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MANAGEMENT BOARD October 2007, Vol.102, No.10 Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) CONTENTS Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar EDITORIAL Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Introduction to The Review of Religions Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad special editions on Khilafat. By Mansoor Shah – UK...... 2 CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER Mansoor Ahmed Shah ESSENCE OF ISLAM – Part 24 EDITORIAL BOARD What is Revelation? Basit Ahmad Bockarie Tommy Kallon A fascinating insight into Revelation by one Fareed Ahmad. who has experienced it first hand. Fazal Ahmad Fauzia Bajwa Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) ...... 3 Mansoor Saqi Mahmood Hanif Mansoora Hyder-Hanif KHILAFAT IN ISLAM Navida Shahid Sarah Waseem Our curtain raiser review of the concept of Saleem Ahmad Malik Khilafat as presented in Islam. A Khalifa is a Tanveer Khokhar Vicegerent and is appointed by God. Can Khilafat
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS be perpetuated by a corporate entity? What is the Amatul Hadi Ahmad difference between prophethood and Khilafat, Farina Qureshi Successors of the Holy Prophet(saw) and the PROOFREADERS Promised Messiah(as)? Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Shaukia Mir Fareed Ahmad – UK ...... 17
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanveer Khokhar
PUBLISHER Al Shirakatul Islamiyyah
DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif
All correspondence should be forwarded to the editor at: The Review of Religions The London Mosque 16 Gressenhall Road London, SW18 5QL United Kingdom Email: [email protected]
© Islamic Publications, 2007 ISSN No: 0034-6721 Cover photo: Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Qadian. Muslim Community Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 2
EDITORIAL Commencing with this issue, The another. We never punish until We Review of Religions is publishing a have sent a Messenger. series of monthly special editions (Ch.17:V.16) leading up to our expanded edition in May 2008, the first centenary of the ...And as for those who disbelieve, establishment of the institution of disaster shall not cease to befall Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Muslim them for what they have wrought community. The centenary itself, like or to alight near their home, until all other centenaries commemorated the promise of Allah comes to by the community, is not a time of pass. Surely, Allah fails not in His pomp or merriment but one of sincere promise. (Ch.13:V.32) thanksgiving that this bounty promised to the true believers of God A sign of the latter days is that man has taken root and continues to would have forgotten his Creator and flourish. would have steeped to bestiality in his cruelty. Past Prophets have foretold Ever since the creation of man, it has that there would be many disasters in been the way of God that He has sent this age, no doubt a reflection of Prophets who have served as spiritual punishment man is receiving due to teachers for the guidance of those his spiritual malaise. The above verse whom the Prophet addressed. Some however makes clear that God’s people follow this guidance and do punishment is preceded by the good works and others disbelieve and appearance of His Prophet, so has continue in their evil ways. When God kept His promise and sent a such cruelties exceed all limits, God’s Reformer and a Warner that the world punishment descends upon them, as is so desperately needs? set out in the Holy Qur’an: The Promised Reformer and Warner He who follows the right way has certainly appeared. His name is follows it only for the good of his Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), own soul; and he who goes Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim astray, goes astray only to his community. He advent was also own loss. And no bearer of accompanied by the glad tiding that burden shall bear the burden of he would be followed by a Khilafat –
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the Second Manifestation of Divine success of His Prophets. Once a glory contained in the verse in the Prophet has passed away, the bright Holy Qur’an revealed in Madinah: light of his teaching is enveloped by darkness. His opponents think that Allah has promised to those this is the end of his chapter. In this among you [the followers of vacuum, the Prophet’s followers are Muhammad(saw)] who believe and immersed in fear, but God manifests do good works that He will surely His glory once again. A bright moon make them Successors in the appears that comforts the believers. earth, as He made Successors The works undertaken by the Prophet from among those who were are thus completed by his Successors before them; and that He will or Khalifasi who follow him as surely establish for them their evidenced by the Khilafat Rashidah, religion which He has chosen for the Rightly-Guided Khalifas who them; and that He will surely give appeared after Prophet them in exchange security and Muhammad(saw). peace after their fear. They will worship Me, and they will not As mentioned earlier there is no time associate anything with Me. Then limit for Khilafat in Islam and it whoso is ungrateful after that, would be a great folly to say that this they will be the rebellious. bounty was only limited to a period of (Ch.24:V.56) thirty years after the demise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw). Many If a person reflects upon the above verses of the Holy Qur’an and verse, then he will realise that God Traditions give Muslims the glad Almighty has clearly promised tiding of a permanent Khilafat. Islam Muslims a permanent succession, is not a dead religion whose blessings since the verse does not restrict itself are confined to the past. Its blessings to any particular time period. The only continue. The Mosaic dispensation, requirement for them is to believe and that was sent to guide the Israelites, do good works, i.e. accept His Prophet had this blessing for hundreds of and following his guidance. years so it would have been illogical if the followers of Prophet The institution of Khilafat also Muhammad(saw), a Messenger who reminds us that man is mortal, but such was sent as a mercy unto all mankind, limitations have no bearing on God’s should have been deprived of this design that ensures the continued blessing after a mere thirty years.
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Khilafat is a kingpin of Islamic unity readers will find these editions highly and the driving force of a discipline informative. By way of a foretaste based on absolute obedience and read our lead article in this edition loyalty that alone can bring about the that focuses on the concept of true progress of Islam. There are Khilafat in Islam. many in the Muslim world, like the Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who have tried to Mansoor Shah revive Khilafat but their attempts have failed because they are trying to put the cart before the horse. Like i. The Arabic word for a Successor or many before them, they believe that Vicegerent is Khalifa. The plural is God spoke before but does not reveal Khulafa, but in these editions we have permitted the use of the word Himself anymore. But once you Khalifas. Another meaning of Khalifa deprive yourself this bounty, you do is a great King. A third meaning is not merit any other and you certainly that Imam above whom there is no do not merit Khilafat, as that is an other Imam. According to Aqrab Al- office that provides a living example Muwarid, one meaning of Al-Khilafa of communion with the Divine. It is (the office held by the Khalifa) is Al- also a holy manifestation that is Amara (government or rule); or An- established only by a Prophet of God Niyaba, meaning to undertake a task and not by man. It is therefore being performed by someone who is impossible for this to be revived by not present then or who has died and his work needs to be continued as his human effort alone – it necessitates deputy or vicegerent or successor. We Divine help and Divine converse. have used the word Khilafat in lieu of The perpetuity of this divine bounty the slightly less well-known Arabic was re-established, as prophesied by word Khilafa sometimes spelt as the Holy Prophet(saw), by the Promised Khilafah for the institution or the Messiah(as) who is the prophet of the office held by the Khalifa; we have latter days and was tasked with refrained from the anglicised use of Islam’s revival. the word Caliph unless part of a quotation. Our special issues in this and the next few months will focus on the life, tenure and principal achievements of those who succeeded the Holy Prophet(saw) and the Promised Messiah(as). We are confident that our
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This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH, THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(saw) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into English, was collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah have mercy on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The English rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, may Allah be pleased with him, and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume 1. All references throughout, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an.
What is Revelation? another one, who is wicked, By revelation is not meant supports falsehood in his verses something that arises in the mind and abuses the righteous. Each of as a result of thinking and them will produce some verses reflection, like that which a poet and it should be no matter for experiences in writing his verses. surprise that the enemy of the He writes a verse and reflects righteous who writes in support of about the next one and it suddenly falsehood may, on account of arises in his mind. This is not greater practice, write better revelation; it is a consequence of verses than the other one. Thus, if thought and reflection, which anything arising in the mind were flows from the law of nature. to be called revelation, a wicked Anyone who thinks about good poet, who is the enemy of truth things or evil things finds that and of the righteous and always something arises in his mind in abuses the truth and indulges in consonance with his thinking and imposture, would be deemed the his search. For instance, a good recipient of Divine revelation. and righteous person writes some Works of fiction contain many verses in support of truth and affecting passages and the minds
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of authors are able to produce a series of writings on purely fictitious subjects, but they cannot be called revelation. If revelation were the name of any idea arising in the mind, a thief could be called a recipient of revelation for he can think of clever ways of robbery and ingenious plans of house- breaking and manslaughter cross his mind. We cannot call all this revelation. This is the thinking of people who have no clear notion of the True God, Who comforts The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was Hadhrat the hearts with His converse and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). bestows the understanding of The founder of the Ahmadiyya spiritual knowledge on those who Muslim community was Hadhrat are not familiar with it. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891, he claimed, on the basis of Divine What is revelation? It is God’s revelation, that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose advent converse in living and powerful had been foretold by Muhammad, words with a chosen servant or the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace with one whom He desires to and blessings of Allah be upon him) choose. When this converse starts and by the scriptures of other faiths. in an abundant and satisfactory The founder’s claim constitutes the manner and is free from the basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. darkness of false thinking and is not confined to a few scattered and incomplete phrases, and is Sometimes a communication is delicious and is full of wisdom and made only for the purpose of a majesty, it is the Word of God by trial and is not accompanied by all which He desires to comfort His the characteristic blessings of servant and through which He revelation. A servant of God manifests Himself to him. Almighty is thereby tried whether
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by tasting a little of revelation he sincerity and fidelity. There is no adjusts his circumstances to those doubt that if revelation takes the of true recipients of revelation or form of question and answer in a fails to do so. Then if he does not proper sequence and is cha- adopt true righteousness, he is racterised by Divine majesty and deprived of the perfection of this light and comprises hidden matters bounty and is left with only vain or true understanding, then it is boasting. Divine revelation. For Divine revelation, it is necessary that Millions of good people receive there should be converse between revelation but they have not all the the servant and his Lord as there is same rank in the estimation of converse between friends when Allah. Even the Prophets who are they meet. When the servant asks a the recipients of clear revelation question and in reply hears a are not all equal in rank, as God delicious and eloquent speech Almighty has said: from God Almighty, in which there is nothing of his own These Messengers have We thinking and reflection and such exalted, some of them above converse becomes a bounty, then it others: among them there are is Divine speech and such a those to whom Allah spoke [i.e. servant is dear to God. But this He gave them a new Law]; and degree of revelation, which is a some of them He exalted by bounty, and is living, pure, clear, degrees of rank. (Ch.2:V.254) and unsullied, is bestowed only upon those who march forward in This means that some Messengers their faith, sincerity, righteous are superior to others. It shows action, and also in what is simply that revelation is pure grace and is ineffable. True and holy revelation not the insignia of rank. Rank demonstrates great wonders of the depends upon the degree of Divine. On many occasions, a sincerity and fidelity, which is brilliant light appears and along known only to God. Revelation with it a majestic and shining when accompanied by its blessed revelation is conveyed. conditions is also a fruit of
