Middle East Information Resource
Religions/Belief Systems - Ahmadiyya
Ahmadiyya refers to a religious community derived from Islam. It was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India (1835-1908), who claimed to be a manifestation of Krishna, Jesus, died in India, Muhammad and all the prophets, and the Mahdi of Islam.
After the death of his successor, Hakim Nural-Din, in 1914, the Ahmadiyya split into two main groups. The largest faction, also called Qadiani, has its center in Rabwah, Pakistan, and branches in many countries, especially in India, Pakistan and West Africa. It engages in vigorous missionary activity. This group considers Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the `Seal of the Prophets`, that is, the last prophet, which is what Islam claims for Muhammad. The smaller faction, the Lahoris is centered in Lahore, Pakistan, and is also active in missionary work. It is closer to Islam and regards the founder as an innovative Islamic thinker rather than a prophet.
The Ahmadiyya claim to be the true community of Islam. They believe in the Qur’an, which they usually read in an English translation prepared by one of their leaders, Muhammad Ali (d. 1951 ). They adhere to the basic tenets and commandments of Islam. They interpret jihad as the orthodox Muslims as a metaphor for struggle on behalf of Islam rather than as a military `holy war`.
Muslim leaders denounce the Ahmadiyya and regard them as infidels and not part of Islam. There have been instances of persecution and pogroms in Pakistan in 1953 and in 1974. Their activities have been banned and their institutions closed in Syria in 1958, in Uganda in 1975, and in Pakistan in 1974. However, they continue to exist. They number in the millions, but there are no accurate estimates. The Ahmadiyya themselves claim to number 10 or even 20 million, but thhis is probably an exaggeration.