"We've been waiting for you."
People say this all the time when I teach courses about Islam and peace at colleges, universities and places of worship.
With the Muslim world erupting in chaos from the Libyan shores of Bin Ghazi to the tribal areas of Pakistan, this yearning for peace is becoming a global phenomenon. But name a Muslim leader today, spiritual or political, who has the vision, global presence, personal integrity and a track record of establishing peace.
Well, the wait is over.
Meet His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
He is the fifth elected spiritual leader -- or khalifa -- of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and is currently visiting the United States. I always tell my students that my peaceful understanding of Islam comes precisely from His Holiness's leadership. From the day he was sworn into office (April 22, 2003), he has committed himself to extending a message of peace to the world." Hush. Can you hear millions around the globe, whispering, "We've been waiting for you"?
Let's go back to the challenge of finding a Muslim leader with vision, global presence, personal integrity and a track record.
Unless you were sleeping under a rock for the past decade, you know exactly how many Muslim leaders have a vision problem. Despite the Quran's commitment to protecting all houses of worship, the Saudi grand Mufti called for the destruction of all churches in the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the Quran's prohibition of religious compulsion, the mesmerizing Pakistani cleric Maudoodi preached death for the apostates. Despite the Quran's flexible position on governance, the newly elected Egyptian leader, Morsi, is anxious to implement his brand of the Shariah Law. People, can't you see a trend?
His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, however, exhorts Muslims worldwide to strengthen interfaith relationships, champion religious freedom and embrace the separation of church and state.
Yes, His Holiness is not the only Muslim leader rallying for peace. But he is the only leader who has an international following of millions of Muslims. In 2009, His Holiness launched a peace campaign in U.K. with the Community's motto: "Love for all, Hatred for none." Bearing this message, the ads decorated London's red buses and thousands of flyers were distributed in neighborhoods. Following his lead, Ahmadiyya communities launched similar peace campaigns in Germany, Australia, Canada and other countries. In America, all hands were on the deck when a "Muslims for Peace" campaign was launched in 2010. Young volunteers distributed more than half a million flyers, the elders sponsored hundreds of bus ads, and the scholars held dozens of interfaith symposia.
Talk of integrity. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad is not someone who gives inflammatory statements to his internal audiences and plays peaceful in front of the cameras. His Friday sermons, privately watched by millions of his global followers, are a spiritual institution of peacemaking. Whether it's violent reaction over Danish cartoons or the anger over Quran burnings, the Ahmadi Muslim khalifa has never instigated his members to create disorder. In 2004, His Holiness launched the annual National Peace Symposium in U.K. where government officials gather to exchange ideas on the promotion of peace. In 2009, he launched the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace for individuals or organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the cause of peace. Watching the escalating tensions with Iran, His Holiness, has written personal letters to the Presidents of Iran, Israel, Canada and America in 2012, warning them about the threat of a nuclear third world war.
None of this is conceptually new to Ahmadi Muslim leaders though. Despite facing constitutionally backed persecution for over half a century in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa, the Ahmadi Muslim leaders have advocated for peace and compassion under threats and oppression. As a result, not even a single member of this community has ever been charged with an extremist act.
Last week, I was among the thousands to meet the Khalifa, His Holiness, during his visit to the United States. This week he will be meeting congressional leaders at the Capitol Hill. Many are waiting in line.
But many don't like to lie in wait. For them I have good news. Just look at the teachings, practices, track record and the character of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and their spiritual leaders over the past century, objectively. Once done, your likely response is going to be, "We've been waiting for you."
Follow Dr. Faheem Younus on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FaheemYounus
Michael Meyerson: In the Beginning: Religious Freedom in the Country's Founding Moments
“I am the last of the messengers and there will be no messenger after me.”
“I and the day of Judgment are like this” and the prophet raised his index finger up together signifying that there shall be none between him and the last day.