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What could be greater than a grace chosen him out of all His recipient of revelation conversing servants and has made him heir to with the Being Who is the Creator the righteous ones who have passed of heaven and earth? The beholding on before him. Such a bounty of God in this world is to converse occurs rarely and is a matter of with God. By this, we do not mean good fortune. Everything beside it that condition in which some odd is of no value. word, phrase or verse might flow from the tongue of a person without Islam has always produced people being accompanied by a direct of this rank and station. It is Islam address. A person who has such an alone in which God comes close to experience is being tried. He casts a servant and talks to him. He about like a blind one and does not speaks inside him and makes his know the source of the commu- heart His throne and draws him nication whether it is from God or towards heaven and bestows upon from Satan. Such a one should have him all the bounties that have been recourse to lstighfar. But if a good bestowed upon those who have and righteous person begins to gone before. It is a pity that the receive Divine communication blind world does not appreciate without obstruction, a bright, how near a person can approach to delicious communication which is God. They do not step forward full of wisdom, in majestic terms themselves and when some one and in complete wakefulness, and steps forward he is either dubbed a there has passed between him and Kafir or is deified and is put in the God Almighty a series of at least place of God. ten questions and answers in the (Islami Usul Ki Philosophy, Ruhani course of which God accepted his Khaza’in, Vol.10, pp.437-441) prayers a number of times and conveyed to him fine under- Revelation Provides Comfort in standings and informed him of Distress coming events, then such a person It is idle to assert that revelation has should be most grateful to God and no reality and is a vain thing, the should be wholly devoted to Him, harm of which is greater than its inasmuch as God has of His pure benefit. Such an assertion is made
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only by a person who has never and comfortably under mountains tasted this pure wine and does not of misfortunes. That Imperceptible desire to have true faith. Such a one Being, Who confounds the reason is happy with his habits and and wisdom of all philosophers, customs and never seeks to find out manifests Himself only through to what degree he believes in the revelation. He comforts the hearts Almighty God and how far his of seekers and bestows con- understanding extends and what tentment upon them and revives should he do so that his inner the half-dead ones by saying: I am weaknesses are removed and a present. It is true that the Holy living change takes place in his Qur’an contains all the guidance, morals, actions, and designs. He is but when the Qur’an leads a not eager to cultivate that love person to the fountain of guidance which should make his journey to the first indication of it is that he the other world easy and whereby begins to experience converse he should develop the inner quality with the Divine, whereby a of making spiritual progress. revealing understanding of high degree and a visible blessing and Everyone can understand that this light is created and that cognition heedless life is ever pulling a begins to be acquired which person downward, with his cannot be achieved by blind relationship with wife and children following or through intellectual and with the burden of honour and theories, for they are all limited, good repute, which are all like full of doubts, defective, and heavy stones pressing him incomplete. We need to extend our downwards. He is in need of a cognition directly, for the greater high power, which, by bestowing our cognition the greater will be true sight and true vision upon our eagerness. With a defective him, should make him eager to cognition, we cannot expect behold the perfect beauty of God perfect eagerness. It is a matter of Almighty. That high power is surprise how unintelligent those Divine revelation that provides people are who do not consider comfort in distress. It enables a themselves in need of that perfect person to take his stand joyously means of approaching the truth
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upon which spiritual life depends. Divine. It relieves a person suddenly of all types of egoistic It should be remembered that limitations; until that true light spiritual knowledge and spiritual descends upon the heart, it is not understanding can be acquired possible that the heart should be only through revelation and illumined. The imperfection of visions, and until we achieve that human reason and the limitations standard of light our humanness of current knowledge bear witness cannot acquire any true to the need of revelation. understanding or true perfection. [Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, pp. 326-329] Revelation is a Means of Salvation OBJECTION: The belief that We have been created for a great God sends down His word from purpose, which is the true heaven is utterly wrong for the law understanding of God; on that of nature does not confirm it, nor understanding depends our do we ever hear a voice coming salvation. It delivers us from every down from above. Revelation is impure and doubtful way and the name given to those thoughts leads us to the edge of a pure and which arise in the minds of wise clear river. It can be acquired only people by the use of reflection and through Divine revelation. When, observation, and that is all. being delivered entirely from our ego, we dive deep with an eager ANSWER: A truth which is well- heart into an unattainable Being, established and has been observed our humanness, having appeared with their own eyes by numberless in the court of Godhead, returns men of understanding, and the with some signs and lights from proof of which can be found in that world. Thus that which the every age by a seeker after truth, worldly ones look upon with suffers no harm by the denial of a contempt is the only thing which person who is bereft of spiritual brings a long-separated one in an insight. If the thinking or defective instant to his Beloved and bestows knowledge of a person whose comfort upon the lovers of the heart is wrapped up in coverings
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fails to confirm it, the truth cannot blind. When those who are weak be considered as being outside the sighted, find that those with good law of nature. For instance, if a sight have perceived a thing from person who is unaware of the afar – for instance, they have power of attraction of a magnet, sighted the crescent which they and has never seen a magnet, were themselves are unable to see-they to claim that a magnet is only a do not deny it and think that their piece of stone and that he has denial would only expose their never witnessed any such power of weakness. The blind, of course, attraction in any stone, and, have nothing to say in such a therefore, it is wrong to assert that matter. In the same way, those who a magnet has such a power for this possess no sense of smell believe is contrary to the law of nature, those serious and truthful people then would his assertion cast doubt who speak of good smell and ill on the well-established quality of a smell. They do not doubt them for magnet? Certainly not. All that his they know that so many people do assertion would prove would be not tell lies and must be speaking that he is stupid and ignorant who the truth, and that without doubt considers his own lack of their own sense of smell is lacking knowledge as proof of the non- and that is why they are unable to existence of a reality and does not experience any smell. accept the evidence of thousands of people who have experience of Men also differ in respect of their it. covert capacities. The capacities of some are of a low degree and It is not possible to hold that every are covered up by veils. Some law of nature should be capable of have from ancient times possessed being tested by every individual. high and clear souls and have been God Almighty has created the the recipients of Divine revelation. human species with great diversity For the former to deny the in their overt and covert faculties. personal characteristics of the For instance, some people possess latter would be the same as if a very good sight, others are weak- blind one, or one with weak sight, sighted and some are altogether were to deny the observations of
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one with excellent sight, or as if a When hidden matters and secret person lacking the sense of smell mysteries which cannot be should deny the experiences of discovered through the experience one with a sense of smell. of reason alone are disclosed to a recipient of revelation, and a Then to convince a person who revealed book is found to contain denies the existence of revelation, wonders which are not to be there are ways like the ways of discovered in any other book, a convincing a person who denies seeker after truth realises that the observations of the overt Divine revelation is an established senses. For instance, if one who is truth. If such a person possesses a congenitally bereft of the sense of pure soul, he himself, by treading smell should deny the existence of on the right path can, to the extent good and foul smell, and should of the illumination of his heart, assert that those who claim such a have experience of Divine sense are liars or are mistaken, he revelation like the Auliya, can be persuaded to admit his whereby he acquires a certain mistake in the following manner. knowledge of the revelation He should be asked to select a few vouchsafed to the Messengers of pieces of clothing and rub some God. For a seeker after truth who with perfume and leave others would sincerely express a desire to untouched and thus test the sense accept Islam, I am prepared to of smell of a normal person, so provide this means of satisfaction. that by repeated experiences he would be convinced both of the ‘If anyone should doubt my word, existence of this sense of smell let him come to me with sincerity. and that there are to be found Allah has the power to do what I people who can distinguish say and He is the Helper in every between that which is fragrant and matter’. that which has no smell. In the same way, the existence of Fine Thought is not to be revelation can be proved to the Confused with Revelation satisfaction of a seeker after truth To imagine that the fine points that through repeated experiments. are disclosed to people through
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reflection and observation are that the Work of God and the Word revelation, and that revelation is of God should disclose Divine nothing more than this, is an error manifestations. due to ignorance. Were it true that human thinking constituted Divine The Distinction between revelation then man also could Creation and Command have discovered the unseen by the It may be asked from whom and use of his reflection and wherefrom proceed the good and observation. It is obvious that bad designs that arise in one’s however wise a person may be he mind as the result of reflection and cannot disclose anything hidden observation? The answer is that by merely reflecting on the matter. such thoughts are the creation of Nor can he exhibit any sign of Allah and not His command. Divine power. His speech There is a difference between indicates no sign of God’s Power creation and command. By and, however much he might creation is meant that God reflect, he cannot discover the Almighty produces something unseen which is beyond his reason through physical means and and observation and his other attributes it to Himself because He senses. Nor is his speech or is the Cause of causes. Command composition of such a high degree is that which proceeds directly that no one can compete with him. from God Almighty without the Thus, there are enough reasons for intervention of any means. a wise person to conclude that Revelation, which descends from whatever a man might think in God, proceeds from the world of consequence of his own reflection, command and not from the world or observation, cannot be the Word of creation. of God. Had it been the Word of God, a person would have had Thoughts that arise in people’s access to all that is unseen and minds in consequence of would have been able to expound observation and reflection all those matters the exposition of proceed from the world of creation which depends upon Divine in which the Divine power power, inasmuch as it is necessary operates behind the veil of means.
