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Mirza Masroor Ahmad

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Mirza Masroor Ahmad
Mirza Masroor Ahmad in 2022
TitleAmir al-Mu'minin
Personal
Born (1950-09-15) 15 September 1950 (age 74)
Rabwah, Punjab, Dominion of Pakistan (present day Pakistan)
ReligionIslam
Spouse
Sahibzadi Amatul Sabooh Begum
​
​
(m. 1977)​
Children
  • Mirza Waqas Ahmad
  • Amtul Waris Fateh
Parents
  • Mirza Mansoor Ahmad (father)
  • Sahibzadi Nasira Begum (mother)
DenominationAhmadiyya
Signature
Muslim leader
Consecration22 April 2003
PredecessorMirza Tahir Ahmad
PostCaliph
Part of a series on
Ahmadiyya
Beliefs and practices
Distinct views
Days of remembrance
Foundational texts and sciences
Key literature
Organizational structure
Key sites
Hijaz
United Kingdom
Qadian
Rabwah
Miscellaneous

Mirza Masroor Ahmad (مرزا مسرور احمد; born 15 September 1950) is the current and fifth leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His official title within the movement is Fifth Caliph of the Messiah (Arabic: خليفة المسيح الخامس, khalīfatul masīh al-khāmis). He was elected on 22 April 2003, three days after the death of his predecessor Mirza Tahir Ahmad.

Following the death of the fourth caliph, the Electoral College, for the first time in the history of the community, convened outside the Indian subcontinent and in the city of London, after which Mirza Masroor Ahmad was elected as the fifth caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. At the very commencement of his accession, he found himself forced into exile from Pakistan in response to pressure from the Government of Pakistan.[1] Since being elected, he has travelled extensively across the world to meet the members of the community and address their annual gatherings. In many of the countries he has visited it has been the first visit by an Ahmadiyya caliph.[citation needed]

Early life

Mirza Masroor Ahmad was born on 15 September 1950 in Rabwah, Pakistan, the global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the time. He is a nephew of Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth caliph, his mother being a sister of the fourth caliph.[2]

Ghana

Having served the Community in various capacities, Masroor Ahmad served in Ghana for over eight years.[3] He established the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Salaga, a school in the northern region of Ghana, where he served as principal for two years. His success with the school in Salaga made him an obvious choice as principal of the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Essarkyir, located in the central region of Ghana. There he served as principal for four years.[3]

After his tenure as principal, Masroor Ahmad was appointed as the manager of the Ahmadiyya Agricultural Farm in Depali located in the northern region of Ghana where he served for two years. He successfully planted and nurtured wheat for the first time in Ghana. The experiment of planting, growing and nurturing wheat as an economic crop in Ghana was exhibited at an international trade fair and the results were submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture of Ghana.[3][4]

Imprisonment

In 1999, a resolution was presented in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab which demanded that the name of Rabwah be changed because that name appeared in the Qur'an. The resolution passed without much debate and the name of Rabwah was officially changed to Chenab Nagar. Signage was placed in prominent parts of Rabwah which bore the new name. A few days later, a First Information Report (criminal complaint) was filed accusing certain members of the community of erasing a sign which bore the new name. Though the complaint didn't mention any names, a case was registered, resulting in the arrest of Masroor Ahmad and a few other senior members of the Ahmadiyya Community. They were imprisoned for 11 days without bail, but were released without charge on 10 May 1999.[3]

Caliphate

Masroor Ahmad was elected as the fifth caliph on 22 April 2003, a few days after the demise of his predecessor Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Today he frequently tours around the world, visiting countries for the community's Jalsa Salanas (annual gatherings). Masroor Ahmad also regularly leads prayers at the Al-Fazl Mosque in London, England as well as Friday prayers from Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, London.[3]

Under his leadership the community's global satellite TV network MTA International, launched by his predecessor, has expanded into several further affiliated TV channels, social media and radio stations to provide transmission in different languages. Further campuses of Jamia Ahmadiyya, the Ahmadiyya Islamic seminary and educational institution, have been established including one in Ghana and one in the United Kingdom, the latter has been the first in Europe. He has focused particularly on directing the community in systematically countering negative media coverage of Islam[5][6][7] and engaging in grassroots efforts to propagate what the community believes is the true message of Islam.[1][8]