A new messenger is needed if and when the previous message is corrupted, not otherwise. The mirzais accept the Quran and the ahadith. That is the uncorrupted message! The Quran guarantees the purity of the message, and says, “Muhammed (SAW) is not the father of any of the men amongst you, but he is the messenger of God and the last of the messengers.” Mr.Gholam Kadiani was the father of a man. That man, his son, was a mirza, for that was his last name. He definitely was NOT a mirzai.
It has been the ijma (consensus) among the Muslims of all times; anyone denying the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad, SAW is NOT a Muslim. It makes sense. If you could be a Muslim while denying the finality of prophethood, others could demand to be included amongst the Muslims while denying the existence or the oneness of God, or denying the existence of an afterlife.
The consensus amongst the Muslims is complete and total, without any dissensions, and has continued ever since the early days of Islam.
[4:70] And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these.
Question: who are those prophets mentioned in the above verse (Sura Al Nisa).
[3:82] And remember the time when Allah took a covenant from the people through the Prophets, saying: ‘Whatever I give you of the Book and Wisdom and then there comes to you a Messenger, fulfilling that which is with you, you shall believe in him and help him.’ And He said: ‘Do you agree, and do you accept the responsibility which I lay upon you in this matter?’ They said, ‘We agree;’ He said, ‘Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.’
Question: which Prophet is mentioned in above verse (Al Imran)
[62:3] He it is Who has raised among the Unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves who recites unto them His Signs, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they had been, before, in manifest misguidance; [62:4] And among others from among them who have not yet joined them.
Question: which messenger is mentioned in above verse (AlJumma) who will be raised among "aakhreen" who have not yet joined them
The correct Hadith is "You are to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that *Laa Nabiyya Ba'adi".
(Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Mishkat)
The last words are translated as: there is no prophet after me. On the basis of these words it is contended that if it were really possible for anyone to become a prophet, no one could have been more deserving than Hadhrat Ali(ra), who was not only a near relation of but succeeded the Holy Prophet SAW as the 4th Khalifa. The words were uttered when the Holy Prophet SAW was going to Tabook and appointed Hadhrat Ali (ra) as the Ameer at Medina after him. Hadhrat Ali(ra) was desirous of participating in the battle and did not wish to stay behind. The Holy Prophet SAW, therefore, reminded Hadhrat Ali(ra) of the importance of his work by referring to Hadhrat Aaron (as) who was appointed Ameer of the Israelites when Moses(as) went to Mount Sinai. Hadhrat Aaron(as) was the brother of Hadhrat Moses(as) and a prophet of God. Hadhrat Ali(ra) was a cousin but not a prophet. The Holy Prophet SAW could not be blunt but he must not be misunderstood in such matters.
Muslims are not Muslims, the Mirzais say. Laughable! They forget that the hadith they quote, as well as the Quran, became available to the ‘Mirzais’ through the Muslims. After 12 centuries an obsequious minion of the occupying British calls them NOT Muslims.
That saying gives the sect number to be 73. That number had already popped up before the Mirzais came along, even before Mr. Ghulam Kadiani was born, and even before his and their mentors, the British, ventured outside their island kingdom. That saying of the prophet would not apply to the Mirzais for that reason alone.
That saying does not name the group of Muslims entering paradise. But clearly it would be a group of Muslims. Mirzais are NOT Muslims.
The saying that applies and is apt is quoted by Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja, Dawood and others. It states that the Muslim Ummah will never have consensus on anything wrong. There is a consensus among Muslims that Mirzais are not Muslims.
We go by the definition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for Muslim. We dont call any body non Muslim who fulfil the definition criteria.
Are you again saying that Naoozbillah Hadith of Hadhrat Muhammd (SAW) was not correct who categorically mentioned the 73 Sects. Do you about the sects. If not I can provide you the complete list.
Regarding who is Muslim or not we dont need you Fatwa for us decision of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is more than sufficient.
