz, [http://www.aaiil.org/uk/newsletters/2001/1001ukbulletin.pdf Death of Jesus,"]. ''Bulletin'', October 2001, ''Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore'' (UK) Retrieved June 25, 2008.<br/>Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=50#top "Jesus Migrated to India,"]. ''The Promised Mehdi and Messiah.'' (Islam International Publications Limited) Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> Jesus' remains are believed to be entombed in Kashmir under the name [[Yuz Asaf]]. Ahmadis believe that Jesus foretold the coming of Muhammad after him, which Christians have misinterpreted.<ref>Maulana Abdul Haq Vidyarthi, [http://aaiil.org/text/books/others/abdulhaqvidyarthi/muhammadworldscriptures2/muhammadworldscriptures2.shtml Muhammad in World Scriptures (Vol. 2)]. ''Advent of Holy Prophet Muhammad Foretold in the Books of the Old Testament of Jews and the New Testament of Christians.''''aaiil.org''. Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
−
* That [[Jihad]] can only be used to protect against extreme religious persecution, and that Muslims have used Jihad as a tool for political opportunism.<ref>[http://www.askislam.com/Concepts/Jihad/index.html Concept of Jihad] and<br/>"True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml]</ref>
+
* That [[Jihad]] can only be used to protect against extreme religious persecution, and that Muslims have used Jihad as a tool for political opportunism.<ref>[http://www.askislam.org/] Concept of Jihad. ''askislam.org'' Retrieved June 25, 2008. and<br/>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml "True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad,] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
  
 
* That the "Messiah" and the "Imam Mahdi" are the same person, and that it is through his teachings, influence, his prayers and that of his followers 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) and that the Dajjal's power will slowly melt away like the melting of snow, heralding the final victory of Islam and age of peace.
 
* That the "Messiah" and the "Imam Mahdi" are the same person, and that it is through his teachings, influence, his prayers and that of his followers 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) and that the Dajjal's power will slowly melt away like the melting of snow, heralding the final victory of Islam and age of peace.
  
−
* That the history of mankind is split into seven epochs or ages, parallel to the seven days of the week, with periods for light and darkness and that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad appeared as the Promised Messiah at the sixth epoch heralding the seventh and final age of the world[http://www.alislam.org/library/books/LectureSialkot.pdf]  as a day in the estimation of God is like a thousand years of man's reckoning[http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/QURAN/22.htm] (Quran:22:48). According to Ghulam Ahmad just as the sixth day of the week is reserved for [[Jumu'ah]] (congregational prayers) likewise his age is destined for a global gathering or assembly in which the world is to unite under one universal religion which according to him was Islam.
+
* That the history of humankind is split into seven epochs or ages, parallel to the seven days of the week, with periods for light and darkness and that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad appeared as the Promised Messiah at the sixth epoch heralding the seventh and final age of the world. A day in the estimation of God is like a thousand years of man's reckoning (Qur'an: 22:48). According to Ghulam Ahmad just as the sixth day of the week is reserved for [[Jumu'ah]] (congregational prayers) likewise his age is destined for a global gathering or assembly in which the world is to unite under one universal religion, which according to him, was [[Islam]].
 
   
 
   
−
* The two Ahmadiyya groups have varying beliefs regarding the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that Muhammad brought prophethood to perfection and was the last law-bearing prophet and the apex of man's spiritual evolution. New prophets can come but they must be subordinate to Muhammad and cannot exceed him in excellence nor alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.<ref>"The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top]</ref> The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement believes that Muhammad is the last of the prophets and no prophet, new or old, can come after him.<ref>"The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/khatam/khatam.htm]</ref>
+
* The two Ahmadiyya groups have varying beliefs regarding the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that Muhammad brought prophethood to perfection and was the last law-bearing prophet and the apex of man's spiritual evolution. New prophets can come but they must be subordinate to Muhammad and cannot exceed him in excellence nor alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.<ref>Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, "The Question of Finality of Prophethood," ''The Promised Mehdi and Messiha.'' (Islam International Publications Limited), [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement believes that Muhammad is the last of the prophets and no prophet, new or old, can come after him.<ref>Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, "The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin."</ref>
  
 
===Comparison of belief between Islam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community===
 
===Comparison of belief between Islam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community===
Line 51: Line 50:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
! valign="top" | [[Islamic view of Jesus#Second coming|Return of Jesus]]
 
! valign="top" | [[Islamic view of Jesus#Second coming|Return of Jesus]]
−
| valign="top" | Differs, but most believe that at the “end of days” Jesus himself will descend from heaven in the flesh<ref>"Islamic View of the Coming/Return of Jesus," by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat, 2003, Islamic Perspectives, [http://www.islamicperspectives.com/ReturnOfJesus.htm]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | Differs, but most believe that at the “end of days” Jesus himself will descend from heaven in the flesh.<ref>"Islamic View of the Coming/Return of Jesus," by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat, 2003, Islamic Perspectives, [http://www.islamicperspectives.com/ReturnOfJesus.htm]</ref>
 
| valign="top" | References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad<ref>"Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood
 
| valign="top" | References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad<ref>"Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood
−
[in the light of his own writings]," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mga/mirzaghulamahmadnotprophet.shtml]</ref>
+
[in the light of his own writings]," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mga/mirzaghulamahmadnotprophet.shtml] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
−
| valign="top" | References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad<ref>"A Prophet Like Unto Moses," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=63#top]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad<ref>"A Prophet Like Unto Moses," ''The Promised Mehdi and Messiah'' by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=63#top] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref>
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
! valign="top" | Status of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
 
! valign="top" | Status of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
−
| valign="top" | Differs, but often considered an [[apostasy|apostate]]. Many mainstream Muslims believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was one of the 30 false claimants to prophethood<ref>"Who Was the Impostor of Qadian? Decide for Yourself!!," Inter-Islam.org, [http://www.inter-islam.org/faith/qadian.htm#30%20Liars]</ref> about whom the prophet Muhammad warned Muslims 1400 years ago
+
| valign="top" | Differs, but often considered an [[apostasy|apostate]]. Many mainstream Muslims believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was one of the 30 false claimants to prophethood<ref>"Who Was the Impostor of Qadian? Decide for Yourself!!," ''Inter-Islam.org''. [http://www.inter-islam.org/faith/qadian.htm#30%20Liars]</ref> about whom the prophet Muhammad warned Muslims 1400 years ago.
−
| valign="top" | Mujaddid (Islamic Reformer) of the 14th Islamic century. The promised Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus. Referred to as a prophet in the metaphorical sense only (as other recognized Islamic saints and sufis are similarly referred to). Not a prophet in the technical and linguistic meaning of the word.<ref>"The Use of the Terms Nabi & Rasul For Non-prophets," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/nabirasul/nabirasul.htm]</ref>  
+
| valign="top" | Mujaddid (Islamic Reformer) of the 14th Islamic century. The promised Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus. Referred to as a prophet in the metaphorical sense only (as other recognized Islamic [[saint]]s and [[Sufi]]s are similarly called). Not a prophet in the technical and linguistic meaning of the word.<ref>"The Use of the Terms Nabi & Rasul For Non-prophets," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.</ref>  
−
| valign="top" | A prophet (with all the qualities of a prophet like Jesus) but subordinate and deputy to the Prophet Muhammad. The Messiah, Imam Mehdi and Mujaddid of the 14th Islamic century and the second coming of Jesus.<ref>"A World Reformer," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=11]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | A prophet (with all the qualities of a prophet like Jesus) but subordinate and deputy to the Prophet Muhammad. The Messiah, Imam Mehdi and Mujaddid of the 14th Islamic century and the second coming of Jesus.<ref>"A World Reformer," The Promised Mehdi and Messiah, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=11]</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! valign="top" | [[Shahada]]
 