In 2004, he launched – and regularly addresses – the annual National Peace Symposium (held twice in 2015) in which guests from all walks of life come together at the largest mosque in Western Europe (the Baitul Futuh Mosque) to exchange ideas on establishing world peace.[9][10][11][12] These symposia have attracted parliamentarians, religious leaders and other dignitaries. In 2009, he initiated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize; an international peace award for individuals or organisations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment and service to the cause of peace and humanitarianism.[13][14]

Masroor Ahmad has frequently met heads of state in different parts of the world as well as having delivered keynote addresses to the United States Congress on Capitol Hill, the European Parliament, the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament, the Parliament of Canada and the Dutch Parliament on the teachings of Islam regarding the establishment of peace, presenting Quranic solutions to world problems. He has consistently called for honesty and the observance of unconditional justice and fairness in international relations.[15][16][17]

Khilafat Centenary

On 27 May 2008, members of the community celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the establishment of Khilafat.[18] Masroor Ahmad spoke at a large gathering of community members in the Excel Center in London, England and took a pledge from Ahmadis worldwide.[19] This was relayed around the world via the community's television channel, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International with a live link up to Qadian, India, the birthplace of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and original global headquarters before the partition of India in 1947.[20][21][22]

A Jalsa Salana celebrating the centenary anniversary of the Caliphate was planned in Qadian for December 2008. This gathering was to mark the end of celebrations of the centenary. However, due to the Mumbai terrorist attacks in late November, and the resulting security situation, Masroor Ahmad cancelled his participation in the gathering at Qadian and returned to London.[23]

Response to controversies

Khalifatul Masih V at the International Bay'ah Ceremony 2007 wearing the green coat of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy

Main article: Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy

In 2005, a Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten published some caricatures of the Islamic prophet Muhammad that infuriated Muslims around the world. Ahmad condemned the publishers of the cartoons saying that this was an abuse of free speech. But at the same time, he condemned the violent reaction showed by some Muslims around the world saying that this goes against the fabric of peaceful teachings of Islam. He guided his community to disseminate the character of Muhammad in Denmark as well as the rest of the world through writings and dialogue. He also advised Ahmadis to send durood on Muhammad in this time of adversity.[24] His sermons on this issue were later published as a book, The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and the Caricatures.

Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy

Main article: Regensburg lecture

On 12 September 2006, while Pope Benedict XVI was lecturing at the University of Regensburg, he[who?] quoted the opinion of Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos, "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached".[25] The quotation drew criticism from a number of individual governmental representatives and Muslim religious leaders including Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V.

As the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Masroor Ahmad disapproved of the Pope's view on Islam, stating that the Pope had been irresponsible and lacked knowledge of Islam. He explicated the 'inherent peaceful teachings of Islam' and the Qur'an and sought to remove misconceptions regarding Jihad and Muhammad, in light of references made by European writers in his Friday Sermon on 15 September 2006.[26]

2010 Quran-burning controversy

Main article: Dove World Outreach Center Quran-burning controversy

The plan to burn the Qur'an by the Dove World Outreach Center on the 9th anniversary of 9/11 attacks was highly condemned by Masroor Ahmad at the Baitul Futuh mosque in London, England. He stated that "religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism or any other kind, is never a true reflection of the religion".[27][28]

2010 Ground Zero mosque controversy

Main article: Ground Zero mosque controversy

In 2010, plans were being made to build a 13-story Muslim community center located two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Although the Park51 building would not be visible from the World Trade Center site,[29] opponents of the project have said that establishing a mosque so close to Ground Zero would be offensive since the hijackers in the 11 September 2001 attacks were Islamic terrorists.