Please quote any Hadith which says Muslim Ummah will never has consensus. I know you will not have any such thing becuase you do not research and simply follow your v
"violent" and "ignorant" Mullah
Being addressed as Ahmedis will not help the Mirzais enter the world of Islam, which is otherwise quite easy.
Now out of many similarities of Ahmadis with companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) there is one very striking similarity than Meccans called the companions with derogatory name like (Saabies) despite their desire of calling them Muslim and same is the case with Ahmadis who are called "mirzais" or "qadianis" depite their desire of calling them Ahmadis.
Thank you very much contibuting your part in fulfilling the grand prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
There is a better question to ask. Who gave an insignificant minority _ the Mirzais _ the right to call the overwhelming majority _ the Muslims _ unbelievers? Naturally the Muslims feel offended when they are cursed and declared to be fodder for hellfire. The Mirzais refuse to join the Muslims in prayers, and even refuse to answer their greetings. Then the Mirzais ask, Which Muslim Leader Is the Real Champion of Peace?
The majority responds: It won’t ever be a Mirzai, for Mirzais are not Muslims. All shades of Sunnis and Shiites are unanimous in this assertion.
It is possible for the majority to be wrong, of course. Equally possible it is for it to be right. Perhaps the arrogance and attitude of the Mirzais is the problem. The two communities can still live in peace if both adjust their attitude.
As a Muslim (Sufist, if we're getting specific), I welcome the Ahmadis - my fellow muminoon - to do what they, and I, believe is necessary to heal the world.
It is not merely semantics. The Mirzais owe it to others. They must not utilize a nomenclature specifically designed to confound others. As it happens, they call the pretender, rasool Allah, and the subsequent leaders ‘khalifa’, his wives umm-ul-momineen, and his companions ‘sahaba’. They narrate stories surrounding the pretender, and call them “ahadith’.
The person the Mirzais call 'messenger of Allah' is believed to be a pretender by the Muslims. The hatred from both sides will recede if the Mirzais adopt a different frame of reference for personalities and events surrounding the life of Mr. Ghulam Qadiani.
The hatred between the Muslims and Mirzais is definitely palpable in Pakistan. The Mirzais blatantly refuse to answer the greetings of the Muslims. If a Muslim salutes them with the Islamic greeting ‘As-salaam-Alaikum’ the Mirzais blatantly refuse to greet back by the customary reply ‘wa-alaikum-salaam’. In front of the National Assembly of Pakistan they declared that every single Muslim of Pakistan, India, Bengal and even the World is the fodder for hellfire, no matter how pious he may be. Several follow-up questions were asked of them to give them a chance to sound conciliatory. They stuck to their hateful responses and even doubled up on the rancor.
Now please explain based on above Hadith who has given you the right to decide about the belief of a person.
With regards to nomenclature please explain where it is written (Quran and Hadith) that these terms cannot be used. If you are unable to quote I will give to tens of examples where these terms were used in Islamic history for other perople.
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian's caim is based on Quran and Ahadith. Please clarify do you beleive in advent of Imam Mehdi and second advent of Jesus. If yes from where you take this belief?
For you last point i would simply say "Laanat ulalhe Allal Kazibeen"
Here's one:
Dagestan: Imam who rejected "any form of violence and openly condemned the extremist insurgency" gunned down
Why we don't see more Muslim reformers. "Religious Leader Killed in Russia's Dagestan," from RIA Novosti, June 29 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
An imam has been killed in a mosque in Russia's southern Dagestan region, police said on Friday.
The four masked assailants also killed another man and set the mosque on fire, before fleeing the scene in a stolen car.
