RR200710

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MANAGEMENT BOARD
Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) CONTENTS October 2007, Vol.102, No.10
Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary)
Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar EDITORIAL
Introduction to The Review of Religions
Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar
Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad
Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad special editions on Khilafat.
By Mansoor Shah – UK. ..................................... 2
CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER
Mansoor Ahmed Shah
ESSENCE OF ISLAM – Part 24
EDITORIAL BOARD What is Revelation?
Basit Ahmad
Bockarie Tommy Kallon
A fascinating insight into Revelation by one
Fareed Ahmad. who has experienced it first hand.
Fazal Ahmad
Fauzia Bajwa Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) ...................... 3
Mansoor Saqi
Mahmood Hanif
Mansoora Hyder-Hanif KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Navida Shahid
Sarah Waseem
Our curtain raiser review of the concept of
Saleem Ahmad Malik Khilafat as presented in Islam. A Khalifa is a
Vicegerent and is appointed by God. Can Khilafat
Tanveer Khokhar
be perpetuated by a corporate entity? What is the

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Amatul Hadi Ahmad difference between prophethood and Khilafat,
Farina Qureshi
Successors of the Holy Prophet(saw) and the
PROOFREADERS Promised Messiah(as)?
Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan
Shaukia Mir Fareed Ahmad – UK ........................................... 17
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Tanveer Khokhar
PUBLISHER
Al Shirakatul Islamiyyah
DISTRIBUTION
Muhammad Hanif
All correspondence should be forwarded to the editor at:
The Review of Religions
The London Mosque
16 Gressenhall Road
London, SW18 5QL
United Kingdom
Email:
reviewofreligions@gmail.com
© Islamic Publications, 2007
ISSN No: 0034-6721
Cover
photo:
Views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Qadian.
Muslim Community
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EDITORIAL
Commencing with this issue, The another. We never punish until We
Review of Religions is publishing a have sent a Messenger.
series of monthly special editions (Ch.17:V.16)
leading up to our expanded edition in
May 2008, the first centenary of the ...And as for those who disbelieve,
establishment of the institution of disaster shall not cease to befall
Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Muslim them for what they have wrought
community. The centenary itself, like or to alight near their home, until
all other centenaries commemorated the promise of Allah comes to
by the community, is not a time of pass. Surely, Allah fails not in His
pomp or merriment but one of sincere promise. (Ch.13:V.32)
thanksgiving that this bounty
promised to the true believers of God A sign of the latter days is that man
has taken root and continues to would have forgotten his Creator and
flourish. would have steeped to bestiality in his
cruelty. Past Prophets have foretold
Ever since the creation of man, it has that there would be many disasters in
been the way of God that He has sent this age, no doubt a reflection of
Prophets who have served as spiritual punishment man is receiving due to
teachers for the guidance of those his spiritual malaise. The above verse
whom the Prophet addressed. Some however makes clear that God’s
people follow this guidance and do punishment is preceded by the
good works and others disbelieve and appearance of His Prophet, so has
continue in their evil ways. When God kept His promise and sent a
such cruelties exceed all limits, God’s Reformer and a Warner that the world
punishment descends upon them, as is so desperately needs?
set out in the Holy Qur’an:
The Promised Reformer and Warner
He who follows the right way has certainly appeared. His name is
follows it only for the good of his Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as),
own soul; and he who goes Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
astray, goes astray only to his community. He advent was also
own loss. And no bearer of accompanied by the glad tiding that
burden shall bear the burden of he would be followed by a Khilafat –
2 The Review of Religions – October 2007

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EDITORIAL
the Second Manifestation of Divine success of His Prophets. Once a

glory contained in the verse in the Prophet has passed away, the bright
Holy Qur’an revealed in Madinah: light of his teaching is enveloped by
darkness. His opponents think that
Allah has promised to those this is the end of his chapter. In this
among you [the followers of vacuum, the Prophet’s followers are
Muhammad(saw)] who believe and immersed in fear, but God manifests
do good works that He will surely His glory once again. A bright moon
make them Successors in the appears that comforts the believers.
earth, as He made Successors The works undertaken by the Prophet
from among those who were are thus completed by his Successors
before them; and that He will or Khalifasi who follow him as
surely establish for them their evidenced by the Khilafat Rashidah,
religion which He has chosen for the Rightly-Guided Khalifas who
them; and that He will surely give appeared after Prophet
them in exchange security and Muhammad(saw).
peace after their fear. They will
worship Me, and they will not As mentioned earlier there is no time
associate anything with Me. Then limit for Khilafat in Islam and it
whoso is ungrateful after that, would be a great folly to say that this
they will be the rebellious. bounty was only limited to a period of
(Ch.24:V.56) thirty years after the demise of the
Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw). Many
If a person reflects upon the above verses of the Holy Qur’an and
verse, then he will realise that God Traditions give Muslims the glad
Almighty has clearly promised tiding of a permanent Khilafat. Islam
Muslims a permanent succession, is not a dead religion whose blessings
since the verse does not restrict itself are confined to the past. Its blessings
to any particular time period. The only continue. The Mosaic dispensation,
requirement for them is to believe and that was sent to guide the Israelites,
do good works, i.e. accept His Prophet had this blessing for hundreds of
and following his guidance. years so it would have been illogical
if the followers of Prophet
The institution of Khilafat also Muhammad(saw), a Messenger who
reminds us that man is mortal, but such was sent as a mercy unto all mankind,
limitations have no bearing on God’s should have been deprived of this
design that ensures the continued blessing after a mere thirty years.
The Review of Religions – October 2007 3

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EDITORIAL
Khilafat is a kingpin of Islamic unity readers will find these editions highly
and the driving force of a discipline informative. By way of a foretaste
based on absolute obedience and read our lead article in this edition
loyalty that alone can bring about the that focuses on the concept of
true progress of Islam. There are Khilafat in Islam.
many in the Muslim world, like the
Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who have tried to Mansoor Shah
revive Khilafat but their attempts
have failed because they are trying to
put the cart before the horse. Like i. The Arabic word for a Successor or
many before them, they believe that Vicegerent is Khalifa. The plural is
God spoke before but does not reveal Khulafa, but in these editions we have
permitted the use of the word
Himself anymore. But once you
Khalifas. Another meaning of Khalifa
deprive yourself this bounty, you do is a great King. A third meaning is
not merit any other and you certainly that Imam above whom there is no
do not merit Khilafat, as that is an other Imam. According to Aqrab Al-
office that provides a living example Muwarid, one meaning of Al-Khilafa
of communion with the Divine. It is (the office held by the Khalifa) is Al-
also a holy manifestation that is Amara (government or rule); or An-
established only by a Prophet of God Niyaba, meaning to undertake a task
and not by man. It is therefore being performed by someone who is
impossible for this to be revived by not present then or who has died and
his work needs to be continued as his
human effort alone – it necessitates
deputy or vicegerent or successor. We
Divine help and Divine converse. have used the word Khilafat in lieu of
The perpetuity of this divine bounty the slightly less well-known Arabic
was re-established, as prophesied by word Khilafa sometimes spelt as
the Holy Prophet(saw), by the Promised Khilafah for the institution or the
Messiah(as) who is the prophet of the office held by the Khalifa; we have
latter days and was tasked with refrained from the anglicised use of
Islam’s revival. the word Caliph unless part of a
quotation.
Our special issues in this and the next
few months will focus on the life,
tenure and principal achievements of
those who succeeded the Holy
Prophet(saw) and the Promised
Messiah(as). We are confident that our

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ESSENCE OF ISLAM:
Part 24 – What is Revelation?
This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH,
THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(saw) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The
original compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into
English, was collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah
have mercy on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The
English rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, may Allah be pleased
with him, and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume 1. All references
throughout, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an.
What is Revelation? another one, who is wicked,

By revelation is not meant supports falsehood in his verses
something that arises in the mind and abuses the righteous. Each of
as a result of thinking and them will produce some verses
reflection, like that which a poet and it should be no matter for
experiences in writing his verses. surprise that the enemy of the
He writes a verse and reflects righteous who writes in support of
about the next one and it suddenly falsehood may, on account of
arises in his mind. This is not greater practice, write better
revelation; it is a consequence of verses than the other one. Thus, if
thought and reflection, which anything arising in the mind were
flows from the law of nature. to be called revelation, a wicked
Anyone who thinks about good poet, who is the enemy of truth
things or evil things finds that and of the righteous and always
something arises in his mind in abuses the truth and indulges in
consonance with his thinking and imposture, would be deemed the
his search. For instance, a good recipient of Divine revelation.
and righteous person writes some Works of fiction contain many
verses in support of truth and affecting passages and the minds

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ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?
of authors are able to produce a

series of writings on purely
fictitious subjects, but they cannot
be called revelation. If revelation
were the name of any idea arising
in the mind, a thief could be called
a recipient of revelation for he can
think of clever ways of robbery
and ingenious plans of house-
breaking and manslaughter cross
his mind. We cannot call all this
revelation. This is the thinking of
people who have no clear notion
of the True God, Who comforts The founder of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim community was Hadhrat
the hearts with His converse and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as).
bestows the understanding of The founder of the Ahmadiyya
spiritual knowledge on those who Muslim community was Hadhrat
are not familiar with it. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891,
he claimed, on the basis of Divine
revelation, that he was the Promised
What is revelation? It is God’s
Messiah and Mahdi whose advent
converse in living and powerful had been foretold by Muhammad,
words with a chosen servant or the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace
with one whom He desires to and blessings of Allah be upon him)
choose. When this converse starts and by the scriptures of other faiths.
in an abundant and satisfactory The founder’s claim constitutes the
manner and is free from the basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim community.
darkness of false thinking and is
not confined to a few scattered and
incomplete phrases, and is Sometimes a communication is
delicious and is full of wisdom and made only for the purpose of a
majesty, it is the Word of God by trial and is not accompanied by all
which He desires to comfort His the characteristic blessings of
servant and through which He revelation. A servant of God
manifests Himself to him. Almighty is thereby tried whether