! valign="top" | [[Shahada]]
−
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''„La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah“''. Professing the [[Kalima]] required to become a Muslim and in Pakistan,<ref>[http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/amendments/2amendment.html An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, 21st September, 1974]</ref> declaring Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be an apostate is a prerequisite to be considered a Muslim.<ref>Passport Application Form, Government of Pakistan, [http://pakistan.gov.pk/forms/pdf/form_a_dip_1_(rev)_for_persons_above_12_years.pdf]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah''. Professing the [[Kalima]] required to become a Muslim and in Pakistan,<ref>[http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/amendments/2amendment.html An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, 21st September, 1974] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> declaring Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be an apostate is a prerequisite to be considered a Muslim.<ref>Passport Application Form, Government of Pakistan, [http://pakistan.gov.pk/forms/pdf/form_a_dip_1_(rev)_for_persons_above_12_years.pdf]</ref>
−
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''„La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah“''. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else.<ref>"Who is a Muslim?," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/muslim/whois.htm]<br/>"Tarjuman al-Quran" by Sayyid Abul Ala Maudoodi, issue for month of Jumadi al-Awwal, 1355 A.H., circa 1936, vol. viii, p. 5</ref>
+
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah''. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else.<ref>"Who is a Muslim?," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, <br/>"Tarjuman al-Quran" by Sayyid Abul Ala Maudoodi, issue for month of Jumadi al-Awwal, 1355 A.H., circa 1936, vol. viii, p. 5. </ref>
−
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''„La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah“''. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} However, any one who does not believe in Mirza Ghluam Ahmad's claims is a non-Muslim.<ref>“…the belief that all those so called Muslims who have not entered into his (Promised Messiah’s) bai’at formally, wherever they may be, are kafirs and outside the pale of Islam…” (Mirza Mahmud Ahmad, The Truth about the Split, Rabwah 1965, pages 55-56.  1st published 1924, English translation of Ai’nah-e-Sadaqt)</ref>
+
| valign="top" | The Kalima Shahada is ''La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah''. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else. However, any one who does not believe in Mirza Ghluam Ahmad's claims is a non-Muslim.<ref>“…the belief that all those so called Muslims who have not entered into his (Promised Messiah’s) bai’at formally, wherever they may be, are kafirs and outside the pale of Islam…” (Mirza Mahmud Ahmad, The Truth about the Split, Rabwah 1965, pages 55-56.  1st published 1924, English translation of Ai’nah-e-Sadaqt)</ref>
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
! valign="top" | [[Seal of the Prophets|Finality of the Prophethood]] of Muhammad
 
! valign="top" | [[Seal of the Prophets|Finality of the Prophethood]] of Muhammad
−
| valign="top" | The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that 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.<ref>"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[http://muslim-canada.org/oxford.html]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that 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.<ref>"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[http://muslim-canada.org/oxford.html]</ref>
−
| valign="top" | The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that Muhammad is the last of the prophets. No prophet, either new or old can come after him.<ref>"The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/khatam/khatam.htm]</ref> Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Mujaddid (reformer) of the 14th century Hijra and not a true [[prophet]].<ref>"No Claim To Prophethood: 20 Arguments by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/twenty/noclaim.htm]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that Muhammad is the last of the prophets. No prophet, either new or old can come after him.<ref>"The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/khatam/khatam.htm]</ref> Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Mujaddid (reformer) of the 14th century Hijra and not a true [[prophet]].<ref>"No Claim To Prophethood: 20 Arguments by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.</ref>
 
| valign="top" | 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 alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.<ref>"The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top]</ref>
 
| valign="top" | 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 alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.<ref>"The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top]</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
−
! valign="top" |[[Islamic view of Jesus|Jesus, Son of Mary]]
+
! valign="top" |Jesus, Son of Mary
−
| valign="top" | Born of a miraculous birth<ref>"Early History of Islam," Religion Online, ThinkQuest, Oracle Education Foundation, [http://library.thinkquest.org/26756/islam/index.htm]</ref> from the virgin, Mary. Did not die on the cross but was transported to heaven,<ref>"Islam," MSN Encarta Online, [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761579171_5/Islam.html#p42]</ref> where he lives to return in the flesh to this world shortly before Doomsday.<ref>"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 [http://muslim-canada.org/oxford.html]</ref> Since Jesus (considered a prophet) came before Muhammad, his return to Earth would not disqualify Muhammad as the “last” prophet.
+
| valign="top" | Born of a miraculous birth<ref>"Early History of Islam," Religion Online, ThinkQuest, Oracle Education Foundation, [http://library.thinkquest.org/26756/islam/index.htm]</ref> from the virgin, Mary. Did not die on the cross but was transported to heaven,<ref>"Islam," MSN Encarta Online, [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761579171_5/Islam.html#p42]</ref> where he lives to return in the flesh to this world shortly before Doomsday.<ref>"Further Similarities and Differences: (between esoteric, exoteric & Sunni/Shia) and (between Islam/Christianity/Judaism)," ''Exploring World Religions,'' 2001, by Oxford University Press Canada [http://muslim-canada.org/oxford.html]</ref> Since Jesus (considered a prophet) came before Muhammad, his return to Earth would not disqualify Muhammad as the “last” prophet.
−
| valign="top" | 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.<ref>"The Birth of Jesus," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://aaiil.info/misconceptions/jesus/birth.htm]</ref>
+
| valign="top" | Similar to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community belief except that the question of Jesus' virgin birth is not an essential requirement of faith and is left to the individual's personal conviction.<ref>"The Birth of Jesus," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.</ref>
−
| valign="top" | Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He survived the crucifixion and did not die an accursed death.<ref>"Jesus Did not Die on the Cross," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=34#top]</ref> Instead he travelled east to India in search of the Lost Tribes of Israel.<ref>"Jesus Migrated to India," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=50#top]</ref> Jesus lived a full life and died on earth, specifically Jesus's tomb lies in Kashmir under the name Yuz Asaf.
+
| valign="top" | Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He survived the crucifixion and did not die an accursed death.<ref>"Jesus Did not Die on the Cross," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=34#top]</ref> Instead he travelled east to India in search of the Lost Tribes of Israel.<ref>"Jesus Migrated to India," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=50#top]</ref> Jesus lived a full life and died on earth, specifically Jesus' tomb lies in Kashmir under the name Yuz Asaf.
 
|-
 
|-
 
! valign="top" | Armed Jihad
 
! valign="top" | Armed Jihad
−
| valign="top" | Some groups believe aggressive armed struggle to be the most valid interpretation of Jihad and consider it permissible and legal.  Some mainstream Muslims hold the view that there are two different types of Jihad: Jihad Al-Akbar, (considered the greater Jihad) is the personal struggle with one's own soul and Jihad Al-Asghar (considered the lesser Jihad) is the external, physical effort, often implying fighting.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
+
| valign="top" | Some groups believe aggressive armed struggle to be the most valid interpretation of Jihad and consider it permissible and legal.  According to a famous [[Hadith]] (a tradition of the Prophet [[Muhammed]]) there are two different types of Jihad: Jihad Al-Akbar, (considered the greater Jihad) is the personal struggle with one's own soul and Jihad Al-Asghar (considered the lesser Jihad) is the external, physical effort, often implying fighting.
 