Masroor Ahmad commented on the plan to build a mosque near Ground Zero where he stated:

If a mosque is built at the proposed site, then the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would like to see churches, synagogues, Hindu places of worship and places of worship of all other religions also built near Ground Zero. That would be a good example of how from an act of evil and terror has emerged unity and peace.[30][31]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Geert Wilders controversy

Geert Wilders is a Dutch politician. Wilders is best known for his criticism of Islam, summing up his views by saying, "I don't hate Muslims, I hate Islam".[32] Masroor Ahmad has, in his sermons, repeatedly refuted the allegations raised by Wilders against Islam. Addressing Wilders directly, he said:

Listen carefully – You, your party and every other person like you will ultimately be destroyed. But the religion of Islam and the message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will remain forever. No worldly power, no matter how powerful and no matter how much hatred they bear towards Islam, will ever succeed in erasing our religion.[33]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

In reply to the statement, Wilders asked Piet Hein Donner, Interior Minister of the Netherlands whether the government considered this a threat and whether they would take any action against Ahmad. Donner replied that he saw no threat as Ahmad threatened the destruction of Wilders through peaceful prayer only and not violence, and that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide are known to be peaceful.[34]

Condemnation of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia's anti-church edict

On 8 April 2012, Mirza Masroor Ahmad condemned the fatwa (edict) of Abdul Aziz al-Shaikh, Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia calling for the destruction of all churches in Saudi Arabia and surrounding Arab states.

I was shocked and very saddened to learn that Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti has called for all Churches in the region to be destroyed. What he has said is completely against the teachings of Islam and must be condemned absolutely. We find that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) spent his entire life preaching peace, tolerance and justice. Thus there can be no other conclusion than to say that what the Grand Mufti has said is completely wrong and displays a complete lack of understanding of Islam on his part.[35]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Innocence of Muslims

In his Friday Sermons of 21 and 28 September 2012, the Caliph strongly condemned the anti-Islamic film Innocence of Muslims. He said that Muslim emotions against the film were justified to an extent; however he also condemned the reaction to the film by some Muslims with riots resulting in at least 75 deaths worldwide. The Friday Sermons were attended by many media outlets including the BBC and a news station from New Zealand. He said Muslims should react by invoking durood (praise) upon Muhammad. He also indicated that the creators and benefactors of the film would all suffer a great torment by God.[36][37]

Charlie Hebdo attack

Main article: Charlie Hebdo shooting

On 7 January 2015, gunmen forced their way into the offices of the satirical French newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris. They shot and killed 12 people during the attack. The attack was linked to cartoons mocking Muhammad that Charlie Hebdo had published in recent years. The Caliph categorically condemned the terrorist attacks. He said that the attacks had nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam and that the perpetrators and anyone found to be involved should be punished in accordance with the law.[38] He further added that such cartoons grieved and pained peace-loving Muslims throughout the world and were to be condemned, but any form of violent or illegal response could never be justified and was completely against the teachings of Islam. The caliph also stated that taking to the streets in protest was not an appropriate response but rather Muslims should respond by increasing in prayer and offering salutations to Muhammad.[39]

Response to persecution

Lahore massacre

Main article: May 2010 Lahore attacks

On 28 May 2010, two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore, Pakistan, came under attack from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Punjab wing. The attacks were carried out nearly simultaneously at Darul Al Zikr Mosque in Garhi Shahu and Bait Al Noor Mosque in Model Town. Ninety-four people were killed[40] in the incident (including one attacker) with 108 injured.[41] Another attacker was captured by the worshippers.

The Caliph issued two press releases urging members of the community to exercise patience and prayers and that in response, "no inappropriate action would be shown by any Ahmadi".[42]

Lectures, sermons and articles

  • True Love for the Holy Prophet
  • The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and the Caricatures
  • World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace
  • Conditions of Bai'at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi
  • A Response to the Pope's Remarks about Islam[26]
  • Islam – A Peaceful Religion[43]
  • Exemplary Compassion of Prophet Muhammad[44]
  • Speeches and Articles in the Review of Religions[45]
  • Social Media[46]
  • The Great Western Revival

