Monday, December 24, 2007

Institution of Khilafat

The Institution of Khilafat

(Ahmadis celebrating blessings of 100 years of Khilafat)

By Dr. Hanif Koya
(Editor-publisher The Muslim News, San Francisco-Bay Area)

At a time when most of the Muslim world is gripped in the middle of turmoil, disorder and vehemently defending allegations of Islamist terrorism and radical Islam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of Khilafat (caliphate) a system of Islamic leadership and succession spelled out in the Holy Quran

Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; 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: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then who so is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.
(Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56)

This is the sole verse of the Holy Quran which expressly describes the institution of Khilafat - the leadership in Islam. The verse lays out following essentials:

1. It is the promise of Allah, therefore cannot go wrong. And only Allah can fulfill the promise.
2. Made to the believers who do good works - righteous people.
3. He will surely make them Successors ( Khalifas) in the earth ( not successful as argued by some who do not have the actual grasp of the Book).
4. Successors like those were before them (in the previous Umah where prophets upon prophets succeeded one after another ).
5. Allah will surely establish for them their religion (the purpose of the institution).
6. The religion (Islam) which He has chosen for them (believers).
7. In exchange He will give them “ Security and Peace” - the two most wanted commodities of the time. ( the most important benefits)
8. After their fear ( that the with the demise of the Prophet everything will fall apart and the Umah will be divided). The Khalifa (Successor) will save them from the fear.
9. The believers who will be given the Successors “ will worship Allah and will not associate anything with Him. (Tawheed).
10. Once the Successor (Khilafat) is establish, the believers would be expected to be grateful to Allah (and obey the Khalifa).
11. However, as for those who will be ungrateful ( and not accept the Khalifa) will be FASEQOON ( rebellious).

Speaking in a series of Friday sermons, the London-based spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Ahmadi Khalifa, launched a Khilafat Day Fund to mark the first 100 years of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat in all major cities around the world slated in May of 2008.
The announcement has set in motion formation of celebration committees and stirred up Ahmadis all over the world to aggressively contribute towards the Khilafat Fund. The National Amir, of Ahmadiyya Muslim USA, Dr. Ahasanullah Khan, set $5 Million target, which I am told American Ahmadis have exceeded.

The Islamic Khilafat system commenced on the demise of the Prophet of Islam when one of his closest companions Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected as the first Khalifa. Abu Bakr was followed by Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Usman, in that order, all being exemplary leaders and came to be regarded as “khulafa-e-Rashadeen” – the rightly guided caliphs.

With the assassination of Hazrat Usman and a period characterized by tumultuous and painful chaos, disunity and distrust among early dynasties, the Khilafat began losing its impact and eventually faded away during the Ottoman Empire, a pathetic situation the Prophet of Islam had variously eluded to in his admonitions to the Muslims.

Cognizant of the admonitions and predictions of the prophet, Muslims anticipated the resurgence of the Khilafat after the collapse lasted well over 1000 years.
The Khilafat in Islam cannot be artificially made up. It is a divine system and Quran stipulates that it is a promise of God and as such God institutes the system in the manner he did it in the past with reference to biblical prophets who simply came one after another and followed the Mosaic Laws.

According to the Prophet of Islam the resurgence of his Khilafat would be “ min hajin nabuwah” (on the style – the tradition- of the prophets) meaning the Khilafat would succeed a prophet. He set the timeframe, in many symbolic messages, around 14th century of the Islamic calendar which is representative of the 19 century of the Christian era.
When Islam was its lowest ebb suffering onslaughts from all sides and the Muslim world was steeped in darkness of ignorance, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) rose
from a small village of Qadian, India to champion its cause, claiming that he had been commissioned by Almighty God to rejuvenate the faith and bring Muslims back to the path of righteousness.
Out of eighty books he wrote, the “Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya” and “The philosophy of the teachings of Islam” became very popular which he claimed were based on the revelations he received from Allah. Maulvis took offense to it and objected that revelations ceased after Prophet Muhammad and declared Mirza Sahib a heretic.

Hazrat Mriza Ghulam Ahmad

Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Despite severe opposition the claimant’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community moved on which he said God had promised would “reach the corners of the earth”, and “Kings shall seek blessings from you.” He would have a large following blessed with “brilliant intelligence and high honors.”

Three years before his death, Hazrat Mirza Sahib ( the Promised Messiah ) wrote in his WILL that the world will see a second manifestation after his demise and that the blessing cannot come unless he departs. Upon his departure, he prophesied, caliphs will succeed him like what happened after Prophet Muhammad and the second manifestation will last till the Day of Judgment. It will establish his truth and prove to all that his community is the selected sect of Islam that will prosper, progress and supersede.

Blessings of Khilafat during the first Khalifa

His words came true when his most trusted and devout follower and friend Hazrat Al-Hajj Maulana Hakim Nooruddin (1841-1914) was unanimously elected the first Ahmadi Khalifa on 27 May, 1908.

A renown physician of the King of Jammu Kashmir and a Muslim divine, Khalifa Noorddin led the Ahmadiyya community navigating a near dissension headed by disciples like Maulvi Muhammad Ali and Khwaja Kamul ud Dean

An insidious attempt and deep-seated conspiracy by the so-called elites of the community to unseat the Khalifa was foiled and brought to light. Hazrat Maulana Noorud Dean spent

great deal of time addressing this conspiratorial plan without sacrificing his role as the leader and kept the community together. However. he delivered a strongly worded message reminding everyone that he was a Khalifa appointed by Allah and no one could snatch the “shawl of Khilafat” from him. “ It was not soda water sold at Kesri’s store.” This sent chilling fears among the conspirators and ended their dreams for power and leadership. To the large number of the believing community that existed then and to all of us who have come to learn of the situation which was fraught with danger and despair and the determination of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1, is in itself a great blessing of Allah as promised in the very verse of the Quran that stimulates the institution of Khilafat ensures return to “peace and security” after a state of fear.

Some of his outstanding achievements are briefly described here.
* He laid the foundation for the institution of Khilafat. He successfully thwarted the
designs of a group of power hungry, intriguing and jealous persons albeit a small
minority.
* English translation of the Holy Quran.
* First foreign mission was established in London.
* Extensions were carried out to Masjid Aqsa and Talimul Islam High School and
boarding house buildings.
* Noor Hospital and Masjid Noor were inaugurated.
* A number of publications were started to broaden the propagation activities of the
Jamaat. Among them, the "Al Fazal", and "Noor" from Qadian, "Al Haque" from
Delhi and "Paigham-e-Sulha" from Lahore


Blessings during second Khalifa - Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-dean Mahmood Ahmad

Having successfully led the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Khalifatul Masih 1, passed away on Fridat March 13, 1914. On his death 25 year old son of the founder of the community, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-dean Mahmood Ahmad was elected the second Khalifa to which dissident took an exception and broke away from the community and regrouped as Lahore Ahmadis denouncing the idea of caliphate as mentioned by the holy founder in his Will.

Hazrat Mirza Mahmood’s Khilafat itself last over half a century and saw great diversification and expansion in the foreign nations including Fiji and many African countries. He was the promised illustrious son mentioned in several books of the founder given to growing faster and gaining eminence. Like his father, Hazrat Mirza Mahmood Ahmad was also a prolific writer, orator and poet.
Second Khalifa
Hazrat Mirza Mahmood Ahmad
Surviving a life-threatening attack by an opponent, the second Ahmadi Khalifa led the community successfully for 51 years.

