The Ahmadiyya Movement is a modern Muslim messianic movement. The Ahmadiyya are a Muslim sect that originated in India. The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the Indian province of Punjab in 1889. It was founded on liberal values. It referred to itself as the standard-bearer of the Mohammedan Renaissance and, like the Brahmo Samaj, founded itself on the principles of universal religion for all humanity, opposing jihad (sacred war against non-Muslims). This article will explain to you about the Ahmadiyya Movement which will be helpful in Modern Indian History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Ahmadiyya Movement – Background

• Mirza Gulam Ahmed founded this movement in 1889 to spread western education among Indian Muslims.
• The movement, like Brahma Samaj, was founded on liberal principles and principles of a universal religion for all humanity
• It was founded as a defender of Islam against the polemics of the Arya Samaj and Christian missionaries.
• In 1889, Gulam Ahmed returned to earth, claiming to be Masih and Mahdi, as well as an incarnation of the Hindu god Krishna and Jesus.
• The movement sparked fierce opposition from the Sunni mainstream after being accused of rejecting Muslim dogma asserting the finality of Muhammad's prophethood.
• During the period of British rule in India, the controversy was merely a doctrinal disagreement between private individuals or voluntary organizations.
• After the majority of Ahmadis moved to the professedly Islamic state of Pakistan in 1947, the issue became a major constitutional issue.
• The Sunni Muslim mainstream demanded that Ahmadis be officially expelled from the Muslim fold.
• This goal was achieved in 1974, when, despite the Ahmadis' vehement opposition, the Pakistani parliament passed a constitutional amendment declaring them non-Muslims.

Successors of Ahmadiyya Movement

• Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad died in 1908, leaving his elected successors known as Khalifas al-Masih to lead the movement.
  • Hakim Noor-ud-din, who led the movement from 1908 until his death in 1914, was the first successor.
  • Hadhrat Mirza Bashir ad-Din Mahmud Ahmad, the movement's second Khalifa, led it from 1914 to 1965.
  • Mirza Nasir was the movement's third Khalifa, leading it from 1965 to 1982.
  • Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the movement's fourth Khalifa, led it until 2003.
  • Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Khalifa, was elected in April 2003 and continues to be the Khalifa.

Ahmadiyya Movement - Beliefs

• The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded on liberal values and referred to itself as the standard-bearer of the Mohammedan Renaissance.
• Ghulam Ahmad was heavily influenced by western liberalism, theosophy, and Hindu religious reform movements.
• The Ahmadiyya’s opposed Jihad, or sacred war, against non-Muslims and emphasized the importance of human fraternity.
• The movement promoted Western liberal education among Indian Muslims by establishing a network of schools and colleges.
• The Ahmadiyya community is the only Islamic sect that believes the Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, came to end religious wars and bloodshed and to restore morality, peace, and justice.
• They believed in keeping the mosque separate from the state, as well as in human rights and tolerance.
• The Ahmadiyya Movement, like Bahaism, which flourished in West Asian countries, was plagued by mysticism.
• Ahmad began writing Barahin-i-Ahmadiyah (also known as Baraheen Ahmadiyya) in the early 1880s, which defended Islam and was well received by the Muslim community.
• Ahmad published over 75 books, including Fath-i Islam (The Victory of Islam) and Izalah-i awham (Removal of False Opinions).
• The Ahmadiyya Muslim Movement has been described as a "messianic sect of Islam." The following are the fundamental beliefs of the faith:
  • Ahmadis believe that the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam's Qadian branch is the only "embodiment of 'True Islam.'
  • Although Ahmadis agree that Muhammad was "the final and only law-bearing prophet," they also believe that "other lesser prophets, such as [Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad], who will renew Muhammad's teachings" can exist.
  • Ahmadis believe that Jesus will not return, but that a person in his "likeness" will appear (ibid).
  • Ahmadis believe that Jesus was crucified on the cross but that he did not die.

Split in the Ahmadiyya Movement

• Following the death of the first Khalifa in 1914, the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was split into two branches: the Ahmadis and the Lahore group.
• Muhammad Ali was the first president or Amir of the Lahore group, known as the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at-i-Islam (or the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement), and led it until his death in 1951.
• Theological differences between the groups caused the split, as did disagreements over the movement's leadership following the death of the second Khalifa.
• Lahore Ahmadis sought to reorient the movement toward traditional Islam, primarily by recognizing Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a reformer (mujaddid) rather than a prophet.

