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Home , Al Fazl (newspaper), Bahishti Maqbara, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Rabwah

Contents April 2003, Vol.98, No.4

An Obituary of Hadhrat – Rafiq Ahmad Hayat – Amir UK...... 2

The Beginning of Khilafa in the Community – An excerpt from about the Divine promise of the Second Manisfestation of His Power: Hadhrat (as) ...... 6

Two Memorable Quotations – Quotations from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV regarding the Divine protection of the continuation of Khilafat: ...... 13

Milestones in a Life lived to the Full – A brief look at the life of the extraordinary life of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (Khalifatul Masih IV): ...... 14

Man of God – Extract from the book of the same name detailing the amazing journey from to the UK by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV in the wake of the country’s President ordering his immediate arrest: Iain Adamson...... 30

Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat – Khalifatul Masih V: A brief introduction to the new Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement and his election as the new Khalifa to lead the Community: ...... 51

The First Address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V – The English translation of a speech given in just before the inaugural pledge of allegiance and allegiance at the hands of the new Khalifa ...... 61

Chief Editor and Manager Chairman of the Management Board Mansoor Ahmed Shah. Naseer Ahmad Qamar Basit Ahmad Special contributors: All correspondence should Bockarie Tommy Kallon Amatul-Hadi Ahmad be forwarded directly to: Farina Qureshi Daud Mahmood Khan The Editor Fareed Ahmad Proof-reader: Fazal Ahmad Shaukia Mir The Fauzia Bajwa Mansoor Saqi Design and layout: 16 Gressenhall Road Mahmood Hanif Tanveer Khokhar London, SW18 5QL Mansoora Hyder-Muneeb Publisher: Navida Shahid Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah © Islamic Publications, 2002 Sarah Waseem ISSN No: 0034-6721 Saleem Ahmad Malik Distribution: Tanveer Khokhar Hanif

Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the opinions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 1 An Obituary of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad

By Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK and former Editor of the Review of Religions

We re g ret to announce the Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad’s demise of our spiritual head, early education was in , Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad at , and then at Government 9:30 am on the 19th of April, College , and , 2003. S u rely to Allah do we Pakistan. In 1955 he came to belong and to Him do we return. to compete his studies at The School of Oriental and Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad African Studies, University of had served as the fourth head London. of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community from June Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad 1982. He was born on served the community in December 18th, 1928 in various capacities, including Qadian, India, the son of P resident of the Central Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Auxiliary Organization for Mahmud Ahmad, the Youth, and President of the P romised Reformer, and sec- Central Auxiliary Association ond Successor to Hadhrat for the Elders of the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Community. He was also an Founder of the Ahmadiyya International Secretary on the Muslim community. Hadhrat Central Executive Board. He Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the was elected as the fourth Promised Messiah and Mahdi, successor to Hadhrat Mirza as foretold by the Holy Ghulam Ahmad, on 10 June of (peace be upon him). 1982. Religious forced him to leave Pakistan in April 1984, from which time he

2 The Review of Religions – April 2003 An Obituary of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Khalifatul Masih IV

The Review of Religions – April 2003 3 An Obituary of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad

lived in Southfields, London, at most of the world’s major the Fazl Mosque. This then languages, including his Friday became the centre of the Sermons telecast live from the Ahmadiyya Community’s Fazl Mosque. Since his activities from which all affairs immense and varied know- worldwide were conducted ledge enabled him to answer and supervised by him. questions on a diverse range of subjects during the frequently Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad’s televised “Question and leadership was characterised Answer Sessions,” it also by a vibrancy and dynamism e n d e a red him to his many that became the hallmark of his audiences globally. His 21 year tenure of office. He activities proliferated with the made himself accessible to rapid spread of the community members of the community throughout 174 countries of the through his extensive travels world. The community expe- worldwide. His indefatigable rienced a dynamic period of e fforts on behalf of the g rowth, increasing its mem- community inspired its bership from 10 million to members to attain new heights more than 200 million mem- resulting in a period of bers. tremendous progress in many fields. Through his own noble An internationally acclaimed example he renewed the spirit t h i n k e r, and scholar of of commitment and service comparative religions, he had a amongst all his followers. profound understanding of the Foremost among his achieve- Holy Qur’an, the Bible, and ments was the creation of an other scriptures. Under his international satellite television guidance, the Holy Qur’an was station, called Muslim translated into most of the Television Ahmadiyya, major languages. He himself International (MTA). This personally translated the Holy station broadcasts a variety of Q u r’an into the Urd u programs 24 hours a day in language. He wrote exten-

4 The Review of Religions – April 2003 An Obituary of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad sively, and among his scholarly on Tuesday, April 22 to elect works is his magnum opus, the next Successor, Hadhrat Revelation, Rationality, Know- Mirza Masroor Ahmad, ledge and Truth, published in Khalifatul Masih V who led the 1998. funeral prayer at , , on Wednesday A discerning student of world 23 April 2003. The service was history and a keen observer of held at 2:00pm. More than the international political 40,000 people from around the scene, he urged peace and world attended the service. tolerance among all nations ______and all peoples. He care d deeply about global human This stop press issue of the rights, championed the cause Review of Religions focuses on of the persecuted and dis- the institution of Khilafat and possessed, and advocated the recent change in the Head Islam as the solution to all of the world wide Ahmadiyya contemporary political, social, Jama’at. Ed. spiritual and economic prob- lems. In addition to his religious and spiritual duties, In this journal, for the he was also a homeopathic information of non-Muslim readers, ‘(sa)’ or ‘sa’ after the physician, a prolific writer, and words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the gifted poet and a keen name ‘Muhammad’, are used. sportsman. They stand for ‘Salallahu alaihi wassalam’ meaning ‘Peace and His beloved wife, Syeda Asifa Blessings of Allah be upon Begum passed away in 1992. him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ He is survived by four or ‘as’ after the name of all daughters and several other is an grandchildren. abbreviation meaning ‘Peace be upon him’ derived from The Community’s Electoral Alaihi salato wassalam’ for the respect a Muslim reader utters. College convened in London

The Review of Religions – April 2003 5 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

An extract from The Will by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds; and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, Muhammad, and upon all his companions and progeny.

Since God Almighty has informed me, through re c u r re n t revelations, that the time of my demise is near, and since these revelations have been of such force as to shake me to the very core of my being – rendering my heart cold to this life – I have deemed it appropriate to write a few words of admonition and advice for my friends and such other persons as may derive benefit from my wo rd s .

To begin with I commit to writing the revelation that informed me of my impending demise and thus motivated me to undertake this task. The revelation, which was received in the language, is as follows:

6 The Review of Religions – April 2003 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

‘Your departure from this world is imminent and We shall leave no trace or sign of any matter that may be a cause of ignominy or infamy for you. Very little time remains of the ordained limit set for you by God and We shall dispel all objections and will leave nothing behind that may be used to bring your name into disrepute. We possess the power to either show you something of the prophecies We made concerning your opponents or to cause you to die. You will die in such a state that I will be totally pleased with you. Your time has come but clear and distinct signs of your endorsement will remain manifest forever. What has been promised to you is near. Describe to others the blessings that your God has bestowed on you. One who adopts the fear of Allah and remains patient, Allah does not waste the reward of such devout people.’

It should be remembered that the Almighty God says here that He will not leave behind any such criticisms of my person as should prove a source of disgrace to me. This has two meanings:

1. All objections published by my opponents for the sole purpose of bringing me into disrepute shall be refuted and brought to naught.

2. All those who do not refrain from their mischief and who do not refrain from speaking ill of me, shall be wiped out of existence and along with them their foul objections shall be annihilated.

Then Allah gave me the following tidings in Urdu about my demise:

The Review of Religions – April 2003 7 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

‘Very few days remain. On that day a great melancholy will descend upon all. This shall happen; this shall happen; this shall happen; then after this your incident will come to pass. Once all the tribulations and all the miracles of nature have been shown, then shall occur your event.’

The knowledge that I have been given about the ‘tribulations’ refers to the fact that death will grip the Earth on all fronts. All around, earthquakes of such calamity will occur as to provide a foretaste of the Last Day. The land will be turned upside down and the lives of many will become harsh. Then, those who repent and forsake sin – to them Allah will show mercy. Every Prophet has given tidings of this Day; it is, therefore, incumbent that all this should come to pass. But those who set their hearts aright, betaking themselves to the paths that are pleasing to God, they will have no occasion for fear or grief.

Addressing me God Almighty has said: ‘Thou art a Warner from Myself. Indeed I sent you so that the sinners may be separated from the righteous.’ He said: ‘A Warner came to this world and the world did not accept him. But God will accept him and God will establish the truth of his claims with mighty onslaughts.1 And I shall bless you to the extent that Kings will seek blessings from your garments.’

God informed me of another pending earthquake which will be of utmost severity. He said: ‘Again, the spring came and once again the word of God was fulfilled.’ This means that another tremendous earthquake will occur, but the righteous will be protected from it. Become righteous, therefore, and fear God so that you may be saved. Fear God today that you may remain in peace on that Day. Indeed the Heavens and the Earth will each bring forth their signs. But the ones who fear the Lord will be saved.

8 The Review of Religions – April 2003 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

God has told me that many misfortunes will occur; many disasters will strike the earth, some during my lifetime and some after I have gone. He will bless this Movement with prosperity, some at my own hand and some after my departure.

It has always been the way of God, a way He has demonstrated since the day He created mankind, that He comes to the aid of His Apostle and Messengers and grants them predominance. He has stated in the Holy Qur’an:

Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and my Messengers. (Surah Al-Mujadilah Ch. 58:v 22)

‘Prevalence’ or ‘dominance’ in this context can be explained as follows: It is the fervent desire of all Prophets that arguments in favour of God become firmly established on the Earth in such a manner that none should be able to refute them. So, with mighty signs, God makes manifest their truth and at their hands He sows the seed of righteousness they wish to spread. However, He does not complete this mission at their hands. Instead He causes them to die in such circumstances and at such a time when it would seem as if they had failed in their mission. This gives the opponents the opportunity to heap ridicule on them. But once these people have had their laugh, He shows another manifestation of His power and creates a set of circumstances that eventually lead to the fulfilment of those partially achieved aims. In short, His power is manifested twice:

1.During the lifetime of His Apostles and through their works, He shows the power of His Hand.

