Ahmadiyya Sect:

The Ahmadiyya movement is a sect within Islam that was founded in the late 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in British India. Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims but are often regarded as non-Muslims by mainstream Islamic sects due to their beliefs about prophethood. Below is an overview of their origins, beliefs, and practices.

Origins and History

• Founded: 1889 in Qadian, Punjab, British India, by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908).
• Ahmad claimed to be:
  • The Promised Messiah (Mahdi) prophesied in Islam.
  • A subordinate prophet within Islam, which contradicts the mainstream Islamic belief that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final prophet.
• The movement faced opposition from Sunni and Shia scholars, who accused Ahmadis of heresy.
• Today, the community is divided into two groups:
  1. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Qadiani branch) – The largest group, led by a Caliph.
  2. Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement – A smaller, reformist faction.

Core Beliefs

1. Prophethood:

   • Ahmadis believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was a non-legislative prophet, meaning he did not bring a new Sharia (law) but came to revive the true teachings of Islam.
   • This contradicts the mainstream Islamic belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as stated in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40):
     “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”

2. The Messiah and Mahdi:

   • Ahmadis believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, fulfilling prophecies about Jesus’ return.
   • They reject the idea that Isa (Jesus, PBUH) will physically return and instead believe that his second coming was metaphorical, fulfilled by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

3. Jihad:

   • Ahmadis promote a peaceful, spiritual Jihad (struggle), emphasizing education, reform, and dialogue over military conflict.

4. The Caliphate (Khilafat):

   • Ahmadis believe in a spiritual Caliphate, which continues today. The current Caliph (5th in succession) is Mirza Masroor Ahmad, based in the UK.

Distinctive Practices

• Separate Mosques and Communities: Due to opposition from mainstream Muslims, Ahmadis often have separate places of worship.
• Jalsa Salana: An annual gathering for spiritual development.
• Emphasis on Missionary Work: The Ahmadiyya community actively spreads Islam through missionary work worldwide.
• “Love for All, Hatred for None”: Their famous motto promoting religious tolerance.

Persecution and Controversy:

• Declared Non-Muslims:
  • In Pakistan (1974), a constitutional amendment officially declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims.
  • They are not allowed to call their places of worship “mosques”, recite the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith), or identify as Muslims.
  • Blasphemy laws in Pakistan further restrict their religious freedom.
• Banned in Saudi Arabia: Ahmadis are not allowed to enter Mecca for Hajj.
• Discrimination in Other Muslim Countries: Many countries, including Algeria, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, impose restrictions on the Ahmadiyya community.

Modern Presence

• Population: Estimated 10–20 million followers worldwide.
• Strongholds:
  • Pakistan (despite persecution), India, Ghana, Nigeria, UK, Germany, Canada, USA.
  • The largest Ahmadi Muslim mosque is in London (Baitul Futuh Mosque).

Conclusion

The Ahmadiyya movement remains a controversial sect in Islam due to its beliefs about prophethood and the Messiah. While Ahmadis view themselves as Muslims, mainstream Islamic scholars reject their claims and consider them outside the fold of Islam. Despite this, the community continues to grow, emphasizing peace, education, and humanitarian work.