The imam, Magomedkamil Gamzatov, was well-known for his rejection of "any form of violence and openly condemned the extremist insurgency," the National Anti-Terror Committee said in a statement....
http://en.ria.ru/crime/20120629/174296994.html
(original article)
http://www.jihadwatch.org
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the foremost Islamic organization with a central spiritual leader called Khalifa (the spiritual successor to prophethood). It believes that only spiritual successorship can uphold the true values of Islam and unite humanity. Under the leadership of Khalifa, it has now built over 15,000 mosques, over 500 schools, and over 30 hospitals. It has translated the Holy Quran into over 70 languages. It has been at the forefront of worldwide disaster relief through an independent charitable organization, Humanity First
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Many Sudanese Muslims felt that way after hearing Mahmoud Taha preach similar reform ideas.
Sunni Islamists hung him in 1985, at age 76, for apostasy.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed to be the second coming of Jesus, survived all the attacks on his life, left spiritual leadership (khilafat) in his community, and his message is now being heard in 200 countries around the world.
MT was a semi political guy whose message and movement died with him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Mohammed_Taha
I was pointing out the problems caused by mainstream Islamic apostasy laws and the Islamist doctrines which give the state the power to enforce those laws.
Both Ahmad and Taha re interpreted the Koranic teachings on jihad in a way that would make Islam truly a religion of peace--if their interpretations were more widely accepted by Muslims.
It is not possible to imagine a bin Laden coming out of either movement, the Ahmadiyya Community or Taha's Republican Brothers.
Do you agree?
This article leads me to two major questions since I am not familiar with Ahmadi's in my study of Islamic sects and theology:
1) Is Mirza Masroor Ahmad a political leader or a theological one? or is he both? If he is political what are his political goals?
2) What is the Ahmadi view of other sects in Islam. I mean theological view, I don't mean the odd bad Muslim from another sect who has unfortunately mistreated Muslim Minorities.
"Yes, His Holiness is not the only Muslim leader rallying for peace. But he is the only leader who has an international following of millions of Muslims. In 2009, His Holiness launched a peace campaign in U.K. with the Community's motto: "Love for all, Hatred for none." ...
So the author does acknowledge other peace loving leaders but their is a difference which was being pointed out.
So the author does acknowledge other peace loving leaders but their is a difference which was being pointed out.
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In some ways it is a trade-off. The Ahmadiyya have a clear leadership structure so they can make states for the Ahmadiyya as a movement. But on the other hand, Sunni pro-peace leaders might not have strong followings as individuals, but they are in a much better position to be accepted by other Muslims.
1) No, he is not a political leader at all. He has repeatedly said that he, his predecessors or his successors, are and will not be interested in political power.
2) All Ahmadis believe that someone who recites the kalima shahada, is a Muslim, period. They believe in the definition of a Muslim according to Hadith and not ulema of this age.
Prophetic period will remain with you as long as Allah wills that it remains; then Allah the Supreme will lift it; then will emerge Caliphate based on Prophetic Standards of Values and remains as long as Allah wills that it remain; then Allah will lift it; then will start cruel Governments and remain so long as Allah will that it remain; then Allah will lift it; then will start conscriptional monarchy and remain so long as Allah will that it remain; then Allah will lift it; then will emerge Caliphate based on Prophetic standard of Values. Then he become silent.(Musnad Ahmad Bin Hunbal)
This is a glorious prophecy and no one can deny the fact that how precise it was. With the advent of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (AS) the Caliphate based on Prophetic standard of Values started and will continue forever and Mirza Masroor Ahmad (ABA) is the fifth Caliph of this Caliphate.
The original Caliphate (by Hadhrat Abu Bakar, Hadhrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Usman (RA) and Hadhrat Ali (RA)) based on Prophetic standards of Values remained only for 30 years as per exact prophecy of our beloved Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad (SAW). Everything in between was not Divine.
There is nobody but Allah(c.c.) to bestove the title of prophet to any human. AS I said in one of my posts that there are 4 main Caliphs...then in 1517 Khalifat was passed on to Ottoman Sultans...and the last one resigned in 1923....so, how is it that there Caliph in east Asia? What happend to Ismaili? Ther is no HADRAT added to Prophet of Islam(s.a.v.) He is called Rasul-ul Ekrem.... So if you are saying that you are trying to remain with the original form of and words of Prophet of Islam (s.a.v.)..are you a SALAFI?