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by tasting a little of revelation he sincerity and fidelity. There is no

adjusts his circumstances to those doubt that if revelation takes the
of true recipients of revelation or form of question and answer in a
fails to do so. Then if he does not proper sequence and is cha-
adopt true righteousness, he is racterised by Divine majesty and
deprived of the perfection of this light and comprises hidden matters
bounty and is left with only vain or true understanding, then it is
boasting. Divine revelation. For Divine
revelation, it is necessary that
Millions of good people receive there should be converse between
revelation but they have not all the the servant and his Lord as there is
same rank in the estimation of converse between friends when
Allah. Even the Prophets who are they meet. When the servant asks a
the recipients of clear revelation question and in reply hears a
are not all equal in rank, as God delicious and eloquent speech
Almighty has said: from God Almighty, in which
there is nothing of his own
These Messengers have We thinking and reflection and such
exalted, some of them above converse becomes a bounty, then it
others: among them there are is Divine speech and such a
those to whom Allah spoke [i.e. servant is dear to God. But this
He gave them a new Law]; and degree of revelation, which is a
some of them He exalted by bounty, and is living, pure, clear,
degrees of rank. (Ch.2:V.254) and unsullied, is bestowed only
upon those who march forward in
This means that some Messengers their faith, sincerity, righteous
are superior to others. It shows action, and also in what is simply
that revelation is pure grace and is ineffable. True and holy revelation
not the insignia of rank. Rank demonstrates great wonders of the
depends upon the degree of Divine. On many occasions, a
sincerity and fidelity, which is brilliant light appears and along
known only to God. Revelation with it a majestic and shining
when accompanied by its blessed revelation is conveyed.
conditions is also a fruit of

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What could be greater than a grace chosen him out of all His
recipient of revelation conversing servants and has made him heir to
with the Being Who is the Creator the righteous ones who have passed
of heaven and earth? The beholding on before him. Such a bounty
of God in this world is to converse occurs rarely and is a matter of
with God. By this, we do not mean good fortune. Everything beside it
that condition in which some odd is of no value.
word, phrase or verse might flow
from the tongue of a person without Islam has always produced people
being accompanied by a direct of this rank and station. It is Islam
address. A person who has such an alone in which God comes close to
experience is being tried. He casts a servant and talks to him. He
about like a blind one and does not speaks inside him and makes his
know the source of the commu- heart His throne and draws him
nication whether it is from God or towards heaven and bestows upon
from Satan. Such a one should have him all the bounties that have been
recourse to lstighfar. But if a good bestowed upon those who have
and righteous person begins to gone before. It is a pity that the
receive Divine communication blind world does not appreciate
without obstruction, a bright, how near a person can approach to
delicious communication which is God. They do not step forward
full of wisdom, in majestic terms themselves and when some one
and in complete wakefulness, and steps forward he is either dubbed a
there has passed between him and Kafir or is deified and is put in the
God Almighty a series of at least place of God.
ten questions and answers in the (Islami Usul Ki Philosophy, Ruhani
course of which God accepted his Khaza’in, Vol.10, pp.437-441)
prayers a number of times and
conveyed to him fine under- Revelation Provides Comfort in
standings and informed him of Distress
coming events, then such a person It is idle to assert that revelation has
should be most grateful to God and no reality and is a vain thing, the
should be wholly devoted to Him, harm of which is greater than its
inasmuch as God has of His pure benefit. Such an assertion is made

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only by a person who has never and comfortably under mountains

tasted this pure wine and does not of misfortunes. That Imperceptible
desire to have true faith. Such a one Being, Who confounds the reason
is happy with his habits and and wisdom of all philosophers,
customs and never seeks to find out manifests Himself only through
to what degree he believes in the revelation. He comforts the hearts
Almighty God and how far his of seekers and bestows con-
understanding extends and what tentment upon them and revives
should he do so that his inner the half-dead ones by saying: I am
weaknesses are removed and a present. It is true that the Holy
living change takes place in his Qur’an contains all the guidance,
morals, actions, and designs. He is but when the Qur’an leads a
not eager to cultivate that love person to the fountain of guidance
which should make his journey to the first indication of it is that he
the other world easy and whereby begins to experience converse
he should develop the inner quality with the Divine, whereby a
of making spiritual progress. revealing understanding of high
degree and a visible blessing and
Everyone can understand that this light is created and that cognition
heedless life is ever pulling a begins to be acquired which
person downward, with his cannot be achieved by blind
relationship with wife and children following or through intellectual
and with the burden of honour and theories, for they are all limited,
good repute, which are all like full of doubts, defective, and
heavy stones pressing him incomplete. We need to extend our
downwards. He is in need of a cognition directly, for the greater
high power, which, by bestowing our cognition the greater will be
true sight and true vision upon our eagerness. With a defective
him, should make him eager to cognition, we cannot expect
behold the perfect beauty of God perfect eagerness. It is a matter of
Almighty. That high power is surprise how unintelligent those
Divine revelation that provides people are who do not consider
comfort in distress. It enables a themselves in need of that perfect
person to take his stand joyously means of approaching the truth

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upon which spiritual life depends. Divine. It relieves a person

suddenly of all types of egoistic
It should be remembered that limitations; until that true light
spiritual knowledge and spiritual descends upon the heart, it is not
understanding can be acquired possible that the heart should be
only through revelation and illumined. The imperfection of
visions, and until we achieve that human reason and the limitations
standard of light our humanness of current knowledge bear witness
cannot acquire any true to the need of revelation.
understanding or true perfection. [Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in,
vol. 3, pp. 326-329]
Revelation is a Means of
Salvation OBJECTION: The belief that
We have been created for a great God sends down His word from
purpose, which is the true heaven is utterly wrong for the law
understanding of God; on that of nature does not confirm it, nor
understanding depends our do we ever hear a voice coming
salvation. It delivers us from every down from above. Revelation is
impure and doubtful way and the name given to those thoughts
leads us to the edge of a pure and which arise in the minds of wise
clear river. It can be acquired only people by the use of reflection and
through Divine revelation. When, observation, and that is all.
being delivered entirely from our
ego, we dive deep with an eager ANSWER: A truth which is well-
heart into an unattainable Being, established and has been observed
our humanness, having appeared with their own eyes by numberless
in the court of Godhead, returns men of understanding, and the
with some signs and lights from proof of which can be found in
that world. Thus that which the every age by a seeker after truth,
worldly ones look upon with suffers no harm by the denial of a
contempt is the only thing which person who is bereft of spiritual
brings a long-separated one in an insight. If the thinking or defective
instant to his Beloved and bestows knowledge of a person whose
comfort upon the lovers of the heart is wrapped up in coverings

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fails to confirm it, the truth cannot blind. When those who are weak
be considered as being outside the sighted, find that those with good
law of nature. For instance, if a sight have perceived a thing from
person who is unaware of the afar – for instance, they have
power of attraction of a magnet, sighted the crescent which they
and has never seen a magnet, were themselves are unable to see-they
to claim that a magnet is only a do not deny it and think that their
piece of stone and that he has denial would only expose their
never witnessed any such power of weakness. The blind, of course,
attraction in any stone, and, have nothing to say in such a
therefore, it is wrong to assert that matter. In the same way, those who
a magnet has such a power for this possess no sense of smell believe
is contrary to the law of nature, those serious and truthful people
then would his assertion cast doubt who speak of good smell and ill
on the well-established quality of a smell. They do not doubt them for
magnet? Certainly not. All that his they know that so many people do
assertion would prove would be not tell lies and must be speaking
that he is stupid and ignorant who the truth, and that without doubt
considers his own lack of their own sense of smell is lacking
knowledge as proof of the non- and that is why they are unable to
existence of a reality and does not experience any smell.
accept the evidence of thousands
of people who have experience of Men also differ in respect of their
it. covert capacities. The capacities
of some are of a low degree and
It is not possible to hold that every are covered up by veils. Some
law of nature should be capable of have from ancient times possessed
being tested by every individual. high and clear souls and have been
God Almighty has created the the recipients of Divine revelation.
human species with great diversity For the former to deny the
in their overt and covert faculties. personal characteristics of the
For instance, some people possess latter would be the same as if a
very good sight, others are weak- blind one, or one with weak sight,
sighted and some are altogether were to deny the observations of

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one with excellent sight, or as if a When hidden matters and secret

person lacking the sense of smell mysteries which cannot be
should deny the experiences of discovered through the experience
one with a sense of smell. of reason alone are disclosed to a
recipient of revelation, and a
Then to convince a person who revealed book is found to contain
denies the existence of revelation, wonders which are not to be
there are ways like the ways of discovered in any other book, a
convincing a person who denies seeker after truth realises that
the observations of the overt Divine revelation is an established
senses. For instance, if one who is truth. If such a person possesses a
congenitally bereft of the sense of pure soul, he himself, by treading
smell should deny the existence of on the right path can, to the extent
good and foul smell, and should of the illumination of his heart,
assert that those who claim such a have experience of Divine
sense are liars or are mistaken, he revelation like the Auliya,
can be persuaded to admit his whereby he acquires a certain
mistake in the following manner. knowledge of the revelation
He should be asked to select a few vouchsafed to the Messengers of
pieces of clothing and rub some God. For a seeker after truth who
with perfume and leave others would sincerely express a desire to
untouched and thus test the sense accept Islam, I am prepared to
of smell of a normal person, so provide this means of satisfaction.
that by repeated experiences he
would be convinced both of the ‘If anyone should doubt my word,
existence of this sense of smell let him come to me with sincerity.
and that there are to be found Allah has the power to do what I
people who can distinguish say and He is the Helper in every
between that which is fragrant and matter’.
that which has no smell. In the
same way, the existence of Fine Thought is not to be
revelation can be proved to the Confused with Revelation
satisfaction of a seeker after truth To imagine that the fine points that
through repeated experiments. are disclosed to people through