| valign="top" | Jihad primarily means to strive or exert to the fullest.  On an ongoing basis this refers to striving against the devil, ones low desires (self) and the peaceful propagation of Islam with special emphasis on spreading the true message of Islam by the pen.  In special circumstances Jihad could be an armed struggle but only as a defensive war against extreme persecution.<ref>[http://www.askislam.com/Concepts/Jihad/index.html Concept of Jihad] and<br/>"True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml]</ref>
 
| valign="top" | Jihad primarily means to strive or exert to the fullest.  On an ongoing basis this refers to striving against the devil, ones low desires (self) and the peaceful propagation of Islam with special emphasis on spreading the true message of Islam by the pen.  In special circumstances Jihad could be an armed struggle but only as a defensive war against extreme persecution.<ref>[http://www.askislam.com/Concepts/Jihad/index.html Concept of Jihad] and<br/>"True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/articles/others/truemeaningjihad.shtml]</ref>
−
| valign="top" | Claim that as per prophecy, the messiah rendered the concept of violent Jihad obsolete. They believe that the answer of hate should be given by love. As their khalifas said that 'if anyone attacks us we must not attack him and should love him' this is called "Jihaad-e-Akbar" (The Greater Jihad).<ref>http://www.ahmadiyya.de/library/jihaad-wahres_konzept.html</ref>
+
| valign="top" | Claim that as per prophecy, the messiah rendered the concept of violent Jihad obsolete. They believe that the answer of hate should be given by love. As their khalifas said that 'if anyone attacks us we must not attack him and should love him' this is called "Jihaad-e-Akbar" (The Greater Jihad).
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Views of mainstream Muslims==
 
==Views of mainstream Muslims==
−
Most orthodox Muslims consider both Ahmadi sects to be heretics for a number of reasons, chief among them being the question of finality of prophethood,<ref>"Five Pillars of Islam," Islam101.com, [http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html]</ref> since they believe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community do not regard the Islamic prophet Muhammad to be the last prophet<ref>"The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Messiha and Mehdi, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top]</ref> (the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement does not subscribe to this belief<ref name=mirzanotprophet>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mga/mirzaghulamahmadnotprophet.shtml azrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood (in the light of his own writings)]. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.</ref>). Ahmadis claim that this is a result of misinterpreting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's statements referring to his coming "in the spirit of Muhammed",<ref name=mirzanotprophet/><ref>Chaudhry, Aziz Ahmad. [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=162#top The Question of Finality of Prophethood, The Promised Messiha and Mehdi]. Islam International Publications Limited.</ref> (similar to [[John the Baptist]] coming in the spirit and power of [[Elijah]]<ref>"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, [http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/1301-F-4.htm])</ref>). Both Ahmadi sects believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Mahdi and promised Messiah,<ref>"The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/callofislam/reformermujaddiddeathjesusmessiahimammahdidajjalggogmagog.shtml]</ref> while mainstream Muslims refute this claim, they do not believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad fulfilled the prophecies about the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and see him as a false prophet. Both Ahmadi groups are considered non-Muslims by the Pakistan government, and have this fact recorded on their travel documents. In contrast Ahmadi citizens from Western countries and other moderate Muslim nations perform Hajj and Umra as the Saudi government is not made aware they are Ahmadis when applying for the visa. A court decision has also upheld the right of Ahmadiyyas to identify themselves as Muslims in India.<!— Is not accessible (2007-07-20) <ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/law/2004/03/03/index.htm On right to freedom of religion and the plight of Ahmadiyas]. Retrieved on April 10 2007.</ref> END —>
+
Most orthodox Muslims consider both Ahmadi sects to be heretics for a number of reasons, chief among them being the question of finality of prophethood,<ref>"Five Pillars of Islam," [http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html] ''Islam101.com''.</ref> since they believe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community do not regard the Islamic prophet Muhammad to be the last prophet<ref>Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, "The Question of Finality of Prophethood," ''The Promised Messiha and Mehdi.'' Islam International Publications Limited, [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=37#top]''alislam.org''. </ref> (the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement does not subscribe to this belief<ref name=mirzanotprophet>[http://www.aaiil.org/text/acus/mga/mirzaghulamahmadnotprophet.shtml azrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood (in the light of his own writings)]. ''The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement''.</ref>). Ahmadis claim that this is a result of misinterpreting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's statements referring to his coming "in the spirit of Muhammed",<ref name=mirzanotprophet/><ref>Chaudhry, Aziz Ahmad. [http://www.alislam.org/library/books/promisedmessiah/index.htm?page=162#top The Question of Finality of Prophethood, The Promised Messiha and Mehdi]. ''Islam International Publications Limited''.</ref> (similar to [[John the Baptist]] coming in the spirit and power of [[Elijah]])<ref>Tony Capoccia, "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?," [http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/1301-F-4.htm] ''Bible Bulletin Board''</ref>. Both Ahmadi sects believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Mahdi and promised Messiah,<ref>"The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [http://www.aaiil.org/text/books/mali/callofislam/reformermujaddiddeathjesusmessiahimammahdidajjalggogmagog.shtml]</ref> while mainstream Muslims refute this claim, they do not believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad fulfilled the prophecies about the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and see him as a false prophet. Both Ahmadi groups are considered non-Muslims by the Pakistan government, and have this fact recorded on their travel documents. In contrast Ahmadi citizens from Western countries and other moderate Muslim nations perform [[Hajj]] and [[Umra]] as the Saudi government is not made aware they are Ahmadis when applying for the visa. A court decision has also upheld the right of Ahmadiyyas to identify themselves as Muslims in India.
 +
As the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement’s view regarding Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s status as a Prophet is closer to traditional Islamic thought, the Literature published by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has found greater acceptability among the Muslim Intelligentsia.<ref>[http://www.muslim.org/books/azhar-cert.htm Al-Azhar endorses publications by Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] AAIIL, USA</ref><ref>[http://www.muslim.org/books/list.htm Marmaduke Pickthall's (famous British Muslim and a translator of the Quran into English)comments on Lahore Ahmadiyya Literature] AAIIL, USA</ref>
  
−
As the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement’s view regarding Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s status as a Prophet is closer to traditional Islamic thought, the Literature published by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has found greater acceptability among the Muslim Intelligentsia.<ref>[http://www.muslim.org/books/azhar-cert.htm Al-Azhar endorses publications by Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] AAIIL, USA</ref><ref>[http://www.muslim.org/books/list.htm Marmaduke Pickthall's (famous British Muslim and a translator of the Quran into English)comments on Lahore Ahmadiyya Literature] AAIIL, USA</ref>
+
Some mainstream Muslims group both Ahmadi sects together and refer to them as "Qadianis," and their beliefs as "Qadianism"<ref>"Lies and the Liar who told them!," www.inter-islam.org, [http://www.inter-islam.org/faith/Qadianism.html]</ref> (after the small town of Qadian in the [[Gurdaspur District]] of Punjab in India, where the movement's founder was born). However, most, if not all, Ahmadis of both sects dislike this term as it has acquired derogatory connotations over the years and furthermore they prefer to differentiate their two separate movements. Mainstream Muslims will not use the term "Muslim" when referring to Ahmadis, even though both sects refer to themselves as such citing the fatwas given by the Islamic scholars. However, as members of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement deny the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, some orthodox Islamic Scholars consider the Lahore Ahmadiyya as Muslims.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/tributesaaiil/mma.htm Tributes to Maulana Muhammad Ali and The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] AAIIL Website</ref> 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.<ref>"Pakistan: Killing of Ahmadis continues amid impunity," Amnesty International, Public Statement, AI Index: ASA 33/028/2005 (Public), News Service No: 271, 11 October 2005, [http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA330282005]</ref>
  