2.After the demise of His Apostles, when their followers are

The Review of Religions – April 2003 9 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

subjected to various hardships. The enemy gains force and begins to think that the mission of the Prophet has been fatally wounded. They even begin to believe that the community of his followers will be destroyed. Even some of these followers fall p rey to doubt (as if their backs had been broken.) Some unfortunate ones take to the path of apostasy. Then, once again, God shows His Power and His Might and He saves the faltering community. So, he who is steadfast to the last witnesses this miracle of God Almighty.

This is similar to what happened at the time of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra). The death of the Holy Prophet(sa) was considered untimely and many ignorant Bedouin turned apostate. The companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) were consumed with grief. At that critical hour, Allah made Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) stand firm and, through him, He once again showed a manifestation of His Power. Islam was thus saved from annihilation and His following promise was fulfilled, which said:

And that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear. (Surah Al-Nur Ch.24: v 56)

This is what happened at the time of Moses(as). Moses (as) died en- route from Egypt to Canaan and so did not reach his promised destination. The Israelites were grief stricken. It is recorded in the Torah that they mourned for forty days at this appare n t l y untimely death and at their unexpected separation from Moses(as). The same happened at the time of (as); after the crucifixion, all his disciples dispersed and one even turned apostate.

So dear friends! It has always been the way of God Almighty to show two manifestations of His Power. He thereby demolishes

10 The Review of Religions – April 2003 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community two false joys of the opponents. It is impossible that He should now change this long established Divine practice. Grieve not, therefore, at what I am telling you. Nor should you be heartbroken as you are destined to witness the second manifestation of His Power. This second manifestation will be better for you as it is everlasting and will remain unbroken until the Day of Judgement. The second manifestation cannot occur until after I am gone. But once I have departed, God will bring about for you the second manifestation of His Power and it will remain with you forever.

This is as promised by God and recorded in Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya, a promise not for me personally, but for you. For God has said that His followers will be vouchsafed prevalence over others until the Day of Judgement.

It is essential that the day of my separation from you should approach so that the day of God’s everlasting promise may arrive. Our God is true to His Word; He is sincere and He is true. He will show you all that He has promised. Albeit, these are the last days of the world, and many disasters are destined to occur, yet it is inevitable that the world will remain in existence until God’s decree is fulfilled.

I came from God as a manifestation of His Power. So gather together in prayer and await the second manifestation. Righteous communities in every land should gather together and busy themselves in prayer so that the second manifestation of power should descend from the Heavens and show you how mighty is your Lord. Consider your death to be near, for you do not know when its hour will approach. After me, let the pure and righteous souls of the community accept Bai’at (oath of allegiance) in my name.2

I came from God as a manifestation of His Power. It is God’s wish

The Review of Religions – April 2003 11 The Beginning of Khilafa in the Ahmadiyya Community

that all people of pious nature living in various parts of the world – regardless of whether they belong to or – be brought together under the banner of Tawheed (the Unity of God). It is His intention that all His servants be gathered into one religion and it is for the fulfilment of that goal that I have been sent into this world. So strive for that goal, but always with gentleness, high morals and with prayers. Until such a time when one should stand up from among you with the Holy Spirit from the Lord, you should work together and co-operate with one another.

(pp 5-12 from The Will, by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Urdu edition published 20 December 1905. English translation, Islam International Publications 1997, ISBN 1 85372 602 8).

FOOTNOTES: 1. Had the world opened its eyes, it would have seen that I appeared at the beginning of a century. Nearly one quarter of the fourteenth century has elapsed. In accordance with what has been written in the Ahadith (Traditions of the Holy Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), after I made my claim, a solar and lunar eclipse occurred during the same month of . A plague has ravaged the land; many earthquakes have struck and there are many more to follow. Alas! Those who endeared this world to their hearts refused to accept me.

2 Such persons will be selected by consensus of opinion among the believers. If forty believers agree on a particular individual then he becomes entitled to accept Bai’at in my name. Such a person should be an exemplar to others. God has informed me that a person from my progeny will lead my followers. He will be granted distinction through Divine revelation and nearness to God. Through him, the truth will spread and many will accept it. So wait for those days. Remember such a one can only be recognised in the fullness of time. Before that time, he may appear to be an insignificant person. Or, on the basis of a misunderstanding, he may even seem objectionable, as indeed the most perfect man is at one time a mere seed or clot of blood in his mother’s womb.

12 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Two Memorable Quotations

Only Allah makes a Khalifa No danger will ever overtake Hadhrat , Khilafat in Ahmadiyya Khalifatul Masih III(ra), said: Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV(ra), gave the It is our doctrine that a glad tidings to the community Khalifa is made by a God when he said: A l m i g h t y. Had the choice been left to the people, then Now Insha Allah (God whosoever was foremost in willing), no danger will the view of the people ever overtake Khilafat-i- would have been made a Ahmadiyya. The commu- Khalifa by them. But God nity has reached a stage of Himself makes a Khalifa maturity in the sight of God. and there is no defect in His No eye of the enemy, no choice. He selects a weak heart of the opponent, no person of His, a person attempt by the opposition whom they consider will be able to harm it in insignificant. Then having a n y w a y. Khilafat-i- selected him, Allah mani- Ahmadiyya shall Insha fests His Glory and Allah continue to flourish G reatness, and whatever with just as much glory as the person was and the glory promised to the whatever he had, Allah P romised Messiah ( a s ). This leaves none of it. In the Jama’at (community of presence of His Majesty and followers) shall live for at G reatness, the person least a thousand years. So, becomes totally attired in p r a y, sing songs of His the mantle of the love of praise and renew your God and selflessness. pl e d g e s . (Al-Fazl 17 March 1967) (Al-Fazl 28 June 1982)

The Review of Religions – April 2003 13 Milestones in a Life Lived to the Full

A brief look at the life of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928 – 2003) Khalifatul Masih IV (10 June 1982 – 19 April 2003)

Thou O soul at peace! Return thus the grandson of the to thy Lord well pleased with P romised Messiah ( a s ). His Him and He well pleased with mother was Hadhrat Syeda thee. So enter thou among My Maryam Begum Sahiba (known chosen servants, and enter m o re popularly as Umm-i- thou My Garden. Tah i r , the mother of Tah i r ) . (Al-Fajr Ch 89: v.28-31) Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza Tah i r Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza Tah i r Ahmad grew under the caring Ahmad Sahib was born in supervision of his parents and Qadian on Tu e s d a y, 18 did his primary education in December 1928 (corres p o n d i n g Qadian. He passed his matric- to 5 Rajab 1347), one day before ulation at Talimul Islam High the town’s celebration for the School in Qadian in 1944 and arrival of the railway service in his FSc at Government College Qadian (India). He used to joke L a h o re but studied privately that it was he who brought the for his BA. His mother, to trains to Qadian. His father was whom he was greatly attached, the Promised Reformer, passed away on 5 March 1944 Hadhrat Mirza Bashiru d d i n but his upbringing was such Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul that he re g a rded the other Masih II( r a ), the son of the wives of his father also as his Founder of the Ahmadiyya mothers. While in Qadian, he Muslim Jama’at (community of used to recall that he used to followers), Hadhrat Mirza pray near the entrance to the Ghulam Ahmad(a s ) of Qadian, mosque so that as soon as the Promised Messiah and prayers finished, he could Mahdi (1835-1908). He was make his way straight to the

14 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full home. During the 1947 par- regularly at the Fazl Mosque tition of India, he performed London. He was a marksman security duties in Qadian and and a keen sportsman with an then migrated with his father interest in Kabadi, squash and and the rest of the family to and his adventuro u s Pakistan. inclinations made him hitchhike his way thro u g h On 7 December 1949, he most parts of Europe. e n rolled into the (the theosophical On 14 October 1957, Hadhrat academy) Rabwah and Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad obtained his qualification in Sahib returned to Pakistan and 1953 as a Shahid. In 1955, he on 5 December 1957, his Nikah p roceeded for further was announced with Hadhrat education to London where he Syeda Asifa Begum Sahiba, the enrolled for a course in English daughter of Amatul Salam at the Languages section of the Sahiba and Sahibzada Mirza School of Oriental and African Rashid Ahmad Sahib. The Studies, linked to the wedding took place on 9 University of London. He December and his walima feast developed many friends at the was held two days later. He SOAS with whom he con- was blessed with four tinued correspondence for daughters: Sahibzadi Shaukat many years. He is recalled as Jehan Sahiba , Sahibzadi Faiza truly inspirational, kind, wise, Luqman Sahiba, Sahibzadi compassionate, understanding, Yasmin Rahman Mona Sahiba h u m o rous – all the qualities and Sahibzadi Atiya-tul-Habib that people strive to acquire. Tooba Sahiba. His cousin bro t h e r, Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (later to In 1958, the Waqf Jadid scheme become Khalifatul Masih III) was launched and amongst its was studying at the Balliol o ffice bearers, Hadhrat College in Oxford and the two Khalifatul Masih II put down of them used to turn up his name first and then

The Review of Religions – April 2003 15 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

appointed him as Nazim Maududi of Jama’at Islami that Irshad Waqf Jadid, a post that disbelievers should be given no he held till his election as the choice other than to either Khalifatul Masih IV. accept Islam or face the sword. The author proved Maududi’s In 1960, he delivered his first philosophy mirrored Marxism. public address at the Annual The use of force can never be Convention in Rabwah. He had justified by a religion literally a charming personality, was a meaning peace. gifted poet and a lively orator who always carried the F rom 1966 to 1969, Hadhrat audience with him all the way. Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Those attending the Annual Sahib served as Sadr Majlis Convention made it a special Khuddamul Ahmadiyya point to listen to his addresses. (C e n t r a l ) , an auxiliary orga n i - (Lajna Imaillah published his sation of the community’s male collection of poems (Kalami-i- members between the ages of 15 Tahir) in 1995, a second revision and 40. In 1970, he was was published in 1997, an appointed as the Director Fazl updated version was published Umar Foundation. Then in by the Jama’at in Germany in 1974, under the leadership of 1998 and the fourth revised and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III, he updated edition was published participated in the great debate in 2001.) as a rep r esentative on behalf of the Ahmadi delegation in the Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza National Assembly of Pakistan. Tahir Ahmad Sahib’s book He also travelled to London to Madhhab Ke Naam Par Khun attend the symposium on the (also available in English as ‘Deliverance of Jesus from the Murder in the Name of Allah) Cr oss’. He used to recall with was published in 1962. It is a gr eat pride that the first task he vibrant and lively informed undertook at the Centre was to rejection of the philosophy go through all the files at the p ropounded by Maulana Ce n t r e and this gave him an