The Golden Era of His Khilafat and His Magnificent Achievements
From 14th March 1914 to the 7th of November, 1965, a period of about fifty two (52) years, he led the Jamaat, which took great strides some of which could be enumerated as under:
Propagation of Islam
One of his most important achievements was the founding of a strong system for propagation and preaching of Islam within the country and abroad. Soon after his ascension to Khilafat he announced that his first task shall be the propagation of Islam.
According to his mandate of 12th April, 1914, delegates from all over the country were invited to a Majlis-e-Shoora to discuss about propagation of Islam. In this he expressed his desire that amongst them there should be a band of men who should know various languages so that they could easily propagate Islam the world over. He stressed:
"I would like to see the truth of Ahmadiyyat shine far and wide in the world. This was not difficult for our Lord to be achieved."
For the fulfilment of this task he established Nazarat Dawato Tabligh in 1919, and the Madrasa Ahmadiyya as the basic centre and made efforts for its advancement and steered it from the status of a mere Seminary to a University, and all these efforts were aimed to provide learned religious missionaries. He opened various missions abroad for the propagation of Islam. In 46 Islamic countries Missions were solidly established when he departed from this world. And around them active and sincere Jamaats exist till now.
Quranic Wisdom
Allah had granted him a deep encyclopaedic intrinsic spiritual knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran, thus fulfilling the prophecy that through him the glory of Islam and the dignity of Quran would be convincingly established. He had said that there were hundreds and thousands of truthful realities of the Holy Quran which Allah has disclosed on him with His special grace through intuition and revelation. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pg. 483)
He had also declared that he was bestowed with such a meaningful wisdom of the Holy Quran that, if anyone, with whatever knowledge and following whatever religion, criticised the Holy Quran, by the grace of Allah, he would convincingly silence and satisfy him through Quran alone. He had many a time, thrown challenges to others about writing commentaries on Quranic Wisdom. Though he was not a Prophet, yet none became ready to accept his challenge. It was his claim that he would interpret new wisdom from the Holy Quran.
In a public gathering in Delhi in 1944, claiming himself to be the "Musleh Maoud" (Promised Reformer) and reiterating his challenge about the interpretation of the truths and wisdom of the Holy Quran, he declared:
"I do claim now again that even if thousands of scholars assembled to compete with me in writing commentaries of Quran, yet the world would accept and acknowledge that my commentary was unique in wisdom of divine truths in depth."
The new definition of the wisdom of the Holy Quran, written in his Tafsir-e-Kabir, bears undeniable evidence of the truth and validity of the aforesaid claim. The age became convinced of the superiority of his Quranic knowledge. Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, Editor of "Daily Zamindar" Lahore, himself an eminent Muslim leader, writer and a bitter opponent of Ahmadiyyat, while addressing other opponent groups and to concede:
"Listen with your ears wide open, you and your accomplices could never compete with Mirza Mahmood till resurrection. Mirza Mahmood has Quran with him, and a deep knowledge of Quran, What have you got? ... You have never read Quran in dream." [Ek Khofnak Saazish, by Moulvi Mazher Ali Azhar, pg. 196]
On his death, in a condolence note written in Sidq-e-Jadid, Lucknow, it was mentioned:
"May Allah reward the Imam Jamaat Ahmadiyya's effort towards world-wide publication of The Holy Quran and its wisdom and also for the propagation of Islam in all the corners of the Earth and in lieu of this let us overlook all other matters. The learned manner in which he has interpreted in detail, the truth and wisdom of the Holy Quran was real unique." [Sidq-e-Jadid Lucknow, Vol. 51, Nov. 18th 1965]
Translation and Publication of the Holy Quran in Various Languages
It was also one of his great achievements that he got the Holy Quran translated in various important languages of the world so that, those who did not know Arabic, the glory and wisdom of the divine book could be made available to them in their own languages. This work was continued in Khilafat-e-Salisa and further in Khilafat-e-Rabia. First of all the English translation of the Holy Quran was published, then its commentary. During his Khilafat, translations in 14 other languages were in progress.
Establishment of Mosques in foreign countries
The main aim of Jamaat Ahmadiyya was to spread the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and by practising it, lead the humanity to the heights of spiritualism and purity. In order to attain this, wherever the Jamaat is formed, Missions and later Mosques are built. And the mosques also serve as academics for spiritual knowledge and training. During his Khilafat many mosques were constructed in foreign countries as well.
Imparting of moral training
Along with the missionary work he did a great deal towards imparting moral training to the Jamaat. Some of his achievements in this direction were as under.
· He affirmed the Divine System of Khilafat on solid foundations and declared, "Khilafat is a source and beacon of Divine Light. So hold on firmly to Khilafat." Once again he declared,
"Friends, my last advice would be that all blessings are in Khilafat. Prophethood is a seed after which the Khilafat spreads its benevolence in the world around. Hold on firmly to true Khilafat and spread its blessings in the world. Allah would be merciful to you and would bless you in this world and in the hereafter."
· In order to consolidate and organise the Jamaat he established the central and regional Anjumans and, for better functioning various important Nazarats were established under the aegis of Sadar Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian.
· Nazarat Dawato Tabligh
· Nazarat Taleem
· Nazarat Umoor-e-Aamma
· Nazarat Bait-ul-Mal and
· Nazarat Ulia above them to oversee,
guide and direct all sections of the Jamaat. In order to make them capable of successfully shouldering the important assignments and responsibilities of the future, separate organisations were formed in Jamaat:
· The Organisation of Ansaarullah for men above 40 years of age.
· The organisation of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for youth below 40.
· The Organisation of Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya for boys of below 15 years.
· The organisation of Lajna Imaullah for women.
· The Organisation of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya for girls.
Through all these organisation, essential moral and organisation training was imparted on firm grounds.
Migration of Jamaat from India
In 1947, when the country was divided, along with other Muslims, the Ahmadis also left for Pakistan. In order to ensure their unity, integrity and cohesiveness, a great city Rabwah was built, wherein, offices, schools, colleges and various departments were re-established and re-organised. All the necessities of life were also made available. Hazrat Musleh Maoud himself spoke thus of Rabwah: "I am astonished, as to what was the force that brought and habilitated you in a place which even the Governemt had failed to habitat. Seeing Rabwah one is reminded of the times when Allah had re-laid the foundation of Mecca through Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him). [Al-Fazal Nov. 26th 1961]

