What is the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam?

The Ahmadiyya movement in Islam, also known as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is a modern Islamic religious movement founded in the late 19th century in British India. The movement was initiated by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah and Mahdi, a role expected in both Islamic and Christian eschatology. Ahmadi Muslims consider themselves as adherents of Islam, but the movement has faced significant opposition from mainstream Islamic groups. This guide provides an overview of the Ahmadiyya movement, its history, beliefs, and controversies.

Historical Background #

1. Founding:
   • The Ahmadiyya movement was founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the town of Qadian, in what is now Punjab, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus (Isa) and the Mahdi, a guided one, who would bring spiritual reform and unite humanity.
   • Ahmad’s claims were seen as a fulfillment of various prophecies found in Islamic texts, and he emphasized the peaceful and spiritual nature of his mission, advocating for a return to the true essence of Islam.
2. Early Expansion:
   • The movement quickly attracted followers, and Ahmad began to establish a formal community with organized missionary efforts. Ahmadi missionaries spread the message to other parts of India and eventually to Africa, Europe, and North America.
   • Following the death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1908, the Ahmadiyya movement continued under the leadership of successive Caliphs (Khalifas), who oversaw its global expansion.
3. Division:
   • In 1914, a schism occurred within the movement, leading to the formation of two main branches: the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (led by the Caliphs) and the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement (which rejected some of Ahmad’s claims but upheld his status as a reformer). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is by far the larger of the two groups.

Core Beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Movement #

1. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Messiah and Mahdi:
   • Central to Ahmadiyya belief is the claim that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi foretold by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This belief distinguishes Ahmadis from mainstream Sunni and Shia Muslims, who await the physical return of Jesus and the coming of a future Mahdi.
   • Ahmadis believe that Ghulam Ahmad’s role was to rejuvenate Islam, promote peaceful coexistence, and bring spiritual unity to the world.
2. Rejection of Violent Jihad:
   • Ahmadiyya teachings strongly emphasize the rejection of violent jihad. Instead, Ahmadis advocate for a “jihad of the pen” or intellectual and spiritual struggle to defend Islam through peaceful means, dialogue, and literature.
   • This non-violent approach to spreading Islam has been a defining characteristic of the movement, especially in response to colonialism and religious tensions.
3. Islamic Revival:
   • Ahmadis believe that Islam is a universal and timeless religion, and that the Ahmadiyya movement represents a revival of the true teachings of Islam. They emphasize the peaceful and spiritual nature of Islam, countering the negative perceptions associated with extremism and conflict.
4. Khilafat (Caliphate):
   • After the death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Ahmadiyya movement established a system of Caliphate (Khilafat), with the Caliph serving as the spiritual leader of the global Ahmadiyya community. The current Caliph, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is the fifth successor to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and leads the community from its headquarters in London, UK.
5. Prophethood:
   • One of the most controversial aspects of Ahmadiyya belief is their understanding of prophethood. While mainstream Muslims believe that Muhammad (PBUH) was the final prophet (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), Ahmadis interpret this differently, asserting that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was a subordinate prophet who came to revive Islam in the same way that earlier prophets revitalized the faith of their communities.

Differences from Mainstream Islam #

1. The Concept of Prophethood:
   • The Ahmadiyya belief in the continuation of subordinate prophethood after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has led to major theological differences with Sunni and Shia Islam, which both uphold the belief that Muhammad was the last prophet, and no new prophets can arise after him.
   • This belief has been the primary reason for the opposition to the Ahmadiyya movement from mainstream Muslim scholars and institutions.
2. Status in the Muslim World:
   • Many Islamic scholars and religious bodies consider the Ahmadiyya movement to be outside the fold of Islam. In several Muslim-majority countries, Ahmadis face discrimination and persecution due to their beliefs.
   • In Pakistan, for example, Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims by constitutional amendment in 1974, and anti-Ahmadi laws restrict their religious practices and self-identification as Muslims.
3. Interpretation of Islamic Law:
   • Ahmadi Muslims follow Islamic law (Sharia), but their interpretations of certain aspects differ from those of mainstream Islamic jurisprudence. They maintain their own religious practices, community rituals, and educational institutions to preserve their beliefs.

The Global Ahmadiyya Community #

1. International Presence:
   • Despite facing opposition in many Muslim-majority countries, the Ahmadiyya movement has established a strong global presence, particularly in Africa, Europe, and North America. Ahmadi Muslims are known for their missionary work, charitable activities, and advocacy for peace and human rights.
   • The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community runs several humanitarian organizations, schools, and hospitals across the world and is actively involved in interfaith dialogue.
2. Persecution and Challenges:
   • Ahmadis face legal and social challenges in several countries. In Pakistan, for example, they are barred from calling their places of worship mosques and are prohibited from using Islamic greetings or displaying Islamic symbols.
   • Despite these challenges, the Ahmadiyya community remains resilient, continuing its missionary work and maintaining a strong sense of identity and unity under the leadership of the Caliph.

Summary #

The Ahmadiyya movement is a religious movement within Islam founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the late 19th century. The movement is known for its belief that Ghulam Ahmad was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, as well as for its commitment to non-violence, intellectual jihad, and spiritual revival of Islam. Despite facing significant opposition and persecution from mainstream Islamic groups, the Ahmadiyya community has grown into a global movement, with a strong emphasis on humanitarian work and interfaith dialogue. While the movement continues to be a source of theological debate, it remains an important part of the diversity within the Islamic world.