16 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full excellent insight to the main a d d resses. At the Annual issues. Convention 1980, his address was the Noble Example of the In 1975, his compilation of the Holy Prophet in the Battles. In first volume on the Life of Fazl January 1981, he addressed the Umar was published. On 1 Seeratun Nab Jalsa, Rabwah, in January 1979, Hadhrat F e b ruary he toured Sanghar, Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad , Wahri, in March Chak Sahib was elected as Sadr 38 south in addition Majlis (Central), an to presiding at the Jalsa Yaum auxiliary organisation of the Masih Maud in Rabwah. In community for men over 40 April, he toured Jehlum, in years of age. He held this post May in Karto, Sheikhupura, till his election as the Khalifatul Sambriyal, Raipur in Sialkot, in Masih IV. In addition, he June Phahaywali, October in served the community by Gujranwala, November in running a homeopathic clinic Takht Hazara, and on 27 May and many persons attending 1982, he presided at the Jalsa the Annual Convention in Yaum Khilafat in Rabwah. His Rabwah recall having been book, Wasal Ibn Maryam was t reated by his excellent published. remedies. He also served for many years as Naib Afsar Jalsa On the hot and sultry day of 10 Salana in Rabwah. June 1982, the Electoral College convened in Masjid Mubarak, In September 1980, he Rabwah, under the chair- a d d ressed gatherings in manship of Sahibzada Mirza Rawalpindi, Multan, Chak 366 Mubarak Ahmad, and pur- B, and in October in suant to its rules, elected , Muzaff a rg h a r. At Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad as the Majlis Ansarullah Ijtima’a, the Khalifatul Masih IV. The there was simultaneous trans- first person to pledge the lation in English and inaugural oath of allegiance Indonesian languages of his and initiation at his hands was

The Review of Religions – April 2003 17 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

a Companion of the Promised community in Oslo, on 8 Messiah(as), residing in London, August Gotenburg, 11 August Ha d h r a tChaudhry Muhammad in Copenhagen, 13 August in Z a f rulla Khan( r a ). There a f t e r, Hamburg, 19 August at a press 25,000 participated in the conference in Frankfurt, on 31 inaugural pledge of allegiance. August in Zurich on The He led the Asr prayers and in F u t u re of Mankind, on 4 the Qasr Khilafat, Sayeda September in The Hague and Amatul Hafeez Begum on 10 September he performed Sahiba(ra) put on his finger the the grand opening of the first P romised Messiah’s ring Ahmadiyya mosque, Basharat inscribed with his first Mosque, in Pedroabad, Spain, revelation. On the same date, whose foundation stone had Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, been laid by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV, led the Khalifatul Masih III. On 22 funeral prayers of his September he met the Scottish p re d e c e s s o r, Hadhrat Mirza orientalist, Sir Montogomery Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Watt, and then opened various Masih III(ra), who was buried in Jama’at centres in the UK. Rabwah. The Upon his return to Pakistan, he next day, he delivered his first launched the Buyutul Hamd Friday sermon as the Khalifatul scheme. Its purpose was to Masih and advised the Jama’at provide accommodation facil- not to pass customary ities in commemoration of the resolutions but to pledge to thanks-giving centenary cele- work with piety and brations to deserving members righteousness. On 13 June 1982, of the community. On 15 the Daily AlFazl carried his December 1982, he launched an special message to and prayers appeal for five new mission for the people of Palestine. c e n t res (now called tabligh c e n t res) in America. On 25 In July 1982, he left Pakistan for December 1982, he started the a tour of Europe. On 1 August Majlis Sehti Jismani (Physical 1982, he addressed the Health). From 26 to 28

18 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV making his first speech after being elected as Khalifa of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement in 1982. On the extreme right with his hand on his beard is the distinguished Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. December 1982, the first Jalsa message of true Islam amongst Salana (Annual Convention) seekers of the truth; additional under Khalifatul Masih IV was i n s t ructions involving the held in Rabwah. His address at entire community in this noble this Convention was on the task were issued in subsequent t h ree creative principles and years). On 1 April 1983, the first entitled: ‘Adl, Ihsan and Ita’i Majlis Shura under his Khilafa Dhil Qurba (justice, grace, and was held. He established this to give like the giving of kin to institution on very firm kin). This theme was published footings while still preserving in English in 1996 as Absolute the traditions on which it had Justice, Kindness and Kinship. been founded and used to remind members that Majlis On 28 January 1983, Hadhrat Shura ranked next in Khalifatul Masih IV started the importance to Khilafat. In Dawati ilillah (a scheme August 1983, Hadhrat committed to making the call Khalifatul Masih IV started his to Allah and conveying the tour to the Far East and

The Review of Religions – April 2003 19 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV’s remarkable gift was being able to make everyone, young or old, feel close to him. His affection, concern and welfare for Jama’at members was always evident by the hundreds of Community functions he attended.

Australia where he laid the On 26 April 1984, General foundation stone of Baitul Ziaul Haq issued the notorious Huda, Sydney. Between 26 and anti-Ahmadiyya Ordinance XX 28 December 1983, the last Jalsa rendering it a criminal offence Salana (Annual Convention) punishable with fines and was held in Rabwah at which imprisonment for Ahmadis to more than 275,000 participants engage in certain acts of (the highest gathering to date) worship or use certain Islamic took part. From 30 March to 1 terminologies. After Isha April 1984, the last Majlis (night) prayers on 28 April Shura of his Khilafat was held 1984 at the Masjid Mubarak in in Rabwah and the last Friday Rabwah, he addressed the Sermon delivered by him was worshippers and on 29 April on 20 April 1984. 1984 he left his home in Rabwah and arrived mirac- ulously in London safely on 30

20 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

April 1984. (See extract from the Man of God in this issue.) The first thing that he did was to summon a meeting of the community and asked the members to pull up their socks for the challenges ahead. The first Friday sermon delivered in London after his arrival in the UK was at the Fazl Mosque on 4 May 1984. Additional staff joined him later and offices and desks were created for specific tasks.

On 20 July 1984, the govern- ment of Pakistan issued its White Paper terming the Ahmadiyya community a ninety years cancer that had to be terminated. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV rose to the challenge and t h rough a series of sermons (now available as D h a h a q a l Batil), he minced no words and pulled no punches as he p roduced evidence and destroyed piece by piece each false allegation levelled against the Founder of the community Hadhrat KhalifatulMasih IV’s love of or its beliefs. This was further brisk walking as a form of exercise was a supplemented by appeals regular habit performed each morning made to leading parliamen- just after Fajr prayer.

The Review of Religions – April 2003 21 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

tarians, human rights org a n - Nau was created. At 8.15 pm isations and Amnesty on 14 June 1987, a lecture was International and his tru s t e d d e l i v e red in the German friend, Mr Aftab Ahmad Khan, language from his Urdu notes Amir UK, and bro t h e r, at the Oule University of Sahibzada Mirza Muzaff a r Zurich which became the basis Ahmad, Amir USA, assisted for his later magnum opus, him in this task. On 14 March Revelation, Rationality, Know- 1986, he launched the Syedna ledge and Tr u t h published in Bilal Fund for the families and 1998. On 1 August 1987, at the dependants of prisoners in the UK Annual Convention, two cause of Allah and the kings of Nigeria were given m a r t y red. On 20 September pieces from the garments of the 1986, he laid the foundation Promised Messiah(as) (who had stone of Baitul Islam, Maple p rophesied that kings shall Ont., Canada. seek blessings from his garments). On 3 April 1987, anticipating the challenges the next century In January 1988, Hadhrat is likely to pose and to hasten Khalifatul Masih IV started his the spiritual revolution which first tour of various countries Ahmadiyyat had been divinely in West and gave commissioned to bring about, friendly advice to the leaders of he launched the Waqf Nau the African nations. He Scheme. Members of the followed this up with a tour of Jama’at were invited to East Africa in August and dedicate children after or even in September- before birth to the services of October that year. On Friday 10 Islam. The community June 1988, a revelation seen by responded with great fervour many Ahmadis earlier of to the initial target of 5,000 something significant to (increased two years later to happen on Friday the Tenth, 15,000), both surpassed. In was fulfilled when on behalf of 1992, a separate Wakalat Waqf the Ahmadiyya Jama’at, he

22 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV authored many books especially subjects dealing with Islamic perspectives on modern-day problems, situations and current-affairs. issued a challenge to a Financial Times reported ‘As M u b a h i l a (a prayer duel) the coffin containing only his specifically mentioning teeth (nothing else of him General Ziaul Haq as a party could be found) was lowered and refuting many false into the grave, a 21-gun salute allegations, such as the murder sounded.’ In February 1989, the of Aslam Qureshi, to the Iranian authorities issued their leaders of the opponents of ‘fatwa’ of death on Salman Ahmadiyyat as a result of Rushdie for his blasphemy which many signs proving the when he wrote the S a t a n i c t ruth of Ahmadiyyat were Verses but instead of demon- observed. Maulana Aslam strations and book burning, Q u reshi whose kidnap and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV m u rder was alleged to have advised the Muslims to refute been committed by Hadhrat the allegations made against Khalifatul Masih IV suddenly the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa) re a p p e a red alive in Pakistan and said that no one on earth and was seen on Pakistan TV. has been granted an authority On 17 August 1988, reported to punish the offence of the next day’s The Sun, ‘Zia blasphemy. Blown Out Of The Sky’. The

The Review of Religions – April 2003 23 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV receiving a rapturous welcome from the UK Jama’at after his historic return from the 1992 (Annual Convention) in Qadian

On 23 April 1989, he led the he established the system of community in the thanksgiving Sadarat (presidency) of all celebrations of the first auxiliary organisations report- centenary of Ahmadiyyat. This ing directly to him. On Friday had been preceded the night 10 1989, the Berlin Wall came before by a dinner in London at tumbling down. which leading dignitaries were p resent whom he addre s s e d . On 24 February 1990, he The Pakistan authorities, delivered a lecture on Islam’s h o w e v e r, put a ban on the Response to Contemporary Issues celebrations in Rabwah with (since published) at the Queen some ridiculous re s t r i c t i o n s Elizabeth II Conference Centre with which we shall not bore in London attended by 800 our readers. In July 1989, he guests. Between 3 August 1990 departed on a tour of the Far and 15 March 1991, he East and on 3 November 1989, delivered a series of 17 Friday