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God has created men in the world and murderers and adulterers and of means equipped with diverse forgers as the result of reflection types of powers and faculties and and observation are all the result has invested them with the of the exercise of natural qualities, characteristic that when they and because God is the Cause of employ their reflection in a good causes, they are called the creation or bad matter their minds alight of God and not His command. upon appropriate plans. As it is They are the natural qualities of part of the law of nature that when man as in the case of some a person opens his eyes he can see vegetables the quality of purgation something and when he directs his or the quality of constipation and ear towards sound he can hear other qualities are natural to them. something; in the same way when As God has invested other things he reflects on the way of success with different types of qualities, in a good or bad design, some plan He has invested man’s power of arises in his mind. A good man by reflection with the quality that it reflecting upon good designs, helps man whenever he requires thinks of good things, and a thief, its help in a good or bad design. A by reflecting upon the various poet who seeks to lampoon anyone ways of robbery, invents a plan to finds his mind working in that commit robbery. Just as a man can direction and he is able to produce think of deep and devious evil such poetry. Another poet seeks to designs, in the same way when he praise the same person and uses his faculty in a good way, he commendatory verses come to his can think of good designs. As his mind. This kind of good or bad bad thoughts, however deep and thought is not the mirror of the effective they may be, cannot be Divine will and cannot be called held to be revelation, in the same His word. God’s holy word is the way his thoughts which he deems word which is far above human to be good are not revelation. In faculties and is full of perfection short, whatever good thoughts and power and holiness. The very occur to good people and whatever first condition of its manifestation bad thoughts or designs arise in is that human faculties should be the minds of thieves and robbers entirely suspended and rendered
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useless. There should be neither there is no Being outside of us reflection nor observation and the Who is Self-Existing and pos- person concerned should be dead sesses Divine attributes, Who like a corpse. All means should be should be called God. For if God cut off and God Almighty, Whose truly exists and His unlimited Being alone is actual and real, knowledge is special to Him, of should cause His word to descend which our hearts cannot be the upon the heart of someone by His measure, then utterly wrong and special design. senseless would be the observation that God’s limitless knowledge It should be understood that as the fills our hearts and all the light of the sun comes only from treasuries of His wisdom dwell heaven and cannot be produced therein as if God’s knowledge is inside the eye, in the same way the limited to that which is contained light of revelation descends from in our hearts. This would amount God and by His design and does to a claim of Godhead itself, but is not arise from inside a person. As it possible that the heart of man God truly exists and sees, hears, should comprehend all the knows and speaks, His word excellencies of the Divine? Is it should descend from Him and permissible that a particle should should not be the product of man’s become the sun? Certainly not. mind. From our minds arise the same thoughts, good or bad, which We have already stated that the dwell within us according to our characteristics of the Divine, like nature, but God’s limitless His knowledge of the unseen and knowledge and boundless wisdom His comprehension of wisdom and cannot dwell in our hearts. What other natural signs, cannot be greater denial of God could there manifested by man. God’s word be than for a man to think that all should be characterised by God’s the Divine treasures of knowledge Greatness, God’s Power, God’s and wisdom and hidden mysteries Blessing, God’s Wisdom and are present in our hearts and surge God’s Peerlessness. All these up in them. This would mean that characteristics are found in the we ourselves are God and that Holy Qur’an, the proof of which
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we shall set forth at its proper the disclosure of which is not place. within the power of anyone except of God, the One, without If those of Brahmu Samaj still associate. God Almighty bestows persist in denying the existence of this holy revelation only on those revelation, which comprehends of the faithful who truly believe in the unseen and other proofs of the Holy Qur’an as the Word of power, they should study the Holy God and act upon it with full Qur’an with full attention, so that sincerity and who believe in they should come to know that in Muhammad, the chosen one this Holy Word surges a whole (peace and blessings of Allah be ocean of matters that are unseen on him) as the true and perfect and manifestations of power Prophet, who is better and higher which are beyond the strength of and more exalted than all the man. If they should be unable, Prophets and is Khatam-ur-Rusul, through lack of insight, to discover and accept him as their guide. these Qur’anic excellencies Such revelation is not vouchsafed themselves, they should read this to the Jews and Christians and book of ours with attention so that Aryas and Brahmus, but has they might discover as a sample always been vouchsafed to the some of the treasures of hidden perfect followers of the Holy matters and powerful mysteries of Qur’an and is now vouchsafed to which the Holy Qur’an is full. them and will continue to be They should also know that as vouchsafed to them. Though the proof of the existence of Divine prophetic revelation has been cut revelation that descends from God off as no longer needed, the and comprehends hidden matters, revelation that is vouchsafed to the there is another way that is open sincere servants of the Holy and that is that God Almighty Prophet (peace and blessings of always creates from among the Allah be on him) will never be cut Muslims, who base themselves off. This revelation is a grand upon the true faith, such people proof of the revelation which is who receive revelation from God special to Messengership and and disclose such hidden matters humiliates every opponent of
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Islam. As this blessed revelation There are thousands of things in with all its blessing and honour the world which possess qualities and greatness and glory is that cannot be understood by vouchsafed only to those reason and are known only by honourable servants who are experience. It is, therefore, the included among the Muslims and way of the wise that when some are the servants of the Holy quality of a thing is manifested Prophet (peace and blessings of repeatedly by experience they no Allah be on him). The followers of longer doubt its existence. He who all other sects are deprived of this persists in denial after repeated perfect light which carries the experience is an absolute fool. For good news of nearness to God and instance, rhubarb is a cathartic and of acceptance by Him and of His a magnet has the power of pleasure. Thus this holy revelation attraction and though there is no not only proves its own existence, reason why they should possess but also proves that the Muslims these qualities, yet when repeated alone are the people who are experience manifests that they acceptable to God and who base have these qualities, every themselves on the true faith that all reasonable person has to admit other people worship falsehood that rhubarb is a cathartic and a and are misguided and are under magnet has the power to attract. If the wrath of God. Ignorant people anyone should deny this on the will say all sorts of things on ground that there is no reason for hearing this and will shake their it, such a one would be con- heads in denial or will ridicule me demned as mad or insane. So we like foolish and wicked persons. submit to the Brahmus and other They should know, however, that opponents that whatever we have denial and ridicule are not the way stated concerning revelation, of those who possess nobility and namely, that it is even now the are seekers after truth, but are the experience of perfect individuals way of those wicked people who among the Muslims and is have nothing to do with God and confined to them and is not to be truth. found in any others, is not without proof, but can be demonstrated to
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every seeker through test and But if they turn away, then experience like thousands of other remember that Allah knows the truths which are being discovered mischief-makers well. by these means. If anyone should (Ch.3:V.64) be truly a seeker after truth, we undertake to demonstrate this to (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol him provided he should make a III, pp.210-217, footnote 11 sincere promise in writing that, in (Amritsar, Safir Hind Press, case of proof, he would accept 1882, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 1 Islam and should then turn to us (London 1984)) with sincerity and in good faith.
Verse references to the Holy Qur’an item count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name of Allah...) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted. Should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the number quoted.
In this journal, for the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.
In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc.
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KHILAFAT in Islam By Fareed Ahmad – UK
Introduction existing. This is because they have The absence of any meaningful and rejected the possibility of authoritative leadership is a prophethood after Prophet significant issue facing Muslims Muhammad(saw) whereas khilafat today. The world at large is in a itself is linked specifically to state of turmoil, and Muslims in prophethood. particular are facing tremendous difficulties – both as a result of Khilafat in the Qur’an actions taken against them and as a The word Khalifa is an Arabic result of their own inability to word that means ‘successor, recognise the signs and guidance deputy, vicegerent’1. It has been contained in the Holy Qur’an and used in several places in the Qur’an the Hadith. and according to the context it relates to people in two ways – Consequently, Muslims – who refers generally to a group of more than anyone else should be people and the other to an associated with peace and security individual as a leader of others. In – are struggling for peace in this the first case it is often used to refer world. Despite their historic to people as inheritors or achievements in spiritual and successors of a people before worldly affairs they are in a state of them2, whereas in the second it loss. refers to individuals as khalifas tasked with leadership by God. The knowledgeable amongst them are yearning for leadership and Can Khilafat be perpetuated by a unity that in reality only Khilafat corporate body? could provide, yet, paradoxically in Some commentators claim that the their own analysis and reasoning, true meaning of khilafat is its they have closed the door to the collective term and simply means possibility of such Khilafat ever ‘trusteeship’ with persons acting as
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individual trustees of God on earth in which Allah says: or according to other commentators a group having a collective And remember when Moses responsibility to lead others. In this said to his people, ‘O my regard they argue that as the word people, call to mind Allah’s khalifa has been used as a plural in favour upon you when He some verses in the Qur’an this appointed Prophets among you indicates that it refers to people and made you kings… collectively rather than individually as khalifa. For example in Surah Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad then Al-Nur, Ch.24 verse 56 it states: explains that:
Allah has promised to those ‘Here the address is made to the among you who believe and do people as a whole who are good works that He will surely reminded of the blessings of make them Khalifas having been made kings and [Successors] in the earth, as He prophets, yet it is known that made Khalifas [Successors] not all of the people had been so from among those who were exalted and there had always before them… been a large populace of ordinary working people. It However, to take the above verse to proves therefore that promises mean that ‘khalifas’ refers to made in a collective sense are people collectively reveals a deemed fulfilled through superficial and incomplete individual beneficiaries… understanding of the Qur’an. The reason for this is that usage of a ‘In addition, the verse [in Sura plural in the Qur’an does not Al-Nur] itself provides support automatically mean that it refers to for this interpretation where it all people. In his book An says: He will surely make them Exposition of Some Criticisms successors in the earth as He Against Khilafat-i-Rashida, made successors from among Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad those before them. That is to responds to this issue by referring say, if in olden times a to Chapter 5 verse 21 of the Qur’an corporate body was given the
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responsibilities of Khilafat, one pretation of the Holy Prophet(saw) should expect the same pattern who understood the Qur’an the emerging now, but if it were best. He fully expected that after individuals who succeeded as his demise a person who would be Khalifas in the past, the same designated as a khalifa would lead system would continue the Muslims. henceforth. The words as He made successors have The Holy Prophet(saw) said: therefore removed all doubts about the authenticity of ‘…I enjoin you to fear Allah, individual Khilafat for good.’ hear and obey even if your Amir (An Exposition of Some [Leader] be an Abyssinian Criticisms Against Khilafat-i- slave, for a time is coming that Rashida by Maulana Sheikh those of you who live after me Mubarak Ahmad, pp.9-10, will see great disagreement. London Mosque, 1979) You must then follow my rightly guided Khulafa [caliphs] Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad and me. Adhere to it and hold further notes that following the fast to it…’4 Holy Prophet’s(saw) demise God demonstrated the true meaning of It is also reported that he proposed khilafat once again, as it was a to name Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) as pattern of individual rather than khalifa, but later retracted this on collective khilafat that followed account of his trust in God5. and this could not have happened had it not been God’s will. This tells us that the Holy Prophet(saw), with full knowledge of Another powerful argument that the meaning of the word khalifa in strengthens this interpretation is the Qur’an, understood it to mean that in the Qur’an God Himself individual leadership. Had he refers to individuals as khalifas understood khilafat to mean just who are tasked with leading people trusteeship then he would have as is the case of Prophet Adam(as) never even considered the issue of and Prophet Davidas)3. Add to this leadership after his death, let alone the understanding and inter- entertain the thought of naming an
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individual to lead as a khalifa after even though David is regarded him. as a King and not a Prophet by some Jews, the Holy Qur’an It is, therefore, evident that the true makes it very clear that he was khilafat that has been promised to a Messenger of God who was Muslims in Sura Al-Nur is on the given a revealed book - Ed]. same grounds as before the advent of Islam i.e. one that is centred on 2. Prophets who are Khalifas an individual as a chosen leader of of another and greater Prophet the faithful. such as the Israelite prophets who all were the Khalifas of Khilafat and Prophethood Moses(as). About them the This concept of khilafat is Qur’an says: developed further in the Qur’an. Hadhrat Mirza Bashirudin ...We have sent down the Torah Mahmud Ahmad(ra) in his extensive wherein was guidance and commentary on the Qur’an notes light. By it did the Prophets, that: who were obedient to Us, judge for the Jews... (Ch.5:V.45): ‘The Qur’an has mentioned three kinds of Khalifas: 3. Non-Prophet Khalifas of a Prophet, with or without 1. Khalifas who are prophets temporal powers, such as godly such as Adam(as) and David(as). people [Rabbaniyyin] learned in About Adam(as) God says in the Law. Their mission is to protect Qur’an, ‘I am about to appoint and preserve the law from being a vicegerent in the earth,’ tampered with (Ch.5:V.45) [By (Ch.2:V.31) and about David(as) it did the Prophets, who were He says: obedient to Us, judge for the Jews, as did godly people and ‘O David, We have made thee a those learned in the Law; vicegerent in the earth;...’ because they were required to (Ch.38:V.27). preserve the Book of Allah, and because they were guardians [It should be pointed out that over it.]’ 6
