The Ahmadiyya Movement, also known as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is a religious movement within Islam that was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the late 19th century. The movement originated in Qadian, India (now Pakistan), and has since spread to various parts of the world. The Ahmadiyya Movement represents a distinctive interpretation of Islam and emphasizes the teachings of its founder.
Origins and Founder: The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908), who claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (a messianic figure) prophesied in Islamic scriptures. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad declared that he received divine revelations and was commissioned by God to revive the true teachings of Islam.
Beliefs and Teachings:
- Prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad: The central belief of the Ahmadiyya Movement is that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was a prophet and messenger of God. They believe that he was the reformer sent by God to revive the spiritual and moral teachings of Islam in the latter days.
- Ahmadiyya as a Revivalist Movement: The Ahmadiyya Movement sees itself as a revivalist movement within Islam, aiming to restore the purity and true spirit of the religion. It promotes the idea that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s teachings are in accordance with the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Belief in One God and Prophets: Like mainstream Islam, the Ahmadiyya Movement believes in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood. They also accept the prophethood of other prophets, including Jesus, Moses, and others, but believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the final law-bearing prophet.
- Peaceful Islam and Jihad: The Ahmadiyya Movement emphasizes the peaceful nature of Islam and promotes a nonviolent understanding of jihad. They interpret jihad as an inner struggle for self-improvement and the spread of Islam through peaceful means.
- Loyalty to Country and Obedience to Law: The Ahmadiyya Movement advocates for loyalty to one’s country of residence and encourages its members to be law-abiding citizens. They believe that being a good Muslim involves fulfilling both religious and civic responsibilities.
Activities and Initiatives: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community engages in various activities and initiatives to promote its beliefs and contribute to society. These include:
Members of the Ahmadiyya Movement actively engage in preaching and missionary work to spread the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. They conduct religious gatherings, distribute literature, and engage in interfaith dialogues to foster understanding and promote their interpretation of Islam.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is known for its humanitarian and social services. They run hospitals, clinics, schools, and colleges, and provide disaster relief assistance, welfare programs, and charitable initiatives for the betterment of society. The Ahmadiyya Movement promotes interfaith dialogue and works towards fostering peace and understanding among different religious communities.
They organize events, conferences, and campaigns to promote harmony and unity among people of different faiths. The Ahmadiyya Movement publishes a wide range of literature, including books, magazines, and online resources, to disseminate their teachings and promote religious and moral education.
The Ahmadiyya Movement has faced significant challenges and controversies in different parts of the world. In some Muslim-majority countries, they have faced persecution and legal restrictions due to their divergent beliefs regarding the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.
It is important to note that the views and interpretations of Islam held by the Ahmadiyya Movement are considered controversial and are not universally accepted within the larger Muslim community. Some Islamic scholars and organizations consider them to be outside the fold of Islam due to their belief in a prophet after Muhammad.
Despite challenges, the Ahmadiyya Movement continues to grow and maintain a significant presence in various countries, promoting their understanding of Islam and engaging in humanitarian and social initiatives.