Conclusion

Ahmadiyya Movement encourages interfaith dialogue, defends Islam, and attempts to correct Western misconceptions about Islam. It promotes peace, tolerance, love, and understanding among people of various faiths. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Movement is active in missionary work in Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, and the Indian subcontinent. In addition, it manages social projects, educational institutes, health services, Islamic publications, and mosque construction in its communities.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who founded the Ahmadiyya Movement?

A) Allama Iqbal
B) Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
C) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
D) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

2. What is one of the primary beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Movement?

A) Rejection of modern science
B) Advocacy for violence
C) Belief in the Promised Messiah
D) Exclusivity of Islam

3. What type of reform does the Ahmadiyya Movement advocate?

A) Social reform only
B) Economic reform only
C) Religious and social reform
D) Political reform only

4. In which country has the Ahmadiyya community faced significant persecution?

A) India
B) Pakistan
C) Bangladesh
D) Afghanistan

5. Which of the following best describes the Ahmadiyya Movement’s approach to interfaith dialogue?

A) Exclusive
B) Confrontational
C) Peaceful and inclusive
D) Indifferent

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Movement to modern Islamic thought. How has it influenced the discourse on religious reform?

Answer: The Ahmadiyya Movement has significantly contributed to modern Islamic thought by introducing reformist ideas that emphasize rationality, science, and the reinterpretation of Islamic teachings. Founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the movement advocates for a peaceful interpretation of Islam that encourages interfaith dialogue and tolerance. This approach has influenced the discourse on religious reform by challenging orthodox interpretations and promoting the idea that Islam can adapt to contemporary societal needs. The movement's focus on education and social welfare has also encouraged other reform movements within Islam, fostering an environment where critical engagement with traditional practices is welcomed. Consequently, the Ahmadiyya Movement has played a crucial role in shaping progressive Islamic thought and practices, emphasizing the importance of peace, education, and social justice.

Q2: Discuss the challenges faced by the Ahmadiyya Movement in India and globally. How do these challenges affect its growth and acceptance?

Answer: The Ahmadiyya Movement faces numerous challenges, both in India and globally. In India, the movement contends with societal prejudices and misunderstandings regarding its beliefs, often leading to marginalization and hostility. Globally, particularly in Pakistan, Ahmadis face severe persecution and legal discrimination, being declared non-Muslims under the law, which severely restricts their rights and freedoms. These challenges hinder the movement's growth and acceptance, as fear of persecution can discourage potential converts and limit community outreach efforts. Furthermore, the lack of understanding and acceptance from mainstream Islamic groups complicates the movement's endeavors to promote its teachings. To counter these challenges, the Ahmadiyya community continues to focus on education, peaceful advocacy, and engagement in humanitarian efforts, aiming to foster dialogue and build bridges with broader society.

Q3: Evaluate the role of the Ahmadiyya Movement in promoting social justice and community development. What initiatives have been undertaken to address societal issues?

Answer: The Ahmadiyya Movement plays a pivotal role in promoting social justice and community development through various initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized groups. The community emphasizes education, healthcare, and social welfare, establishing schools, hospitals, and vocational training centers to enhance access to essential services. Additionally, the movement actively engages in humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and poverty alleviation programs. By advocating for women's rights and promoting gender equality, the Ahmadiyya Movement seeks to create a more equitable society. These initiatives reflect the community's commitment to addressing societal issues and contributing positively to the development of the regions in which they operate. Overall, the movement's approach to social justice is rooted in its core teachings of compassion, service, and the moral responsibility of individuals to contribute to the welfare of society.

Previous Year Questions on Ahmadiyya Movement

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Who is considered the founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement?

A) Syed Ahmad Khan
B) Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
C) Allama Iqbal
D) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is recognized as the founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement, which began in the late 19th century.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Assess the impact of the Ahmadiyya Movement on Islamic reform. What are its core teachings?"

Answer: The Ahmadiyya Movement has significantly impacted Islamic reform by promoting progressive interpretations of Islam that emphasize peace, tolerance, and rational thought. Core teachings include the belief in the finality of the prophet Muhammad while acknowledging Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah. The movement advocates for interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the integration of modern scientific understanding with religious beliefs, reflecting a commitment to adapting Islam to contemporary societal needs. These teachings have inspired various reform initiatives within the Muslim community, fostering a more inclusive approach to religious practice.