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(The third category therefore dispensation in which Joshua includes the Khulafa-e-Rashideen followed Moses(as) as his khalifa and (the Rightly Guided Khalifas) as Peter followed Jesus(as) as his they were not prophets but were the khalifa. khalifas of the Muslims after the Holy Prophet(saw). Interestingly After the demise of the Holy enough none challenged the Prophet(saw) this form of khilafat is concept of their khilafat as rulers certainly evident in its early period and successors to the Prophet(saw), because Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was and this is not surprising since they elected as the first khalifa of the must have shared the Prophet’s Muslims after Prophet understanding on this important Muhammad(saw). This blessed matter). institution of khilafah remained with the Muslims for twenty nine years From the above commentary it is until the end of the Khilafat of evident that there is a fundamental Hadhrat Ali(ra). and unbreakable link between khilafat and prophethood. When Before examining the relevance and the Qur’an talks of khalifas as possibility of khilafat today it is leaders of people, we can see that worth taking a brief look at the the khalifas are intrinsically linked period from Khilafat Rashida to the to prophethood in that they are present time, and see how, if at all, it either prophets themselves, or relates to the teachings and servants of prophets before them. prophecies in the Qur’an and In the former case, the prophethood Hadith. will be proclaimed by the khalifa in question. For khalifas who follow The blessed Khilafat Rashida in the footsteps of other greater (632CE-661CE) prophets they will make clear who It is not intended here to give a that prophet is. The teaching or detailed exposition of the shariah that they seek to uphold and achievements during this blessed era protect will also reflect this link. but a brief review will suffice to show that the khalifas during this Examples of Khulafa who were not period were blessed by God and prophets can be found in the Mosaic managed in very difficult circum-
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stances to set in place systems and Prophet(saw). But perhaps the practices that provided lasting greatest distinction is that of being benefits to Muslims. the only one of Khilafat Rashida who has been mentioned in the Karen Armstrong notes the Quran, though not by name but by challenges faced by the first four inference. He was the one who Khalifas: accompanied the Prophet(saw) when they migrated from Makkah and ‘They were all men who had were forced to take shelter in a cave been among the Prophet’s from the pursuing Makkans8. closest companions, and had played a leading role in Mecca His Khilafah lasted two years but it and Madina. They are known as was instrumental in uniting the rashidun, the ‘rightly guided’ Muslims after the immense void caliphs, and their period of rule left by the demise of the would be just as formative as Prophet(saw). He guided the Muslims that of the Prophet himself. through the Riddah (Apostasy) Muslims would define Wars – wars that were ‘entirely themselves and their theology political and economic’ although according to the way they many of the rebels felt impelled to assessed the turbulent, glorious give their revolts a religious and tragic events of these justification9. Through this he was years.’7 able to secure the Arabian peninsula. He also defended Arabia These four Khalifas also left their from the Persians as a result of personal examples as an additional which a significant section of the source of guidance and inspiration Persian empire came under his rule. for Muslims for generations to come. [Detailed accounts to follow He was known for his benevolence in subsequent editions] and was not one to take brutal reprisals against his enemies. His Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) has many efforts managed to ensure that distinctions including being one of Islam survived with a renewed the first friend of the Prophet(saw) to pledge of loyalty from the tribes accept Islam at the hands of the that had sought to break away. This
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was a huge achievement at such a People of the Book were given critical juncture in Islamic history. special protection alongside Muslims. The second Khalifa was Hadhrat Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab(ra) whose Hadhrat Umar’s(ra) success in khilafah lasted for ten years (634- leading Islam through this period of 644). Under his noble rule Islam expansion was reflected by an made huge strides in spreading additional title of being Amirul beyond Arabia; in particular the Momineen (Commander of the Persian and Byzantine empires Faithful). He too retained a deep came under Muslim rule, thus sense of justice and wisdom in his fulfilling a prophecy of the leadership. For example after his Prophet(saw)10. It is important to note victory in the battle of Jerusalem in that such progress was not made 637, he was invited to pray in the with the intention of spreading the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It faith of Islam by force. The Arabs would certainly have been a sign of ‘were not impelled by the ferocious victory for Muslims and a defining power of ‘Islam’ nor was Islam a moment for the Christians of their imposed on its subjects at sword- defeat, yet he declined and chose to point11. Its expansion was linked to pray elsewhere just to ensure that the growth of its domain which in Christians would not be offended. the earlier period was an inherent He was also passionate about the part of the Khalifa’s responsibility, welfare of his people. as he was the spiritual and political leader of Muslims. He was He established many of the accountable for ensuring the institutions that have since been treaties with different tribes and replicated across the Muslims empires were honoured and that world including : Muslim lands were defended. Many people embraced Islam, and • the establishment of a the spread of Islam at a fast pace. consultative council Majlis At the same time more people Shura, became aware of and respected • the reorganisation of the entire Muslims for permitting absolute State into provinces to facilitate freedom of religion. Indeed, the administration,
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• the establishment of a treasury The last of the Rightly-Guided and an effective means for Khalifas was Hadhrat Ali(ra) who collection and distribution of was also the cousin of the Holy funds and resources, Prophet(saw). His khilafat (656-661) • the introduction of the Islamic was faced with new challenges Hijri Calendar, from various factions that had • the establishment of courts of sought to gain power for justice, State Allowances, Child themselves. Whilst the core of Allowances Muslims remained firmly aligned • the construction of state to the Khalifa, the expanded buildings and bridges, territories invited the challenge of • the formal development of ensuring the same degree of agriculture spirituality of Muslims across the empire, and the strain was Of all these perhaps the most becoming evident. In fact these significant and important was the challenges were also prophesied in appointment of a committee to Sura Al-Nasr in the Qur’an (the last elect the next khalifa so ensuring chapter to be revealed) in which the that khilafah itself would remain, as victory of Islam was set out long as people remained righteous. together with a note of caution as it included the telling phrase ‘and He was succeeded by Hadhrat seek forgiveness’. It reads: Uthman(ra) and it was under his khilafat (644-656) that standard When the help of Allah comes copies of the Holy Qur’an were and the victory and thou seest prepared (from the ones compiled men entering the religion of by Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)) and sent to Allah in troops glorify thy Lord, all the provinces of the state. He with His praise, and seek was well-known for his concern for forgiveness of Him. Surely He is the poor and also is credited to have Oft-Returning with compassion. established the first navy in the (Ch.110: Vs.2-4) Islamic empire. He oversaw the continued expansion which in fact If the glory and success of Islam reached its peak under his khilafat. were being foretold then why the need to seek forgiveness? We know
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Quotes about Khilafat Prophet Muhammad(saw) ‘Prophethood shall remain among you as long as God wills. He will bring about its end and follow it with Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood for as long as He wills…’ (Masnad-e-Ahmad)
Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) ‘God has appointed me as Khalifa among you in order that I may create brotherly unity among you and establish the faith.’
Hadhrat Umar(ra) ‘Anyone who needs monetary help, should come to me, as God has made me the Treasurer and Disburser.’
Hadhrat Uthman(ra) ‘I am not going to part with this robe of Khilafat which God Almighty has bestowed upon me.
Hadhrat Ali(ra) ‘The people who have sworn their oath of allegiance to me are the same who swore a similar oath to Abu Bakr, using the same formula as before….The consultative voting was effected by Muhajirin and Ansar and once they agreed to the appointment of a Khalifa as their leader, it attains the seal of God’s pleasure and approval. (All four quotes above from An Exposition of Some Crticisms Against Khilafat-i- Rashida, byMaulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque 1979)
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that the victories and challenges challenge the authority of the certainly began during the lifetime Khalifa and to press ahead with of Prophet Muhammad(saw) but the their own understanding of challenges became a harsh reality leadership. An atmosphere of during the khilafat of Hadhrat hostility and contempt replaced the Ali(ra). The inability to meet the spirit of sacrifice and unity and demands of the moral training of these positions continued to harden such large numbers of Muslims until no hope was left amongst meant it was difficult for them to some for a return to the appreciate and adopt the finer brotherhood that had prevailed at qualities of Islam that would enable the time of the Prophet(saw). them to attain social peace. It was this inability to cope with the sheer The golden thread that ran through numbers joining Islam in such a the Khulafa-e-Rashideen and short space of time to which the bound them together was their Qur’an pointed. It was impossible unstinting loyalty to Islam, their for the new Muslims to attain the nobility of character and adherence same high degree of understanding to the teachings and practices of and righteousness. This created Muhammad(saw). They also did not great difficulties for the Ummah let anything detract them from (followers). In particular the defending the honour of the office position of the one Khalifa in an of khilafat and some made the expanded empire created a desire ultimate sacrifice in its defence. for leadership amongst others and This loyalty enabled them to make this put them on a slippery slope great progress but they also faced away from the blessings of great difficulties. Yet, despite this, khilafah. they remained true to their faith and never let personal ambition This deviation eventually led to encroach upon their holy mission. Mu’awiyah breaking away from Indeed the Khilafat Rashida had no Hadhrat Ali(ra) and setting himself desire to lead but as they had been up as Khalifa in Jerusalem. This bestowed this position by God they was accompanied by the emer- led with sincerity of heart knowing gence of the Kharijites (the that they were accountable to Him ‘seceders’) who sought to for their tenure in office.
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But with the increase in Muslim of those Muslims. In that situation population and territory, an we can see that it was inevitable that ambition and desire for leadership God’s promise of khilafah would be became irresistible to those who fulfilled. It was fulfilled because of sought to obtain worldly honour. the very nature and rank of the This is reflected in Mu’awiyah’s companions. own words who said: Once people gave way to their ‘As for Abu Bakr he did not selfish ambitions for power the want the world…As for Umar, bounty of khilafah was taken from the world wanted him but he them. Having undoubtedly did not want it. As for us, we benefited from the expansion of have rolled over in it (like an Islam under the Khilafat Rashida, animal)’12 they were beset with difficulties, as their focus shifted away from the It may be worth reminding preservation of religious values that ourselves here of the nobility of the was characterised by the Khulafa. early Muslims that made them They, therefore, became unde- worthy of khilafah. The Holy serving of the blessing of true Prophet(saw) had carried out a spiritual khilafah. tremendous revolution in the Arabs and had transformed them from an This turn of events was in idolatrous and tribally proud society accordance with God’s promise that to a brotherhood based on the love khilafat was only promised to those of God and service to humanity. The who believed and did good deeds. It sacrifices and moral example of the was, therefore, conditional on them Companions reflected an amazing remaining united as a body of degree of spiritual advancement. righteous people who were devoted People who were avowed enemies to God and His message. Once that of truth and were determined to was lost, so was the institution of a wipe out Islam became its blessed khilafat. staunchest allies who were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the sake of From Blessed Khilafat to truth and for the sake of Islam. Such Temporal Rule was the moral and spiritual standard Following the death of Hadhrat
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Ali(ra) the Muslim community’s this chapter of history. It is narrated sense of spiritual unity quickly in Masnad Ahmad that: started to fade with different factions taking different directions. ‘The Holy Prophet(saw) said: This resulted in the shift in style of “Prophethood shall remain Muslim leadership from spiritual among you as long as God wills. Khilafat to other forms of rule and He will bring about its end and as time went on the essence of follow it with Khilafat on the righteousness diminished. Whilst precepts of Prophethood for as there was some useful progress long as He wills and then bring under subsequent caliphs, (e.g. some about its end. Kingship shall commentators have credited then follow and remain as long Mu’awiya with providing political as God wills and then come to an stability whilst leader) it was the end. There shall then be tyranny change in focus away from God that which shall remain as long as was their ultimate undoing. God wills and come to an end Mu’awiyah’s appointment of his upon His decree. ...” ’ son, Yazid, as his successor reveals an inner weakness as he sought to This clearly states the shift in style secure familial power rather than and spirituality of the leadership that religious purity. was to follow. The noble and blessed khilafat was to be followed Undoubtedly, the failure of by forms of temporal rule and then leadership did not mean that all descend into dictatorship. This did Muslims had abandoned Islam, but not mean that all subsequent leaders they did not retain within them the would lack any spirituality or purity of heart and brotherhood to goodness but the majority of them function as one body of faithful. would not be as mindful of the Different groups elected their own teachings of Islam and the Qur’an. leaders and gradually they drifted From this point on, the leadership apart despite sharing the same core was mostly focused on securing faith. political rule and political gain and tribal or national interest rather than It is relevant to note here a hadith of securing nobility and peace. the Prophet(saw) that had foretold of
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What was predicted in the When one considers the spiritual Prophet’s(saw) hadith came to pass. In rank and moral character of the fact, it succinctly reflects the Islamic Rashidun, the contrast with the history from 661 to the present day. above could not be greater.