24 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

The highlight of the Annual Convention held in the UK each year was the live televised International bait which was broadcast all over the world. Under the leadership of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community had grown from a few thousand to over 200 million members ... and is still growing. sermons as the Gulf Crisis Masih IV undertook his polarised the Muslim world historic journey to India and f rom countries like Saudi a d d ressed the 100th Jalsa Arabia and Kuwait and the Salana (Annual Convention) in injustices unfolded before Qadian asking mankind to put them. The advice given by him aside inter-communal strife to the Muslim world in the last and put the mutual interest of decade of the millennium was . the most valuable piece of advice to prepare the Muslims On 31 January 1992, his Friday for the next millennium. (These Sermon was telecast live by sermons were translated in satellite across Europe. On 3 English and published in 1992). April, his wife, Hadhrat Syeda In December 1991, Hadhrat Asifa Begum Sahiba, passed Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul aw a y . However, he did not let

The Review of Religions – April 2003 25 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

this deter him from carrying out On 31 December 1993, Hadhrat his duties and led the Eid Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul prayers the next day. She was Masih IV, delivered his Friday buried in Brookwood, Surrey . Sermon in Mauritius and Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Muslim Television Ahmadiyya chose to remain a widower for commenced its 12-hour the rest of his life. The UK coverage on satellite. On 7 Annual Convention was January 1994, MTA started telecast live that year and on 21 operations in full and Al-Fazl August, Huzur’s sermons International was launched in began to be telecast in four London. On 23 March 1994, . He opened Baitul Homeopathy class and on 15 Zikr in Tor onto on 17 October July 1994, Ta r j a m a t u l 1992. Huzur addressed Jalsa ( Translation) Qur’an class Salana Qadian (26-28 December started on MTA. MTA began to 1992) live from London and the transmit his addre s s e s , first ba’iat was telecast live. sermons and the popular M U L A Q AT, MAJLIS IRFA N At the UK Annual Convention, and LIQA MA’ AL-ARAB 200,000 new Ahmadis who had (featuring Question and joined Ahmadiyyat fro m Answer sessions which August 1992 to July 1993 took contributed so much to the their bai’at on 31 July 1993. Till dynamic expansion of the 2002, this number swelled in community) and Urdu Class (a leaps and bounds to: teach yourself language class using the way a mother teaches 400,000 in 1994 her children their mother 800,000 1995 tongue) and Saturday Class for 1,600,000 1996 the children. He also 3,000,000 1997 spearheaded the rewriting of a 5,000,000 1998 comprehensive compact book, 10,000,000 1999 Salat, The Muslim Prayer Book, 40,000,000 2000 to an unmatched introduction to 80,000,000 2001 and 20,000,000 2002 every form of Islamic worship.

26 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Muslim Television Ahmadiyya was started by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV and is watched by many from all over the world. His contribution to MTA’s programming was immense and included Homeopathy teaching, Question and Answer for Arabic viewers (top picture); Q/A with ladies (picture above); Q/A for children, and for French, German, Bangladeshi, Bosnian and English viewers. International Question and Answer were also often shown with people from all religions and backgrounds participating in televised Q/A sessions.

The Review of Religions – April 2003 27 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

On 14 October 1994, Baitur The UK Annual Convention Rahman, Maryland USA, was 2002 was his last Jalsa Salana. opened and on the same date Since his migration to the UK, an MTA earth station was 13,065 and 985 mission established in the USA. On 5 houses (or tabligh centres) had July 1996, MTA’s programmes been built in various overseas began to be transmitted on the countries. He provided an global beam. In 1997, his excellent trans-lation of the Holy masterpiece : a Qu r ’an in Urdu (revised and Journey From Fact to Fiction republished with an expanded showing how far Christianity index in 2002). The Holy Qur’a n had deviated from the message had been translated in 56 conveyed to Jesus was languages in addition to the 100 published. By that year, he languages in which selected diligently completed addi- verses from the Holy Qur’a n tional footnotes to the had been translated. The seed of translation of the Holy Qur’an Ahmadiyyat had been sown in in English prepared by Maulwi 84 new countries (175 in Sher Ali truer to the actual ag g re g a t e ) . meaning and without adding an explanatory commentary, On 21 February 2003, he w h e re necessary. On 24 launched the Maryam Shadi F e b ruary 1999, Huzur Fund to give financial help to completed the 305 hours girls in poor families. Hadhrat Tarjamatul Qur’an class. On 19 Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul October 1999, he laid the Masih IV, delivered his last foundation stone of Europe’s Friday Sermon at the London largest mosque in Morden, UK. Mosque on 18 April 2003 and that same evening, attended a The year 2000 is perh a p s Majlis Irfan (Question & rem e m b e r ed for his historic tour Answer session). At 9.30 am on of Indonesia and the warm 19 April 2003, he passed away reception with which the people in his residence. INNA LILLAHI of Indonesia welcomed him. WAINNA ALAIHI RAJIOON.

28 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Milestones in a Life lived to the Full

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV

The Review of Religions – April 2003 29 Man of God

The following is an extract from the book A Man of God by Iain Adamson (published by George Shepherd, Bristol, copyright reserved)which deals with the exceptional Divine assistance in the journey from Pakistan to England which Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV had to endure after a warrant for his unlawful arrest was issued by the government of Pakistan.

Zia Seizes Power People were at first willing to In July, 1977, Mr Bhutto's hope that he was telling the Pakistan Peoples Party, which truth – that he intended to sweep had been returned to power with away corruption and, as quickly a truly astonishing majority, as possible, return the country to reached an agreement with the parliamentary democracy. nine opposition parties. The PPP would relinquish a number of Soldiers, in the norm, live their seats in the National Assembly lives by simple rules - they obey and so end the complaints that orders, they protect the country, the elections had been rigged. they do not seek to make The agreement was to be fortunes because of the power announced in a joint statement that is in their hands. It is small which was now being prep a re d . wonder that they despise the twistings and turnings of At 6 a.m. one morning General u n s c rupulous politicians and Zia-ul-Haq, Commander-i n - C h i e f believe they could do better. of the Pakistan Army, arrested Mr Bhutto and his ministers and all Absolute power is said to the leaders of the nine opposition c o r rupt absolutely and the parties. General Zia and the dictum proved true with Zia. generals commanding the five The 90 days passed and there regions of Pakistan announced were no elections. There were the imposition of martial law. more promises. One by one the New elections would be held generals who had helped Zia fell within 90 days. away. Zia had deceived them, they said.

30 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God

Condemned by world opinion C o m m u n i t y, their shops were for his overthrow of a pillaged and set on fire and mobs democratic government - even if rioted outside their mosques. it were inefficient and corrupt - Some were broken into and Zia struggled to find legitimacy br oken up. The discrimination for his illegal government. He practised by Bhutto against found it by imposing on Ahmadis in every government Pakistan supposedly funda- service was stepped up. mental Islamic laws. With these Ahmadis, innocent of any offe n c e laws he obtained the backing of against public and private the ulama and so at first morality save their re l i g i o u s p resented to the world the beliefs, were beaten up by mobs appearance of being supported and individual thugs. by the religious leaders of the majority of the nation. Public Other Ahmadis were murdered. floggings and other barbaric The police, in some instances, medieval punishments were appeared to do little to prevent introduced. orinvestigate these crimes.

They satisfied the funda- A parallel of similar re l i g i o u s mentalists and silenced with fear persecution in recent history and the rest of the population. Zia the enormous price the world had become a dictator. He had had to pay for remaining silent been corrupted absolutely. readily presents itself.

To divert the attention of the The Khalifa urged restraint on population from their re a l his followers. Do not respond to grievances a well-known strat- these provocations. Defend agem of dictators is to pick a yourselves, but do not attack religious or ethnic minority and your persecutors either phy- fan the embers of intolerance sically or verbally. He reminded into flames. them that The Pro m i s e d Messiah(as) had foretold that they So it was with Zia. Persecution would be persecuted and mounted against the Ahmadiyya abused. But he had also foretold

The Review of Religions – April 2003 31 Man of God

THE ELDERS OF THE COMMUNITY ASKED THE KHALIFA TO BE LESS PLAIN-SPOKEN. ZIA WAS KNOWN FOR THE U N R E L E N T I N G, C O L D F I E R C E N E S S O F H I S A N G E R AGAINST THOSE WHO OPPOSED HIM...... THE KHALIFA R E F U S E D. I T WA S H I S D U T Y T O O P P O S E ZI A, H E DECLARED. GOD WOULD HELP THEM. GOD WOULD NEVER FORSAKE THEM.

that the Ahmadiyya Movement God would punish him if he would triumph in the end. continued in his evil ways, said the Khalifa. God's wrath would But though he urged forbear- be terrible. ance on his followers he did not use the same restraint himself. One poem he wrote created a He condemned Zia’s fu ro r e in Zia’s entourage and persecution. He denounced in was reprinted again and again sermon after sermon the for distribution in the injustices that Zia was inflicting C o m m u n i t y. Ahmadi childre n not only on the Ahmaddiyya learned it by heart. One Ahmadi Community but on all the was to say, ‘There are moments people of Pakistan. He was in history when a speech, a inflicting wounds on the entire poem or a song seems to inspire c o u n t r y. He was stirring up a people. They appear to be rivalries, creating enmity, defeated, all around them is dividing families, destro y i n g chaos and despair, yet suddenly c o m m e rce, depriving the this speech or poem will rally a country of good citizens and nation. Suddenly there is hope. desecrating and befouling the w o rd ‘Peace’ which was the ‘ Winston Churchill's speech, name of Islam. when Britain appeared to be defeated, when he pro m i s e d “blood, sweat and tears” but

32 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God also promised final victory, was humbled the great Pharaohs. such a speech. It put new heart The sword of prayer was more into Britain. powerful than any worldly weapon. Even if destru c t i o n ‘The poem by the Khalifa was appeared to be entering in at the similar. It put new heart into us. door, do not give up hope. Pray It gave vent to our pain and harder. God would curse and anguish. it recognised our overturn the tyrant. despair, but it gave us hope. It promised us final victory - and Zia was a well-read soldier. He the downfall of Zia's tyranny.’ became almost beside himself when it was reported that he It is difficult to translate a poem. was being compared to Nimrod. It needs a poet to do so and even then the flavour is lost. It The elders of the Community becomes a new poem rather than asked the Khalifa to be less a translation. plain-spoken. Zia was known for the unrelenting, cold In his poem, the Khalifa urged fierceness of his anger against his followers to be patient. The those who opposed him. dark storms of persecution that Moderate your language they were raging would collide with said for the sake of the the prayers they were offering Community. They needed him. and then the storms would They would be nothing without d i s a p p e a r, almost as though the Khalifa. they had never been. The darkness and peril of their The Khalifa refused. It was his persecution would pass away duty to oppose Zia, he declared. and tranquillity would light the God would help them. God dawning day. would never forsake them.