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reflection and observation are that the Work of God and the Word
revelation, and that revelation is of God should disclose Divine
nothing more than this, is an error manifestations.
due to ignorance. Were it true that
human thinking constituted Divine The Distinction between
revelation then man also could Creation and Command
have discovered the unseen by the It may be asked from whom and
use of his reflection and wherefrom proceed the good and
observation. It is obvious that bad designs that arise in one’s
however wise a person may be he mind as the result of reflection and
cannot disclose anything hidden observation? The answer is that
by merely reflecting on the matter. such thoughts are the creation of
Nor can he exhibit any sign of Allah and not His command.
Divine power. His speech There is a difference between
indicates no sign of God’s Power creation and command. By
and, however much he might creation is meant that God
reflect, he cannot discover the Almighty produces something
unseen which is beyond his reason through physical means and
and observation and his other attributes it to Himself because He
senses. Nor is his speech or is the Cause of causes. Command
composition of such a high degree is that which proceeds directly
that no one can compete with him. from God Almighty without the
Thus, there are enough reasons for intervention of any means.
a wise person to conclude that Revelation, which descends from
whatever a man might think in God, proceeds from the world of
consequence of his own reflection, command and not from the world
or observation, cannot be the Word of creation.
of God. Had it been the Word of
God, a person would have had Thoughts that arise in people’s
access to all that is unseen and minds in consequence of
would have been able to expound observation and reflection all
those matters the exposition of proceed from the world of creation
which depends upon Divine in which the Divine power
power, inasmuch as it is necessary operates behind the veil of means.

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God has created men in the world and murderers and adulterers and
of means equipped with diverse forgers as the result of reflection
types of powers and faculties and and observation are all the result
has invested them with the of the exercise of natural qualities,
characteristic that when they and because God is the Cause of
employ their reflection in a good causes, they are called the creation
or bad matter their minds alight of God and not His command.
upon appropriate plans. As it is They are the natural qualities of
part of the law of nature that when man as in the case of some
a person opens his eyes he can see vegetables the quality of purgation
something and when he directs his or the quality of constipation and
ear towards sound he can hear other qualities are natural to them.
something; in the same way when As God has invested other things
he reflects on the way of success with different types of qualities,
in a good or bad design, some plan He has invested man’s power of
arises in his mind. A good man by reflection with the quality that it
reflecting upon good designs, helps man whenever he requires
thinks of good things, and a thief, its help in a good or bad design. A
by reflecting upon the various poet who seeks to lampoon anyone
ways of robbery, invents a plan to finds his mind working in that
commit robbery. Just as a man can direction and he is able to produce
think of deep and devious evil such poetry. Another poet seeks to
designs, in the same way when he praise the same person and
uses his faculty in a good way, he commendatory verses come to his
can think of good designs. As his mind. This kind of good or bad
bad thoughts, however deep and thought is not the mirror of the
effective they may be, cannot be Divine will and cannot be called
held to be revelation, in the same His word. God’s holy word is the
way his thoughts which he deems word which is far above human
to be good are not revelation. In faculties and is full of perfection
short, whatever good thoughts and power and holiness. The very
occur to good people and whatever first condition of its manifestation
bad thoughts or designs arise in is that human faculties should be
the minds of thieves and robbers entirely suspended and rendered

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useless. There should be neither there is no Being outside of us

reflection nor observation and the Who is Self-Existing and pos-
person concerned should be dead sesses Divine attributes, Who
like a corpse. All means should be should be called God. For if God
cut off and God Almighty, Whose truly exists and His unlimited
Being alone is actual and real, knowledge is special to Him, of
should cause His word to descend which our hearts cannot be the
upon the heart of someone by His measure, then utterly wrong and
special design. senseless would be the observation
that God’s limitless knowledge
It should be understood that as the fills our hearts and all the
light of the sun comes only from treasuries of His wisdom dwell
heaven and cannot be produced therein as if God’s knowledge is
inside the eye, in the same way the limited to that which is contained
light of revelation descends from in our hearts. This would amount
God and by His design and does to a claim of Godhead itself, but is
not arise from inside a person. As it possible that the heart of man
God truly exists and sees, hears, should comprehend all the
knows and speaks, His word excellencies of the Divine? Is it
should descend from Him and permissible that a particle should
should not be the product of man’s become the sun? Certainly not.
mind. From our minds arise the
same thoughts, good or bad, which We have already stated that the
dwell within us according to our characteristics of the Divine, like
nature, but God’s limitless His knowledge of the unseen and
knowledge and boundless wisdom His comprehension of wisdom and
cannot dwell in our hearts. What other natural signs, cannot be
greater denial of God could there manifested by man. God’s word
be than for a man to think that all should be characterised by God’s
the Divine treasures of knowledge Greatness, God’s Power, God’s
and wisdom and hidden mysteries Blessing, God’s Wisdom and
are present in our hearts and surge God’s Peerlessness. All these
up in them. This would mean that characteristics are found in the
we ourselves are God and that Holy Qur’an, the proof of which

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 16
we shall set forth at its proper the disclosure of which is not

place. within the power of anyone except
of God, the One, without
If those of Brahmu Samaj still associate. God Almighty bestows
persist in denying the existence of this holy revelation only on those
revelation, which comprehends of the faithful who truly believe in
the unseen and other proofs of the Holy Qur’an as the Word of
power, they should study the Holy God and act upon it with full
Qur’an with full attention, so that sincerity and who believe in
they should come to know that in Muhammad, the chosen one
this Holy Word surges a whole (peace and blessings of Allah be
ocean of matters that are unseen on him) as the true and perfect
and manifestations of power Prophet, who is better and higher
which are beyond the strength of and more exalted than all the
man. If they should be unable, Prophets and is Khatam-ur-Rusul,
through lack of insight, to discover and accept him as their guide.
these Qur’anic excellencies Such revelation is not vouchsafed
themselves, they should read this to the Jews and Christians and
book of ours with attention so that Aryas and Brahmus, but has
they might discover as a sample always been vouchsafed to the
some of the treasures of hidden perfect followers of the Holy
matters and powerful mysteries of Qur’an and is now vouchsafed to
which the Holy Qur’an is full. them and will continue to be
They should also know that as vouchsafed to them. Though the
proof of the existence of Divine prophetic revelation has been cut
revelation that descends from God off as no longer needed, the
and comprehends hidden matters, revelation that is vouchsafed to the
there is another way that is open sincere servants of the Holy
and that is that God Almighty Prophet (peace and blessings of
always creates from among the Allah be on him) will never be cut
Muslims, who base themselves off. This revelation is a grand
upon the true faith, such people proof of the revelation which is
who receive revelation from God special to Messengership and
and disclose such hidden matters humiliates every opponent of

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 17
Islam. As this blessed revelation There are thousands of things in

with all its blessing and honour the world which possess qualities
and greatness and glory is that cannot be understood by
vouchsafed only to those reason and are known only by
honourable servants who are experience. It is, therefore, the
included among the Muslims and way of the wise that when some
are the servants of the Holy quality of a thing is manifested
Prophet (peace and blessings of repeatedly by experience they no
Allah be on him). The followers of longer doubt its existence. He who
all other sects are deprived of this persists in denial after repeated
perfect light which carries the experience is an absolute fool. For
good news of nearness to God and instance, rhubarb is a cathartic and
of acceptance by Him and of His a magnet has the power of
pleasure. Thus this holy revelation attraction and though there is no
not only proves its own existence, reason why they should possess
but also proves that the Muslims these qualities, yet when repeated
alone are the people who are experience manifests that they
acceptable to God and who base have these qualities, every
themselves on the true faith that all reasonable person has to admit
other people worship falsehood that rhubarb is a cathartic and a
and are misguided and are under magnet has the power to attract. If
the wrath of God. Ignorant people anyone should deny this on the
will say all sorts of things on ground that there is no reason for
hearing this and will shake their it, such a one would be con-
heads in denial or will ridicule me demned as mad or insane. So we
like foolish and wicked persons. submit to the Brahmus and other
They should know, however, that opponents that whatever we have
denial and ridicule are not the way stated concerning revelation,
of those who possess nobility and namely, that it is even now the
are seekers after truth, but are the experience of perfect individuals
way of those wicked people who among the Muslims and is
have nothing to do with God and confined to them and is not to be
truth. found in any others, is not without
proof, but can be demonstrated to

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 18
every seeker through test and But if they turn away, then
experience like thousands of other remember that Allah knows the
truths which are being discovered mischief-makers well.
by these means. If anyone should (Ch.3:V.64)
be truly a seeker after truth, we
undertake to demonstrate this to (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol
him provided he should make a III, pp.210-217, footnote 11
sincere promise in writing that, in (Amritsar, Safir Hind Press,
case of proof, he would accept 1882, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 1
Islam and should then turn to us (London 1984))
with sincerity and in good faith.
Verse references to the Holy Qur’an item count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name
of Allah...) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts,
this is not counted. Should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted
in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse
less than the number quoted.
In this journal, for the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after
the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. They
stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ after the name of all
other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived
from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out
of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation
‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions
of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by
the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala
means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.
In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names

of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of
Mecca, etc.