This is probably why when most As noted, this misunderstanding non-Muslims think of the word has prevailed to the extent that the khalifa or more accurately its word Caliph carries with it its own anglicised form Caliphate, they meaning with an emphasis on civil think of those who led Muslims (and and political affairs rather than still held on to the title of Khalifa) moral, religious and spiritual during the long period after the affairs14: a concept which has over Rashidun. It certainly has stronger 1300 years of history behind it, political connotation – something making it one that is hard to that the history and record of those change! ‘caliphs’ would bear out. The span of the caliphate after The orientalists also have played a Hadhrat Ali(ra) included the rule of role in emphasising the political the Ummayad Dynasty (661-750) nature of such rulers and wrongly and the Abbassid Dynasty (750 – tarred all kinds of Muslim rulers, 1258). During the Abbassid era, caliphs and the Khalifat Rashida from the tenth century onwards with the same brush. An example of Muslims established themselves in this is found in Sir Thomas Arnold’s distinct regions, each with its own book The Caliphate. He writes: caliph. Over time these included the Samanids, Hamdanids, ‘For understanding the status of Fatimids, Ayyubids, the the Caliph, it is important Marmelukes and Moghuls. The last therefore to recognise that he is era of caliphate, normally referred pre-eminently a political to, is that of the Ottomans whose functionary, these functions do rule lasted (nominally at least) until not imply the possession of any 1924 although it had ceased to have spiritual powers setting him any meaningful power and thereby apart from the rest of the authority before then. faithful.’13
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However, it is important to remem- impossible. If the only dominance ber that not all Muslims since that Islam was destined to gain was Khilafat Rashida had forgotten one of numbers then whilst that what Islam had taught them, for seems likely is there any merit in many continued to practise and such an achievement? Can benefit from it. There were many Muslims today really attain peace who became out-standing thinkers with so many disparate and in their own right and whose contending world views within the contributions have shaped the Ummah? More importantly are modern world in many ways. there any clues that guide us to a Furthermore there were also solution for the modern world? spiritual reformers (mujaddids) who appeared in every century to Khilafat and Muslims today guide Muslims aright, but the unity One can sense the desperation of of the Ummah as a whole never Muslims at a lack of global returned to that which existed leadership. At a personal level, during the time of the Khilafat many know and understand the Rashida and certainly not to the inner strength of Islam as contained unity at the time of the Prophet(saw). in the Qur’an and the life example The undeniable fact is that just as of the Prophet(saw) and the promise Muslims lost the blessed Khilafat of Islam’s ascendancy in securing Rashida, they have lost true unity. and restoring global peace, yet the gap between this and the current This has resulted in there being vacuum of leadership seems such a fragmentation amongst the unfathomable. global Muslim community – each with its own theology and This also prompts the question that interpretation – that one wonders: if Islam was for all time then where is there any hope of turning the is the khilafat of Muslims today? clock back and seeking to achieve a After sending His perfect truly united Muslim Ummah? The messenger and showing the model world has come so far away from of khilafat in the era of Khilafat the time of the Prophet(saw) and has Rashidan has God now abandoned changed beyond recognition that it Muslims completely? More would appear to be nigh on importantly can a group of
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SOME MUJADDIDS IN ISLAM The following Mujaddids (Reformers) have appeared since the time of Hadhrat Ali(ra). With the exception of the last, none claimed to be a prophet and khalifa of the Holy Prophet(saw) Century Name Hijrah Dates Christian Era 1st Umar bin Abdul Aziz 60 - 101 717 - 720 2nd Ahmad bin Hanbal 164 - 241 780 - 855 3rd Abul Hasan Ashari 260 - 324 873 - 935 4th Abu Bakr Baqlani ? - 403 ? - 1013 5th Al Ghazali 450 - 505 1058 - 1111 6th Abdul Qadir Jilani 470 - 561 1077 - 1166 7th Ibne Taimiyya 661 - 728 1263 - 1328 8th Ibne Hajar Asqalani 773 - 852 1372 - 1449 9th Jalal-ad-Din as-Sayuti 849 - 911 1445 - 1505 10th Muhammad Tahir Gujarati 963 – 1014 1556 – 1605 11th Ahmad Sirhindi 971- 1034 1564 - 1624 12th Shah Wali Ullah 1113 - 1175 1702 - 1762 13th Ahmad Brelwi 1201 - 1246 1786 - 1831
14th Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) 1251 - 1326 1835 – 1908
disparate believers ever come Allamah Sir Muhammad Iqbal, together and elect a Khalifa? have argued that it will certainly be within the scope of Muslims to Some in the last century, such as Dr unite and progress as they have the
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perfect Book. They would have split into sects and schisms learnt from the past mistakes and have never been reunified by thus eventually reach a state of human effort alone. The same maturity required to accomplish inevitably applies to the this task. In this respect, some Muslims today. Without the Muslims have tried to establish agency of a Divine Reformer, movements and philosophies as a they cannot be assembled again desperate attempt to unify under the single flag of Unity. Muslims, but conventional wisdom … goes against such vain attempts at such a monumental challenge. ‘The existence of about Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) seventy-two doctrinal divi- dismisses such philosophy in a sions among them, despite a characteristically incisive manner: well-preserved Book and a well-documented record of ‘If ‘maturity of man’ is taken to traditions, throws a dismal light mean that he becomes on the Iqbalian philosophy of independent in drawing his the maturity of man.’ conclusions from the study of scriptures, then there must Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) then ensue a perfect unity of notes: agreement on all the funda- mental aspects of religious ‘Their differences are not teachings. Alas, what we merely marginal. They are observe in real life fails deep-rooted, further multi- miserably to support this view. plying and proliferating as time Muslims, the proud recipients goes by. Add to this the moral of the last perfect Book, are no destitution prevailing in the less divided among themselves Muslim world and the tragedy in the matter of interpretation of their lifeless existence than are the peoples of all other becomes all the more pathetic. religions. To what avail, Commit their survival to the therefore, is the so-called maturity of their intellect and maturity of man? The history of perform ablution for their religion proves that people once funeral rites, “ashes to ashes,
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dust to dust and earth to earth – A closer examination of the Mosaic Amen!”’15 dispensation reveals that many Israelite prophets came to protect What is also implied here is that if the Mosaic Law. Many of them it were possible then would were in essence the khalifas of Muslims not also come together on Moses(as). It is also interesting to other critical issues and act as one note that the last prophet of the body with one understanding and Mosaic dispensation was Jesus(as) one aim? The truth is that it is not who was also the Messiah that was possible as they have drifted too far promised to the Jews16. His mission from the holy path. A single khalifa was one of purely reviving the true for the whole Ummah has not spirit and understanding of the existed for the past 1400 years Mosaic law and not to add to it.17 since Hadhrat Ali(ra). This He was therefore also another underlines the scale of such a task Khalifa of Moses(as). His advent and the improbability of one being had nothing to do with the Jewish elected now. clergy at that time since they had no hand in his appointment to office. The solution to this conundrum is In fact they were strongly opposed found in the Qur’an itself and in the to it as his drive to rejuvenate the way that God has helped mankind Mosaic Law was a direct challenge before. As has been seen in the to their authority. Thus the khilafat history of religion, it reaffirms the of the Mosaic period was revived link between khilafat and by God through the advent of His prophethood. prophet Jesus(as).
History tells us that once the link This is relevant to Muslims with prophethood is broken then because on several occasions the khilafat cannot continue or emerge Muslims have been likened to the on its own. It is only through the Jews before them18 and this serves institution of prophethood itself as a prophetic reminder also that that the chain of khilafat is restored. the difficulties they face will be The clearest historic precedence for similar19. This also gives hope in this is that of the Mosaic the sense that it also sets out the dispensation. solution.
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At the time of Jesus(as) it was not and guide the Jews: At the end of within the scope of all the Jews to his dispensation another prophet unite for the sake of spiritual had been raised and sent by God. advancement. They had drifted too This also reflects the degree of far apart and consequently mercy and grace of God for the foregone their right to elect their Jews. It would, therefore, be khalifa. In the Qur’an we are told unthinkable that God would not act that khilafat is promised to those with similar mercy for the Ummah who believe and do good deeds – of the greatest Prophet, by which is meant that those who Muhammad(saw), especially as his uphold the true spirit and teachings message was for the whole world. and practices of God’s law. The condition of the Jews at that time No doubt this is why Muslims have was far removed from this so it been taught two specific prayers was only out of God’s mercy and in that were to act both as a warning the fulfilment of His promise that a for them and also as a source of prophet (and khalifa of Moses(as)) comfort and hope. was sent to set them on the right path. Prayers for Prophethood and Khilafat The same is the case with Islam The Qur’an sheds light on this and Muslims. A casual glance matter in its very first chapter. Al- shows the complete state of Fatihah that is also known as disarray and disharmony. Those Ummul Qur’an, (i.e. the Mother of who should be leading their the Qur’an) reveals God’s profound community towards peace are, wisdom. For in this small chapter with rare exception, failing to do so he has compacted an immense and instead lead for the sake of treasure house of knowledge. It personal gain or glory. So where holds the essence of the entire and how can God’s promise be message, teachings and guidance of fulfilled today? the Holy Qur’an. It is of little surprise, therefore, that a critical The obvious link is the issue of problem that was to face Muslims prophethood. The greatness of of the latter days is dealt with Moses(as) was not enough to save upfront.
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Furthermore, being a prayer that is Prophets, Truthful, Martyrs and recited over thirty times daily in Righteous. It is not a selfish desire regular prayers of a Muslim, Al- for prophethood that is captured Fatihah has left little room for and expressed here (since Muslims to plead ignorance to the appointment of prophets is purely solution for their current problems. God’s preserve), rather it is a desire The key lies in verse seven in to be set on the noble path and for which Muslims pray to be guided the Ummah (since it states Guide in: us) to be of such purity that in it there are people who reflect the …the right path - The path of qualities mentioned. This includes those on whom Thou hast prophethood. bestowed Thy blessings... Since Hadhrat Ali(ra) we can cite The natural question is what is this examples of Muslims who were path? This question has been Truthful, Martyrs and Righteous answered in the Qur’an itself in but what of Prophets? Can we cite Chapter 4 verses 69-70 which state: even a single one despite being taught this prayer? It is this And We would surely have spiritual progeny of the Truthful, guided them in the right path. Martyrs, Righteous and Prophets And whoso obeys Allah and this that was promised to Prophet Messenger of His shall be Muhammad(saw) in verse 4 of among those on whom Allah chapter 108 Al-Kauthar, in which has bestowed His blessings, God declared: namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Surely, it is thy enemy who is Righteous and excellent com- without issue. (Ch.108: V.4) panions are these. The Prophet(saw) was promised that In other words, it reveals that in his progeny would be blessed so order to be one of those who much so that his spiritual receives God’s blessings Muslims successors would be so superior pray to be guided in the path that than his opponents and would leave leads to the spiritual ranks of the them in awe.