−
Some mainstream Muslims group both Ahmadi sects together and refer to them as "Qadianis," and their beliefs as "Qadianism"<ref>"Lies and the Liar who told them!," www.inter-islam.org, [http://www.inter-islam.org/faith/Qadianism.html]</ref> (after the small town of Qadian in the [[Gurdaspur District]] of Punjab in India, where the movement's founder was born). However most, if not all, Ahmadis of both sects dislike this term as it has acquired derogatory connotations over the years and furthermore they prefer to differentiate their two separate movements. Furthermore, mainstream Muslims will not use the term "Muslim" when referring to Ahmadis, even though both sects refer to themselves as such citing the fatwas given by the Islamic scholars. However, as members of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement deny the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, some orthodox Islamic Scholars consider the Lahore Ahmadiyya as Muslims.<ref>[http://www.aaiil.info/misconceptions/tributesaaiil/mma.htm Tributes to Maulana Muhammad Ali and The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] AAIIL Website</ref> 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.<ref>"Pakistan: Killing of Ahmadis continues amid impunity," Amnesty International, Public Statement, AI Index: ASA 33/028/2005 (Public), News Service No: 271, 11 October 2005, [http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA330282005]</ref>
+
== Relationship with Christians ==
  
−
== Relationship with Christians ==
+
Christian missionaries during the life of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad were actively engaged in debates, ''prayer duels'' and written arguments with the Ahmadiyya Movement. Ghulam Ahmad was constantly engaged in controversies with the British missionaries. Western historians have recorded this effort as one of the features of Ghulam Ahmad's legacy. Francis Robinson states:
 +
<blockquote>"At their most extreme religious strategies for dealing with the Christian presence might involve attacking Christian revelation at its heart, as did the Punjabi Muslim, Ghulam Ahmad (d.1908), who founded the Ahmadiyya missionary sect."<ref>Francis Robinson, [http://eprints.rhul.ac.uk/archive/00000332/01/oupbrempmus.pdf The British Empire and the Muslim World], 21 </ref></blockquote>
  
−
Christian missionaries during the life of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad were actively engaged in debates, ''[[prayer duel]]s'' and written arguments with the Ahmadiyya Movement. The Ahmadiyya Movement considers Christian nations (particularly of the developed world) to be the prophesised Dajjal and [[Gog and Magog]], thus making the relationship very hostile. The Ahmadiyya view of [[death of Jesus]] has also been a source of ongoing friction with the Christian Church.
+
Additionally, Abbott Freeland, observed in his book, ''Islam and Pakistan'':
  
−
[[Abbott Freeland]], observed in his book, Islam and Pakistan,<ref>[http://opac.ide.go.jp/cgi-bin/exec_cgi/ibibdet.cgi?CGILANG=english&U_CHARSET=utf-8&ID=BB20120198]Islam and Pakistan by Freeland, Abbot. p. 160-161 </ref>  
+
<blockquote>The primary significance of the Ahmadiyya Movement lay in its missionary emphasis. Every Muslim believed that Islam was the only religion free from error. The Ahmadiyas made it part of their principles to show the errors of other religions to their adherents and to proselytize energetically for Islam. In a sense, the Ahmadiyas represent the Muslims emerging, religiously speaking, from the withdrawal that had begun with the arrival of the British, just as the Muslim League represents the political emergence from that same withdrawal. ... It is somewhat ironic that the sect most attacked by Muslims in India and Pakistan has also been that, which has worked hardest, in both its branches, to defend and extend Islam against the competition offered by other faiths."<ref>Abbott Freeland. ''Islam and Pakistan.'' (Ithaca: Cornell University, 1968. ISBN 9780801400032), 160-161.</ref></blockquote>
  
−
<blockquote>The primary significance of the Ahmadiyya Movement lay in its missionary emphasis. Every Muslim believed that Islam was the only religion free from error. The Ahmadiyas made it part of their principles to show the errors of other religions to their adherents and to proselytize energetically for Islam. In a sense, the Ahmadiyas represent the Muslims emerging, religiously speaking, from the withdrawal that had begun with the arrival of the British, just as the Muslim League represents the political emergence from that same withdrawal. .................................. It is somewhat ironic that the sect most attacked by Muslims in India and Pakistan has also been that, which has worked hardest, in both its branches, to defend and extend Islam against the competition offered by other faiths.</blockquote>
+
The Ahmadiyya Movement considers Christian nations (particularly of the developed world) to be the prophesised ''Dajjal'' and ''Gog'' and ''Magog,'' thus making the relationship very hostile. The Ahmadiyya view of the death of [[Jesus]] has also been a source of ongoing friction with the Christian Church.
  
−
Ghulam Ahmad was constantly engaged in controversies with the British missionaries. Western historians have recorded this effort as one of the features of Ghulam Ahmad's legacy.<ref>[http://eprints.rhul.ac.uk/archive/00000332/01/oupbrempmus.pdf]The British Empire and the Muslim World Francis Robinson, Page 21</ref> Francis Robinson states;
+
Nevertheless, Ahmadi communities in different parts of the world have been promoting interfaith dialogue with other religious groups in an effort to propagate their ideas and to gain greater exposure to their religious viewpoints.
−
<blockquote>At their most extreme religious strategies for dealing with the Christian presence might involve attacking Christian revelation at its heart, as did the Punjabi Muslim, Ghulam Ahmad (d.1908), who founded the Ahmadiyya missionary sect.</blockquote>
 
  
−
==Chronology with leaders==
+
==Chronology ==
−
*23 March 1889  Ahmadiyya movement founded.  
+
*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 Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam ''(Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam)''.
+
*1914   Movement splits into two branches: one remains in Qadian, known today as Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam ''(Jamaat-i Ahmadiyya),'' and one is established in [[Lahore]], known as the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam ''(Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam).''  
  
 
''Only two leaders are recognized by both branches of the sect'':
 
''Only two leaders are recognized by both branches of the sect'':
 
*23 March 1889 - 26 May 1908  Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founding ''Masish'' and ''Mahdi'' (b. 1835 - d. 1908)
 
*23 March 1889 - 26 May 1908  Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founding ''Masish'' and ''Mahdi'' (b. 1835 - d. 1908)
−
*27 May 1908 - 13 March 1914  Maulana [[Hakeem Noor-ud-Din]] (b. 1841 - d. 1914), the first Caliph, after whose death the movement was split:
+
*27 May 1908 - 13 March 1914  Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din (b. 1841 - d. 1914), the first Caliph, after whose death the movement split.
  