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KHILAFAT in Islam
By Fareed Ahmad – UK
Introduction existing. This is because they have

The absence of any meaningful and rejected the possibility of
authoritative leadership is a prophethood after Prophet
significant issue facing Muslims Muhammad(saw) whereas khilafat
today. The world at large is in a itself is linked specifically to
state of turmoil, and Muslims in prophethood.
particular are facing tremendous
difficulties – both as a result of Khilafat in the Qur’an
actions taken against them and as a The word Khalifa is an Arabic
result of their own inability to word that means ‘successor,
recognise the signs and guidance deputy, vicegerent’1. It has been
contained in the Holy Qur’an and used in several places in the Qur’an
the Hadith. and according to the context it
relates to people in two ways –
Consequently, Muslims – who refers generally to a group of
more than anyone else should be people and the other to an
associated with peace and security individual as a leader of others. In
– are struggling for peace in this the first case it is often used to refer
world. Despite their historic to people as inheritors or
achievements in spiritual and successors of a people before
worldly affairs they are in a state of them2, whereas in the second it
loss. refers to individuals as khalifas
tasked with leadership by God.
The knowledgeable amongst them
are yearning for leadership and Can Khilafat be perpetuated by a
unity that in reality only Khilafat corporate body?
could provide, yet, paradoxically in Some commentators claim that the
their own analysis and reasoning, true meaning of khilafat is its
they have closed the door to the collective term and simply means
possibility of such Khilafat ever ‘trusteeship’ with persons acting as

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
individual trustees of God on earth in which Allah says:

or according to other commentators
a group having a collective And remember when Moses
responsibility to lead others. In this said to his people, ‘O my
regard they argue that as the word people, call to mind Allah’s
khalifa has been used as a plural in favour upon you when He
some verses in the Qur’an this appointed Prophets among you
indicates that it refers to people and made you kings…
collectively rather than individually
as khalifa. For example in Surah Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad then
Al-Nur, Ch.24 verse 56 it states: explains that:
Allah has promised to those ‘Here the address is made to the

among you who believe and do people as a whole who are
good works that He will surely reminded of the blessings of
make them Khalifas having been made kings and
[Successors] in the earth, as He prophets, yet it is known that
made Khalifas [Successors] not all of the people had been so
from among those who were exalted and there had always
before them… been a large populace of
ordinary working people. It
However, to take the above verse to proves therefore that promises
mean that ‘khalifas’ refers to made in a collective sense are
people collectively reveals a deemed fulfilled through
superficial and incomplete individual beneficiaries…
understanding of the Qur’an. The
reason for this is that usage of a ‘In addition, the verse [in Sura
plural in the Qur’an does not Al-Nur] itself provides support
automatically mean that it refers to for this interpretation where it
all people. In his book An says: He will surely make them
Exposition of Some Criticisms successors in the earth as He
Against Khilafat-i-Rashida, made successors from among
Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad those before them. That is to
responds to this issue by referring say, if in olden times a
to Chapter 5 verse 21 of the Qur’an corporate body was given the

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
responsibilities of Khilafat, one pretation of the Holy Prophet(saw)

should expect the same pattern who understood the Qur’an the
emerging now, but if it were best. He fully expected that after
individuals who succeeded as his demise a person who would be
Khalifas in the past, the same designated as a khalifa would lead
system would continue the Muslims.
henceforth. The words as He
made successors have The Holy Prophet(saw) said:
therefore removed all doubts
about the authenticity of ‘…I enjoin you to fear Allah,
individual Khilafat for good.’ hear and obey even if your Amir
(An Exposition of Some [Leader] be an Abyssinian
Criticisms Against Khilafat-i- slave, for a time is coming that
Rashida by Maulana Sheikh those of you who live after me
Mubarak Ahmad, pp.9-10, will see great disagreement.
London Mosque, 1979) You must then follow my
rightly guided Khulafa [caliphs]
Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad and me. Adhere to it and hold
further notes that following the fast to it…’4
Holy Prophet’s(saw) demise God
demonstrated the true meaning of It is also reported that he proposed
khilafat once again, as it was a to name Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) as
pattern of individual rather than khalifa, but later retracted this on
collective khilafat that followed account of his trust in God5.
and this could not have happened
had it not been God’s will. This tells us that the Holy
Prophet(saw), with full knowledge of
Another powerful argument that the meaning of the word khalifa in
strengthens this interpretation is the Qur’an, understood it to mean
that in the Qur’an God Himself individual leadership. Had he
refers to individuals as khalifas understood khilafat to mean just
who are tasked with leading people trusteeship then he would have
as is the case of Prophet Adam(as) never even considered the issue of
and Prophet Davidas)3. Add to this leadership after his death, let alone
the understanding and inter- entertain the thought of naming an

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
individual to lead as a khalifa after even though David is regarded

him. as a King and not a Prophet by
some Jews, the Holy Qur’an
It is, therefore, evident that the true makes it very clear that he was
khilafat that has been promised to a Messenger of God who was
Muslims in Sura Al-Nur is on the given a revealed book - Ed].
same grounds as before the advent
of Islam i.e. one that is centred on 2. Prophets who are Khalifas
an individual as a chosen leader of of another and greater Prophet
the faithful. such as the Israelite prophets
who all were the Khalifas of
Khilafat and Prophethood Moses(as). About them the
This concept of khilafat is Qur’an says:
developed further in the Qur’an.
Hadhrat Mirza Bashirudin ...We have sent down the Torah
Mahmud Ahmad(ra) in his extensive wherein was guidance and
commentary on the Qur’an notes light. By it did the Prophets,
that: who were obedient to Us, judge
for the Jews... (Ch.5:V.45):
‘The Qur’an has mentioned three
kinds of Khalifas: 3. Non-Prophet Khalifas of a
Prophet, with or without
1. Khalifas who are prophets temporal powers, such as godly
such as Adam(as) and David(as). people [Rabbaniyyin] learned in
About Adam(as) God says in the Law. Their mission is to protect
Qur’an, ‘I am about to appoint and preserve the law from being
a vicegerent in the earth,’ tampered with (Ch.5:V.45) [By
(Ch.2:V.31) and about David(as) it did the Prophets, who were
He says: obedient to Us, judge for the
Jews, as did godly people and
‘O David, We have made thee a those learned in the Law;
vicegerent in the earth;...’ because they were required to
(Ch.38:V.27). preserve the Book of Allah, and
because they were guardians
[It should be pointed out that over it.]’ 6

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
(The third category therefore dispensation in which Joshua

includes the Khulafa-e-Rashideen followed Moses(as) as his khalifa and
(the Rightly Guided Khalifas) as Peter followed Jesus(as) as his
they were not prophets but were the khalifa.
khalifas of the Muslims after the
Holy Prophet(saw). Interestingly After the demise of the Holy
enough none challenged the Prophet(saw) this form of khilafat is
concept of their khilafat as rulers certainly evident in its early period
and successors to the Prophet(saw), because Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was
and this is not surprising since they elected as the first khalifa of the
must have shared the Prophet’s Muslims after Prophet
understanding on this important Muhammad(saw). This blessed
matter). institution of khilafah remained with
the Muslims for twenty nine years
From the above commentary it is until the end of the Khilafat of
evident that there is a fundamental Hadhrat Ali(ra).
and unbreakable link between
khilafat and prophethood. When Before examining the relevance and
the Qur’an talks of khalifas as possibility of khilafat today it is
leaders of people, we can see that worth taking a brief look at the
the khalifas are intrinsically linked period from Khilafat Rashida to the
to prophethood in that they are present time, and see how, if at all, it
either prophets themselves, or relates to the teachings and
servants of prophets before them. prophecies in the Qur’an and
In the former case, the prophethood Hadith.
will be proclaimed by the khalifa in
question. For khalifas who follow The blessed Khilafat Rashida
in the footsteps of other greater (632CE-661CE)
prophets they will make clear who It is not intended here to give a
that prophet is. The teaching or detailed exposition of the
shariah that they seek to uphold and achievements during this blessed era
protect will also reflect this link. but a brief review will suffice to
show that the khalifas during this
Examples of Khulafa who were not period were blessed by God and
prophets can be found in the Mosaic managed in very difficult circum-

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
stances to set in place systems and Prophet(saw). But perhaps the

practices that provided lasting greatest distinction is that of being
benefits to Muslims. the only one of Khilafat Rashida
who has been mentioned in the
Karen Armstrong notes the Quran, though not by name but by
challenges faced by the first four inference. He was the one who
Khalifas: accompanied the Prophet(saw) when
they migrated from Makkah and
‘They were all men who had were forced to take shelter in a cave
been among the Prophet’s from the pursuing Makkans8.
closest companions, and had
played a leading role in Mecca His Khilafah lasted two years but it
and Madina. They are known as was instrumental in uniting the
rashidun, the ‘rightly guided’ Muslims after the immense void
caliphs, and their period of rule left by the demise of the
would be just as formative as Prophet(saw). He guided the Muslims
that of the Prophet himself. through the Riddah (Apostasy)
Muslims would define Wars – wars that were ‘entirely
themselves and their theology political and economic’ although
according to the way they many of the rebels felt impelled to
assessed the turbulent, glorious give their revolts a religious
and tragic events of these justification9. Through this he was
years.’7 able to secure the Arabian
peninsula. He also defended Arabia
These four Khalifas also left their from the Persians as a result of
personal examples as an additional which a significant section of the
source of guidance and inspiration Persian empire came under his rule.
for Muslims for generations to
come. [Detailed accounts to follow He was known for his benevolence
in subsequent editions] and was not one to take brutal
reprisals against his enemies. His
Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) has many efforts managed to ensure that
distinctions including being one of Islam survived with a renewed
the first friend of the Prophet(saw) to pledge of loyalty from the tribes
accept Islam at the hands of the that had sought to break away. This