References

  1. ^ a b Moon, Farzana (2015). No Islam but Islam. Cambridge Scholars. p. 163. ISBN 9781443874045. Archived from the original on 11 July 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  2. ^ Gualtieri, Antonio; Gualtieri, Roberto (2004). Ahmadis: Community, Gender, and Politics in a Muslim Society. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press. p. 157.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Life Sketch and Services of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V". Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
  4. ^ "Supreme Head of Ahmadiyya Movement calls on President Kufuor". Modern Ghana. 15 March 2004. Archived from the original on 5 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  5. ^ "Majlis Ansar Sultanul Qalam". Archived from the original on 19 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  6. ^ "Muslim Writers Guild". 21 April 2012. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  7. ^ "The Rabwah Times". 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  8. ^ "Clamoring for the Khalifa". The Wall Street Journal. 12 May 2013. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  9. ^ "Ahmadiyya Peace Symposium website". Archived from the original on 2 August 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  10. ^ "Ahmadiyya Peace Conferences". Archived from the original on 22 June 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  11. ^ "International development secretary Justine Greening to speak at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's National Peace Symposium, Your Local Guardian". 28 October 2014. Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  12. ^ "Over 1,000 people gather at National Peace Symposium, Get West London". 19 March 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  13. ^ "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace". Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  14. ^ "About His Holiness". Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  15. ^ "Justice Is Needed in Society To Achieve World Peace". World Religion News. 26 October 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  16. ^ "The Blame Game: Is Religion Truly the Cause of Disorder in the World Today?". The Review of Religions (CAL). December 2015. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  17. ^ "Peace Initiatives". Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  18. ^ Taylor, Jerome (27 May 2008). "Minority Report: Ahmadis celebrate 100 years but who are they and what do they believe?". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 April 2009. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  19. ^ Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (27 May 2008). "Khilafat Centenary Message" (PDF). Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  20. ^ "Return of the Caliphate". The Times. London. 27 May 2008. Archived from the original on 19 September 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  21. ^ Times Online, UK – 26 May 2008 [full citation needed]
  22. ^ Waqar Ahmad Ahmedi (28 May 2008). "Nothing to fear from the return of the Caliphate". Business Live. Reach. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  23. ^ A True Believer Always Surrenders to the Will of Allah www.alislam.org Archived 7 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Friday Sermon, 5 December 2008
  24. ^ Ahmad, Mirza Masroor (2012). [1] Archived 5 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Islam International Publications. Amazon Books. Retrieved on 15 November 2014.
  25. ^ "Pope sorry for offending Muslims". BBC News. 17 September 2006. Archived from the original on 20 August 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  26. ^ a b "A Response to the Pope's Remarks about Islam". 16 September 2006. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  27. ^ "Koran-burning plan condemned at London mosque". BBC News. 10 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010. Retrieved 11 September 2010.
  28. ^ "UK Muslims Shocked By Plan To Burn Holy Quran in USA". Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
  29. ^ Joe Jackson and Bill Hutchinson (6 May 2010). "Plan for Mosque Near World Trade Center Site Moves Ahead". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on 10 May 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  30. ^ "Good News – The 'Move the Mosque' Movement Is Growing". Fox News. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  31. ^ "The Holy Qur'an:the Truth Revealed Part 2". YouTube. Retrieved 12 September 2010.[dead YouTube link]
  32. ^ Traynor, Ian (17 February 2008). "'I don't hate Muslims. I hate Islam,' says Holland's rising political star". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  33. ^ "World muslim leader sends warning to dutch politician Geert Wilders « Islam Ahmadiyya". 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  34. ^ Islam Ahmadiyyat – The Truth Prevails alislam.org Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  35. ^ "Khalifa of Islam condemns Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti for calling for Churches to be destroyed". 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 20 June 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
  36. ^ "Friday Sermon: True Love for The Holy Prophet (saw)". Alislam.org. 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  37. ^ "Friday Sermon: Promote the true character of The Prophet (saw)". Alislam.org. 28 September 2012. Archived from the original on 22 November 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  38. ^ "Khalifa condemns France terror attacks". pressahmadiyya.com. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community International Press & Media Office. Archived from the original on 19 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  39. ^ "Charlie Hebdo Cartoons: Khalifa Responds". pressahmadiyya.com. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community International Press & Media Office. Archived from the original on 19 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  40. ^ "Pakistan Ahmadis bury Lahore mosque attacks victims". BBC News. 29 May 2010. Archived from the original on 8 February 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
  41. ^ "Terrorists attack Ahmadi Mosques in Lahore, Pakistan leaving 94 Dead". 11 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 January 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
  42. ^ Statement from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V on YouTube
  43. ^ Islam peaceful religion alislam.org Archived 29 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ Exemplary Compassion of The Holy Prophet (SAW) alislam.org Archived 27 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  45. ^ "Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Khalifatul Masih V(aba)". Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  46. ^ Ahmad, Mirza Masroor (June 2019). Social Media. Lajna Imaillah UK. ISBN 9781848809345.
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