Continue to pray humbly, the In March, 1984, a telephone call Khalifa urged. Prayer had was received at the head- d e s t royed Nimrod the tyrant, quarters of the Ahmadiyya the prayers of Moses ( a s ) h a d Movement in Rabwah. It was

The Review of Religions – April 2003 33 Man of God

from the United States embassy. everybody is crying for your A member of a U.S. mission head. And the Government can would be passing near Rabwah succumb to the pre s s u re and shortly and would welcome the take certain measures. In such a opportunity to meet the Khalifa. case what will be the reaction of the Ahmadiyya Movement?’ It seemed to the Khalifa that there was not much reason for a ‘I replied that we were a meeting, but he gave his peaceful community. We will a g reement and the American behave in the best traditions and some officials of the United a c c o rding to our past expe- States Embassy in Islamabad rience. Anyway, it was very turned up shortly afterward s . obvious that he knew something When he heard where they had and was trying to gauge my been, it seemed to the Khalifa reactions before reporting to that they had not been passing Washington. So I decided to go nearby, but had come specially to Islamabad and try to find out to meet him. And as the what was happening.’ discussion progressed it seemed to the Khalifa that they were in The Khalifa had many friends possession of some knowledge t h e re among the diplomatic that might affect the future of the community, some dating from Community. when he represented the Third Khalifa, others since he had been They talked for an hour and a elected khalifa. half. ‘What put me on my guard was his insistent interest in what He would stay for two weeks he would be my reaction if the decided. He talked to many Government did this or did people. ‘I had contacts with the that’. British, French, Canadian, Chinese and many other ‘So I said, What do you mean by embassies.’ this and that?’ All were delighted to see him. He replied, ‘Well, you know that Some he met at their off i c e s .

34 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God

Others he met privately for they could stay in Islamabad did not want to jeopardise their and there was no danger.’ relations with the government of Zia. Something was definitely At the same time as I going to happen he gathered. received the message from But no one seemed to know Zia, I received another exactly what. message from an officer of the Intelligence Bureau. He Opponents of the Movement gave me his personal w e re being transported into advice to leave Islamabad Islamabad from the North West immediately. Province by buses and lorries. Crowds had started to gather Now the two messages outside the house where the were contradictory, but it Khalifa was staying. was obvious that he knew what was planned and that ‘Then I received a message he was a gentleman and from General Zia via an that he did not want to be officer of the Intelligence involved in trickery. Bureau. What it said was that the ulama were The Khalifa was to receive a making a lot of noise but I further personal call from a should not worry. Once he friend in police intelligence. The had dealt with a certain gist of the message was: politician he would put the ulama in their place. So ‘Leave Islamabad immediately’. t h e re was no need to worry. Yet another person who seemed to know a little more than This was a very strange anyone else was an official of the message – it was the only F rench Embassy. The Khalifa message I ever re c e i v e d met him at his home. French is from Zia – though he was still the language of diplomacy to send an emissary to me and the French are masters of the later. It seemed to say that I art of saying something

The Review of Religions – April 2003 35 Man of God

diplomatically even when they It began: ‘Whereas it is a re talking English – for the expedient to amend the law to Khalifa did not speak French. p rohibit the Quadiani gro u p , Lahori group and Ahmadis from The conversation seemed almost indulging in anti-Islamic non-consequential. ‘How long activities: and whereas the a re you staying?’ asked the P resident is satisfied that the French counsellor. ‘Two weeks,’ c i rcumstances exist which answered the Khalifa. ‘I think render it necessary to take the weather is not all that immediate action: now there - pleasant here at this time of the f o re, in pursuance of the y e a r,’ the French counsellor Proclamation of the fifth day of observed. ‘I have no doubt that July, 1977, and in exercise of all you will be wanting to leave as powers enabling in that behalf, soon as possible.’ the President is pleased to make and promulgate the following The visit lasted only fifteen Ordinance.’ minutes and then the Khalifa returned to the house where he The title of the ordinance was to was staying. Within the hour, he be ‘The Anti-Islamic Activities of left for Rabwah. the Quadiani Group, Lahori Gr oup and Ahmadis (Proh i b i t i o n and and Punishment) Ordi n a n c e , The Infamous Ordinance 1984’. It would come into force at On Thursday, April 26th, 1984, once and it would override any the Gazette of Pakistan recorded or ders or decisions of courts. the introduction of Ord i n a n c e Twenty made under martial law The following new sections were by the President of Pakistan, added to the Pakistan penal code General Zia-ul-Haq. It was under section 298B: designed, it said, to amend the law to prohibit the Quadiani ‘Misuse of epithets, descriptions g roup, Lahori group and and titles, etc reserved for Ahmadis from indulging in anti- certain holy personages and Islamic activities. places.

36 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God

‘1. Any person of the Quadiani (d) refers to, or names, or g roup or the Lahori gro u p calls, his place of worship (who call themselves as “Masjid”; “Ahmadis” or by any other name) who by words, either shall be punished with spoken or written, or by imprisonment of either visible representation, description for a term which may extend to three years, and (a) refers to, or addre s s e s , shall also be liable to a fine. any person, other than a Caliph or companion of 2. Any person of the Quadiani the Holy Pro p h e t group or Lahori group (who Muhammad (Peace be call themselves ‘Ahmadis” or upon his name), as by any other name) who by “ A m e e r- u l - M u m i n e e n ” , w o rds, either spoken or “ K h a l i f a - t u l - M u m i n e e n ’ , written, or by visible “Khalifatul Muslimeen, re p resentation, refers to the “Sahaabi” or Razi Allah mode or form of call to Anho; prayers followed by his faith as “Azan” or writes “Azan” as (b) refers to, or addre s s e s , used by the Muslims, shall be any person, other than a punished with imprisonment wife of the Holy Prophet of either description for a term Muhammad (peace be which may extend to thre e upon him), as “Ummul- years, and shall also be liable Mumineen”; to a fine.’

(c) refers to, or addre s s e s , The final section of the any person, other than a ordinance said: member of the family of the Holy Pro p h e t ‘Any person of the Quadiani Muhammad (peace be g roup or the Lahori gro u p upon him) as Ahle-bait; (who, call themselves or. 'Ahmadis' or by any other name) who, directly or

The Review of Religions – April 2003 37 Man of God

indirectly, poses himself as a governments sanction the Muslim, or calls, or refers to, delivery of arms in the name of his faith as Islam, or preaches freedom while minority groups or propagates his faith, by in Pakistan were being w o rds, either spoken or persecuted? written, or by visible repre- sentations, or in any manner The sheer illogicality of the law whatsoever out-rages the d e p ressed the lawyers and religious feelings of Muslims, judges of Pakistan. They had shall be punished with tried, in the main, to hold on to imprisonment of either notions of justice and liberty. description which may extend to three years and shall also be How, they asked, could a state liable to a fine.’ abrogate to itself the ability to define what was, and what was World reaction to the ordinance not, Islam? was one of incredulity. Among Pakistan lawyers, teachers, How could a particular number diplomats and businessmen of Islamic divines, even though there was sadness – sadness that they were in the majority, their country was sinking into consider that they, and they total religious intolerance, alone, could interpret the word sadness that their country's of God as revealed in the name was becoming synony- Qur’an? mous with infamous re g i m e s that oppressed its citizens How could a state justify its because of their colour or su p p r ession of the right of any religion. gr oup of people to proclaim its name and its beliefs, provided no There were military and com- anti-social or criminal off e n c e mercial considerations as well. had been committed? Pakistan was regarded by the U.S. and other Western countries And most important of all, how as a bulwark against commu- could any judge or jury decide nism. How could their that someone was posing as a

38 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God believer in any religion if all that Indeed it put the judges who he did was pray and observe the decided in such a case as tenets of that rel i g i o n ? committing shirk, considering themselves equal to God. The Sunni, Shafie, Hanafite, Wahhabi and Ahmadi Imams all An American journalist, give the Azan or call to prayer. admitted to Zia’s presence for How was it that only the what was supposed to be an Ahmadi Imam was posing as a eulogistic interview, taxed him Muslim? with violating Pakistan’s constitution and the United Certainly there was a fun- Nations’ Declaration on Human damental difference between the Rights. Zia shrugged his Ahmadiyya Movement and all shoulders in indiff e rence. ‘So the other sects of Islam. But there what,’ he said. are seventy-three sects in Islam and at various times their In Rabwah the Khalifa had divines have issued decrees or summoned his most senior fatwas declaring that such and counsellors to a meeting. such a sect was heretical. Recalling the meeting the Khalifa said: How could the state decide who was posing as a Muslim and ‘I was never in any way scared who was not? of General Zia. I had criticised him very openly in my It pre-supposes a kind of sermons. I had told him, t h o u g h t - c o n t rol of Orwellian “Mend your ways and your dimensions with thought-police attitude. Cease this perse- able to see into people’s minds cution or you will face the and decide which of those Wrath of God. offering the daily prayers of the Salat are true Muslims and But with this ordinance it was a which are only posing as di ff e r ent kind of situation. It Muslims! was not my safety that was at stake, but my ability to speak

The Review of Religions – April 2003 39 Man of God

out. With this law Zia could at the time he left no warrant silence me as the effective head should be out for his arrest and of the Community. I could no official notice should have remain in Pakistan and speak been served on him requiring out and then be put into prison. him to appear before any When I came out I could speak commission re g a rding any out again and be put away for alleged crime. another three years. If any such warrant were issued In Ahmadiyyat you cannot then he would not leave the choose another head while the country, he said. The price that first is living, even if he is the Community would have to imprisoned and completely pay for his safety would be too out of touch. So that would high. mean a headless community. ‘My departure in those The Khalifa is guided by God c i rcumstances would allow in his decisions so he cannot people to malign the khalifat, delegate his decisions to a p e rhaps not dire c t l y, but committee. Some decisions certainly by rumour. It would have to be taken by the Khalifa be said that I was guilty of and that decision is final. If he some crime and that was why w e re not able to take any I had run away. That was my decisions that could be a very fear and I was not prepared to dangerous situation. ‘ allow that to happen.’

The advice of his counsellors Reluctantly the amirs accepted was unanimous – he should his decision. The pre p a r a t i o n s leave Pakistan immediately. for his escape were put into the hands of a retired senior army Zia's Mistake o ff i c e r. He decided that the The Khalifa accepted the advice Khalifa should leave Pakistan by of his amirs and other KLM, the Dutch airline with counsellors that he should leave which he normally travelled. A Pakistan but on one condition – messenger was sent to

40 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God to book the seats rather than If the Pakistan government put reserving them by telephone for out an alert naming the Khalifa they knew their telephone lines as a wanted criminal it could be w e re tapped and all conver- that he would be arrested and sations were recorded. detained in the Gulf state.