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A further prayer is found in the Numerous scholars supported this Durood, the invocation of peace view and one such scholar was and blessings on the Prophet(saw) Hadhrat Muhyiuddin Ibn Arabi (also a part of salat in Islam). That who observed: prayers implores God that: ‘From the study and contemplation ‘Bless, O Allah, Muhammad of the Durood we have arrived at the and his people as Thou didst definite conclusion that there shall, bless Abraham and his people. from among the Muslims, certainly Thou art indeed Praiseworthy, be persons whose status, in the the Exalted.’ matter of prophethood, shall advance to the level of prophets, if Again we can see that a parallel is Allah pleases. But they shall not be drawn between Abraham(as) (and given any book of Law.’20 his people) and Muhammad(saw) (and his people). The prayer This proves that in seeking to secure acknowledges Abraham’s blessed similar blessings in the dispensation progeny that included the Mosaic of Muhammad(saw) similar bounties dispensation, which consisted of are also being sought. Such bounties not just one but many prophets and would also serve to elevate the khalifas. status of Prophet Muhammad(saw) even more since the scope of the So in the same way that prophets Mosaic Law was limited to the and khalifas were deemed essential Israelites whereas the scope of the by God to progress and protect the Holy Prophet(saw) and Islam is Mosaic Law how could it be that universal and for all time. This prophets and khalifas were not makes the task that much greater needed for Muhammad’s(saw) too. dispensation? Were the Rashidun sufficient for all time? Absolutely Having taught Muslims these not and this is the reason why prayers, Allah admonishes Muslims God’s promise of khilafat in Sura to have firm faith in what is yet to Al-Nur is not fixed to any one time come (Ch.2:V.5) which is a period. prophecy that God will not leave them or His religion rather He
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would revive His message in the long as He wills and then bring latter days. about its end. Kingship shall then follow and remain as long Once the link to prophethood is as God wills and then come to restored then Allah’s words make an end. There shall then be clear that khilafat will continue, tyranny which shall remain as provided the community remains long as God wills and come to righteous. an end upon His decree. ...” ’
So, keeping all this in mind, if we This hadith then ended with a look at the decline of Muslims after promise of God’s help: Khilafate Rashida and note the state of Muslims today then can we ‘“There will then emerge conclude that the prayers of the Khilafat on the precept of prophet and of countless Muslims Prophethood” The Holy have gone unanswered? Prophet said no more.’
The answer is a definitive no and It very clearly reminds us of the there are two reasons. Firstly, the link with prophethood. True Qur’an tells us of God’s promise. It khilafat was destined for Muslims is impossible for Him to break His but their decline and subsequent promise. Secondly the very hadith state was to be such that it was not that sets out the emergence of within their power to establish Khilafat Rashida and the fate of the khilafat. As God had done so with subsequent leadership, also sets out Mosaic dispensation so would He a promise for the latter days. To again offer hope to mankind remind ourselves, the first part in through the Holy Prophet’s(saw) Masnad Ahmad stated that: dispensation. Thus the blessed light of khilafat of the latter days would ‘The Holy Prophet(saw) said: only be realised through the prism “Prophethood shall remain of prophethood that would appear among you as long as God wills. to revive the true Islam. The He will bring about its end and hallmarks of such a prophet would follow it with Khilafat on the be that he would be a Muslim, he precepts of Prophethood for as would be subservient to Prophet
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Muhammad(saw) and through him a one through whom the institution new era of blessed khilafat would of a blessed khilafat is restarted for emerge. the sole purpose of upholding Islam and the honour of Muhammad(saw)? The task for Muslims therefore is to search for one whose belief in God Amazingly enough, in the whole of and service to Islam was of such the Muslim Ummah – from the high calibre and of such purity that time of Hadhrat Ali(ra) to the present he became deserving of God’s day – only one person has made blessings and manifested in him such a claim and he and the God’s answer to our prayers for a Khalifas after him and the spiritual guide and heir to community of followers have Muhammad(saw). Furthermore the prospered and flourished under hadith and the Qur’an make clear Divine protection like no other that at such a time a new community since the period of community of followers will arise Khilafat Rashida. It is therefore and devote themselves to serve for imperative to take a look at his the sake of righteousness and peace claims, mission and community to to the extent that the bounty of see how it matches the era of the khilafat that was lost to the Prophet(saw) and the Khilafat Muslims for 1400 years is regained. Rashida.
The question thus remains that has The Awaited Prophet there been any such devoted Prophethood itself is a bounty for a servant of Islam who has claimed true believer, but it is none except to be Divinely guided and who has the select few that can ever attain it. declared his prophethood in With God’s final message of Islam fulfilment of these prophecies? Has revealed to Prophet Muhammad(saw) his arrival generated a similar one thing was certain that any new response from the Muslim Ummah prophet could only appear in his as the Jews responded to Jesus(as) Ummah for no new religion was and his followers? And equally needed, only a reformer to rekindle importantly, has such a noble its true spirit. In the same way that personality, through his closeness Jesus(as) served the Mosaic Law the to God, been chosen by God as the prophet of the latter days would be
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completely subservient to Islam Like prophets before him, up to the and Prophet Muhammad(saw), and be point he received the Divine call, a khalifa of Muhammad(saw) with he made no claim to such spiritual the stature and status of pro- status, and in fact recoiled at the idea phethood granted by God. that he was even worthy of such Anything to the contrary would go divine accolade. He saw his service against the tradition of God. as nothing but a duty of a sincere believer and servant of The sole claimant to prophethood Muhammad(saw). It was only after and to being the Messiah (as the being blessed with converse with Mahdi in some Muslim texts) the Almighty and being told time promised to Islam in the latter days and again in no uncertain terms that (and indeed all religions) was he was the Messiah and Mahdi and Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) the prophet for the latter days that he (1835-1908). He was a well- stood forth and announced his respected and devout Muslim who prophethood to the world and through his writings such as the established the Ahmadiyya Muslim epoch making Barahin-e- Community. He cared little for the Ahmadiyya invigorated the hardships that were to face him (of Muslims with a new sense of belief which there were many) instead and conviction and he energised placing his utmost trust in God at them with the true understanding of Whose threshold he now lay. Islam. Islam was once more resurrected as a living religion that His claim to prophethood can be offered hope and salvation for not readily seen in his following just Muslims but all who wished to statements: benefit from it. In his defence of Islam he wrote over eighty books. ‘Since I myself have witnessed He was equally critical of Muslims the clear fulfilment of about 150 who did not live by the true prophecies, how can I deny the principles of Islam. Thus, his title of Nabi or Rasul about me? mission was to remove the Since Allah the Most High has malpractice and revive the Himself bestowed these titles righteousness and purity that Islam upon me, why should I forsake offered. them or fear anyone except
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Him? I declare in the name of any blessing that he had received God Who has sent me – and was purely because of his devotion cursed are those who fabricate to the cause of the Holy Prophet(saw) lies about Him – that he has sent and nothing else for it was his firm me as the promised Messiah.’ belief that it was the only through (Eik Ghalati ka Izalah, Ruhani Islam and the Holy Prophet(saw) that Khaza’ian, vol.18, p.210) mankind could attain true peace.
‘I declare in the name of God He affirmed that: Who controls my life that he has sent me and he has granted me ‘I have received full measure of the title Nabi. He has called me the blessing that were bestowed the Promised Messiah, and he on the prophets and honoured has shown great signs for my ones of God before me purely as truthfulness which number a result of the Grace of Allah about three hundred thousand.’ and not due to any merit of my (Tatimma Haqiqatul Wahi, own. And it was not possible for Ruhani Khaza’ian, vol.22, me to get this blessing if I did p.503) not follow the ways of my Master and Lord, the honour of There are numerous other the Prophets and best of them statements of his that testify to his all, the Holy Prophet, may peace claim to prophethood on the basis of and blessings of Allah be upon Divine instruction, but he was also him. So, whatever I achieved equally clear that his prophethood resulted from following his path. was not independent of I understand – based on my true Muhammad(saw) rather it was only as and complete knowledge – that a mere slave of the Holy Prophet(saw). no one can reach God without He firmly believed in Prophet following His Prophet(saw), nor Muhammad(saw) as Khataman can he have a share of the Nabiyyeen (Seal of the Prophets) perfect understanding.’ and at every moment he would seek (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani to preserve and defend the honour Khaza’ian, vol.22, pp.64-65) and greatness of the Holy Prophet(saw). He was also clear that And further:
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‘This eminence has been granted Remember, anyone who gets the to me because of my following honour of meeting him, he must the Holy Prophet(saw). Had I not convey my salam to him.’ been one of his followers and (Al-Mo’jam Al-Awsat Lit- had I not been following his tabarani, Manismuhu ‘Isa. Al- teaching faithfully, I could have Mo’jam-us- Saghir Lit-tabarani, never achieved this high status Manismuhu ‘Isa) of communion with Allah, even though my good deeds had piled On another occasion he said: up to the height of the mountains. This is because no ‘When you find the Mahdi, law-bearing prophet can ever be perform Bai’at (pledge of raised, but a non-law-bearing allegiance) at his hands. You prophet can still appear. But he must go to him, even if you have must always be a follower of the to reach him across icebound Holy Prophet(saw). I am therefore mountains on your knees. He is a follower as well as a prophet.’ the Mahdi and the Khalifa of (Tajalliyati Ilahiyya, p.24) Allah’ (Sunan Ibn Maja, Kitab ul Fitan, This should put beyond doubt his Vol.2, p.1367) resolute conviction about his position in relation to the Holy On many occasions, the Promised Prophet(saw) and his claim to Messiah(as) also clarified that he was prophethood as well. This also the second spiritual advent of prophethood also had the aspect of Jesus(as) and therefore underlining a khilafat of the Holy Prophet(saw). It is strong similarity between his relevant here to note the following mission and the mission of the hadith in which when referring to Mosaic Messiah. The difference in the advent of the Promised emphasis was that whereas Jesus(as) Messiah(as) the Holy Prophet(saw) came to revive the Mosaic teachings instructed his followers that: the Promised Messiah(as) came to revive Islam. ‘…he [the Promised Messiah] will be my Khalifa from among He said: my followers after me…
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‘This humble one is appointed develops in the heart as a result by the Omnipotent and Most of the honest and perfect Glorious God to work for the following of the Holy betterment of mankind in the Prophet(saw); so know it that it is manner of the Israeli prophet of the righteous heart. The love of Nazareth, the Messiah, with the world departs from the extreme humility, meekness, heart, and it desires an eternal modesty, love and courtesy. To and unending pleasure. Then, as those who are unaware of the a consequence of this righteous right way, I am to show them the heart, a pure and perfect divine straight path through which they love is acquired. And all these can achieve true Salvation, and blessings are received as feel in this very world the signs inheritance from following the of having heavenly life, and Holy Prophet(saw).’ experience the illumination of (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani being accepted and loved by Khazain, vol.22, pp.64-65) God.’ (Tabligh Risalat, Vol.1, p.11) What is intriguing about this is that he set out the rejection of this world Further proof of the truth of his as a means of attaining right- mission can be found in the fact that eousness. It is this spirit of devotion it was at his hands that the blessed and love of God that was the key to institution of khilafat was revived. the blessings of khilafat in early His example and the example of the Islam and it is the same that was to community that responded to his secure it in the latter days. This call bore striking similarities to the quality was admitted by even those period of Islam during the time of who had moved to undermine the Holy Prophet(saw) and the khilafat during the time of the Khilafat Rashida. The direction in Rashidun. You may recall that which he was taking his followers is Mu’awiyah himself observed that also an amazing reflection of early whilst the Rashidun did not want Islam. He said: this world Mu’awaiyah and those of his ilk ‘rolled over in it (like an ‘And here I am going to tell you animal)’. How telling that the about the first thing that Promised Messiah(as) who was the
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chosen one to revive khilafat that in line with God’s promise in strongly cautioned his followers to Sura Al-Nur, there was good news remained focused on God and its for the righteous in that they would ultimate accountability to Him, see a revival of khilafat, and and use this as a means to pursue provided they remained true to their righteousness, thus striking at the faith this bounty would remain with heart of the worldly ambition that them until the end of mankind. had removed this bounty from Muslims in the first era! His advent had demonstrated the first manifestation of God’s mercy Revival of Khilafat for this age, and assured them that This revival of khilafat by the after his demise God would bless Promised Messiah(as) is the final the righteous with the Second and crucial piece of this jigsaw of Manifestation of His mercy. He Islam’s revival. The manner in wrote: which he did this was to seek to ensure that his followers would ‘For it is essential for you to see remain faithful to both the teach- the Second Manifestation, too, ings and the spirit of Islam. This and its coming is better for you required them to strive with their because it is everlasting the body and soul for Islam and make continuity of which will not end the necessary sacrifices. He was till the Day of Judgement. And aware that his immediate com- the second Manifestation panions had received God’s cannot come unless I depart. blessings by sharing his company But when I depart, then God and by learning Islam through his will send this second example but he also looked to Manifestation for you which protect his community from shall always remain with you as drifting away for generations to it is promised by God in come. Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.’21
This can be seen through his He also made clear that it was under prophecy and teachings for the Khilafat that the global success of community that related to his Islam would be seen for he said: demise and beyond. He foretold
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‘God desires to draw all those line with the Qur’anic teaching that: people whether they belong to Europe or Asia who inhabit Never shall you attain to various habitations of the world, righteousness unless you spend and who have virtuous nature, to out of that which you love. the Unity of God and unite men, (Ch.3; V.93) His servants, in one Faith. This is the very purpose of God to It is this righteousness that would achieve which I have been sent enable khilafat to be preserved and to the world.’22 that is exactly what happened.