Mobilisation of the Jamaat for Sacrifices
Hazrat Musleh Maoud planned, re-organised and consolidated the financial structure of the Jamaat on very sound footings by initiating various schemes and appeals for donation and contribution. Some of them were as under:
On 12th April 1914 he appealed for financial donations for Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Islam in order to send his missionaries to all the cities and towns of India for the preaching of Islam. For this he foreset an expenditure of Rs. 12,000 a year. The Jamaat willingly responded to the call.
The scheme for the completion of Minaratul Masih - On November 1914, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih-II (peace be upon him) called on the Jamaat for financial contribution for the completion of the Minaratul Masih. As a result the Minaret was completed in December, 1916. [Al Fazl, 28th December, 1916]
Call to women to mobilise funds for preaching - In December, 1916, he appealed to the ladies of the movement for donation stating that till now only the men were bearing the expenses of around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 a month from which various religious requirements were met. But since the expenditure on propagation were met. But since the expenditure on propagation in foreign countries was rising a further sum of Rs. 500 per month was estimated to be required. [Supplement Al Fazl, December 16th, 1916]
Allah, gracefully, enabled the ladies of the Jamaat to respond to Huzur's call, and they readily took upon themselves, the responsibility of meeting the extra expenditure.
Call to donate for the London Mosque - On 7th February 1920, he called upon the Jamaat to contribute towards the building of a mosque in London and the Ahmadis responded overwhelmingly and willingly. [Taarikhe Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, pg. 258]
Call for the publication of "A Present to the Prince of Wales" - Prince of Wales who later became King Edward the VIII, came to visit India in December, 1921. Hazrat Musleh Maoud (may God be pleased with him) proposed that a befitting gift be presented to His Highness, the Prince of Wales. After this call Huzur wrote a book "A present to the Prince of Wales", which conveyed to the Prince the Islamic teachings. Through individual per head contribution of one Anna by more than 20,000 members of Jamaat this book was printed. On the 27th of February 1922, an Ahmadiyya delegation presented the book in a studded Silver Tray to the Prince.
Participation in the Wembley Conference London - Huzur, along with a few Khuddam himself went to England to participate in the Wembley Conference. All the Expenses were borne by the Jamaat. [Al Fazl 16th July, 1925]
Tehrik-e-Jadid
Through this important scheme many Ahmadiyya Muslim Missions were established the world over. In 1934, the Majlis-e- Ahrar, according to a well laid conspiracy, sent some of its volunteers to create mischief by organising conferences at Qadian. And, with great uproar and drum-beat announced that they would destroy Qadian itself. The atmosphere in the rest of the country was also vitiated for the Jamaat. Government was also backing these elements. It seemed all the forces had combined against Ahmadiyyat. However, the foundations of this holy Jamaat were laid by the Lord of Heavens Himself, in the face of the strong and piercing winds of opposition, provision to safeguard the meek and delicate plant of Ahmadiyya was to be made by God Himself. As the nefarious intentions of the Majlis-e-Ahrar unfold, Allah through His chosen Servant, initiated a great Universal Scheme of Tehrik-e-Jadid, which not only brought to naught, the plans of the opponents, in a very short time the truth of Ahmadiyyat also became manifest and the flags of its Spiritual Conquest and Supremacy were pitched firmly and high. This scheme was based on 27 demands and contained comprehensive and all embracing provisions by which every member of the Jamaat was convinced that in order to establish the Oneness of God, to restore the dignity of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and to prove the truth of Islam and to establish a righteous society one had to first bring about a palpable and manifest change in his own life and conduct as well.
Hazrat Musleh Maoud (may God be pleased with him), in the beginning, demanded only 27,500 rupees from the Jamaat. The Jamaat in only one and a half month made a cash contribution of 29,712 rupees. And in the first year 103,000 rupees and in the second year 110,000 rupees and in the third year 140,000 rupees were presented. Initially this scheme was optional and for three years only. Later it was extended to seven years, again to ten years. On completion of the ten year period this scheme was further extended by Huzur to 19 years and in 1953, when the 19 year term ended Huzur made it a permanent scheme. Under it the preaching activities were extended to many other foreign countries.
Waqf-e-Jadid
Similarly the scheme of Waqf-e-Jadid was initiated so as to promote missionary and reformative activities of the Jamaat in every city, town and village in India and Pakistan by appointing Teachers everywhere. This scheme was introduced on 27th September, 1957.
Tours abroad
Though Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may God be pleased with him) was over busy shouldering the responsibilities of Khilafat, yet Huzur visited Europe twice. First in 1924, to participate in the Wembley Conference along with 12 companions, breaking journey at Damascus, Palestine and Egypt halting briefly at each of these places Huzur reached England passing through Italy and France. He met Mussolini in Italy enroute. On reaching London his visit was much publicised by the media. In many of them his photographs also appeared, and the Britishers welcomed Huzur with extra-ordinary warmth and zeal. On 23rd, September 1924, Chaudhary Muhammad Zafarullah Khan read out Huzur's article in the conference, which was published in the form of a book titled "Ahmadiyyat the true Islam". At the conclusion of the reading the hall reverberated with cheers and applause. The chairman praised the success of the article in glowing terms.
During his stay in England, Huzur laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Mosque on the 19th of October, 1924. On this occasion, apart from British elite, prominent citizens including ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and other dignitaries of Japan, Syria, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, Egypt, America, Italy, Australia and Hungary also participated. Huzur after an absence of 4 months, returned home with unique and tremendous success.
The second journey Huzur undertook was in the first week of April 1955. In this tour, passing through Damascus and Lebanon, Huzur visited Geneva, and thereon via Zurich, Hamburg and Hague reached London. This tour was mainly for the treatment of Huzur's ailment which he suffered after a murderous attempt on his life. But Huzur, despite his illness, opened various missions in Europe. Wherever he went he met people individually and in groups. In Damascus he delivered the Friday Sermon in Arabic and in European countries in English. During his stay in London Huzur convened a historic conference on the Missionaries working in all countries. This was held on 22nd, 23rd and 24th of July, 1955. In this conference Huzur emphasised the urgent necessity of expanding the activities of Tabligh-e-Islam, publication and translation of the Holy Quran, construction of mosques, establishment of schools and seminaries to train new missionaries. Huzur himself attended all sittings. This tour extended for six months.
In the long 52 year span of his Khilafat, various other achievements are credited to him. He guided the Muslims in Politics especially during the Non-Co-operation Movement of the Congress, devoted his attention towards the scheduled classes and Harijans and countered the "Shuddhi" movement in Malkanas. During the Simon Commission and the Round Table conferences he guided the nation through his valuable writings and speeches.
In order to establish peace, understanding and good-will among the communities he laid the foundation of regular and frequent holding of "Founders of Religions Day" meetings, in which speakers from various faiths were invited to speak about the teachings of their own religion and founders from one platform.
During the first year of his Khilafat, he wrote a book "Haqeeqat- ul-Nabuwwat" in which he said:

"Ignorant men blame us that by believing in the Promised Messiah as a Prophet we insulted the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). What do they know about the state of One's heart? How could they fathom the great love, deep affection and high reverence we have for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). And what do they understand, how did the love of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) penetrate in my heart. He is my life, my heart, my desire. In his slavery is my honour and his shoe-bearing, is more valuable to me than the Imperial throne. The control of Seven Continents is nothing in comparison to sweeping in his house. He is the beloved of the Lord - why should I then not love him? He is the intimate of God so why should I not search for his intimacy? My condition corresponds to the spirit in the couplet of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him): "Next to God, intoxicated with Muhammad love, I am and if this be infidelity, by God I am the greatest Infidel."
This is only the love of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which compels me to falsify the belief of the total closure of the Chapter of Prophethood. This is an insult and affront to the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
"Allah sends down His blessings on the Prophet and His angels pray for him. O ye who believe, you too should invoke His blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace." Holy Quran 33:5
Masterpiece

Like his father, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II was also prolific writer and a poet. I found two his epistle “ Dawat-al-Ameer” addressed to Amir of Afghanistan a p most powerful presentation containing all the necessary information, arguments and evidence proving the Ahmadiyya beliefs beyond reasonable doubts. The Dawat has been published in several different languages and serves as standard reference book for most Ahmadis engaged in Tabligh of Islam.

The Caliph’s exposition of the Holy Quran - the Tafseer-e-Kabir (larger) and the Tafsir-e-Saghir (the shorter ) commentaries are classics Ahmadiyya literature. Hazoor’s collection of poems, Kalame-Mahmood, is just as powerful as prose.

Zafrullah Khan moans Khalifa’s passing away in Fiji

On November 17, 1965, news of Hazoor’s passing away rocked everyone including one of the closet companions and disciples, Sir Zafrullah Khan, who was visiting Fiji on the instance of his master. Sir Zafrullah Khan choked as he read the news in a public address he scheduled to deliver in Suva, Fiji.

Blessings of the third Khilafat

The community elected his elder son Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nazir Ahmad as the third Ahmadi Khalifa. A graduate scholar of Oxford University, Hazrat Mirza Nazir Ahmad continued building upon the foreign missions created by his father and faced the bitterest opposition from the Pakistan’s Bhutto Government, which constitutionally declared Ahmadis as kefirs (disbelievers) after a parliamentary hearing in which the third Khalifa appeared and responded to many questions. Ironically, Bhutto was overthrown by late Gen. General Zia-ul-Haq and later hanged for political crimes.

In addition to dabbling with the devilish and draconian blasphemy laws of Pakistan with two seemingly daring and powerful leaders regarded many as the political giants of Pakistan for over 10 years during his Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Nazir Ahmad, the third Ahmadi Khalifa kept his focus on steering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community out of any direct confrontation with the regime which were been the bent on mission to finish the community.

He set high goals for Ahmadiyya Jubilee Celebration, the setting the scene for the victory of Islam on the African grounds, the hosting of Conference of Shroud of Turin, tours to Africa, Canada and USA.

His masterly discourses on world peace and nuclear arms race received ample press coverage in era during which major nations were engrossed in space race and nuclear arms. As a guide for the entire humanity, the Khalifa sounded explicit warnings for those who will ignore the message of God in the Bible and Quran.

Blessings of fourth Khilafat

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nazir Ahmad passed away in 1982. His younger brother Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahamd, was elected as the fourth Ahmadi caliph. He was a visionary and a person with steel courage who took Gen. Zia by the horn in his powerful sermons for promulgating anti Ahmadiyya Laws in Pakistan which carried imprisonment and heavy fines if any Ahmadi attempted to utter and Islamic verses or greetings. Under Zia’s instructions Pakistani police obliterated verses of the Quran from Ahmadi mosques.

After taking political refuge in England, Mirza Tahir Ahmad led the community from the London Mosque from where he launched the first only 24 Hour Muslim TV program called MTA (Muslim TV, Ahmadiyya) via satellite without a monthly fee and is now also available via the Internet. He traveled extensively, gave daily interviews to the press, addressed leaders against the Gulf War in his Friday Sermons and left behind valuable writings on Homeopathy and a collection of most amazingly powerful poems. He also acquired a 25-acre piece of land in Surry and renamed it Islamabad and built on of the largest mosques in Europe in another plot refurbishing an old dairy factory.

Once a while visionaries like Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad take advent - a multi-dimensional personality in whose life, works and words, prose and poems, discourses and admonitions, convictions and courage, affections and affiliation we see an unmistakable manifestation of God that take us nearer to Him than ever before.

Such personalities lead thorough robbing the hearts millions and leave them thirsting for more swooned by the overwhelming heavenly power they bring with them.

Resolutely demonstrating the truth of Jamaat Ahmadiyya and its holy founder Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was an elect of God the Almighty and all his Caliphs were true Muslims and true Khalifas, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad took the community from heights to heights on a pleasurable journey to Almighty Allah. He fostered a lasting spirit of righteousness and abidance among the Ahmadis.