There were two KLM flights to At that time the headquarters of Europe that week from Karachi, the Community at Rabwah was one that left very early in the under the surveillance of five morning on Monday, April 30th, d i ff e rent security agencies of the other on Wednesday, May General Zia. They covered all 2nd. The Khalifa had proposed roads in and out of Rabwah. that he take the flight on the Wednesday because it would It was not very difficult to spot give him more time to prepare them. One group, from the army, his departure, but when the w e re dressed as beggars. But messenger came back he they were probably the only reported that the KLM manager group of beggars in history who wanted him to take the flight on all wore stout army boots! the Monday morning. The Khalifa insisted that there T h e re were plenty of seats should be no lies or duplicity available on the We d n e s d a y about his departure. He would flight but none on the Monday. not be disguised nor use a false Ho w e v e r , the KLM manager said passport. However, if Zia’s that he would make sure that at intelligence agencies made the least six seats were available on wrong deductions then that was the Monday flight. He did not their affair. give his reasons, but his advice was accepted. It was not until Early in the morning, therefore, later that he explained that the shortly after the first prayers, the Wednesday flight touched down Khalifa’s car was seen leaving in a Gulf state whereas the Rabwah. A man dressed in the Monday flight went straight to white topcoat or achkan and Am s t e rd a m . wearing the winged white

The Review of Religions – April 2003 41 Man of God

AT T H AT T I M E T H E H E A D Q U A RT E R S O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y AT R A B WA H WA S U N D E R T H E SURVEILLANCE OF FIVE DIFFERENT SECURITY AGENCIES OF GENERAL ZIA...... IT WAS NOT VERY DIFFICULT TO S P O T T H E M. O N E G R O U P, F R O M T H E A R M Y, W E R E DRESSED AS BEGGARS. BUT THEY WERE PROBABLY THE ONLY GROUP OF BEGGARS IN HISTORY WHO ALL WORE STOUT ARMY BOOTS!

pugree or Punjabi turban, with as was normal, his convoy was the gold centrepiece that was the being shadowed. Some time later normal dress of the Khalifa, was the cars following the convoy sitting in the back seat. reported that the Khalifa was not going straight to Islamabad via The Khalifa’s car had its normal Pindi. He appeared to be going escort – one car in front and two to Jehlam where his cousin, cars behind. His personal Mirza Munir Ahmad, owned a security staff, well-known to the ch i p b o a r d factory. intelligence agents and com- pletely visible to them, sat inside Jehlam was some 70 miles east of these cars. Islamabad and it was presumed that he would stay the night at It was presumed by the his cousin’s – as he had done Ahmadis in the streets that the occasionally in the past – and Khalifa was on the way to continue his journey to Islamabad, some 200 miles away. Islamabad the next day. It was also the presumption of four of the five intelligence If he had continued straight to agencies who were watching Pindi or Islamabad the Rabwah. Government would have sent an official to meet him. But it was They reported that the Khalifa not the Khalifa who sat in the was en route for Islamabad and, back of the Mercedes, but his

42 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God t h i rd oldest bro t h e r, Mirza God had already told two Munawwar Ahmad. people, the Khalifa was to say later. Three hours earlier, at 2 a.m., when it was completely dark, Shortly after the decision of how two other cars had left Rabwah. and when he would leave – They took a minor road that led which was in two days’ time - a to the little town of and letter was delivered from an then on to and finally to elderly Ahmadi called Usman the main highway to Karachi, Chou. Mr Chou had had a which was 750 miles away. In d ream that he did not the first car were other members understand, but which he of the Khalifa's security staff. In believed contained some kind of the second car was the Khalifa. message for the Khalifa.

The re t i red army officer had He wrote that in his dream he insisted that only those who had had seen that the Khalifa’s car an absolute need to know was about to leave for should be told of the Khalifa’s Islamabad. He had approached final decision to leave and that in order to pay his respects, but the number of those who knew when he looked in the side the details of his departure window he saw that the car was should be even more restricted. empty.

Even those who had been ‘I was shocked and cried out, consulted about his departure “The Khalifa is leaving and his and most members of his family car is leaving, but he is not in the therefore did not know of his car.” Then a voice told me that decision to leave. the Khalifa had left by another route and that he had gone It was not a question of trust, the abroad. So I accompanied the car re t i red officer insisted, just and instead of going directly to normal security. If people did Islamabad we went to Jehlam not know then they could not let where it stayed for one night.’ anything slip out accidentally.

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That was the dream recounted in workmen could be seen, just the letter of Usman Chou. It mounds of gravel which forced contained the secret plan which the cars to slow down. had just been decided on some hours earlier! As they did so she suddenly saw some beggars approaching. She ‘I knew then,’ the Khalifa said did not like their looks and l a t e r, ‘that the plan would became extremely panicky. succeed. God had approved it. I Suddenly she saw a hand lean was therefore absolutely without out from the car in front and fear of its success.’ scatter some one rupee notes. Most of the beggars ran for them The second person who received and the cars moved forward a message re g a rding his again, past the piles of gravel, departure, though neither he nor and then on to the main road to she appreciated it at the time, Karachi. said the Khalifa, was his second daughter Faiza. She was then 23. What actually happened, the No one in the family knew of his Khalifa said, was that between imminent departure but the day Lalian and Jhang, there were before he left, Faiza related with some areas where flood water puzzlement the dream she had had washed away most of the had the night before. road. They were being repaired, but very slowly. The army She had seen two cars on a intelligence group had taken lonely road and though they advantage of this natural road were not the Khalifa’s usual cars block and installed their she had known that the Khalifa surveillance group, dressed as was there and he was leaving on beggars, at that point. a journey. The two cars slowed down as they approached a The two cars occupied by the place where it appeared that the Khalifa and his security group road was being re p a i re d . had slowed down and out had H o w e v e r, there was no work rushed the so-called beggars, being done and indeed no some dressed as dervishes and

44 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God wearing only a gown. But all stopped at his cousin’s home in looked extremely healthy and Jehlam for the night. they all wore army boots! The KLM flight to Amsterdam The beggars were moving left at 2 a.m. and the Khalifa’s t o w a rds the second car and 750 mile journey to the airport almost certain discovery of the was accomplished without Khalifa, who was sitting in the difficulty, but not without worry seat beside the driver, when one for his security staff. of his security staff in the first car opened his window and threw En route they had stopped at a out a handful of one rupee notes. drivers’ pull-in where they The beggars ran to pick them up could buy some tea and food. and the Khalifa's car moved His driver stopped the car at the f o r w a rd, skirted the piles of very edge of the pull-in and said gravel then gathered speed and he would bring the tea and food was on its way again. to the Khalifa because he was too easily recognisable. Some of the beggars had not b o t h e red to scramble for the The Khalifa was having none of largesse dropped in the road, but that. He knew the man who ran had gazed intently at the the cafe very well. He had often occupants of the cars. stopped there before he was elected Khalifa. He therefore got Later that day the army out of the car and exchanged intelligence unit reported that the memories with the cafe owner Khalifa was thought to have been while drinking his tea. Then they in a car that was seen heading got on their way again. to w a r ds Jhang and so could be on the way to Karachi. But the rep o r t At the airport he was shown to a was ignored for the other four private room and one hour intelligence agencies had b e f o re the scheduled take-off reported as a fact that the Khalifa time he went through passport and his security staff were on the control. He then waited for the way to Islamabad and had call to board the aircraft. It did

The Review of Religions – April 2003 45 Man of God

HE [THE KHALIFA] REACHED THE LONDON MOSQUE JUST BEFORE 12.30 WHERE SOME 300 AHMADIS, ALERTED BY WORD OF MOUTH, HAD ALREADY GATHERED TO MEET HIM. HIS CLOTHES WERE CRUMPLED, HIS EYES RED- RIMMED AND HIS FACE SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE. BUT HE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE MOSQUE TO LEAD THE ZUHR PRAYER.

not come. Instead there was an announced. The Khalifa, his wife announcement that there would and two daughters, Chaudhry be a delay in departure. In his Hameed Nasrullah Khan, the private room, the Khalifa sat Amir of Lahore, and the retired waiting. The minutes dragged army officer settled down for the slowly by. eight hour direct flight to Amsterdam. The KLM manager had assured him that the plane would take T h e re was no doubt that the off on time. Now he arrived to delay had been due to the say that the delay was the Khalifa’s presence, but it was not responsibility of the airport until months later that it was authorities. They had not given learned how near the Khalifa permission for the plane to take had been to arrest. The passport off. officers had in front of them a letter issued directly fro m The Khalifa sat waiting. His wife General Zia. It had gone to all air and his security men tried to and seaports and frontier posts. conceal their anxiety. His two It stated that ‘Mirza Nasir youngest daughters, too young Ahmad who calls himself the to understand what was going Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya on, fell asleep. The minutes Movement’ was not to be dragged slowly by. An hour allowed to leave Pakistan. It was after the scheduled departure little wonder there had been the time, their flight was delay.

46 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God

General Zia had dealt most often At 3 a.m. the telephone rang in with the Third Khalifa and so it the apartment of the Imam of the was his name, Mirza Nasir London Mosque, Ataul Mujeeb Ahmad, that he had written by Rashed. Mr Rashed picked it up. mistake on the banning order, not that of the Fourth Khalifa! ‘Get ready,’ said the voice on the telephone. HE HAD BANNED THE THIRD KHALIFA, WHO HAD ‘I am ready. But what for?’ Mr BEEN DEAD FOR TWO Rashed asked. He had re c o g - YEARS FROM LEAVING THE nised the voice on the telephone COUNTRY! as that of Masud Ahmad, the Director of Foreign Missions in The Fourth Khalifa’s passport Rabwah. stated quite clearly that his name was ‘Mirza Tahir Ahmad’ and Mr Ahmad told him that the that he was Head of the Khalifa had left Pakistan four Ahmadiyya Community. hours ago. They had wanted to be sure the plane was During the hour they had a p p roaching Europe before waited, Passport Control had telephoning London. tried to get someone in Islamabad to sort out the Mr Rashed recalls that he was confusion, but at two o’clock in o v e rcome with emotion. His the morning, no one could be wife asked him what was reached who could solve the wrong, but before he replied he problem. It must be an out-of- knelt down to thank God for the date order it was suggested. Khalifa’s deliverance. He then A n y w a y, there was off i c i a l set about organising his information that the Khalifa was reception. The senior officials of on his way to Islamabad. the Movement in London were telephoned and an emergency Finally permission was given for meeting arranged for 4.30 a.m. at the plane to take off. the Mosque.