−
''Leaders recognized by the'' Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Qadian Branch), ''referred to as'' ''Khalifas'' ('Successors'):
+
Leaders recognized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Qadian Branch), referred to as ''Khalifas'' ('Successors'):
−
*14 March 1914 - 7 November 1965  [[Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad]] (b. 1889 - d. 1965)                             
+
*14 March 1914 - 7 November 1965  Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad  (b. 1889 - d. 1965)                             
−
*8 November 1965 - 9 June 1982  [[Mirza Nasir Ahmad]] (b. 1909 - d. 1982)
+
*8 November 1965 - 9 June 1982  Mirza Nasir Ahmad  (b. 1909 - d. 1982)
−
*10 June 1982 - 19 April 2003  [[Mirza Tahir Ahmad]] (b. 1928 - d. 2003)  
+
*10 June 1982 - 19 April 2003  Mirza Tahir Ahmad  (b. 1928 - d. 2003)  
 
*22 April 2003 - today  Mirza Masroor Ahmad  (b. 1950)  
 
*22 April 2003 - today  Mirza Masroor Ahmad  (b. 1950)  
  
−
''Leaders recognized by the'' Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement (Lahore Branch), ''referred to as'' ''Emirs'':
+
''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)  
 
*April 1914 - 13 October 1951  Maulana Muhammad Ali  (b. 1874 - d. 1951)  
−
*1951 - 15 November 1981  Maulana [[Sadr-ud-Din]]       (d. 1981)  
+
*1951 - 15 November 1981  Maulana Sadr-ud-Din      (d. 1981)  
−
*1981 - 15 November 1996  [[Saeed Ahmad Khan]]         (b. 1900 - d. 1996)  
+
*1981 - 15 November 1996  Saeed Ahmad Khan          (b. 1900 - d. 1996)  
−
*1996 - 14 October 2002    [[Asghar Hameed]]             (b. 1919 - d. 2002)  
+
*1996 - 14 October 2002    Asghar Hameed            (b. 1919 - d. 2002)  
−
*3 November 2002 - today  [[Abdul Karim Saeed]]         (b. 1945)
+
*3 November 2002 - today  Abdul Karim Saeed        (b. 1945)
−
 
 
−
 
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 127: Line 125:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*Ali, Maulana Muhammad. ''Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement: A Short Story by Maulana.'' Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam, 1995. ISBN 978-0913321645
+
*Ali, Maulana Muhammad. ''Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement: A Short Story by Maulana.'' Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam, 1995. ISBN 978-0913321645
−
*Gualtieri, Antonio. ''The Ahmadis: Community, Gender, and Politics in a Muslim Society (Paperback).'' McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004. ISBN 978-0773527386
+
*Freeland, Abbott. ''Islam and Pakistan.'' Ithaca: Cornell University, 1968. ISBN 9780801400032
−
*Rippin, ANDREW. ''Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices).'' Routledge; 3 edition, 2005. ISBN 978-0415348829
+
*Gualtieri, Antonio. ''The Ahmadis: Community, Gender, and Politics in a Muslim Society.'' McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004. ISBN 978-0773527386
 +
*Miller, Timothy. ''America's Alternative Religions.'' SUNY Press, 1995. ISBN 0791423972
 +
*Rippin, Andrew. ''Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices,'' 3rd ed. (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices).'' Routledge, 2005. ISBN 978-0415348829
 +
*Robinson, Francis. "The British Empire and the Muslim world." 398-420. In: ''The Oxford History of the British Empire.'' Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001. ISBN 0199246793.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
===Ahmadiyya Muslims Community===
+
All links retrieved June 16, 2023.
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.alislam.org Official Website of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]  Retrieved May 8, 2008
 
−
* [http://www.jalsasalana.org/ Official Website of JALSA SALANA the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] Retrieved May 8, 2008
 
−
* [http://www.ahmadiyya.us Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA] Retrieved May 8, 2008
 
−
* [http://www.ahmadiyya.ca Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada] Retrieved May 8, 2008
 
−
 
 
−
===Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam===
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.aaiil.org/index.shtml Official Website of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam—Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-e-Islam Lahore]
 
−
 
 
−
===Other links===
 
  
 +
* [http://www.alislam.org Official Website of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] 
 +
* [http://www.jalsasalana.org/ Official Website of JALSA SALANA the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]
 +
* [http://www.ahmadiyya.us Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA]
 +
* [http://www.ahmadiyya.ca Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada]
 
* [http://thepersecution.org/ Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]
 
* [http://thepersecution.org/ Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]
−
* [http://www.qadiani.org/death.html Article regarding death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]
 
−
* [http://www.esnips.com/user/moubasher Dawat-e-Lillah Articles''] - Ahmadiyya articles at eSnips both in Urdu and in English languages and as well as in Arabic
 
−
 
−
====Topical articles by opponents of the Ahmadiyya Sect====
 
−
*[http://groups.google.com.pk/group/Discussion-on-Death-of-Jesus-Christ-at-Zakir-Naik-forum/browse_thread/thread/db7454bc52ef07ba/ec4ddd8a5f5e2767?hl=en#ec4ddd8a5f5e2767 Discussion on the topic of death of Jesus Christ at Zakir Naik forum] - ''Zakir Naik on Google Groups''
 
−
*[http://alhafeez.org/rashid/yusuf_smith.html The Qadiani Sect by Yusuf Smith - A Muslim convert's Point of View] - ''Alhafeez.org Anti Ahmadiyya Anti Shia Anti Barelvi, Anti Ismaieli website''
 
−
*[http://www.iiie.net/Brochures/Brochure-27.html Qadiyanism: A Brief Survey] - ''The Institute of Islamic Information and Education, USA''
 
−
*[http://www.servantsofallah.org/ahmadism.htm Allama Iqbal on Ahmadism] - ''ServantsofAllah.org''
 
−
*[http://www.ahmadiyya.org/iqbal/smiatam.htm Sir Muhammad Iqbal and the Ahmadiyya Movement] - Iqbal's sympathies and support for the Ahmadiyya Movement
 
−
*[http://www.ummah.com/forum/showpost.php?p=567980&postcount=9 The Problem Of Qadiyanism by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi] - ''Ummah.com Anti Ahmadiyya Anti Shia Anti Barelvi, Anti Ismaieli website''
 
−
*[http://islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/qadiani_claims.htm Mirza Qadiani's Anti-Islamic Claims by Dr. Syed Rashid Ali] - ''Islamicweb''
 
−
*[http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_library/books/finality_of_prophethood/index.htm Finality of Prophethood by Abul A'la Maududi] - ''youngmuslims.com''
 
−
* [http://geocities.com/islam.Ahmadiyya System of Ahmadiyya Exposed!] - geocities.com/Islam.ahmadiyya
 
−
*[http://www.darul-ishaat.co.uk Darul Ishaat - Learn the truth about Islam]
 
−
*[http://geocities.com/islam.ahmadiyya/Truth Truth about Ahmadiyyat in Urdu - Reply to Anti Ahmadiyya]
 
−
 
−
===Other sites with works critical of the Ahmadiyya Movement===
 
−
 
−
*[http://real-islam.org/reply/misc.html - '' Replies to miscellaneous allegations'']
 
−
*[http://real-islam.org/audio/ary1.rm '' Confession of few facts by severe opponents of Ahmadis like Dr, Israr Ahmad.Positive remarks about Ahmadiyyat and Founder of Ahmadiyyat by Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and bitter opponent of Ahmadiyyat Dr. Israr Ahmad.A video Clip from ARY Digital, A famous satellite TV channel'')] 
 
−
*[http://207.244.155.2:8090/video/misc/muslim.rm What makes one a “Muslim”? (Urdu With English sub-titles)]
 
−
*[http://www.servantsofallah.org/ahmadism.htm Allama Iqbal on Ahmadism] - ServantsofAllah.org
 
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* [http://geocities.com/islam.ahmadiyya/Truth Truth about Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]
 
  
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Latest revision as of 06:53, 16 June 2023

The Ahmadiyya Mosque in London, England.