Blessings of Khilafat continues with the 5th Ahmadi Khalifa

As we were promised in the WILL of the promised the second manifestation - the like of which we saw when Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected on the demise of the Holy Prophet, will be everlasting till the Day of Judgment.

Khalifas are no more than human beings and they have a term determined by Allah and they must ( and we too must) go one day. New Khalifas need to come. And it would appear that every Khalifa has a mission to accomplish to situations to deal with. They don’t depend entirely on their own personal traits and psychological or mental abilities. They rely entirely on the will and help of Almighty Allah.

The 100 years of Ahmadiyya Khilafat is being led by the new Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who was elected in 2003 on the demise of the fourth Khalifa Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
Like his predecessor, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad is also very widely traveled. He initially worked as a principal at the Ahmadiyya operated Schools in Ghana. With a Masters degree in Agricultural Science from Faisalabad University Pakistan, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad initiated a wheat farming experimentation in Ghana, which has contributed greatly to the country’s economic growth and self-sufficiency.
While the mainstream Muslims are is debating the idea of Khilafat, caught in the sectarian strife and bloodshed, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is forging ahead for the grand celebration of 100 years of Khilafat, which promises to be the continuing platform for a peaceful world community.

The importance of Khilafat

In response to the above question, late Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV replied.

Question: In this age, the world, especially the Muslim world direly needs the Institution of Khilafat. What is its importance?

Answer: The Muslims who should have been united and be in harmony, are divided in countless sects and divisions. It is not only in religious field but in politics too. When there is schism, they can achieve nothing in the world, which a united and harmonious people can do. By discord and disharmony the power of the Muslim world has not only disintegrated, but also they are using this broken strength against one another. When such are the conditions, the aggregate will be below zero.
The groups may be very powerful, but if they will oppose and counteract each other in minor and major issues and remain busy in fighting, their power will be scattered and strength broken.
This is happening in every Muslim country. Unfortunately it is being named as Jihad. What will they gain from all this? What resources will remain for their own nation building, defense of Islam or fighting the enemy? Therefore, it is incumbent that Muslims should unite on the hand of One Imam. There should be one Imam of the Muslims of the whole world. But without Khilafat, it is just impossible. Khilafat is the successor after the prophet in the form of a person who is representing the deceased prophet and Khalifa is the vicegerent and his subordinate. He is the central authority. This is the basic principle of Khilafat.
Muslims do understand its need as well as importance. This need was felt after the sad demise of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also. In Islam this is quite clear like broad daylight and is a part of Islamic teaching that without unity and harmony you cannot rightly work on the teachings of Islam. When you go to the mosque for Namaz five times a day, there must be an Imam. Standing behind an Imam is a demonstration of unity among people. That is why the Holy Quran especially emphasizes the need of congregational prayer. Imam is given so much importance that if the Imam falters, the entire congregation must follow his mistake even if they know that a mistake has been committed. What better instance can be presented for the need of an Imam and unity in his following? If Imam is mandatory in a small mosque, then how can the whole of Muslims Ummah survive without an Imam.
As far as the Ummah is concerned, there is commandment in the Holy Quran to turn their faces towards Qiblah. For the Muslims throughout the world, there is one and only one Qiblah. You may go anywhere in the world, the Qiblah remains the same. This is a pointer that it is incumbent for the Muslim Ummah that they should be united under one Imam. Had this not been the sole purpose, there would have been no Khilafat at all because the spiritual condition of Muslims in the days of the Holy Prophet was a thousand times better than the Muslims of today. If they need to follow an Imam, how can we live without an Imam today when the condition of Muslims is crying for it. This is the answer why Khilafat is needed.
The issue is that once Khilafat is terminated, then it is not within the power of the people to introduce it again themselves. This is a dilemma, which the Muslim world is facing today. Khilafat starts after the passing away of the prophet and if unfortunately once it is destroyed, it is impossible that it restarts without a prophet. As far as Muslims are concerned, they are victims of dual issues. According to a large number of Muslims, the chain of Khilafat ended with the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali. After him, there was no Khiafat-e-Rashida. It was monarchy in the name of Khilafat and majority of Muslims agree that Khilafat-e-Rashida ended after Hazrat Ali. So how can you start this Khilafat once again?
As far as Shia Imams are concerned, there is no problem for them because majority of them believes that Imamate continued till the twelfth Imam. Some believe it up to the sixth Imam. Some think that it is continuing till today. But majority of Muslims deprived of the blessings of Khilafat. Even if we accept the continuity of Imamate till today, they are unable to unite the whole Ummah on one hand. We are discussing the issue of uniting the whole Ummah on one hand and it cannot be achieved by partial or regional Khilafat. It can be achieved only by universal or global Khilafat, which will unite the whole Ummah.
Muslims believe that no prophet, of whatever category, can come now. This means that the single avenue to open the way of Khilafat has been barred. This is the big issue, which the Muslim Ummah is facing today.
The non-Ahmadi Ulema present the only solution of this problem and say that they also believe in the coming of a prophet. No doubt, he will be an old prophet, but they say that when he will come, he will be a prophet. Thus the lost Islamic Khilafat will once again be revived by Jesus Christ of Nazareth when he will descend with his old form and body. But the problem is that fourteen hundred years have passed, and there is no trace of second coming of that Jesus. There is no sign visible of his descent. World conditions have totally changed. Muslims have passed and are still passing through their worst phase of decline. But no Jesus has descended from the sky so far.
Now, the majority of Muslims are so much frustrated that they say that he has died or is living they are least interested. The scholars of al-Azhar University have repeatedly expressed their well thought and considered opinion that according to the Holy Quran, Jesus Christ has died and his second advent is absolutely impossible. It may be in their fancies, but practically, they have completely closed this door.
No one will ever descend from skies, and this is the big and difficult problem, which the Muslim world is facing today. With this they have not only destroyed the most important institution like Khilafat but they have also blocked the entrance of the beginning of Khilafat.
(Ahmadiyya Gazette, Canada. Khilafat Number, May 2001


The absence of Khilafat in the mainstream and the desperation

Of late, in light of the incessantly growing disunity, disquiet and the onslaughts from outside, there has been signs of desperation and starkly human efforts to create Khilafah. In the USA, a few years ago, a meeting was convened in Chicago with a view to explore the possibility of forming a Khalfah. The conveners failed to come to an agreement stumbling upon the fact that Khilafat in essence means successor to a prophet. They felt that it would be impossible for anyone to fit the bill as a Khilfatul Rasool ( of Holy Prophet). So the whole plan fell on its nose.

You may have heard of the group called “ Hizbut Tahreer” which aggressively speaks of Khilafat (as opposed to Khalifa) meaning that there should first be a state ( seat of Khilafah) and then someone be appointed as Khalifa. A far-fetched idea not supported by the verse quoted at the beginning of this article.

In their official organ “Khilafat” published from London and their websites, they quote the above verse as well the authentic Hadith “ Khilafat min hajjin nabuwah” - ( Khilafat in the style of the prophets) the ones that we Ahmadis have been citing in our literatures, books and presentations and to which the Muslim clerics have been take exceptions to.

The group advocates that if necessary a Muslim state may have to be toppled to create the Khilafat ( the so-called Islamic state) for the purpose of establishing the Khilafat. Such and approach will not only be in contravention of the verse in (Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56) taking the fulfilling of the “promise by Allah” in their own hands but also international laws pertaining to terrorism.

Peace and security corner-stone of Khilafat

Islam stands for peace both within and internationally. Peace and security are permanent features of the Islamic Khilafat as its establishment, (Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56)
says, is to turn an apparent situation of fear and despair on the demise of prophet into “peace and security” giving the believers reassurance that Allah is Mighty, the Wise. And we serve Him alone. The world peace and security lies at the doorstep of the Khilafat in Islam truly reflected thorough Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - the Ark of Noah for the final survival of humanity.