To this end he urged followers to Following his demise in 1908, his adopt a life of those who may be community, like the community of deemed worthy of khilafat and this the Companions of the Prophet(saw), was set out in his Will (Al Wasiyyat). gathered and sought Divine This focused primarily on the protection and blessings and spiritual and moral values and the elected a khalifa to continue the need to be ever-vigilant in seeking revival of Islam that was initiated God’s protection from the by the Promised Messiah(as). This distractions of this world. election of Hadhrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddeen Sahib(ra) (who also ‘And, totally shedding all base happened to be the first person who desires of the self, choose for the accepted Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam sake of winning the pleasure of Ahmadas) as a prophet and the God that path compared to messiah promised for the latter which no path can be narrower days) was the final step in the and straiter. Do not fall in love fulfilment of God’s promise of with the pleasures of the world, Khilafat for Muslims, for the final for they take you away from link between prophethood and God.’23 khilafat had been restored and would continue to flourish and Added to this he urged people to progress as long as the community make an extraordinary sacrifice of retained its righteousness and its their wealth and time for the sake of faith in God. their faith. This was very much in
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Khilafat Ahmadiyya – another the world over. Unity that was era of Khilafat Rashida maintained during the precarious Very much mirroring the experience time of Hadhrat Maulvi Nurruddin and success of Khilafat Rashida the Sahib(ra), the foundations of new khilafat was blessed with expansion that were laid down immense Divine help and during the khilafat of Hadhrat Mirza protection. It was a beacon of hope Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra), the that was destined to guide the whole wise counsel that guided and Ummah back to the right path and to protected the Jama’at and called for this day its progress and success in the global service of mankind the face of adversity reflects the during the time of Hadhrat Mirza Divine succour that it has been Nasir Ahmad(ru), the prolific granted. expansion and impact that was achieved during the khilafat of If we take a glimpse at the history of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) and Khilafat Ahmadiyya then we can the continuing success and noble see that the Khalifas indeed have leadership, at a global level, of been granted success as promised Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), by Allah. The Ahmadiyya Jama’at all make up a resounding portfolio has grown at a phenomenal rate – of evidence of the truth of Khilafat- unparalleled since the rise of Islam e-Ahmadiyya and its ongoing itself – and it has established success in establishing the religion missions in the cause of Islam in of Islam in all corners of the world. every corner of the world. Despite severe persecution, Allah has If we compare this to the experience remained firm to His promise and of the Muslims over the same 100 granted His Khalifas success upon years who have failed to recognise success. The call for unity – and the Khilafat – then we see a stark unification of mankind is only being contrast. Khilafat Ahmadiyya has advanced and achieved at the hands resulted in success reflecting the of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. benefits of Divine favour, whereas the condition of Muslims who have The Khalifas have led the cause for denied this khilafat has suffered raising the flag of the Unity of Allah nothing but continued fragmen- and for the establishment of peace tation and frustration. This too is in
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line with the Qur’anic verdict which that Muslims have a duty to whilst assuring the success of respond to the call of the khalifa of Khilafat, notes that such khilafat this age. will not be accepted by all for it adds a prophetic note of caution by The primary responsibility saying that, according to the Holy Prophet(saw) himself is to take the oath of Then whoso is ungrateful after allegiance at the hands of the that, they will be the rebellious. Khalifa. Once that has been done, (Ch.24:V.56) the positions of Muslims today, as it was during the period of Khilafat This assures us that efforts to Rashida, is to hear and obey. disprove the blessed Khilafat and Anything else would be tantamount arrest its success will be fruitless as to rejecting the instructions of the God promises in the Qur’an in the Holy Prophet(saw) for he is reported following verse of the same chapter, to have said that: that, ‘Anyone who follows my Amir Think not that those who shall be regarded as having disbelieve can frustrate Our followed me, but anyone who plan...(Ch.24:V.58) disobeys my Amir shall be regarded as having disobeyed Thus, Khilafat Ahmadiyya stands me.’ unique in the world today in that it (The Promised Messiah(as) represents a community that has published in Badr 2.6.1908) recognised the prophet of this age and witnessed the khilafat that It would be unthinkable that any followed it – exactly in line with the Muslim would wish to be counted promise made by God in the as one who disobeyed the Holy Qur’an. Prophet(saw). So obedience to his Khalifa is an act of faith. In fact, it Duty of Muslims to the Khilafat is such obedience that is the Having established the legitimacy hallmark of a Muslim. It reflects of the institution of Khilafat the living response to the Ahmadiyya, it is relevant to note instruction of the Qur’an to:
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Obey Allah and obey His submit yourself to serve God by messenger and those who are in presenting yourself at the service of authority over you. your Khalifa25. (Ch.4: V.60) It is by obeying the Khalifa that The Qur’an also emphasises the Muslims will be serving the cause requirement of obedience with of Islam for it is under Khilafat that reference to khilafat. This can be Islam was promised triumph. gauged from the verses in Sura Al- Nur that contain the promise of Khilafat and the growth of the khilafat. The concept of obedience Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is mentioned not just once but seven Ahmadis consider themselves times in verses 52-57. This makes fortunate to have witnessed the clear that obedience is a critical revival of khilafat following the factor to the ongoing blessings of arrival of the Prophet of this age and khilafat – for without this true unity is have a proud history of is impossible. Indeed, Allah assures responding to the call of the those who hear and obey24 that they Khalifa, as success of the Waqf- shall prosper. Jadid and Tehrik Jadid Schemes, the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, Waqf-e-Nau In fact the first Khalifa of the scheme have shown, to name but a Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Hadhrat few. Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib(ra) made clear that one’s ego must be More recently the Khalifa has sacrificed at the altar of Khilafat for emphasised the importance of it is the same ego that will otherwise Wassiyyat. It will surprise no-one lead to one’s downfall and leave one that even in this day and age when deprived of God’s favours. materialism rules, Ahmadi Muslims the world over are responding with He described the state of a believer full vigour to the call of the Khalifa. and his responsibility beautifully In the field of financial sacrifice, in when he said that a person who fact, a Muslim’s responsibility makes bai’at gives up all his should be to reflect the example of freedom and high flights for the Hadhrat Umar(ra) who said that: sake of another. In other words you
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‘Had I possessed gold and silver concerned. It is inconceivable to equal to that of the whole earth, think that a Khalifa will ever I would have given it in the diminish in his responsibility as he cause of Allah to please Him.’ is chosen and appointed by God. For (Hadhrat Umar Farooq, by R A his Jama’at to continue to benefit Chowdhry, p.100) from Khilafat, therefore, it is crucial that it too does not diminish in its Hadhrat Maulvi Nuruddin(ra) responsibilities in remaining himself set such a high example of righteous and serving the Khalifa. In such service and piety that he was fact, God is very clear that the praised by the Promised Messiah(as) blessing of Khilafat is only granted who said about him in his famous to those who believe and do good couplet: works. The moment righteousness is lost and obedience ends, then ‘How fortunate would it be if Khilafat will be lost as well. So it is everyone of the Community the Jama’at’s duty to remain were Nur-ud-Din. So would it steadfast in its faith and practices. be if everyone were filled with the light of faith.’26 The spirit to serve khilafat must be that of Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin In fact if we study the lives of Mahmud Ahmad(ra) who at the time Khalifas themselves, before their of the demise of the Promised khilafat we will find in them models Messiah(as) declared: of how we should discharge our responsibility in serving Khilafat ‘If all others should leave you Ahmadiyya, in line with the and I should be left alone, yet I teachings of Islam. will stand against the whole world and shall not heed any The duty of obedience highlights opposition or hostility.’27 another aspect of the nature of the institution of Khilafat, that it What dedication is captured in his represents a bond between the words! This should be the spirit and Khalifa and his community. The sense of service to the Khalifa of bond will remain as strong as the the time! commitment of the two parties
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Khilafat and Wasiyyat his Jama’at that it must put in an Even to this day, the khalifa effort as well as seek Divine favour continues to call his people to for it to benefit from anything. righteousness. Conscious of the Only the foolish farmer prays for a import of the blessings of khilafat, good harvest without working on Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad his land and even after he has reminds the Jama’at that simply worked he does not sit still and having accepted the messiah and simply pray to God. Rather he is khalifa of the age will not be ever-vigilant that his work is not sufficient before God. Acceptance gone to waste.29 It is this attitude without responsibility is not and responsibility that will secure enough since with acceptance the the future of Khilafat and the final responsibilities have grown victory of Islam. manifold.28 This is precisely in line with the Qur’anic instruction that Conclusion Muslims must be those who Words cannot capture how ‘believe and do good works.’ So fortunate we are to live during this the good deeds cannot be separated blessed era. The institution of from the belief itself and only by khilafat was foretold by God and complying with both aspects can promised to the God-fearing. It is Muslims be worthy of the bounty an institution that has proved its of khilafat. truth time and time again and proved the truth of the Promised It was for this purpose that he Messiah(as) and the Holy reminded the Jama’at of the Prophet(saw). It is an institution that blessed institution of Wasiyyat – is the only hope for the salvation of i.e. of leading righteous lives and the world today. Muslims must making exemplary sacrifices, for it indeed hold fast to the rope of is only through this that there is Khilafat, respond to its every call any chance of preserving the and pray that its mercy extends for degree of righteousness that makes all time to come so that the man worthy of Divine favours. promise of God is fulfilled and lasting peace established in this The Promised Messiah(as) also world. commented on this and reminded