The term Ahmadi (Urdu: احمدیہ Ahmadiyya) refers to the followers of a controversial religious movement that emerged in Qadian, a small village in East Punjab India, during the end of the nineteenth century. The movement was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (d. 1908), a Muslim who claimed to have fulfilled Christian and Islamic prophecies by being the second advent of Christ as well as the Imam Mahdi and Mujaddid (reformer of the age) of the fourteenth Islamic century.[1] Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad termed the movement that he founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (community) envisioning it to be a revitalization of Islam. However, Ahmadis are not considered to be Muslims by Sunnis or Shias.[2][3][4]

Following Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's death, the original Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat split into two separate groups[5] known respectively as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the smaller Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam (Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam). These groups vary in their specific interpretations of the founder's teachings and claims. They also differ in their views on whom should have succeeded Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, and how such a successor should be chosen.[6][7]

The Ahmadi version of Islam has been controversial to mainstream Muslims since its birth. Muslims have not accepted Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's claims and do not consider Ahmadis to be Muslims at all citing in particular the Ahmadiyya view on ascension and return of Jesus, the concept of Jihad, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community view on the finality of Muhammad with particular reference to interpretation of verse [Quran 33:40] of the Qur'an.[8] Ahmadis, however, argue that their beliefs are in accordance with Islam,[9][10] and using arguments from the Qur'an, Hadith and opinion of Islamic jurists, challenge the contention of the groups calling them non-Muslims.[11]

History

The Ahmadiyya movement claims to represent the latter day renaissance of the religion of Islam. At the end of the nineteenth century, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian proclaimed himself to be the "Reformer of the age" (Mujaddid), (Promised Messiah, Mahdi of the age.) (Note that the two sub-sects 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 both Prophet Muhammad and 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 successor, 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.[12] 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.

Some of the first people to convert to the Ahmadiyya movement were highly educated people from secular and religious circles. These included many civil servants and also from the military, such as Ali Gouhar of the British-Indian Army.[13] The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has established offices in 190 countries and claims to have a population exceeding tens of millions.[14] The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has branches in 17 countries.[15] There is no reliable information available regarding the population numbers of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.

Overseas Ahmadiyya missionary activities started as early as 1920s. For many modern nations of the world, the Ahmadiyya movement was their first contact with the proclaimants from the Muslim world.[16] Ahmadiyya movement is considered by some historians[17] as one of the precursors to the African-American Civil Rights Movement in America. According to some experts, Ahmadiyya were "arguably the most influential community in African-American Islam" until the 1950s, when Nation of Islam gained support among black communities.[18] Many notable Jazz musicians converted to Ahmadiyya Islam.[19] The influence of Ahmadiyya movement was later reduced by the splits among the community caused by Nation of Islam as well as the Sunni scholars during the 1950s.

Current status

In some countries it is a legal offence for the Ahmadiyya Movement to preach their religion as Islam. The Pakistani parliament has declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. In 1974, the government of Pakistan amended its constitution to define a Muslim "as a person who believes in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad".[20] Due to this strong clash of beliefs, Ahmadis have been the target of many attacks led by various religious groups.[21] As a result of the cultural implications of the laws and constitutional amendments regarding Ahmadis in Pakistan, persecution and hate-related incidents are constantly reported from different parts of the country. Religious seminaries and madrassahs in Pakistan, belonging to different sects of Islam have prescribed essential reading materials specifically targeted at refuting Ahmadiyya beliefs.[22] In a recent survey in Pakistan, pupils in private schools of Pakistan expressed their opinions on religious tolerance in the country. The figures assembled in the study reflect that even in the educated classes of Pakistan, Ahmadis are considered to be the least deserving minority in terms of equal opportunities and civil rights. In the same study, the teachers in these elite schools showed even lower amount of tolerance towards Ahmadis than their pupils.[23] Lahori 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."

In Bangladesh, fundamentalist Islamic groups have demanded that Ahmadiyyas be declared officially as kafirs (infidels). Ahmadiyyas have become a persecuted group, targeted via protests and acts of violence. According to Amnesty International, followers have been subject to "house arrest," and several have been killed. In late 2003, several large marches, led by Moulana Moahmud Hossain Mumtazi, were directed to occupy an Ahmadi mosque. The march was supported by thousands of protesters, armed with sticks, bricks, and other weapons; they chanted slogans of hate-filled and violent rhetoric. In 2004, all Ahmadi publications were banned, the official reason being that they "hurt or might hurt the sentiments of the majority Muslim population".[24]

Beliefs

Ahmadiyya beliefs mostly mirror those of Islam in general, including belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, reverence for historical prophets, belief in a single creator God (strong monotheism). They accept the Qur'an as their holy text, face the Kaaba during prayer and accept the authority of hadiths (reported sayings of and stories about Muhammad).

Distinct Ahmadi beliefs

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

  • That the prophecies concerning the second coming of Jesus were metaphorical in nature and not literal. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad fulfilled these prophecies as the second advent of Jesus, the promised Mahdi, and the Messiah.[25]
  • That 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 Qur'an are not accepted by Ahmadi Muslims.[26]
  • That Jesus, contrary to mainstream Islamic belief, was crucified and survived the four hours on the cross. He was later revived from a swoon in the tomb.[27] Ahmadis believe that Jesus died in Kashmir of old age whilst seeking the Lost Tribes of Israel.[28] Jesus' remains are believed to be entombed in Kashmir under the name Yuz Asaf. Ahmadis believe that Jesus foretold the coming of Muhammad after him, which Christians have misinterpreted.[29]
  • That Jihad can only be used to protect against extreme religious persecution, and that Muslims have used Jihad as a tool for political opportunism.[30]
  • That the "Messiah" and the "Imam Mahdi" are the same person, and that it is through his teachings, influence, his prayers and that of his followers 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) and that the Dajjal's power will slowly melt away like the melting of snow, heralding the final victory of Islam and age of peace.
  • That the history of humankind is split into seven epochs or ages, parallel to the seven days of the week, with periods for light and darkness and that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad appeared as the Promised Messiah at the sixth epoch heralding the seventh and final age of the world. A day in the estimation of God is like a thousand years of man's reckoning (Qur'an: 22:48). According to Ghulam Ahmad just as the sixth day of the week is reserved for Jumu'ah (congregational prayers) likewise his age is destined for a global gathering or assembly in which the world is to unite under one universal religion, which according to him, was Islam.
  • The two Ahmadiyya groups have varying beliefs regarding the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that Muhammad brought prophethood to perfection and was the last law-bearing prophet and the apex of man's spiritual evolution. New prophets can come but they must be subordinate to Muhammad and cannot exceed him in excellence nor alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.[31] The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement believes that Muhammad is the last of the prophets and no prophet, new or old, can come after him.[32]