( 6,900 words )

Resources:
The Quran
The Will by the Promised Messiah
Alfazl
Dawat-ul-Amir
Muslim Sunrise
Ahmadiyya Gazette


( Submitted by Hanif Koya
PhD., criminal justice)
Superior Court of California
Hayward Hall of Justice.

www.fijisun-usa.com

Email: Drhkoya@hotmail.com
PH 510-677-4488

2736 Bal Harbor Lane
Hayward, CA 94545


By Dr. Hanif Koya



Editor-publisher Muslim News, San Francisco Bay Area


At a time when most of the Muslim world is gripped in the middle of turmoil, disorder and vehemently defending allegations of Islamist terrorism and radical Islam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of Khilafat (caliphate) a system of Islamic leadership and succession spelled out in the Holy Quran

Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; 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: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then who so is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.
(Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56)

This is the sole verse of the Holy Quran which expressly describes the institution of Khilafat - the leadership in Islam. The verse lays out following essentials:

1. It is the promise of Allah, therefore cannot go wrong. And only Allah can fulfill the promise.
2. Made to the believers who do good works - righteous people.
3. He will surely make them Successors ( Khalifas) in the earth ( not successful as argued by some who do not have the actual grasp of the Book).
4. Successors like those were before them (in the previous Umah where prophets upon prophets succeeded one after another ).
5. Allah will surely establish for them their religion (the purpose of the institution).
6. The religion (Islam) which He has chosen for them (believers).
7. In exchange He will give them “ Security and Peace” - the two most wanted commodities of the time. ( the most important benefits)
8. After their fear ( that the with the demise of the Prophet everything will fall apart and the Umah will be divided). The Khalifa (Successor) will save them from the fear.
9. The believers who will be given the Successors “ will worship Allah and will not associate anything with Him. (Tawheed).
10. Once the Successor (Khilafat) is establish, the believers would be expected to be grateful to Allah (and obey the Khalifa).
11. However, as for those who will be ungrateful ( and not accept the Khalifa) will be FASEQOON ( rebellious).

Speaking in a series of Friday sermons, the London-based spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Ahmadi Khalifa, launched a Khilafat Day Fund to mark the first 100 years of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat in all major cities around the world slated in May of 2008.
The announcement has set in motion formation of celebration committees and stirred up Ahmadis all over the world to aggressively contribute towards the Khilafat Fund. The National Amir, of Ahmadiyya Muslim USA, Dr. Ahasanullah Khan, set $5 Million target, which I am told American Ahmadis have exceeded.

The Islamic Khilafat system commenced on the demise of the Prophet of Islam when one of his closest companions Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected as the first Khalifa. Abu Bakr was followed by Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Usman, in that order, all being exemplary leaders and came to be regarded as “khulafa-e-Rashadeen” – the rightly guided caliphs.

With the assassination of Hazrat Usman and a period characterized by tumultuous and painful chaos, disunity and distrust among early dynasties, the Khilafat began losing its impact and eventually faded away during the Ottoman Empire, a pathetic situation the Prophet of Islam had variously eluded to in his admonitions to the Muslims.

Cognizant of the admonitions and predictions of the prophet, Muslims anticipated the resurgence of the Khilafat after the collapse lasted well over 1000 years.
The Khilafat in Islam cannot be artificially made up. It is a divine system and Quran stipulates that it is a promise of God and as such God institutes the system in the manner he did it in the past with reference to biblical prophets who simply came one after another and followed the Mosaic Laws.

According to the Prophet of Islam the resurgence of his Khilafat would be “ min hajin nabuwah” (on the style – the tradition- of the prophets) meaning the Khilafat would succeed a prophet. He set the timeframe, in many symbolic messages, around 14th century of the Islamic calendar which is representative of the 19 century of the Christian era.
When Islam was its lowest ebb suffering onslaughts from all sides and the Muslim world was steeped in darkness of ignorance, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) rose
from a small village of Qadian, India to champion its cause, claiming that he had been commissioned by Almighty God to rejuvenate the faith and bring Muslims back to the path of righteousness.
Out of eighty books he wrote, the “Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya” and “The philosophy of the teachings of Islam” became very popular which he claimed were based on the revelations he received from Allah. Maulvis took offense to it and objected that revelations ceased after Prophet Muhammad and declared Mirza Sahib a heretic.

Hazrat Mriza Ghulam Ahmad

Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Despite severe opposition the claimant’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community moved on which he said God had promised would “reach the corners of the earth”, and “Kings shall seek blessings from you.” He would have a large following blessed with “brilliant intelligence and high honors.”

Three years before his death, Hazrat Mirza Sahib ( the Promised Messiah ) wrote in his WILL that the world will see a second manifestation after his demise and that the blessing cannot come unless he departs. Upon his departure, he prophesied, caliphs will succeed him like what happened after Prophet Muhammad and the second manifestation will last till the Day of Judgment. It will establish his truth and prove to all that his community is the selected sect of Islam that will prosper, progress and supersede.

Blessings of Khilafat during the first Khalifa

His words came true when his most trusted and devout follower and friend Hazrat Al-Hajj Maulana Hakim Nooruddin (1841-1914) was unanimously elected the first Ahmadi Khalifa on 27 May, 1908.

A renown physician of the King of Jammu Kashmir and a Muslim divine, Khalifa Noorddin led the Ahmadiyya community navigating a near dissension headed by disciples like Maulvi Muhammad Ali and Khwaja Kamul ud Dean

An insidious attempt and deep-seated conspiracy by the so-called elites of the community to unseat the Khalifa was foiled and brought to light. Hazrat Maulana Noorud Dean spent

great deal of time addressing this conspiratorial plan without sacrificing his role as the leader and kept the community together. However. he delivered a strongly worded message reminding everyone that he was a Khalifa appointed by Allah and no one could snatch the “shawl of Khilafat” from him. “ It was not soda water sold at Kesri’s store.” This sent chilling fears among the conspirators and ended their dreams for power and leadership. To the large number of the believing community that existed then and to all of us who have come to learn of the situation which was fraught with danger and despair and the determination of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih 1, is in itself a great blessing of Allah as promised in the very verse of the Quran that stimulates the institution of Khilafat ensures return to “peace and security” after a state of fear.

Some of his outstanding achievements are briefly described here.
* He laid the foundation for the institution of Khilafat. He successfully thwarted the
designs of a group of power hungry, intriguing and jealous persons albeit a small
minority.
* English translation of the Holy Quran.
* First foreign mission was established in London.
* Extensions were carried out to Masjid Aqsa and Talimul Islam High School and
boarding house buildings.
* Noor Hospital and Masjid Noor were inaugurated.
* A number of publications were started to broaden the propagation activities of the
Jamaat. Among them, the "Al Fazal", and "Noor" from Qadian, "Al Haque" from
Delhi and "Paigham-e-Sulha" from Lahore


Blessings during second Khalifa - Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-dean Mahmood Ahmad

Having successfully led the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Khalifatul Masih 1, passed away on Fridat March 13, 1914. On his death 25 year old son of the founder of the community, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-dean Mahmood Ahmad was elected the second Khalifa to which dissident took an exception and broke away from the community and regrouped as Lahore Ahmadis denouncing the idea of caliphate as mentioned by the holy founder in his Will.

Hazrat Mirza Mahmood’s Khilafat itself last over half a century and saw great diversification and expansion in the foreign nations including Fiji and many African countries. He was the promised illustrious son mentioned in several books of the founder given to growing faster and gaining eminence. Like his father, Hazrat Mirza Mahmood Ahmad was also a prolific writer, orator and poet.
Second Khalifa
Hazrat Mirza Mahmood Ahmad
Surviving a life-threatening attack by an opponent, the second Ahmadi Khalifa led the community successfully for 51 years.