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
was a huge achievement at such a People of the Book were given

critical juncture in Islamic history. special protection alongside
Muslims.
The second Khalifa was Hadhrat
Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab(ra) whose Hadhrat Umar’s(ra) success in
khilafah lasted for ten years (634- leading Islam through this period of
644). Under his noble rule Islam expansion was reflected by an
made huge strides in spreading additional title of being Amirul
beyond Arabia; in particular the Momineen (Commander of the
Persian and Byzantine empires Faithful). He too retained a deep
came under Muslim rule, thus sense of justice and wisdom in his
fulfilling a prophecy of the leadership. For example after his
Prophet(saw)10. It is important to note victory in the battle of Jerusalem in
that such progress was not made 637, he was invited to pray in the
with the intention of spreading the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It
faith of Islam by force. The Arabs would certainly have been a sign of
‘were not impelled by the ferocious victory for Muslims and a defining
power of ‘Islam’ nor was Islam a moment for the Christians of their
imposed on its subjects at sword- defeat, yet he declined and chose to
point11. Its expansion was linked to pray elsewhere just to ensure that
the growth of its domain which in Christians would not be offended.
the earlier period was an inherent He was also passionate about the
part of the Khalifa’s responsibility, welfare of his people.
as he was the spiritual and political
leader of Muslims. He was He established many of the
accountable for ensuring the institutions that have since been
treaties with different tribes and replicated across the Muslims
empires were honoured and that world including :
Muslim lands were defended.
Many people embraced Islam, and • the establishment of a
the spread of Islam at a fast pace. consultative council Majlis
At the same time more people Shura,
became aware of and respected • the reorganisation of the entire
Muslims for permitting absolute State into provinces to facilitate
freedom of religion. Indeed, the administration,

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
• the establishment of a treasury The last of the Rightly-Guided

and an effective means for Khalifas was Hadhrat Ali(ra) who
collection and distribution of was also the cousin of the Holy
funds and resources, Prophet(saw). His khilafat (656-661)
• the introduction of the Islamic was faced with new challenges
Hijri Calendar, from various factions that had
• the establishment of courts of sought to gain power for
justice, State Allowances, Child themselves. Whilst the core of
Allowances Muslims remained firmly aligned
• the construction of state to the Khalifa, the expanded
buildings and bridges, territories invited the challenge of
• the formal development of ensuring the same degree of
agriculture spirituality of Muslims across the
empire, and the strain was
Of all these perhaps the most becoming evident. In fact these
significant and important was the challenges were also prophesied in
appointment of a committee to Sura Al-Nasr in the Qur’an (the last
elect the next khalifa so ensuring chapter to be revealed) in which the
that khilafah itself would remain, as victory of Islam was set out
long as people remained righteous. together with a note of caution as it
included the telling phrase ‘and
He was succeeded by Hadhrat seek forgiveness’. It reads:
Uthman(ra) and it was under his
khilafat (644-656) that standard When the help of Allah comes
copies of the Holy Qur’an were and the victory and thou seest
prepared (from the ones compiled men entering the religion of
by Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)) and sent to Allah in troops glorify thy Lord,
all the provinces of the state. He with His praise, and seek
was well-known for his concern for forgiveness of Him. Surely He is
the poor and also is credited to have Oft-Returning with compassion.
established the first navy in the (Ch.110: Vs.2-4)
Islamic empire. He oversaw the
continued expansion which in fact If the glory and success of Islam
reached its peak under his khilafat. were being foretold then why the
need to seek forgiveness? We know

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Quotes about Khilafat

Prophet Muhammad(saw)
‘Prophethood shall remain among you as long as God wills. He will
bring about its end and follow it with Khilafat on the precepts of
Prophethood for as long as He wills…’
(Masnad-e-Ahmad)
Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)

‘God has appointed me as Khalifa among you in order that I may
create brotherly unity among you and establish the faith.’
Hadhrat Umar(ra)
‘Anyone who needs monetary help, should come to me, as God has
made me the Treasurer and Disburser.’
Hadhrat Uthman(ra)
‘I am not going to part with this robe of Khilafat which God
Almighty has bestowed upon me.
Hadhrat Ali(ra)
‘The people who have sworn their oath of allegiance to me are the
same who swore a similar oath to Abu Bakr, using the same formula
as before….The consultative voting was effected by Muhajirin and
Ansar and once they agreed to the appointment of a Khalifa as their
leader, it attains the seal of God’s pleasure and approval.
(All four quotes above from An Exposition of Some Crticisms Against Khilafat-i-
Rashida, byMaulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque
1979)

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
that the victories and challenges challenge the authority of the

certainly began during the lifetime Khalifa and to press ahead with
of Prophet Muhammad(saw) but the their own understanding of
challenges became a harsh reality leadership. An atmosphere of
during the khilafat of Hadhrat hostility and contempt replaced the
Ali(ra). The inability to meet the spirit of sacrifice and unity and
demands of the moral training of these positions continued to harden
such large numbers of Muslims until no hope was left amongst
meant it was difficult for them to some for a return to the
appreciate and adopt the finer brotherhood that had prevailed at
qualities of Islam that would enable the time of the Prophet(saw).
them to attain social peace. It was
this inability to cope with the sheer The golden thread that ran through
numbers joining Islam in such a the Khulafa-e-Rashideen and
short space of time to which the bound them together was their
Qur’an pointed. It was impossible unstinting loyalty to Islam, their
for the new Muslims to attain the nobility of character and adherence
same high degree of understanding to the teachings and practices of
and righteousness. This created Muhammad(saw). They also did not
great difficulties for the Ummah let anything detract them from
(followers). In particular the defending the honour of the office
position of the one Khalifa in an of khilafat and some made the
expanded empire created a desire ultimate sacrifice in its defence.
for leadership amongst others and This loyalty enabled them to make
this put them on a slippery slope great progress but they also faced
away from the blessings of great difficulties. Yet, despite this,
khilafah. they remained true to their faith and
never let personal ambition
This deviation eventually led to encroach upon their holy mission.
Mu’awiyah breaking away from Indeed the Khilafat Rashida had no
Hadhrat Ali(ra) and setting himself desire to lead but as they had been
up as Khalifa in Jerusalem. This bestowed this position by God they
was accompanied by the emer- led with sincerity of heart knowing
gence of the Kharijites (the that they were accountable to Him
‘seceders’) who sought to for their tenure in office.

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
But with the increase in Muslim of those Muslims. In that situation

population and territory, an we can see that it was inevitable that
ambition and desire for leadership God’s promise of khilafah would be
became irresistible to those who fulfilled. It was fulfilled because of
sought to obtain worldly honour. the very nature and rank of the
This is reflected in Mu’awiyah’s companions.
own words who said:
Once people gave way to their
‘As for Abu Bakr he did not selfish ambitions for power the
want the world…As for Umar, bounty of khilafah was taken from
the world wanted him but he them. Having undoubtedly
did not want it. As for us, we benefited from the expansion of
have rolled over in it (like an Islam under the Khilafat Rashida,
animal)’12 they were beset with difficulties, as
their focus shifted away from the
It may be worth reminding preservation of religious values that
ourselves here of the nobility of the was characterised by the Khulafa.
early Muslims that made them They, therefore, became unde-
worthy of khilafah. The Holy serving of the blessing of true
Prophet(saw) had carried out a spiritual khilafah.
tremendous revolution in the Arabs
and had transformed them from an This turn of events was in
idolatrous and tribally proud society accordance with God’s promise that
to a brotherhood based on the love khilafat was only promised to those
of God and service to humanity. The who believed and did good deeds. It
sacrifices and moral example of the was, therefore, conditional on them
Companions reflected an amazing remaining united as a body of
degree of spiritual advancement. righteous people who were devoted
People who were avowed enemies to God and His message. Once that
of truth and were determined to was lost, so was the institution of a
wipe out Islam became its blessed khilafat.
staunchest allies who were prepared
to sacrifice their lives for the sake of From Blessed Khilafat to
truth and for the sake of Islam. Such Temporal Rule
was the moral and spiritual standard Following the death of Hadhrat

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Ali(ra) the Muslim community’s this chapter of history. It is narrated

sense of spiritual unity quickly in Masnad Ahmad that:
started to fade with different
factions taking different directions. ‘The Holy Prophet(saw) said:
This resulted in the shift in style of “Prophethood shall remain
Muslim leadership from spiritual among you as long as God wills.
Khilafat to other forms of rule and He will bring about its end and
as time went on the essence of follow it with Khilafat on the
righteousness diminished. Whilst precepts of Prophethood for as
there was some useful progress long as He wills and then bring
under subsequent caliphs, (e.g. some about its end. Kingship shall
commentators have credited then follow and remain as long
Mu’awiya with providing political as God wills and then come to an
stability whilst leader) it was the end. There shall then be tyranny
change in focus away from God that which shall remain as long as
was their ultimate undoing. God wills and come to an end
Mu’awiyah’s appointment of his upon His decree. ...” ’
son, Yazid, as his successor reveals
an inner weakness as he sought to This clearly states the shift in style
secure familial power rather than and spirituality of the leadership that
religious purity. was to follow. The noble and
blessed khilafat was to be followed
Undoubtedly, the failure of by forms of temporal rule and then
leadership did not mean that all descend into dictatorship. This did
Muslims had abandoned Islam, but not mean that all subsequent leaders
they did not retain within them the would lack any spirituality or
purity of heart and brotherhood to goodness but the majority of them
function as one body of faithful. would not be as mindful of the
Different groups elected their own teachings of Islam and the Qur’an.
leaders and gradually they drifted From this point on, the leadership
apart despite sharing the same core was mostly focused on securing
faith. political rule and political gain and
tribal or national interest rather than
It is relevant to note here a hadith of securing nobility and peace.
the Prophet(saw) that had foretold of