Comparison of belief between Islam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Article of faith Mainstream Islam Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Return of Jesus Differs, but most believe that at the “end of days” Jesus himself will descend from heaven in the flesh.[33] References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[34] References to the second coming of Jesus are allegorical. The prophecy of the second coming was fulfilled in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[35]
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[36] about whom the prophet Muhammad warned Muslims 1400 years ago. Mujaddid (Islamic Reformer) of the 14th Islamic century. The promised Mahdi and the second coming of Jesus. Referred to as a prophet in the metaphorical sense only (as other recognized Islamic saints and Sufis are similarly called). Not a prophet in the technical and linguistic meaning of the word.[37] A prophet (with all the qualities of a prophet like Jesus) but subordinate and deputy to the Prophet Muhammad. The Messiah, Imam Mehdi and Mujaddid of the 14th Islamic century and the second coming of Jesus.[38]
Shahada The Kalima Shahada is La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah. Professing the Kalima required to become a Muslim and in Pakistan,[39] declaring Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be an apostate is a prerequisite to be considered a Muslim.[40] The Kalima Shahada is La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else.[41] The Kalima Shahada is La illaha ilallah, muhammadur rasullulah. Anyone saying the Kalima Shahadat cannot be declared a non-Muslim by anyone else. However, any one who does not believe in Mirza Ghluam Ahmad's claims is a non-Muslim.[42]
Finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that 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.[43] The meaning of “Seal of the Prophets” is that Muhammad is the last of the prophets. No prophet, either new or old can come after him.[44] Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Mujaddid (reformer) of the 14th century Hijra and not a true prophet.[45] 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 alter his teaching or bring any new law or religion.[46]
Jesus, Son of Mary Born of a miraculous birth[47] from the virgin, Mary. Did not die on the cross but was transported to heaven,[48] where he lives to return in the flesh to this world shortly before Doomsday.[49] 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' virgin birth is not an essential requirement of faith and is left to the individual's personal conviction.[50] Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He survived the crucifixion and did not die an accursed death.[51] Instead he travelled east to India in search of the Lost Tribes of Israel.[52] Jesus lived a full life and died on earth, specifically Jesus' tomb lies in Kashmir under the name Yuz Asaf.
Armed Jihad Some groups believe aggressive armed struggle to be the most valid interpretation of Jihad and consider it permissible and legal. According to a famous Hadith (a tradition of the Prophet Muhammed) there are two different types of Jihad: Jihad Al-Akbar, (considered the greater Jihad) is the personal struggle with one's own soul and Jihad Al-Asghar (considered the lesser Jihad) is the external, physical effort, often implying fighting. Jihad primarily means to strive or exert to the fullest. On an ongoing basis this refers to striving against the devil, ones low desires (self) and the peaceful propagation of Islam with special emphasis on spreading the true message of Islam by the pen. In special circumstances Jihad could be an armed struggle but only as a defensive war against extreme persecution.[53] Claim that as per prophecy, the messiah rendered the concept of violent Jihad obsolete. They believe that the answer of hate should be given by love. As their khalifas said that 'if anyone attacks us we must not attack him and should love him' this is called "Jihaad-e-Akbar" (The Greater Jihad).

Views of mainstream Muslims

Most orthodox Muslims consider both Ahmadi sects to be heretics for a number of reasons, chief among them being the question of finality of prophethood,[54] since they believe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community do not regard the Islamic prophet Muhammad to be the last prophet[55] (the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement does not subscribe to this belief[56]). Ahmadis claim that this is a result of misinterpreting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's statements referring to his coming "in the spirit of Muhammed",[56][57] (similar to John the Baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah)[58]. Both Ahmadi sects believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Mahdi and promised Messiah,[59] while mainstream Muslims refute this claim, they do not believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad fulfilled the prophecies about the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and see him as a false prophet. Both Ahmadi groups are considered non-Muslims by the Pakistan government, and have this fact recorded on their travel documents. In contrast Ahmadi citizens from Western countries and other moderate Muslim nations perform Hajj and Umra as the Saudi government is not made aware they are Ahmadis when applying for the visa. A court decision has also upheld the right of Ahmadiyyas to identify themselves as Muslims in India. As the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement’s view regarding Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s status as a Prophet is closer to traditional Islamic thought, the Literature published by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has found greater acceptability among the Muslim Intelligentsia.[60][61]

Some mainstream Muslims group both Ahmadi sects together and refer to them as "Qadianis," and their beliefs as "Qadianism"[62] (after the small town of Qadian in the Gurdaspur District of Punjab in India, where the movement's founder was born). However, most, if not all, Ahmadis of both sects dislike this term as it has acquired derogatory connotations over the years and furthermore they prefer to differentiate their two separate movements. Mainstream Muslims will not use the term "Muslim" when referring to Ahmadis, even though both sects refer to themselves as such citing the fatwas given by the Islamic scholars. However, as members of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement deny the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, some orthodox Islamic Scholars consider the Lahore Ahmadiyya as Muslims.[63] 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.[64]

Relationship with Christians

Christian missionaries during the life of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad were actively engaged in debates, prayer duels and written arguments with the Ahmadiyya Movement. Ghulam Ahmad was constantly engaged in controversies with the British missionaries. Western historians have recorded this effort as one of the features of Ghulam Ahmad's legacy. Francis Robinson states:

"At their most extreme religious strategies for dealing with the Christian presence might involve attacking Christian revelation at its heart, as did the Punjabi Muslim, Ghulam Ahmad (d.1908), who founded the Ahmadiyya missionary sect."[65]

Additionally, Abbott Freeland, observed in his book, Islam and Pakistan:

The primary significance of the Ahmadiyya Movement lay in its missionary emphasis. Every Muslim believed that Islam was the only religion free from error. The Ahmadiyas made it part of their principles to show the errors of other religions to their adherents and to proselytize energetically for Islam. In a sense, the Ahmadiyas represent the Muslims emerging, religiously speaking, from the withdrawal that had begun with the arrival of the British, just as the Muslim League represents the political emergence from that same withdrawal. ... It is somewhat ironic that the sect most attacked by Muslims in India and Pakistan has also been that, which has worked hardest, in both its branches, to defend and extend Islam against the competition offered by other faiths."[66]

The Ahmadiyya Movement considers Christian nations (particularly of the developed world) to be the prophesised Dajjal and Gog and Magog, thus making the relationship very hostile. The Ahmadiyya view of the death of Jesus has also been a source of ongoing friction with the Christian Church.

Nevertheless, Ahmadi communities in different parts of the world have been promoting interfaith dialogue with other religious groups in an effort to propagate their ideas and to gain greater exposure to their religious viewpoints.

Chronology

  • 1889 Ahmadiyya movement founded.
  • 1914 Movement splits into two branches: one remains in Qadian, known today as Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (Jamaat-i Ahmadiyya), and one is established in Lahore, known as the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam (Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam).

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

  • 23 March 1889 - 26 May 1908 Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founding Masish and Mahdi (b. 1835 - d. 1908)
  • 27 May 1908 - 13 March 1914 Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din (b. 1841 - d. 1914), the first Caliph, after whose death the movement split.

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

  • 14 March 1914 - 7 November 1965 Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad (b. 1889 - d. 1965)
  • 8 November 1965 - 9 June 1982 Mirza Nasir Ahmad (b. 1909 - d. 1982)
  • 10 June 1982 - 19 April 2003 Mirza Tahir Ahmad (b. 1928 - d. 2003)
  • 22 April 2003 - today 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 - today Abdul Karim Saeed (b. 1945)