The Golden Era of His Khilafat and His Magnificent Achievements
From 14th March 1914 to the 7th of November, 1965, a period of about fifty two (52) years, he led the Jamaat, which took great strides some of which could be enumerated as under:
Propagation of Islam
One of his most important achievements was the founding of a strong system for propagation and preaching of Islam within the country and abroad. Soon after his ascension to Khilafat he announced that his first task shall be the propagation of Islam.
According to his mandate of 12th April, 1914, delegates from all over the country were invited to a Majlis-e-Shoora to discuss about propagation of Islam. In this he expressed his desire that amongst them there should be a band of men who should know various languages so that they could easily propagate Islam the world over. He stressed:
"I would like to see the truth of Ahmadiyyat shine far and wide in the world. This was not difficult for our Lord to be achieved."
For the fulfilment of this task he established Nazarat Dawato Tabligh in 1919, and the Madrasa Ahmadiyya as the basic centre and made efforts for its advancement and steered it from the status of a mere Seminary to a University, and all these efforts were aimed to provide learned religious missionaries. He opened various missions abroad for the propagation of Islam. In 46 Islamic countries Missions were solidly established when he departed from this world. And around them active and sincere Jamaats exist till now.
Quranic Wisdom
Allah had granted him a deep encyclopaedic intrinsic spiritual knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran, thus fulfilling the prophecy that through him the glory of Islam and the dignity of Quran would be convincingly established. He had said that there were hundreds and thousands of truthful realities of the Holy Quran which Allah has disclosed on him with His special grace through intuition and revelation. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pg. 483)
He had also declared that he was bestowed with such a meaningful wisdom of the Holy Quran that, if anyone, with whatever knowledge and following whatever religion, criticised the Holy Quran, by the grace of Allah, he would convincingly silence and satisfy him through Quran alone. He had many a time, thrown challenges to others about writing commentaries on Quranic Wisdom. Though he was not a Prophet, yet none became ready to accept his challenge. It was his claim that he would interpret new wisdom from the Holy Quran.
In a public gathering in Delhi in 1944, claiming himself to be the "Musleh Maoud" (Promised Reformer) and reiterating his challenge about the interpretation of the truths and wisdom of the Holy Quran, he declared:
"I do claim now again that even if thousands of scholars assembled to compete with me in writing commentaries of Quran, yet the world would accept and acknowledge that my commentary was unique in wisdom of divine truths in depth."
The new definition of the wisdom of the Holy Quran, written in his Tafsir-e-Kabir, bears undeniable evidence of the truth and validity of the aforesaid claim. The age became convinced of the superiority of his Quranic knowledge. Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, Editor of "Daily Zamindar" Lahore, himself an eminent Muslim leader, writer and a bitter opponent of Ahmadiyyat, while addressing other opponent groups and to concede:
"Listen with your ears wide open, you and your accomplices could never compete with Mirza Mahmood till resurrection. Mirza Mahmood has Quran with him, and a deep knowledge of Quran, What have you got? ... You have never read Quran in dream." [Ek Khofnak Saazish, by Moulvi Mazher Ali Azhar, pg. 196]
On his death, in a condolence note written in Sidq-e-Jadid, Lucknow, it was mentioned:
"May Allah reward the Imam Jamaat Ahmadiyya's effort towards world-wide publication of The Holy Quran and its wisdom and also for the propagation of Islam in all the corners of the Earth and in lieu of this let us overlook all other matters. The learned manner in which he has interpreted in detail, the truth and wisdom of the Holy Quran was real unique." [Sidq-e-Jadid Lucknow, Vol. 51, Nov. 18th 1965]
Translation and Publication of the Holy Quran in Various Languages
It was also one of his great achievements that he got the Holy Quran translated in various important languages of the world so that, those who did not know Arabic, the glory and wisdom of the divine book could be made available to them in their own languages. This work was continued in Khilafat-e-Salisa and further in Khilafat-e-Rabia. First of all the English translation of the Holy Quran was published, then its commentary. During his Khilafat, translations in 14 other languages were in progress.
Establishment of Mosques in foreign countries
The main aim of Jamaat Ahmadiyya was to spread the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and by practising it, lead the humanity to the heights of spiritualism and purity. In order to attain this, wherever the Jamaat is formed, Missions and later Mosques are built. And the mosques also serve as academics for spiritual knowledge and training. During his Khilafat many mosques were constructed in foreign countries as well.
Imparting of moral training
Along with the missionary work he did a great deal towards imparting moral training to the Jamaat. Some of his achievements in this direction were as under.
· He affirmed the Divine System of Khilafat on solid foundations and declared, "Khilafat is a source and beacon of Divine Light. So hold on firmly to Khilafat." Once again he declared,
"Friends, my last advice would be that all blessings are in Khilafat. Prophethood is a seed after which the Khilafat spreads its benevolence in the world around. Hold on firmly to true Khilafat and spread its blessings in the world. Allah would be merciful to you and would bless you in this world and in the hereafter."
· In order to consolidate and organise the Jamaat he established the central and regional Anjumans and, for better functioning various important Nazarats were established under the aegis of Sadar Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian.
· Nazarat Dawato Tabligh
· Nazarat Taleem
· Nazarat Umoor-e-Aamma
· Nazarat Bait-ul-Mal and
· Nazarat Ulia above them to oversee,
guide and direct all sections of the Jamaat. In order to make them capable of successfully shouldering the important assignments and responsibilities of the future, separate organisations were formed in Jamaat:
· The Organisation of Ansaarullah for men above 40 years of age.
· The organisation of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for youth below 40.
· The Organisation of Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya for boys of below 15 years.
· The organisation of Lajna Imaullah for women.
· The Organisation of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya for girls.
Through all these organisation, essential moral and organisation training was imparted on firm grounds.
Migration of Jamaat from India
In 1947, when the country was divided, along with other Muslims, the Ahmadis also left for Pakistan. In order to ensure their unity, integrity and cohesiveness, a great city Rabwah was built, wherein, offices, schools, colleges and various departments were re-established and re-organised. All the necessities of life were also made available. Hazrat Musleh Maoud himself spoke thus of Rabwah: "I am astonished, as to what was the force that brought and habilitated you in a place which even the Governemt had failed to habitat. Seeing Rabwah one is reminded of the times when Allah had re-laid the foundation of Mecca through Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him). [Al-Fazal Nov. 26th 1961]

Mobilisation of the Jamaat for Sacrifices
Hazrat Musleh Maoud planned, re-organised and consolidated the financial structure of the Jamaat on very sound footings by initiating various schemes and appeals for donation and contribution. Some of them were as under:
On 12th April 1914 he appealed for financial donations for Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Islam in order to send his missionaries to all the cities and towns of India for the preaching of Islam. For this he foreset an expenditure of Rs. 12,000 a year. The Jamaat willingly responded to the call.
The scheme for the completion of Minaratul Masih - On November 1914, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih-II (peace be upon him) called on the Jamaat for financial contribution for the completion of the Minaratul Masih. As a result the Minaret was completed in December, 1916. [Al Fazl, 28th December, 1916]
Call to women to mobilise funds for preaching - In December, 1916, he appealed to the ladies of the movement for donation stating that till now only the men were bearing the expenses of around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 a month from which various religious requirements were met. But since the expenditure on propagation were met. But since the expenditure on propagation in foreign countries was rising a further sum of Rs. 500 per month was estimated to be required. [Supplement Al Fazl, December 16th, 1916]
Allah, gracefully, enabled the ladies of the Jamaat to respond to Huzur's call, and they readily took upon themselves, the responsibility of meeting the extra expenditure.
Call to donate for the London Mosque - On 7th February 1920, he called upon the Jamaat to contribute towards the building of a mosque in London and the Ahmadis responded overwhelmingly and willingly. [Taarikhe Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, pg. 258]
Call for the publication of "A Present to the Prince of Wales" - Prince of Wales who later became King Edward the VIII, came to visit India in December, 1921. Hazrat Musleh Maoud (may God be pleased with him) proposed that a befitting gift be presented to His Highness, the Prince of Wales. After this call Huzur wrote a book "A present to the Prince of Wales", which conveyed to the Prince the Islamic teachings. Through individual per head contribution of one Anna by more than 20,000 members of Jamaat this book was printed. On the 27th of February 1922, an Ahmadiyya delegation presented the book in a studded Silver Tray to the Prince.
Participation in the Wembley Conference London - Huzur, along with a few Khuddam himself went to England to participate in the Wembley Conference. All the Expenses were borne by the Jamaat. [Al Fazl 16th July, 1925]
Tehrik-e-Jadid
Through this important scheme many Ahmadiyya Muslim Missions were established the world over. In 1934, the Majlis-e- Ahrar, according to a well laid conspiracy, sent some of its volunteers to create mischief by organising conferences at Qadian. And, with great uproar and drum-beat announced that they would destroy Qadian itself. The atmosphere in the rest of the country was also vitiated for the Jamaat. Government was also backing these elements. It seemed all the forces had combined against Ahmadiyyat. However, the foundations of this holy Jamaat were laid by the Lord of Heavens Himself, in the face of the strong and piercing winds of opposition, provision to safeguard the meek and delicate plant of Ahmadiyya was to be made by God Himself. As the nefarious intentions of the Majlis-e-Ahrar unfold, Allah through His chosen Servant, initiated a great Universal Scheme of Tehrik-e-Jadid, which not only brought to naught, the plans of the opponents, in a very short time the truth of Ahmadiyyat also became manifest and the flags of its Spiritual Conquest and Supremacy were pitched firmly and high. This scheme was based on 27 demands and contained comprehensive and all embracing provisions by which every member of the Jamaat was convinced that in order to establish the Oneness of God, to restore the dignity of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and to prove the truth of Islam and to establish a righteous society one had to first bring about a palpable and manifest change in his own life and conduct as well.
Hazrat Musleh Maoud (may God be pleased with him), in the beginning, demanded only 27,500 rupees from the Jamaat. The Jamaat in only one and a half month made a cash contribution of 29,712 rupees. And in the first year 103,000 rupees and in the second year 110,000 rupees and in the third year 140,000 rupees were presented. Initially this scheme was optional and for three years only. Later it was extended to seven years, again to ten years. On completion of the ten year period this scheme was further extended by Huzur to 19 years and in 1953, when the 19 year term ended Huzur made it a permanent scheme. Under it the preaching activities were extended to many other foreign countries.
Waqf-e-Jadid
Similarly the scheme of Waqf-e-Jadid was initiated so as to promote missionary and reformative activities of the Jamaat in every city, town and village in India and Pakistan by appointing Teachers everywhere. This scheme was introduced on 27th September, 1957.
Tours abroad
Though Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (may God be pleased with him) was over busy shouldering the responsibilities of Khilafat, yet Huzur visited Europe twice. First in 1924, to participate in the Wembley Conference along with 12 companions, breaking journey at Damascus, Palestine and Egypt halting briefly at each of these places Huzur reached England passing through Italy and France. He met Mussolini in Italy enroute. On reaching London his visit was much publicised by the media. In many of them his photographs also appeared, and the Britishers welcomed Huzur with extra-ordinary warmth and zeal. On 23rd, September 1924, Chaudhary Muhammad Zafarullah Khan read out Huzur's article in the conference, which was published in the form of a book titled "Ahmadiyyat the true Islam". At the conclusion of the reading the hall reverberated with cheers and applause. The chairman praised the success of the article in glowing terms.
During his stay in England, Huzur laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Mosque on the 19th of October, 1924. On this occasion, apart from British elite, prominent citizens including ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and other dignitaries of Japan, Syria, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, Egypt, America, Italy, Australia and Hungary also participated. Huzur after an absence of 4 months, returned home with unique and tremendous success.
The second journey Huzur undertook was in the first week of April 1955. In this tour, passing through Damascus and Lebanon, Huzur visited Geneva, and thereon via Zurich, Hamburg and Hague reached London. This tour was mainly for the treatment of Huzur's ailment which he suffered after a murderous attempt on his life. But Huzur, despite his illness, opened various missions in Europe. Wherever he went he met people individually and in groups. In Damascus he delivered the Friday Sermon in Arabic and in European countries in English. During his stay in London Huzur convened a historic conference on the Missionaries working in all countries. This was held on 22nd, 23rd and 24th of July, 1955. In this conference Huzur emphasised the urgent necessity of expanding the activities of Tabligh-e-Islam, publication and translation of the Holy Quran, construction of mosques, establishment of schools and seminaries to train new missionaries. Huzur himself attended all sittings. This tour extended for six months.
In the long 52 year span of his Khilafat, various other achievements are credited to him. He guided the Muslims in Politics especially during the Non-Co-operation Movement of the Congress, devoted his attention towards the scheduled classes and Harijans and countered the "Shuddhi" movement in Malkanas. During the Simon Commission and the Round Table conferences he guided the nation through his valuable writings and speeches.
In order to establish peace, understanding and good-will among the communities he laid the foundation of regular and frequent holding of "Founders of Religions Day" meetings, in which speakers from various faiths were invited to speak about the teachings of their own religion and founders from one platform.
During the first year of his Khilafat, he wrote a book "Haqeeqat- ul-Nabuwwat" in which he said:

"Ignorant men blame us that by believing in the Promised Messiah as a Prophet we insulted the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). What do they know about the state of One's heart? How could they fathom the great love, deep affection and high reverence we have for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). And what do they understand, how did the love of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) penetrate in my heart. He is my life, my heart, my desire. In his slavery is my honour and his shoe-bearing, is more valuable to me than the Imperial throne. The control of Seven Continents is nothing in comparison to sweeping in his house. He is the beloved of the Lord - why should I then not love him? He is the intimate of God so why should I not search for his intimacy? My condition corresponds to the spirit in the couplet of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him): "Next to God, intoxicated with Muhammad love, I am and if this be infidelity, by God I am the greatest Infidel."
This is only the love of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which compels me to falsify the belief of the total closure of the Chapter of Prophethood. This is an insult and affront to the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
"Allah sends down His blessings on the Prophet and His angels pray for him. O ye who believe, you too should invoke His blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace." Holy Quran 33:5
Masterpiece

Like his father, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II was also prolific writer and a poet. I found two his epistle “ Dawat-al-Ameer” addressed to Amir of Afghanistan a p most powerful presentation containing all the necessary information, arguments and evidence proving the Ahmadiyya beliefs beyond reasonable doubts. The Dawat has been published in several different languages and serves as standard reference book for most Ahmadis engaged in Tabligh of Islam.

The Caliph’s exposition of the Holy Quran - the Tafseer-e-Kabir (larger) and the Tafsir-e-Saghir (the shorter ) commentaries are classics Ahmadiyya literature. Hazoor’s collection of poems, Kalame-Mahmood, is just as powerful as prose.

Zafrullah Khan moans Khalifa’s passing away in Fiji

On November 17, 1965, news of Hazoor’s passing away rocked everyone including one of the closet companions and disciples, Sir Zafrullah Khan, who was visiting Fiji on the instance of his master. Sir Zafrullah Khan choked as he read the news in a public address he scheduled to deliver in Suva, Fiji.

Blessings of the third Khilafat

The community elected his elder son Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nazir Ahmad as the third Ahmadi Khalifa. A graduate scholar of Oxford University, Hazrat Mirza Nazir Ahmad continued building upon the foreign missions created by his father and faced the bitterest opposition from the Pakistan’s Bhutto Government, which constitutionally declared Ahmadis as kefirs (disbelievers) after a parliamentary hearing in which the third Khalifa appeared and responded to many questions. Ironically, Bhutto was overthrown by late Gen. General Zia-ul-Haq and later hanged for political crimes.

In addition to dabbling with the devilish and draconian blasphemy laws of Pakistan with two seemingly daring and powerful leaders regarded many as the political giants of Pakistan for over 10 years during his Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Nazir Ahmad, the third Ahmadi Khalifa kept his focus on steering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community out of any direct confrontation with the regime which were been the bent on mission to finish the community.

He set high goals for Ahmadiyya Jubilee Celebration, the setting the scene for the victory of Islam on the African grounds, the hosting of Conference of Shroud of Turin, tours to Africa, Canada and USA.

His masterly discourses on world peace and nuclear arms race received ample press coverage in era during which major nations were engrossed in space race and nuclear arms. As a guide for the entire humanity, the Khalifa sounded explicit warnings for those who will ignore the message of God in the Bible and Quran.

Blessings of fourth Khilafat

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nazir Ahmad passed away in 1982. His younger brother Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahamd, was elected as the fourth Ahmadi caliph. He was a visionary and a person with steel courage who took Gen. Zia by the horn in his powerful sermons for promulgating anti Ahmadiyya Laws in Pakistan which carried imprisonment and heavy fines if any Ahmadi attempted to utter and Islamic verses or greetings. Under Zia’s instructions Pakistani police obliterated verses of the Quran from Ahmadi mosques.

After taking political refuge in England, Mirza Tahir Ahmad led the community from the London Mosque from where he launched the first only 24 Hour Muslim TV program called MTA (Muslim TV, Ahmadiyya) via satellite without a monthly fee and is now also available via the Internet. He traveled extensively, gave daily interviews to the press, addressed leaders against the Gulf War in his Friday Sermons and left behind valuable writings on Homeopathy and a collection of most amazingly powerful poems. He also acquired a 25-acre piece of land in Surry and renamed it Islamabad and built on of the largest mosques in Europe in another plot refurbishing an old dairy factory.

Once a while visionaries like Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad take advent - a multi-dimensional personality in whose life, works and words, prose and poems, discourses and admonitions, convictions and courage, affections and affiliation we see an unmistakable manifestation of God that take us nearer to Him than ever before.

Such personalities lead thorough robbing the hearts millions and leave them thirsting for more swooned by the overwhelming heavenly power they bring with them.

Resolutely demonstrating the truth of Jamaat Ahmadiyya and its holy founder Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was an elect of God the Almighty and all his Caliphs were true Muslims and true Khalifas, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad took the community from heights to heights on a pleasurable journey to Almighty Allah. He fostered a lasting spirit of righteousness and abidance among the Ahmadis.