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Meanwhile, his wife had started was puzzling over a telex which clearing the apartment for the had been sent as soon as the arrival of the Khalifa. Into bed Khalifa’s plane had landed at sheets went all their clothes and A m s t e rdam. It said, ‘Va l u a b l e possessions which were knotted package sent to Amsterdam has and made into bundles. The arrived safely. Will arrive same thing happened in his London shortly.’ office. His bro t h e r-in-law could not Members of the Movement were understand the message. After telephoned in Holland and told asking round the office he of the Khalifa’s imminent telephoned his wife. ‘I don't arrival. Then came the news that know what your bro t h e r’ s he had landed and of the talking about. He has sent me a connecting flight he was telex saying that a valuable catching to London. package has arrived. But no one knows anything about it. Have He reached the London Mosque you sent him anything?’ just before 12.30 where some 300 Ahmadis, alerted by word of His wife began saying ‘No’, then mouth, had already gathered to paused and said there were meet him. His clothes were rumours that the Khalifa had left crumpled, his eyes red-rimmed Pakistan. He should take the and his face showing signs of telex to the amir, she suggested. fatigue. But he went straight to the mosque to lead the Zuhr It was the news that the few prayer. His voice was hoarse, he people who had been in the explained later. In Rabwah, in secret had been waiting for. And the mosque he had been obliged soon the news had spre a d to speak very loudly because the t h rough Rabwah and then to use of loudspeakers was every Ahmadi in Pakistan. forbidden. The news that the Khalifa had Meanwhile in Rabwah the left Pakistan sent Zia wild with b ro t h e r-in-law of Mr Kahlon rage. The senior officials of the

48 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Man of God immigration department in The senior police officer replied Karachi were suspended. as soothingly as possible that he Enquiries were launched in all would launch an immediate directions. There must have been enquiry to discover the Khalifa’s collusion Zia raged. The people whereabouts. responsible would pay dearly. Zia’s answer was a tirade of The senior police officer in the threats and abuse that went on Jhang district and a friend were for several minutes. sitting in his office on the morning of his escape when a In London, the head of security d i rect call came in fro m at the Pakistan embassy Islamabad and he was told to telephoned a former ambas- speak to the President of sador and asked if he knew Pakistan. Zia's voice was quite w h e re the Head of the clear to the visitor. Community was.

Where was Mirza Tahir Ahmad? The former ambassador parried Zia demanded. He must be his question with another. ‘Why produced immediately. ar e you asking me this?’ he said. The embassy security head said The visitor said later that the that he had received a rep o r t police officer was visibly fr om Pakistan that the Khalifa trembling as he answered, ‘Sir, I had left Pakistan secretly for have no idea.’ Switzerland but his contacts in Switzerland had said there was Zia exploded. ‘What do you no trace of him. mean you have no idea? You are responsible. He is in your The former ambassador then district. Why has he left for replied that the Khalifa had left s o m e w h e re without your Pakistan as an ord i n a r y knowing it? I hold you passenger on a normal flight and responsible. He must be pro - was now in London. duced immediately.’ The news of his escape made

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f ront-page news all over the Reproduced from the book, A Man of God world. In Pakistan and India, by Iain Adamson, published by George Shepherd Publishers UK. Muslims were to hear the details ISBN: 1-873083-01-7 of his escape and his plans for the fu t u r e in his own words for the All rights reserved by the publishers. This extract is by way of introduction to this BBC World Service in both excellent and vobrant account of the life English and Urdu broadcast a of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Copies of twelve minute interview with this book are available in the UK from the hi m . Secretary Isha’at UK, 16 Gressenhall Road, London SW18 5QL or from Al- Shirakatul Islamaiyyah, Sheephatch Zia had hoped to silence the Lane, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2AQ. Ahmaddiyya Movement. Instead he had presented it with its gr eatest opportunity. London was the cros s r oads of the world. From Correction London, the Khalifa had the We re g ret that due to an opportunity to lead the oversight, an article on the (as) Ahmadiyya Movement in its Promised Messiah’s Love of the Holy Prophet(sa) featured mission to convert the world to in the March 2003 edition Is l a m . attributed to Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad on the contents ‘God's ways are wonderful,’ said page, should have read a by the Khalifa later. Tommy Bockarie Kallon. Ed.

It is believed that the Khalifa escaped arrest by some 12 hours. B e f o re news of his escape became known, the Governor of the Punjab telephoned and left a message saying that the Khalifa had to report immediately to his office in Lahore. If he had done so, he would have been arrested.

50 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Khalifatul Masih V

We are pleased to introduce readers of the Review of Religions to the new Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, who was elected by an electoral college at its session in the London Mosque on 22 April 2003.

Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Ahmad Sahib is also the Ahmad Sahib was born on 15 maternal grandson of Hadhrat September 1950 in Rabwah, Khalifatul Masih II( r a ). Pakistan, the Ahmadiyya Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Muslim community’s head- Ahmad Sahib did his primary quarters. He is the son of education at Taleem-ul-Islam Hadhrat Sahibzada Mirza High School Rabwah, and Mansoor Ahmad Sahib and obtained his BA from Taleem- his mother’s name is ul-Islam (TI) College Rabwah, Hadhrat Sahibzadi Nasira Pakistan. In 1976 he earned his Begum Sahiba. Sahibzada Masters of Science degree in Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahib Agricultural Economics from was also the great grandson of the Agriculture University the Founder of the Faisalabad, Pakistan. Ahmadiyya Muslim com- m u n i t y, Hadhrat Mirza Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, Ahmad Sahib got married on the Promised Messiah(as), and 31 January 1977 to Syeda the grandson of Hadhrat Amtul Sabooh (Begum Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib(ra), Sahiba), the daughter of the the youngest son of the Late Begum Sahibzadi Amtul P romised Messiah( a s ). Hakeem and Mr Syed Daud Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r M u z a ffar Shah. His walima

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feast was held two days after social, educational and eco- his marriage. He is the father nomic development scheme of a daughter, Mrs Amtul supports a large number of Waris Fateh who is married to hospitals and schools in West Mr Fateh Ahmad Dahiri of Africa. Nawabshah and they have a young son and a daughter. Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Ahmad Sahib was the Ahmad Sahib also has one founding principal of the son, Mr Mirza Waqas Ahmad, Ahmadiyya Secondary School c u r rently studying accoun- Salaga, a school in the tancy in England. northern region of , where he served for two years. At the young age of seventeen, This school is progressing very Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r well to this day. His success at Ahmad Sahib became a Moosi this school made him the (that is to say that he signed obvious choice for the up for Wasiyyat or a will, principal of the Ahmadiyya under the plan initiated by the Secondary School at Essarkyir P romised Messiah( a s ), thus where he served for a further committing a portion, not less four years. This school is in the than one-tenth, of his lifetime central region of Ghana. earnings and any property to the cause of Islam.) In 1977, he Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r devoted his life (that is to say Ahmad Sahib was appointed that he became a Wa q f - i - as the manager of the Zindagi) for Islam, and as Ahmadiyya Agricultural Farm d i rected by Hadhrat Mirza in Depali, in the northern Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul region of Ghana, for 2 years. Masih III, Sahibzada Mirza First experiments had M a s roor Ahmad Sahib, revealed that wheat could not proceeded to Ghana under the g row in Ghana. But Nusrat-Jahan Scheme. This Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r

52 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V Mirza Masroor Ahmad

The Review of Religions – April 2003 53 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V

Ahmad Sahib continued Financial Affairs II. On 18th relentlessly. Another Ahmadi June 1994 he was appointed as Muslim, Mr Qasim Ahmad, Nazir Ta’leem (Director of joined him in this series of Education). experiments. The efforts of this team of Ahmadi On 10th December 1997, agriculturalists finally paid Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, dividends. The first successful Khalifatul Masih IV, experiment of planting, appointed Sahibzada Mirza growing and nurturing wheat M a s roor Ahmad Sahib as as an economic crop in Ghana Nazir A’la (chief executive was exhibited at an d i rector) of Sadr Anjuman international trade fair and the Ahmadiyya Pakistan and local results were submitted to the Amir. Ministry of Agriculture of Ghana. It stands as a gre a t [Since readers of the Review of credit to his personal efforts in R e l i g i o n s may not be fully these experiments that familiar with this admin- successive presidents of istrative body, we hope that Ghana have commended the the following note is helpful. Ahmadiyya Muslim com- Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya munity for these highly was established in Qadian successful experiments which (India) in 1906 by the revolutionised the country’s Promised Messiah, peace be economy and paved the way upon him. Its primary for self sufficiency. purpose was to create a body to administer the financial In 1985, Sahibzada Mirza affairs of the community and M a s roor Ahmad Sahib to propagate the message of returned to Pakistan and on 17 Islam to the whole world. The March 1985, he was appointed Anjuman worked under his as Wakilul Maal II, d i rect supervision. After his Department In-Charge of death, the Anjuman has been

54 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V working under the super- Nazir A’la was his father vision of his Khulafa (i.e. Sahibazada Mirza Mansoor successors). Following the Ahmad Sahib. Recalling what in 1947, the a simple and devoted and Ahmadiyya Muslim commu- pious person Sahibzada Mirza nity shifted its headquarters to Mansoor Ahmad Sahib was, Pakistan and there f o re Sadr Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV Anjuman Ahmadiyya stated with tears in his eyes Pakistan was established that he had observed that under the directions of when he met him he was Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II to e x t remely happy. When he continue this work. The enquired about the source of Anjuman comprises a Board his happiness, Sahibzada of Directors nominated by Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih and said, ‘Why should I not be the directors are answerable to happy: today the Khalifa of him. They work under his the time is happy with my directions and guidance. The c h i l d ren and my family.’ In President of this Anjuman is this sermon, he also paid known as the Sadr Anjuman warm tribute to Sahibzada Ahmadiyya. The Nazir A’la is Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahib. the chief executive of Sadr Till his election as Khalifa, Anjuman Ahmadiyya. The Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Anjuman has many Ahmad Sahib remained the departments known as Nazir A’la and local Amir. Nazarats with sections known as S i g h a s and institutions In administrative matters and known as Idaras. The head of a a disciplined approach to department is known as a work, he has no parallel. He Nazir]. has the unique quality of getting down to the heart of Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r the matter and dealing with it Ahmad Sahib’s pre d e c e s s o r s q u a re l y. But these charac-