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In the end, let us remind ourselves uad-Din as-Suyuti, Ta Ha of God’s words: Publishers 2006 4. Islam in A Nutshell, by Amanda Allah has promised to those Roraback, Published by Enisen among you who believe and do Publishing 2004 good works that He will surely 5. Key Words in Islam, by Ron make them Successors in the Geaves, Published by earth, as He made Successors Continuum 2006 from among those who were 6. Muslims: Their Religious before them; and that He will Beliefs and Practices, by surely establish for them their Andrew Rippin, Published by religion which He has chosen Routledge, 2005 for them; and that He will 7. Nubuwwat & Khilafat: surely give them in exchange Prophethood & its security and peace after their Successorship, Islam fear: They will worship Me, and International Publications Ltd, they will not associate anything 2006 with Me. Then who so is 8. Al-Wasiyyat (The Will), by ungrateful after that, they will Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, be the rebellious. And observe Islam International Publications Prayer, and give Zakat and (2004). (First Published in Urdu obey the Messenger, that you in 1905) may be shown mercy. 9. Introducing Islam, By Ziauddin (Ch.24:Vs.56-57) Sardar and Zafar Abbas Malik, Icon Books (2002) 10. Oxford Concise Dictionary of BIBLIOGRAPHY World Religions, Edited by John 1. Islam: A Short History, by Bowker, Oxford University Karen Armstrong, Published by Press 2000 Phoenix Press 2001 11. Revelation, Rationality, 2. Fifty Key Figures in Islam, by Knowledge and Truth, by Roy Jackson, Published by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru), Routledge 2006 Islam International Publications 3. The History of the Khalifas who (1998) Took the Right Way, by Jalal 12. Khataman Nabiyyeen,
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Published by The London Babu ma Ja’a Fil-Akhdhi Bis Mosque (1982) Sunnah. Also Sunano Abi 13. An Exposition of Some Dawud, Kitab-us-Sunnati, Babu Criticisms Against Khilafat-i- Luzumis Sunnah. Rashida, by Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by 5. It is narrated in Bukhari, Kitabul The London Mosque 1979 Ah-Kam Babul Istikhlaf that (ra) 14. Conditions of Bai’at and Hadhrat Aisha said: ‘The Holy Responsibilities of an Ahmadi, Prophet said that he had intended by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor to call in Abu Bakr and hand him Ahmad, Islam International written testament for his khilafat, Publications (2006) so that after the death of the Holy Prophet(saw), other claimants to the office might not arise, but REFERENCES then the Holy Prophet(saw) did not 1. Five Volume Commentary on pursue the idea believing that Holy Qur’an, by Hadhrat Mirza God would not accept the Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra) election of any other person note 1290, Ch10: v.15. Also see besides Abu Bakr as Khalifa, nor Lane’s Lexicon (Vol.1 p.702) would the believers agree definition of kh-l-f ‘He came otherwise.’ after, or remained after another, 6. Five Volume Commentary on The or another that perished or died’ Holy Qur’an by Hadhdrat Mirza also definition of khalifa Bahseeruddin Mahmud ‘Successor, vicegerent, or Ahmad(ra) , note 2360 of verse substitute’. 56 of Sura Al-Nur. (Also see 2. The Holy Qur’an, (Translation note 432A on Ch. 3 verse 80). (ra) by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali ), 7. Islam: A Short History, by Karen Ch.7:Vs.70, 170; Ch.10:V.15. Armstrong, p.21.
3. The Holy Qur’an, (Translation 8. The Holy Qur’an, (Translation (ra) by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali ), by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali(ra)), Ch.2:V.31; Ch.38:V.27. Ch.9:V.40.
4. Sunan-ut-Tirmidhi, Kitabul Ilmi 9. Islam: A Short History, by Karen
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Armstrong, p.22. Mubasher Ahmad MA LLB, published on www.alislam.org. 10. This relates to a prophecy made See also: (saw) by the Prophet when, as he http://www.alislam.org/topics/khi migrated from Makkah to lafat/khilafat-and-caliphate.html Madinah, he was being pursued by Suraqa bin Malik. After his 15. Revelation, Rationality, horse repeatedly stumbled, Knowledge and Truth, by Suraqa gave up the chase and it Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru), was then that the Prophet(saw) said Islam International Publications to him, ‘Suraqa, how will you Ltd (1998) pp.682-683. feel with the gold bangles of the king of Iran on your wrists?’. 16. Jews at the time were expecting Later on Suraqa accepted Islam three personalities, a Prophet, a and when Iran fell to the Messiah (Christ) and Elijah. John Muslims during the Khilafat of the Baptist was Elijah and Jesus Hadhrat Umar(ra), the Muslims was the Messiah see John 1:20- inherited immense wealth 21, John 1:41; Matthew 11:14, including the gold bangles that 17:11-13. the king used to wear on State 17. Matthew 5:17-18. functions. These were worn by Suraqa under the instruction of 18. ‘Abdullah bin Amar(ra) relates Hadhrat Umar(ra) in fulfilment of that the Holy Prophet(saw) said. the Prophet’s(saw) prophecy. “Surely things will happen to my people as happened earlier to 11. Islam: A Short History, By Israelites; they will resemble Karen Armstrong, p.25. each other like one shoe in a pair 12. The History of the Khalifas who resembles the other to the extent took the right way, by Jalal ud- that if anyone among the Din as-Suyuti, p.123. Israelites has openly committed adultery with his mother there 13. The Caliphate, by Sir Thomas W will be some who will do this in Arnold CIE, Litt.D., Oxford my Ummah as well. Verily the University Press (1924), p.17. Israelites were divided into 72 sections but my people will be 14. Khilafat and Caliphate, By divided into 73 sections, all of
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them will be in the fire except when they are called to Allah one.” The companions asked, and His Messenger in order that “Who are they O Messenger of he may judge between them, is Allah,” The Holy Prophet(saw) only that they say ‘We hear and said, “They are those who will be we obey.’ And it is they who will like me and my Companions.” prosper. (Tirmidhi, Kitabul Eeman) 25. Nubuwwat & Khilafat: 19. It is relevant here to note that as Prophethood & its with the Jewish clergy at the Successorship, Islam time of Jesus, it was prophesied International Publications Ltd, that the Muslim clergy too would 2006, p.37. oppose the Messiah and Khalifa of the time. Hadhrat Muyuddin 26. Badr, June 2 1908, as quoted in Ibn Arabi in his book Al-Fatuh- Nubuwwat & Khilafat: haat-i-Makkiyya Vol.3, Page 336 Prophethood & its says ‘At the time of the Successorship, Islam appearance of Imam Mahdi none International Publications Ltd, would be his open enemy other 2006 p.42. than the divines – the religious 27. Ahmadiyyat: The Renaissance of scholars, in particular. Islam, by Sir Ch. Muhammad (ra) 20. Fatuhati Makiyya, Vol. I, p.545 Zafrullah Khan Sahib . as noted in p.2 of Khataman 28. Friday Sermon of Hadhrat Mirza Nabiyyeen published by the Masroor Ahmad(aba), 12 October London Mosque, 1982. 2007. 21. The Will (Al Wassiyat), 29. Commentary on The Holy Published by Islam International Qur’an, Volume 1, Surah Fatiha Publications 2004, p.7. by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), Islam International 22. Ibid p.8-9. Publications, (2004), p.205.
23. Ibid p.9.
24. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.24:V.52 The response of the believers,
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Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) (1835 – 1908) ‘I came from God as a Manifestation of His Power and I am an incarnation of God’s Power. And after I am gone there will be some other persons who will be the manifestation of the second Power [of God].’ (Al-Wassiyyat)
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Hadhrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib(ra) (1841 – 1914) ‘It is God Who has appointed me Khalifa, and He knows best. No one has the power to remove the Khalifa appointed by God.’ (An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat Rashida, by Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque 1979)
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Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra) (1889 – 1965) ‘I swear by God at Whose command lies my soul and Who is the Master of judgement, disgrace and accreditation that I am the Khalifa appointed by God.’ (An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-i-Rashida, by Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque 1979)
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Hadhrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad(ru) (1909 – 1982) ‘…Allah, the Glorious, has jealous regard for this station and office (of Khilafat) which he has bestowed on me.’ (Message of Love and Brotherhood to Africa, by Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Islam International Publications (2006) p.32. First Published 1970)
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Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) (1928 – 2003) ‘After the break up of the institution of Khilafat in early Islam, it is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at in Islam which has been blessed with Khilafat… and the Khalifah plays the same role of head and heart as was played by the Holy Successors of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw).’ (With Love to the Muslims of the World, by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Islam International Publications (2006) p.45)
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Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (b.1950) ‘Now in this time and age, Khilafat Rashida [Righteous Khilafat] has been established after the passing away of the Promised Messiah…Rejoice! Now you shall always remain under directives that are based on goodness.’ (Conditions of Bait and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi, by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), Islam International Publications (2006) p.206)
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Khilafat Centenary Article COMPETITION The Review of Religions is running a competition for articles on Khilafat to be published during 2008.
The winning entry will receive a copy of The Review of Religions in which the best article is published and it will be personally signed by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V!
Articles must be unpublished and original and between 4,000 words and 7,000 words on one of the following topics:
1. The blessings of Khilafat in Islam 2. The institution of Khilafat 3. The impact of Khilafat Rashida or Khilafat Ahmadiyya 4. The concept of Khilafat in religious thought
All entries will be judged by the Editorial Board and the Board’s decision will be final.
To qualify for this unique opportunity entries must be fully annotated with cross-references, relevant extracts of which should be supplied with the article for verification, and submitted in English in MS Word to reach The Review of Religions office in London by 31st January 2008. You must include your full contact details including name, address, telephone number and email address. Late entries will not be entertained. Unless prepaid postage is enclosed, unpublished articles will not be returned.
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