Notes

  1. ↑ Maulana Muhammad Ali."The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," from the "Call of Islam", Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  2. ↑ Mohammad Bashir, 1974 Declaration by World Muslim League. World Muslim League, April 1974. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  3. ↑ A Study of the Fatwa by Rashid Rida on the Translation of the Qur'an Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  4. ↑ Pakistani Constitutional Amendments of 1974 Declaring Qadianis as a non-Muslim Minority alhafeez.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  5. ↑ "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  6. ↑ "The Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement" by Maulana Muhammad Ali Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  7. ↑ "Refutation of Maulvi Muhammad Ali's Account of Ahmadiyya Dissensions" Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  8. ↑ "Pseudo-Islamic Cults-The Ahmadiyya/Qadiani Movement", thetruereligion.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  9. ↑ Accusations Answered AAIIL. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  10. ↑ Misconceptions about Ahmadiyyat AAIIL Website. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  11. ↑ Fatwas of Kufr AAIIL. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  12. ↑ "Ahmadiyya," Encyclopaedia Britannica Online.
  13. ↑ "The British Archives Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  14. ↑ "The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam An Overview," Al Islam, The official website of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Community. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  15. ↑ World Wide Branches of AAIIL Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  16. ↑ The Multiple Nature Of The Islamic Da'wa, Egdunas Racius, 158-160. University of Helsinki. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  17. ↑ Michael Angelo Gomez. Black Crescent: the experience and legacy of African Muslims in the Americas, 254-256. books.google. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  18. ↑ Timothy Miller. America's Alternative Religions, 280.books.google. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  19. ↑ Timothy Miller. America's Alternative Religions, 280. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  20. ↑ An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, September 21, 1974. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  21. ↑ Amjad Mahmood Khan, Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan: An Analysis Under International Law and International Relations Harvard Human Rights Journal 16 (September 2003). Retrieved June 25, 2008. "Violent Dhaka rally against sect", BBC News "Eight die in Pakistan sect attack", BBC News October 7, 2005.
    "Sect offices closed in Pakistan", BBC News. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  22. ↑ Tariq Rahman, Denizens of Alien Worlds: A Survey of the Education System of Pakistan. Contemporary South Asia, 2004 15.
  23. ↑ Peace and Democracy in South Asia, Volume 1, Number 1, January 2005. Passports to Privilege: The English-Medium Schools In Pakistan, Tariq Rahman.
  24. ↑ Bangladesh: The Ahmediyya Community - their rights must be protected, Amnesty International. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  25. ↑ Maulana Muhammad Ali. Mahdi and Messiah, Chapter 4, "The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement..ahmaniyya.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  26. ↑ Maulana Muhammad Ali, Abrogation "The Matter of Abrogation," Friday Sermon December 20 1914.AAIIL.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  27. ↑ Jesus, a Humble Prophet of God alislam.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  28. ↑ Shahid Aziz, Death of Jesus,". Bulletin, October 2001, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore (UK) Retrieved June 25, 2008.
    Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, "Jesus Migrated to India,". The Promised Mehdi and Messiah. (Islam International Publications Limited) Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  29. ↑ Maulana Abdul Haq Vidyarthi, Muhammad in World Scriptures (Vol. 2). Advent of Holy Prophet Muhammad Foretold in the Books of the Old Testament of Jews and the New Testament of Christians.'aaiil.org. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  30. ↑ [1] Concept of Jihad. askislam.org Retrieved June 25, 2008. and
    "True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  31. ↑ Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, "The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha. (Islam International Publications Limited), [2] Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  32. ↑ Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, "The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin."
  33. ↑ "Islamic View of the Coming/Return of Jesus," by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat, 2003, Islamic Perspectives, [3]
  34. ↑ "Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood [in the light of his own writings]," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [4] Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  35. ↑ "A Prophet Like Unto Moses," The Promised Mehdi and Messiah by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [5] Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  36. ↑ "Who Was the Impostor of Qadian? Decide for Yourself!!," Inter-Islam.org. [6]
  37. ↑ "The Use of the Terms Nabi & Rasul For Non-prophets," The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
  38. ↑ "A World Reformer," The Promised Mehdi and Messiah, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [7]
  39. ↑ An Act to amend the Constitution (2nd Amendment) ACT, 1974. An Act to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Gazette of Pakistan, Extraordinary, Part I, 21st September, 1974 Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  40. ↑ Passport Application Form, Government of Pakistan, [8]
  41. ↑ "Who is a Muslim?," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement,
    "Tarjuman al-Quran" by Sayyid Abul Ala Maudoodi, issue for month of Jumadi al-Awwal, 1355 A.H., circa 1936, vol. viii, p. 5.
  42. ↑ “…the belief that all those so called Muslims who have not entered into his (Promised Messiah’s) bai’at formally, wherever they may be, are kafirs and outside the pale of Islam…” (Mirza Mahmud Ahmad, The Truth about the Split, Rabwah 1965, pages 55-56. 1st published 1924, English translation of Ai’nah-e-Sadaqt)
  43. ↑ "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[9]
  44. ↑ "The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [10]
  45. ↑ "No Claim To Prophethood: 20 Arguments by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
  46. ↑ "The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [11]
  47. ↑ "Early History of Islam," Religion Online, ThinkQuest, Oracle Education Foundation, [12]
  48. ↑ "Islam," MSN Encarta Online, [13]
  49. ↑ "Further Similarities and Differences: (between esoteric, exoteric & Sunni/Shia) and (between Islam/Christianity/Judaism)," Exploring World Religions, 2001, by Oxford University Press Canada [14]
  50. ↑ "The Birth of Jesus," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
  51. ↑ "Jesus Did not Die on the Cross," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [15]
  52. ↑ "Jesus Migrated to India," The Promised Mehdi and Messiha, by Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, Islam International Publications Limited, [16]
  53. ↑ Concept of Jihad and
    "True Meaning of Jihad," Compiled by Imam Kalamazad Mohammed; Published by the Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad, [17]
  54. ↑ "Five Pillars of Islam," [18] Islam101.com.
  55. ↑ Dr. Aziz Ahmad Chaudhry, "The Question of Finality of Prophethood," The Promised Messiha and Mehdi. Islam International Publications Limited, [19]alislam.org.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 azrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian never Claimed Prophethood (in the light of his own writings). The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement.
  57. ↑ Chaudhry, Aziz Ahmad. The Question of Finality of Prophethood, The Promised Messiha and Mehdi. Islam International Publications Limited.
  58. ↑ Tony Capoccia, "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?," [20] Bible Bulletin Board
  59. ↑ "The Fourteenth-Century's Reformer / Mujaddid," Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, [21]
  60. ↑ Al-Azhar endorses publications by Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement AAIIL, USA
  61. ↑ Marmaduke Pickthall's (famous British Muslim and a translator of the Quran into English)comments on Lahore Ahmadiyya Literature AAIIL, USA
  62. ↑ "Lies and the Liar who told them!," www.inter-islam.org, [22]
  63. ↑ Tributes to Maulana Muhammad Ali and The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement AAIIL Website
  64. ↑ "Pakistan: Killing of Ahmadis continues amid impunity," Amnesty International, Public Statement, AI Index: ASA 33/028/2005 (Public), News Service No: 271, 11 October 2005, [23]
  65. ↑ Francis Robinson, The British Empire and the Muslim World, 21
  66. ↑ Abbott Freeland. Islam and Pakistan. (Ithaca: Cornell University, 1968. ISBN 9780801400032), 160-161.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ali, Maulana Muhammad. Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement: A Short Story by Maulana. Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam, 1995. ISBN 978-0913321645
  • Freeland, Abbott. Islam and Pakistan. Ithaca: Cornell University, 1968. ISBN 9780801400032
  • Gualtieri, Antonio. The Ahmadis: Community, Gender, and Politics in a Muslim Society. McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004. ISBN 978-0773527386
  • Miller, Timothy. America's Alternative Religions. SUNY Press, 1995. ISBN 0791423972
  • Rippin, Andrew. Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, 3rd ed. (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices). Routledge, 2005. ISBN 978-0415348829
  • Robinson, Francis. "The British Empire and the Muslim world." 398-420. In: The Oxford History of the British Empire. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001. ISBN 0199246793.

External links

All links retrieved June 16, 2023.

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