Blessings of Khilafat continues with the 5th Ahmadi Khalifa

As we were promised in the WILL of the promised the second manifestation - the like of which we saw when Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected on the demise of the Holy Prophet, will be everlasting till the Day of Judgment.

Khalifas are no more than human beings and they have a term determined by Allah and they must ( and we too must) go one day. New Khalifas need to come. And it would appear that every Khalifa has a mission to accomplish to situations to deal with. They don’t depend entirely on their own personal traits and psychological or mental abilities. They rely entirely on the will and help of Almighty Allah.

The 100 years of Ahmadiyya Khilafat is being led by the new Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who was elected in 2003 on the demise of the fourth Khalifa Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
Like his predecessor, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad is also very widely traveled. He initially worked as a principal at the Ahmadiyya operated Schools in Ghana. With a Masters degree in Agricultural Science from Faisalabad University Pakistan, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad initiated a wheat farming experimentation in Ghana, which has contributed greatly to the country’s economic growth and self-sufficiency.
While the mainstream Muslims are is debating the idea of Khilafat, caught in the sectarian strife and bloodshed, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is forging ahead for the grand celebration of 100 years of Khilafat, which promises to be the continuing platform for a peaceful world community.

The importance of Khilafat

In response to the above question, late Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV replied.

Question: In this age, the world, especially the Muslim world direly needs the Institution of Khilafat. What is its importance?

Answer: The Muslims who should have been united and be in harmony, are divided in countless sects and divisions. It is not only in religious field but in politics too. When there is schism, they can achieve nothing in the world, which a united and harmonious people can do. By discord and disharmony the power of the Muslim world has not only disintegrated, but also they are using this broken strength against one another. When such are the conditions, the aggregate will be below zero.
The groups may be very powerful, but if they will oppose and counteract each other in minor and major issues and remain busy in fighting, their power will be scattered and strength broken.
This is happening in every Muslim country. Unfortunately it is being named as Jihad. What will they gain from all this? What resources will remain for their own nation building, defense of Islam or fighting the enemy? Therefore, it is incumbent that Muslims should unite on the hand of One Imam. There should be one Imam of the Muslims of the whole world. But without Khilafat, it is just impossible. Khilafat is the successor after the prophet in the form of a person who is representing the deceased prophet and Khalifa is the vicegerent and his subordinate. He is the central authority. This is the basic principle of Khilafat.
Muslims do understand its need as well as importance. This need was felt after the sad demise of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also. In Islam this is quite clear like broad daylight and is a part of Islamic teaching that without unity and harmony you cannot rightly work on the teachings of Islam. When you go to the mosque for Namaz five times a day, there must be an Imam. Standing behind an Imam is a demonstration of unity among people. That is why the Holy Quran especially emphasizes the need of congregational prayer. Imam is given so much importance that if the Imam falters, the entire congregation must follow his mistake even if they know that a mistake has been committed. What better instance can be presented for the need of an Imam and unity in his following? If Imam is mandatory in a small mosque, then how can the whole of Muslims Ummah survive without an Imam.
As far as the Ummah is concerned, there is commandment in the Holy Quran to turn their faces towards Qiblah. For the Muslims throughout the world, there is one and only one Qiblah. You may go anywhere in the world, the Qiblah remains the same. This is a pointer that it is incumbent for the Muslim Ummah that they should be united under one Imam. Had this not been the sole purpose, there would have been no Khilafat at all because the spiritual condition of Muslims in the days of the Holy Prophet was a thousand times better than the Muslims of today. If they need to follow an Imam, how can we live without an Imam today when the condition of Muslims is crying for it. This is the answer why Khilafat is needed.
The issue is that once Khilafat is terminated, then it is not within the power of the people to introduce it again themselves. This is a dilemma, which the Muslim world is facing today. Khilafat starts after the passing away of the prophet and if unfortunately once it is destroyed, it is impossible that it restarts without a prophet. As far as Muslims are concerned, they are victims of dual issues. According to a large number of Muslims, the chain of Khilafat ended with the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali. After him, there was no Khiafat-e-Rashida. It was monarchy in the name of Khilafat and majority of Muslims agree that Khilafat-e-Rashida ended after Hazrat Ali. So how can you start this Khilafat once again?
As far as Shia Imams are concerned, there is no problem for them because majority of them believes that Imamate continued till the twelfth Imam. Some believe it up to the sixth Imam. Some think that it is continuing till today. But majority of Muslims deprived of the blessings of Khilafat. Even if we accept the continuity of Imamate till today, they are unable to unite the whole Ummah on one hand. We are discussing the issue of uniting the whole Ummah on one hand and it cannot be achieved by partial or regional Khilafat. It can be achieved only by universal or global Khilafat, which will unite the whole Ummah.
Muslims believe that no prophet, of whatever category, can come now. This means that the single avenue to open the way of Khilafat has been barred. This is the big issue, which the Muslim Ummah is facing today.
The non-Ahmadi Ulema present the only solution of this problem and say that they also believe in the coming of a prophet. No doubt, he will be an old prophet, but they say that when he will come, he will be a prophet. Thus the lost Islamic Khilafat will once again be revived by Jesus Christ of Nazareth when he will descend with his old form and body. But the problem is that fourteen hundred years have passed, and there is no trace of second coming of that Jesus. There is no sign visible of his descent. World conditions have totally changed. Muslims have passed and are still passing through their worst phase of decline. But no Jesus has descended from the sky so far.
Now, the majority of Muslims are so much frustrated that they say that he has died or is living they are least interested. The scholars of al-Azhar University have repeatedly expressed their well thought and considered opinion that according to the Holy Quran, Jesus Christ has died and his second advent is absolutely impossible. It may be in their fancies, but practically, they have completely closed this door.
No one will ever descend from skies, and this is the big and difficult problem, which the Muslim world is facing today. With this they have not only destroyed the most important institution like Khilafat but they have also blocked the entrance of the beginning of Khilafat.
(Ahmadiyya Gazette, Canada. Khilafat Number, May 2001


The absence of Khilafat in the mainstream and the desperation

Of late, in light of the incessantly growing disunity, disquiet and the onslaughts from outside, there has been signs of desperation and starkly human efforts to create Khilafah. In the USA, a few years ago, a meeting was convened in Chicago with a view to explore the possibility of forming a Khalfah. The conveners failed to come to an agreement stumbling upon the fact that Khilafat in essence means successor to a prophet. They felt that it would be impossible for anyone to fit the bill as a Khilfatul Rasool ( of Holy Prophet). So the whole plan fell on its nose.

You may have heard of the group called “ Hizbut Tahreer” which aggressively speaks of Khilafat (as opposed to Khalifa) meaning that there should first be a state ( seat of Khilafah) and then someone be appointed as Khalifa. A far-fetched idea not supported by the verse quoted at the beginning of this article.

In their official organ “Khilafat” published from London and their websites, they quote the above verse as well the authentic Hadith “ Khilafat min hajjin nabuwah” - ( Khilafat in the style of the prophets) the ones that we Ahmadis have been citing in our literatures, books and presentations and to which the Muslim clerics have been take exceptions to.

The group advocates that if necessary a Muslim state may have to be toppled to create the Khilafat ( the so-called Islamic state) for the purpose of establishing the Khilafat. Such and approach will not only be in contravention of the verse in (Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56) taking the fulfilling of the “promise by Allah” in their own hands but also international laws pertaining to terrorism.

Peace and security corner-stone of Khilafat

Islam stands for peace both within and internationally. Peace and security are permanent features of the Islamic Khilafat as its establishment, (Surah Al-Nur, Verse 56)
says, is to turn an apparent situation of fear and despair on the demise of prophet into “peace and security” giving the believers reassurance that Allah is Mighty, the Wise. And we serve Him alone. The world peace and security lies at the doorstep of the Khilafat in Islam truly reflected thorough Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - the Ark of Noah for the final survival of humanity.


( 6,900 words )

Resources:
The Quran
The Will by the Promised Messiah
Alfazl
Dawat-ul-Amir
Muslim Sunrise
Ahmadiyya Gazette


( Submitted by Hanif Koya
PhD., criminal justice)
Superior Court of California
Hayward Hall of Justice.

www.fijisun-usa.com

Email: Drhkoya@hotmail.com
PH 510-677-4488

2736 Bal Harbor Lane
Hayward, CA 94545

2 comments:

Ebrahim said...

A good attempt to familaries the institution of khilafat in Jama'th Ahmadiyya (The true Islam) "jazak Allah"

LEGAL HELP CENTER said...

Please watch the video of the warmest welcome give to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V at the Capitol Hil.

http://www.alislam.org/v/5886.html