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
What was predicted in the When one considers the spiritual

Prophet’s(saw) hadith came to pass. In rank and moral character of the
fact, it succinctly reflects the Islamic Rashidun, the contrast with the
history from 661 to the present day. above could not be greater.
This is probably why when most As noted, this misunderstanding

non-Muslims think of the word has prevailed to the extent that the
khalifa or more accurately its word Caliph carries with it its own
anglicised form Caliphate, they meaning with an emphasis on civil
think of those who led Muslims (and and political affairs rather than
still held on to the title of Khalifa) moral, religious and spiritual
during the long period after the affairs14: a concept which has over
Rashidun. It certainly has stronger 1300 years of history behind it,
political connotation – something making it one that is hard to
that the history and record of those change!
‘caliphs’ would bear out.
The span of the caliphate after
The orientalists also have played a Hadhrat Ali(ra) included the rule of
role in emphasising the political the Ummayad Dynasty (661-750)
nature of such rulers and wrongly and the Abbassid Dynasty (750 –
tarred all kinds of Muslim rulers, 1258). During the Abbassid era,
caliphs and the Khalifat Rashida from the tenth century onwards
with the same brush. An example of Muslims established themselves in
this is found in Sir Thomas Arnold’s distinct regions, each with its own
book The Caliphate. He writes: caliph. Over time these included
the Samanids, Hamdanids,
‘For understanding the status of Fatimids, Ayyubids, the
the Caliph, it is important Marmelukes and Moghuls. The last
therefore to recognise that he is era of caliphate, normally referred
pre-eminently a political to, is that of the Ottomans whose
functionary, these functions do rule lasted (nominally at least) until
not imply the possession of any 1924 although it had ceased to have
spiritual powers setting him any meaningful power and
thereby apart from the rest of the authority before then.
faithful.’13

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
However, it is important to remem- impossible. If the only dominance

ber that not all Muslims since that Islam was destined to gain was
Khilafat Rashida had forgotten one of numbers then whilst that
what Islam had taught them, for seems likely is there any merit in
many continued to practise and such an achievement? Can
benefit from it. There were many Muslims today really attain peace
who became out-standing thinkers with so many disparate and
in their own right and whose contending world views within the
contributions have shaped the Ummah? More importantly are
modern world in many ways. there any clues that guide us to a
Furthermore there were also solution for the modern world?
spiritual reformers (mujaddids)
who appeared in every century to Khilafat and Muslims today
guide Muslims aright, but the unity One can sense the desperation of
of the Ummah as a whole never Muslims at a lack of global
returned to that which existed leadership. At a personal level,
during the time of the Khilafat many know and understand the
Rashida and certainly not to the inner strength of Islam as contained
unity at the time of the Prophet(saw). in the Qur’an and the life example
The undeniable fact is that just as of the Prophet(saw) and the promise
Muslims lost the blessed Khilafat of Islam’s ascendancy in securing
Rashida, they have lost true unity. and restoring global peace, yet the
gap between this and the current
This has resulted in there being vacuum of leadership seems
such a fragmentation amongst the unfathomable.
global Muslim community – each
with its own theology and This also prompts the question that
interpretation – that one wonders: if Islam was for all time then where
is there any hope of turning the is the khilafat of Muslims today?
clock back and seeking to achieve a After sending His perfect
truly united Muslim Ummah? The messenger and showing the model
world has come so far away from of khilafat in the era of Khilafat
the time of the Prophet(saw) and has Rashidan has God now abandoned
changed beyond recognition that it Muslims completely? More
would appear to be nigh on importantly can a group of

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SOME MUJADDIDS IN ISLAM

The following Mujaddids (Reformers) have appeared since the time of
Hadhrat Ali(ra). With the exception of the last, none claimed to be a
prophet and khalifa of the Holy Prophet(saw)
Century Name Hijrah Dates Christian Era
1st Umar bin Abdul Aziz 60 - 101 717 - 720
2nd Ahmad bin Hanbal 164 - 241 780 - 855
3rd Abul Hasan Ashari 260 - 324 873 - 935
4th Abu Bakr Baqlani ? - 403 ? - 1013
5th Al Ghazali 450 - 505 1058 - 1111
6th Abdul Qadir Jilani 470 - 561 1077 - 1166
7th Ibne Taimiyya 661 - 728 1263 - 1328
8th Ibne Hajar Asqalani 773 - 852 1372 - 1449
9th Jalal-ad-Din as-Sayuti 849 - 911 1445 - 1505
10th Muhammad Tahir Gujarati 963 – 1014 1556 – 1605
11th Ahmad Sirhindi 971- 1034 1564 - 1624
12th Shah Wali Ullah 1113 - 1175 1702 - 1762
13th Ahmad Brelwi 1201 - 1246 1786 - 1831
14th Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) 1251 - 1326 1835 – 1908
disparate believers ever come Allamah Sir Muhammad Iqbal,

together and elect a Khalifa? have argued that it will certainly be
within the scope of Muslims to
Some in the last century, such as Dr unite and progress as they have the

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KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
perfect Book. They would have split into sects and schisms
learnt from the past mistakes and have never been reunified by
thus eventually reach a state of human effort alone. The same
maturity required to accomplish inevitably applies to the
this task. In this respect, some Muslims today. Without the
Muslims have tried to establish agency of a Divine Reformer,
movements and philosophies as a they cannot be assembled again
desperate attempt to unify under the single flag of Unity.
Muslims, but conventional wisdom …
goes against such vain attempts at
such a monumental challenge. ‘The existence of about
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) seventy-two doctrinal divi-
dismisses such philosophy in a sions among them, despite a
characteristically incisive manner: well-preserved Book and a
well-documented record of
‘If ‘maturity of man’ is taken to traditions, throws a dismal light
mean that he becomes on the Iqbalian philosophy of
independent in drawing his the maturity of man.’
conclusions from the study of
scriptures, then there must Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) then
ensue a perfect unity of notes:
agreement on all the funda-
mental aspects of religious ‘Their differences are not
teachings. Alas, what we merely marginal. They are
observe in real life fails deep-rooted, further multi-
miserably to support this view. plying and proliferating as time
Muslims, the proud recipients goes by. Add to this the moral
of the last perfect Book, are no destitution prevailing in the
less divided among themselves Muslim world and the tragedy
in the matter of interpretation of their lifeless existence
than are the peoples of all other becomes all the more pathetic.
religions. To what avail, Commit their survival to the
therefore, is the so-called maturity of their intellect and
maturity of man? The history of perform ablution for their
religion proves that people once funeral rites, “ashes to ashes,

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dust to dust and earth to earth – A closer examination of the Mosaic

Amen!”’15 dispensation reveals that many
Israelite prophets came to protect
What is also implied here is that if the Mosaic Law. Many of them
it were possible then would were in essence the khalifas of
Muslims not also come together on Moses(as). It is also interesting to
other critical issues and act as one note that the last prophet of the
body with one understanding and Mosaic dispensation was Jesus(as)
one aim? The truth is that it is not who was also the Messiah that was
possible as they have drifted too far promised to the Jews16. His mission
from the holy path. A single khalifa was one of purely reviving the true
for the whole Ummah has not spirit and understanding of the
existed for the past 1400 years Mosaic law and not to add to it.17
since Hadhrat Ali(ra). This He was therefore also another
underlines the scale of such a task Khalifa of Moses(as). His advent
and the improbability of one being had nothing to do with the Jewish
elected now. clergy at that time since they had no
hand in his appointment to office.
The solution to this conundrum is In fact they were strongly opposed
found in the Qur’an itself and in the to it as his drive to rejuvenate the
way that God has helped mankind Mosaic Law was a direct challenge
before. As has been seen in the to their authority. Thus the khilafat
history of religion, it reaffirms the of the Mosaic period was revived
link between khilafat and by God through the advent of His
prophethood. prophet Jesus(as).
History tells us that once the link This is relevant to Muslims

with prophethood is broken then because on several occasions the
khilafat cannot continue or emerge Muslims have been likened to the
on its own. It is only through the Jews before them18 and this serves
institution of prophethood itself as a prophetic reminder also that
that the chain of khilafat is restored. the difficulties they face will be
The clearest historic precedence for similar19. This also gives hope in
this is that of the Mosaic the sense that it also sets out the
dispensation. solution.

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At the time of Jesus(as) it was not and guide the Jews: At the end of
within the scope of all the Jews to his dispensation another prophet
unite for the sake of spiritual had been raised and sent by God.
advancement. They had drifted too This also reflects the degree of
far apart and consequently mercy and grace of God for the
foregone their right to elect their Jews. It would, therefore, be
khalifa. In the Qur’an we are told unthinkable that God would not act
that khilafat is promised to those with similar mercy for the Ummah
who believe and do good deeds – of the greatest Prophet,
by which is meant that those who Muhammad(saw), especially as his
uphold the true spirit and teachings message was for the whole world.
and practices of God’s law. The
condition of the Jews at that time No doubt this is why Muslims have
was far removed from this so it been taught two specific prayers
was only out of God’s mercy and in that were to act both as a warning
the fulfilment of His promise that a for them and also as a source of
prophet (and khalifa of Moses(as)) comfort and hope.
was sent to set them on the right
path. Prayers for Prophethood and
Khilafat
The same is the case with Islam The Qur’an sheds light on this
and Muslims. A casual glance matter in its very first chapter. Al-
shows the complete state of Fatihah that is also known as
disarray and disharmony. Those Ummul Qur’an, (i.e. the Mother of
who should be leading their the Qur’an) reveals God’s profound
community towards peace are, wisdom. For in this small chapter
with rare exception, failing to do so he has compacted an immense
and instead lead for the sake of treasure house of knowledge. It
personal gain or glory. So where holds the essence of the entire
and how can God’s promise be message, teachings and guidance of
fulfilled today? the Holy Qur’an. It is of little
surprise, therefore, that a critical
The obvious link is the issue of problem that was to face Muslims
prophethood. The greatness of of the latter days is dealt with
Moses(as) was not enough to save upfront.