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teristics were not acquire d p rudence) Board from 1988 to m e rely because of the fore - 1995. going but a thoro u g h upbringing as set out below. In Central Khuddam-ul- Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Ahmadiyya, an auxiliary body Ahmad Sahib served in many of the Ahmadiyya Muslim other capacities. As Nazir A’la, community comprising men he was also serving as Nazir between 15 and 40 years of age, Dhiyafat (Hospitality) and Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Nazir Zira’at (Agriculture). In Ahmad Sahib was the August 1988 he had been Muhtamim (Secretary) Sehat-e- appointed as Sadr (President) Jismani (Physical Health) 1976- Bahishti Maqbara and Majlis 77, Muhtamim Tajneed (census Ka r p a r daz Masalaih Qabristan and membership rec o r ds) 1984- (the executive committee man- 85, from 1985-86 to 1988-89 aging the Bahishti Maqbarah Muhtamim Majalis Bairo o n and related matters). (S e c r etary External Chapters), and in 1989-90 Naib Sadr (Vic e F rom 1994 to 1997, he was P resident) Khuddam-ul- Chairman Nasir Foundation. Ahmadiyya Pakistan. At the same time, Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahib In Majlis Ansarullah Pakistan, was President of Ta z a e e n an auxiliary organisation of Rabwah Committee (commi- the Ahmadiyya Muslim ttee for the beautification of community comprising men Rabwah). He expanded the over 40 years of age, Gulshan-e-Ahmad Nursery Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r and his personal efforts led to Ahmad Sahib was the Qaid reforming Rabwah from its Zahanat (intellectual) and barren to its lush green image. Sehat-e-Jismani (Physical Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Health) in 1995, and Qaid Ahmad Sahib also served as a Ta l i m - u l - Q u r’an (Quranic member of Qadha (Juris- Education) from 1995 to 1997.

56 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V

In 1999, Sahibzada Mirza Pakistan were arrested along Masroor Ahmad Sahib had the with two others who went to additional honour of the court to assist them in becoming a prisoner in the arranging ‘bail-before - a r re s t ’ . name of Allah, in Rabwah, Maulvi M. Ilyas the son of Pakistan, when he, along with Maulwi Manzoor Chinioti Col. Ayaz Mahmood, a M PA hatched this vile and general establishment officer, contemptible scheme. Maulwi were arrested on a charge of Manzoor Chinioti MPA , blasphemy and maintenance himself, was the instigator and of public order re s p e c t i v e l y main driving force to change under the growing wave of the name of Rabwah town. persecution of Ahmadi They are all members of the Muslims in Pakistan. The son Majlis Tahafaze Khatme of Maulwi Manzoor Chinioti, Nabuwwat, an organisation a fanatic religious obscurantist that has sworn to destro y in his own right, complained Ahmadiyya Muslim commu- to the local police that the nity. Mr Rafiq Tarar, the then above two officials were President of Pakistan and Raja responsible for defacing the Zafrul Haq the Minister for verses of the Holy Qur’ a n . Religious Affairs, also Maulvi M. Ilyas, the son of belonged to the advisory Maulwi Manzoor Chinioti, council of this organisation. threatened the police with the un-Islamic demand that he When the defendants arrived would start a fast in protest if at the Court of Sessions in no action was taken. The District to have their police immediately registered bails validated (provisionally cases against the two. approved by the High Court), the Session Judge refused the The above named eminent bails and instead issued arrest members of the Ahmadiyya warrants. As a result, all four Muslim Community in were arrested and sent to jail,

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before any investigation was Friday Sermon, paid tribute to conducted as to the tru t h - the prosecuting advocate and the fulness of the complaints. This Session Judge for performing fabricated case was registered their duties. He promised to under PPC-295B (defacing the send the Advocate on Umra (a verses of the Holy Qur’an), religious visit to the sacre d which could lead to life places in ) on his imprisonment. It is ominous own expenses. (Unconfirmed that these arrests took place reports suggest that the soon after the promulgation of Government of Saudi Arabia has the contro-versial Anti- offered to invite all police and Te r rorist Act (amendment) court officials to perform Umra Ordinance 1999. Newspapers as guests of the Royal House as a in Pakistan covered the story reward for their services to the widely in their 1st May cause of Islam.) editions. Daily Jurrat (a mass Nawai Waqt Daily ( a c i rculation newspaper of p rominent newspaper in Lahore) wrote: Lahore) wrote: ‘Highest members of the ‘Acting Head of the Ahmadiyya Ahmadiyya Muslim leader- Community in Pakistan has ship arrested on the charge of been arrested along with his defacing the Qur’anic verses. t h ree colleagues. They are On the complaint of Maulvi accused of having defaced the Ilyas Chinioti, four prom i n e n t name of Chanab Nagar members of the Ahmadiyya (formerly Rabwah) which also Muslim Community, were contained Qur’anic verses. The a r rested under PPC295-B Session Judge cancelled ‘bail- when the Session Judge b e f o re - a r rest’ and issued cancelled their ‘bail-before - warrants to arrest the accused. ar r est’. The accused include Mauvi Manzoor Chinioti, in his Mirza Masroor Ahmad, acting

58 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Successor to the Pro m i s e d Community in Pakistan, Col. Messiah) was announced by ( retd) Ayaz Mahmood, Mr Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, General President of Ra b w a h S e c retary Majlis Shura, as branch, Mohammad Akbar follows: and a school teacher by the name of Mohammad Hussain. ‘It is announced for the They had already arranged information of all their bail from the High Court, members of the world- but the Session Judge cancelled wide Ahmadiyya Muslim that bail and issued arre s t community that following warrants instead. This news the Maghrib (dusk) and sp r ead like a wild fire in the Isha (night) prayers, the c i t y, but the Ahmadiyya Majlis Intikhab Khilafat leadership refused to comment (the Electoral College) on this development. estab-lished by Hadhrat Ge n e r a l l y , the public thinks Khalifatul Masih II, that this is a case without any Musleh Maud (the foundation and a conspiracy to Promised Reformer) sp r ead sectarian hatred . ” (Allah be pleased with him) convened at the Fazl Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r Mosque London today, Ahmad Sahib who had been Tuesday 22nd April 2003, charged with blasphemy was under the chairmanship of duly imprisoned on 30th April Respected Chaudhry but was released on 10th May Hameed Ullah Sahib. 1999. Pursuant to the rules and regulations, each member On 22nd April, 2003 at took an oath of allegiance 11:40pm London Ti m e , to Khilafat-i-Ahmadiyya. Sahibzada Mirza Masro o r After this, they elected the Ahmad Sahib’s election as most respected Sahibzada Khalifatul Masih V (Fifth Mirza Masroor Ahmad,

The Review of Religions – April 2003 59 Life Sketch and Services of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – KhalifatulMasih V

may his Lord keep him in Power and Authority and peace and security, as Self-Subsisting and All- Khalifatul Masih V. The Sustaining God, we bear members of the Majlis witness that once again Intikhab Khilafat immedi- Your Messiah and Mahdi’s ately had the honour of prophecy as stated in the taking the pledge of journal A l - Wa s i y y a t h a s initiation at the blessed materialised with full hand of Hadhrat Amirul glory and magnificence. Mominneen Khalifatul All Praise belongs to Masih V, may Allah assist Allah. him with His Mighty help and Allah grant him a long Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, life, and have also had the Secretary Majlis Shura honour of meeting 11.40 p.m. 22nd April Hadhrat Amirul 2003.’ Momineen. F i n a l l y, we pray that Allah Alhamdolillah (All praise s t rengthen his hands and belongs to Allah). May grant him a long, prosperous Allah the Exalted in life leading the Community. approval make this And may Allah continue to election most blessed. shower this community with Amin. O ur Merciful and His Blessings and make it Gracious God! O our g row by leaps and bounds. Noble and Loving Lord, Amin. we are grateful to You that You have bestowed us with Your Grace and the Second Manifestation and have once again changed our state of fear to that of peace. O our Possessor of

60 The Review of Religions – April 2003 The First Address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, delivered a brief address in Urdu before the inaugural pledge of allegiance and initiation at the gathering at Islamabad, Tilford, Surrey on 23 April 2003 and the funeral prayers of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV. Its English translation is set out below:

‘In the Name of Allah, the how to bid farewell to the one Gracious, the Merciful, departing and to welcome the D e a rest community of the incoming one, I stand here today Promised Messiah, on whom be and in its compliance, request you peace. that we make a pledge that, ‘O O everg reen extensions of his you, the one who has departed - being the swiftness you employed to Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah advance the mission of the wabarakatuhu Promised Messiah(as) to enable the faith of the Holy Pro p h e t( s a ) t o Our hearts are saddened and our dominate the world – we shall eyes are tearful because a most always continue to make loving personality has departed sacrifices, all kind of sacrifices, for from us. However, we submit to the advancement of this mission. the Divine Command of ‘k u l l u We bear witness that you most man ‘alaiha faan’: ‘All that is on it certainly honoured your (earth) will pass away.’ [Holy commitment. May thousands of Qur’an 55: v.27] blessings and grace be on your soul. Amin. The spectacular advancement of the Jama’at (community) we Next, in welcoming the incoming witnessed during the Fourth [Khalifa], we make a pledge Khilafat warrants no explanation. bearing witness to Allah the Pursuant to the method taught to Exalted that in order to convey the us by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih message of peace and security of IV (Allah have mercy on him), on the Holy Prophet(sa) to the world

The Review of Religions – April 2003 61 The First Address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V

and to assemble the entire world shortcomings and ingratitude and under his banner, and likewise to may He cover our inadequacies. support the establishment of the With His grace alone, indeed with Ahmadiyya Khilafat, we shall be His grace alone, may He cover my ready to make any sacrifice. For shortcomings. this, we will always support you [the Khalifatul Masih] with May He never remove His Hand prayers. of mercy from us, never remove it, never remove it! Amin, Ya Rabbul Pray that Allah the Exalted ‘Aalamin! displays more than before the Second Manifestation of Divine support and triumph that He has always exhibited to the Community. May He forgive our

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V making his first address at Islamabad, Surrey, UK which was simultaneously broadcast live all over the world

62 The Review of Religions – April 2003 Review of Religions CD

January 2002 February 2002 March 2002

Natural Selection & Achievements of the The Future of Life onEarth Survival of the Fittest Promised Reformer

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The ‘Blind Watchmaker’ Teotihuacàn – Religious Islam and the Global Quest who is also Deaf and Dumb Capital of Central America for Sustainable Development – The Honey bee

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Ramadhan – Part II 100 Year History of the The Palestine Question Review of Religions

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