As you can see Sultan, it gets confusing...try contacting Directorate of Religious Affairs (DIYANET) in Ankara, Turkey...or University of Cairo, Faculty of ILAHIYAT Egypt or The high office of the Mufti of Makka, Saudi Arabia, or Mufti of El Kudus (Jerusalem) Israle.to verify what you wrote...This note was written not to offend you nor insult you for your ways of belief..it is just my point of view...Maas Salam
Unbelief and Islam (whether a person must believe in the Promised Messiah in order to be a Muslim).
Prophethood (whether the Promised Messiah claimed to be a prophet).
Khilafat (whether the kind of headship instituted in the Qadiani Jama‘at is in conformity with, or contrary to, the teachings of Islam and the Promised Messiah).
Remember well that it is on the issue of kufr and Islam that the Qadianis will flounder.
But the Qadianis do not take either of these positions clearly, The reason is that they have no belief on this question. Whenever they have occasion to discuss this issue with anyone, they express a belief depending on the views and thinking of that person. On this question, and also on the question of khilafat, the Qadianis cannot make a stand.
The root of the difference between us is, in fact, this issue of kufr and Islam. Once that is settled, the issue of prophethood [the belief that Hazrat Mirza sahib claimed to be a prophet] can be solved in one instant.
http://www.muslim.org/books/m-kabir/mjk3-6c.htm
Should I accept the words of Quran and our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) or should I listen to Mualna Muhammad Ali or you. The decision of Quran and Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is final. May Allah help you to understand - Aameen
And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], "Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him." [ Allah ] said, "Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?" They said, "We have acknowledged it." He said, "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."
3:82
l
And whoever turned away after that - they were the defiantly disobedient.
Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imran over the worlds -
3:34
Descendants, some of them from others. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
That is the bounty from Allah , and sufficient is Allah as Knower.
Read the last verse many times to get guidance
He will refute and destroy false innovations and will fear none but Almighty Allah. He will very bravely and sincerely hoist the flag of Deen-e-Muhammadi (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). Such a person is known as a "Mujaddid" (Reviver) of Deen.
Based on the following qualifications, Mirza Gulam Ahmed of Qadiayan according to scholars can not be considered even as a Mujaddid.
What is absolutely necessary is that he be a Sunni with correct beliefs according to the Ahle-Sunnah wa Jamah) He be profound Aalim of Deen
He be an outstanding Scholar of his time
His services for the Deen be purely for the pleasure of Allah and His Rasool and not for greed of wealth and other worldly gain ( Mirza Gulam served the British colonialism and divided the Ummah
He be fearless of opposition and rulers of his time ( He was a good friend of the colonial British) He will not act or give verdicts to please any person besides Allah and His Rasool
( Mirzaa Gulam asked Muslims to support the British rule in the sub-continent )
Here are some links for you
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mujaddid
http://madinasharif.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/concept-of-revivalist-mujaddid-in-islam/
A great revivalist does not make a claim as one but Mirza Gulam did
and Maulana Muhammad Ali( a huge Islamic scholar) who was with Mirza left him as I have given on another post which got to be repeated due to the relevance and reply to some who might not have read the same
To belie the claim of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of being Mujaddid of the fourteenth century Hijra, it is often asserted that no one previous to him ever claimed to be mujaddid, and that even those great personalities who are generally considered as mujaddids of their times never made this claim themselves but were recognised as such by others after their death.
shown below are mujaddids before the time of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad did make such claims.
http://www.ahmadiyya.org/claims/mujaddids.htm
Who coined this rule?
And then if there is no need for khilafat, why are Muslims coming on the streets of Pakistan and Indonesia ....rallying to establish a khilafat?