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Furthermore, being a prayer that is Prophets, Truthful, Martyrs and

recited over thirty times daily in Righteous. It is not a selfish desire
regular prayers of a Muslim, Al- for prophethood that is captured
Fatihah has left little room for and expressed here (since
Muslims to plead ignorance to the appointment of prophets is purely
solution for their current problems. God’s preserve), rather it is a desire
The key lies in verse seven in to be set on the noble path and for
which Muslims pray to be guided the Ummah (since it states Guide
in: us) to be of such purity that in it
there are people who reflect the
…the right path - The path of qualities mentioned. This includes
those on whom Thou hast prophethood.
bestowed Thy blessings...
Since Hadhrat Ali(ra) we can cite
The natural question is what is this examples of Muslims who were
path? This question has been Truthful, Martyrs and Righteous
answered in the Qur’an itself in but what of Prophets? Can we cite
Chapter 4 verses 69-70 which state: even a single one despite being
taught this prayer? It is this
And We would surely have spiritual progeny of the Truthful,
guided them in the right path. Martyrs, Righteous and Prophets
And whoso obeys Allah and this that was promised to Prophet
Messenger of His shall be Muhammad(saw) in verse 4 of
among those on whom Allah chapter 108 Al-Kauthar, in which
has bestowed His blessings, God declared:
namely, the Prophets, the
Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Surely, it is thy enemy who is
Righteous and excellent com- without issue. (Ch.108: V.4)
panions are these.
The Prophet(saw) was promised that
In other words, it reveals that in his progeny would be blessed so
order to be one of those who much so that his spiritual
receives God’s blessings Muslims successors would be so superior
pray to be guided in the path that than his opponents and would leave
leads to the spiritual ranks of the them in awe.

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A further prayer is found in the Numerous scholars supported this

Durood, the invocation of peace view and one such scholar was
and blessings on the Prophet(saw) Hadhrat Muhyiuddin Ibn Arabi
(also a part of salat in Islam). That who observed:
prayers implores God that:
‘From the study and contemplation
‘Bless, O Allah, Muhammad of the Durood we have arrived at the
and his people as Thou didst definite conclusion that there shall,
bless Abraham and his people. from among the Muslims, certainly
Thou art indeed Praiseworthy, be persons whose status, in the
the Exalted.’ matter of prophethood, shall
advance to the level of prophets, if
Again we can see that a parallel is Allah pleases. But they shall not be
drawn between Abraham(as) (and given any book of Law.’20
his people) and Muhammad(saw)
(and his people). The prayer This proves that in seeking to secure
acknowledges Abraham’s blessed similar blessings in the dispensation
progeny that included the Mosaic of Muhammad(saw) similar bounties
dispensation, which consisted of are also being sought. Such bounties
not just one but many prophets and would also serve to elevate the
khalifas. status of Prophet Muhammad(saw)
even more since the scope of the
So in the same way that prophets Mosaic Law was limited to the
and khalifas were deemed essential Israelites whereas the scope of the
by God to progress and protect the Holy Prophet(saw) and Islam is
Mosaic Law how could it be that universal and for all time. This
prophets and khalifas were not makes the task that much greater
needed for Muhammad’s(saw) too.
dispensation? Were the Rashidun
sufficient for all time? Absolutely Having taught Muslims these
not and this is the reason why prayers, Allah admonishes Muslims
God’s promise of khilafat in Sura to have firm faith in what is yet to
Al-Nur is not fixed to any one time come (Ch.2:V.5) which is a
period. prophecy that God will not leave
them or His religion rather He

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would revive His message in the long as He wills and then bring
latter days. about its end. Kingship shall
then follow and remain as long
Once the link to prophethood is as God wills and then come to
restored then Allah’s words make an end. There shall then be
clear that khilafat will continue, tyranny which shall remain as
provided the community remains long as God wills and come to
righteous. an end upon His decree. ...” ’
So, keeping all this in mind, if we This hadith then ended with a
look at the decline of Muslims after promise of God’s help:
Khilafate Rashida and note the state
of Muslims today then can we ‘“There will then emerge
conclude that the prayers of the Khilafat on the precept of
prophet and of countless Muslims Prophethood” The Holy
have gone unanswered? Prophet said no more.’
The answer is a definitive no and It very clearly reminds us of the

there are two reasons. Firstly, the link with prophethood. True
Qur’an tells us of God’s promise. It khilafat was destined for Muslims
is impossible for Him to break His but their decline and subsequent
promise. Secondly the very hadith state was to be such that it was not
that sets out the emergence of within their power to establish
Khilafat Rashida and the fate of the khilafat. As God had done so with
subsequent leadership, also sets out Mosaic dispensation so would He
a promise for the latter days. To again offer hope to mankind
remind ourselves, the first part in through the Holy Prophet’s(saw)
Masnad Ahmad stated that: dispensation. Thus the blessed light
of khilafat of the latter days would
‘The Holy Prophet(saw) said: only be realised through the prism
“Prophethood shall remain of prophethood that would appear
among you as long as God wills. to revive the true Islam. The
He will bring about its end and hallmarks of such a prophet would
follow it with Khilafat on the be that he would be a Muslim, he
precepts of Prophethood for as would be subservient to Prophet

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Muhammad(saw) and through him a one through whom the institution

new era of blessed khilafat would of a blessed khilafat is restarted for
emerge. the sole purpose of upholding Islam
and the honour of Muhammad(saw)?
The task for Muslims therefore is to
search for one whose belief in God Amazingly enough, in the whole of
and service to Islam was of such the Muslim Ummah – from the
high calibre and of such purity that time of Hadhrat Ali(ra) to the present
he became deserving of God’s day – only one person has made
blessings and manifested in him such a claim and he and the
God’s answer to our prayers for a Khalifas after him and the
spiritual guide and heir to community of followers have
Muhammad(saw). Furthermore the prospered and flourished under
hadith and the Qur’an make clear Divine protection like no other
that at such a time a new community since the period of
community of followers will arise Khilafat Rashida. It is therefore
and devote themselves to serve for imperative to take a look at his
the sake of righteousness and peace claims, mission and community to
to the extent that the bounty of see how it matches the era of the
khilafat that was lost to the Prophet(saw) and the Khilafat
Muslims for 1400 years is regained. Rashida.
The question thus remains that has The Awaited Prophet

there been any such devoted Prophethood itself is a bounty for a
servant of Islam who has claimed true believer, but it is none except
to be Divinely guided and who has the select few that can ever attain it.
declared his prophethood in With God’s final message of Islam
fulfilment of these prophecies? Has revealed to Prophet Muhammad(saw)
his arrival generated a similar one thing was certain that any new
response from the Muslim Ummah prophet could only appear in his
as the Jews responded to Jesus(as) Ummah for no new religion was
and his followers? And equally needed, only a reformer to rekindle
importantly, has such a noble its true spirit. In the same way that
personality, through his closeness Jesus(as) served the Mosaic Law the
to God, been chosen by God as the prophet of the latter days would be

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completely subservient to Islam Like prophets before him, up to the

and Prophet Muhammad(saw), and be point he received the Divine call,
a khalifa of Muhammad(saw) with he made no claim to such spiritual
the stature and status of pro- status, and in fact recoiled at the idea
phethood granted by God. that he was even worthy of such
Anything to the contrary would go divine accolade. He saw his service
against the tradition of God. as nothing but a duty of a sincere
believer and servant of
The sole claimant to prophethood Muhammad . It was only after
(saw)
and to being the Messiah (as the being blessed with converse with
Mahdi in some Muslim texts) the Almighty and being told time
promised to Islam in the latter days and again in no uncertain terms that
(and indeed all religions) was he was the Messiah and Mahdi and
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) the prophet for the latter days that he
(1835-1908). He was a well- stood forth and announced his
respected and devout Muslim who prophethood to the world and
through his writings such as the established the Ahmadiyya Muslim
epoch making Barahin-e- Community. He cared little for the
Ahmadiyya invigorated the hardships that were to face him (of
Muslims with a new sense of belief which there were many) instead
and conviction and he energised placing his utmost trust in God at
them with the true understanding of Whose threshold he now lay.
Islam. Islam was once more
resurrected as a living religion that His claim to prophethood can be
offered hope and salvation for not readily seen in his following
just Muslims but all who wished to statements:
benefit from it. In his defence of
Islam he wrote over eighty books. ‘Since I myself have witnessed
He was equally critical of Muslims the clear fulfilment of about 150
who did not live by the true prophecies, how can I deny the
principles of Islam. Thus, his title of Nabi or Rasul about me?
mission was to remove the Since Allah the Most High has
malpractice and revive the Himself bestowed these titles
righteousness and purity that Islam upon me, why should I forsake
offered. them or fear anyone except

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Him? I declare in the name of any blessing that he had received

God Who has sent me – and was purely because of his devotion
cursed are those who fabricate to the cause of the Holy Prophet(saw)
lies about Him – that he has sent and nothing else for it was his firm
me as the promised Messiah.’ belief that it was the only through
(Eik Ghalati ka Izalah, Ruhani Islam and the Holy Prophet(saw) that
Khaza’ian, vol.18, p.210) mankind could attain true peace.
‘I declare in the name of God He affirmed that:

Who controls my life that he has
sent me and he has granted me ‘I have received full measure of
the title Nabi. He has called me the blessing that were bestowed
the Promised Messiah, and he on the prophets and honoured
has shown great signs for my ones of God before me purely as
truthfulness which number a result of the Grace of Allah
about three hundred thousand.’ and not due to any merit of my
(Tatimma Haqiqatul Wahi, own. And it was not possible for
Ruhani Khaza’ian, vol.22, me to get this blessing if I did
p.503) not follow the ways of my
Master and Lord, the honour of
There are numerous other the Prophets and best of them
statements of his that testify to his all, the Holy Prophet, may peace
claim to prophethood on the basis of and blessings of Allah be upon
Divine instruction, but he was also him. So, whatever I achieved
equally clear that his prophethood resulted from following his path.
was not independent of I understand – based on my true
Muhammad (saw) rather it was only as and complete knowledge – that
a mere slave of the Holy Prophet(saw). no one can reach God without
He firmly believed in Prophet following His Prophet(saw), nor
Muhammad(saw) as Khataman can he have a share of the
Nabiyyeen (Seal of the Prophets) perfect understanding.’
and at every moment he would seek (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani
to preserve and defend the honour Khaza’ian, vol.22, pp.64-65)
and greatness of the Holy
Prophet(saw). He was also clear that And further:

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‘This eminence has been granted Remember, anyone who gets the
to me because of my following honour of meeting him, he must
the Holy Prophet(saw). Had I not convey my salam to him.’
been one of his followers and (Al-Mo’jam Al-Awsat Lit-
had I not been following his tabarani, Manismuhu ‘Isa. Al-
teaching faithfully, I could have Mo’jam-us- Saghir Lit-tabarani,
never achieved this high status Manismuhu ‘Isa)
of communion with Allah, even
though my good deeds had piled On another occasion he said:
up to the height of the
mountains. This is because no ‘When you find the Mahdi,
law-bearing prophet can ever be perform Bai’at (pledge of
raised, but a non-law-bearing allegiance) at his hands. You
prophet can still appear. But he must go to him, even if you have
must always be a follower of the to reach him across icebound
Holy Prophet(saw). I am therefore mountains on your knees. He is
a follower as well as a prophet.’ the Mahdi and the Khalifa of
(Tajalliyati Ilahiyya, p.24) Allah’
(Sunan Ibn Maja, Kitab ul Fitan,
This should put beyond doubt his Vol.2, p.1367)
resolute conviction about his
position in relation to the Holy On many occasions, the Promised
Prophet(saw) and his claim to Messiah(as) also clarified that he was
prophethood as well. This also the second spiritual advent of
prophethood also had the aspect of Jesus(as) and therefore underlining a
khilafat of the Holy Prophet(saw). It is strong similarity between his
relevant here to note the following mission and the mission of the
hadith in which when referring to Mosaic Messiah. The difference in
the advent of the Promised emphasis was that whereas Jesus(as)
Messiah(as) the Holy Prophet(saw) came to revive the Mosaic teachings
instructed his followers that: the Promised Messiah(as) came to
revive Islam.
‘…he [the Promised Messiah]
will be my Khalifa from among He said:
my followers after me…

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‘This humble one is appointed develops in the heart as a result

by the Omnipotent and Most of the honest and perfect
Glorious God to work for the following of the Holy
betterment of mankind in the Prophet ; so know it that it is
(saw)
manner of the Israeli prophet of the righteous heart. The love of

Nazareth, the Messiah, with the world departs from the
extreme humility, meekness, heart, and it desires an eternal
modesty, love and courtesy. To and unending pleasure. Then, as
those who are unaware of the a consequence of this righteous
right way, I am to show them the heart, a pure and perfect divine
straight path through which they love is acquired. And all these
can achieve true Salvation, and blessings are received as
feel in this very world the signs inheritance from following the
of having heavenly life, and Holy Prophet(saw).’
experience the illumination of (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani
being accepted and loved by Khazain, vol.22, pp.64-65)
God.’
(Tabligh Risalat, Vol.1, p.11) What is intriguing about this is that
he set out the rejection of this world
Further proof of the truth of his as a means of attaining right-
mission can be found in the fact that eousness. It is this spirit of devotion
it was at his hands that the blessed and love of God that was the key to
institution of khilafat was revived. the blessings of khilafat in early
His example and the example of the Islam and it is the same that was to
community that responded to his secure it in the latter days. This
call bore striking similarities to the quality was admitted by even those
period of Islam during the time of who had moved to undermine
the Holy Prophet(saw) and the khilafat during the time of the
Khilafat Rashida. The direction in Rashidun. You may recall that
which he was taking his followers is Mu’awiyah himself observed that
also an amazing reflection of early whilst the Rashidun did not want
Islam. He said: this world Mu’awaiyah and those
of his ilk ‘rolled over in it (like an
‘And here I am going to tell you animal)’. How telling that the
about the first thing that Promised Messiah(as) who was the

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chosen one to revive khilafat that in line with God’s promise in

strongly cautioned his followers to Sura Al-Nur, there was good news
remained focused on God and its for the righteous in that they would
ultimate accountability to Him, see a revival of khilafat, and
and use this as a means to pursue provided they remained true to their
righteousness, thus striking at the faith this bounty would remain with
heart of the worldly ambition that them until the end of mankind.
had removed this bounty from
Muslims in the first era! His advent had demonstrated the
first manifestation of God’s mercy
Revival of Khilafat for this age, and assured them that
This revival of khilafat by the after his demise God would bless
Promised Messiah(as) is the final the righteous with the Second
and crucial piece of this jigsaw of Manifestation of His mercy. He
Islam’s revival. The manner in wrote:
which he did this was to seek to
ensure that his followers would ‘For it is essential for you to see
remain faithful to both the teach- the Second Manifestation, too,
ings and the spirit of Islam. This and its coming is better for you
required them to strive with their because it is everlasting the
body and soul for Islam and make continuity of which will not end
the necessary sacrifices. He was till the Day of Judgement. And
aware that his immediate com- the second Manifestation
panions had received God’s cannot come unless I depart.
blessings by sharing his company But when I depart, then God
and by learning Islam through his will send this second
example but he also looked to Manifestation for you which
protect his community from shall always remain with you as
drifting away for generations to it is promised by God in
come. Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.’21
This can be seen through his He also made clear that it was under
prophecy and teachings for the Khilafat that the global success of
community that related to his Islam would be seen for he said:
demise and beyond. He foretold

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 47
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
‘God desires to draw all those line with the Qur’anic teaching that:
people whether they belong to
Europe or Asia who inhabit Never shall you attain to
various habitations of the world, righteousness unless you spend
and who have virtuous nature, to out of that which you love.
the Unity of God and unite men, (Ch.3; V.93)
His servants, in one Faith. This
is the very purpose of God to It is this righteousness that would
achieve which I have been sent enable khilafat to be preserved and
to the world.’22 that is exactly what happened.
To this end he urged followers to Following his demise in 1908, his

adopt a life of those who may be community, like the community of
deemed worthy of khilafat and this the Companions of the Prophet(saw),
was set out in his Will (Al Wasiyyat). gathered and sought Divine
This focused primarily on the protection and blessings and
spiritual and moral values and the elected a khalifa to continue the
need to be ever-vigilant in seeking revival of Islam that was initiated
God’s protection from the by the Promised Messiah(as). This
distractions of this world. election of Hadhrat Hakim Maulvi
Nooruddeen Sahib(ra) (who also
‘And, totally shedding all base happened to be the first person who
desires of the self, choose for the accepted Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
sake of winning the pleasure of Ahmadas) as a prophet and the
God that path compared to messiah promised for the latter
which no path can be narrower days) was the final step in the
and straiter. Do not fall in love fulfilment of God’s promise of
with the pleasures of the world, Khilafat for Muslims, for the final
for they take you away from link between prophethood and
God.’23 khilafat had been restored and
would continue to flourish and
Added to this he urged people to progress as long as the community
make an extraordinary sacrifice of retained its righteousness and its
their wealth and time for the sake of faith in God.
their faith. This was very much in

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 48
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Khilafat Ahmadiyya – another the world over. Unity that was

era of Khilafat Rashida maintained during the precarious
Very much mirroring the experience time of Hadhrat Maulvi Nurruddin
and success of Khilafat Rashida the Sahib(ra), the foundations of
new khilafat was blessed with expansion that were laid down
immense Divine help and during the khilafat of Hadhrat Mirza
protection. It was a beacon of hope Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra), the
that was destined to guide the whole wise counsel that guided and
Ummah back to the right path and to protected the Jama’at and called for
this day its progress and success in the global service of mankind
the face of adversity reflects the during the time of Hadhrat Mirza
Divine succour that it has been Nasir Ahmad(ru), the prolific
granted. expansion and impact that was
achieved during the khilafat of
If we take a glimpse at the history of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) and
Khilafat Ahmadiyya then we can the continuing success and noble
see that the Khalifas indeed have leadership, at a global level, of
been granted success as promised Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba),
by Allah. The Ahmadiyya Jama’at all make up a resounding portfolio
has grown at a phenomenal rate – of evidence of the truth of Khilafat-
unparalleled since the rise of Islam e-Ahmadiyya and its ongoing
itself – and it has established success in establishing the religion
missions in the cause of Islam in of Islam in all corners of the world.
every corner of the world. Despite
severe persecution, Allah has If we compare this to the experience
remained firm to His promise and of the Muslims over the same 100
granted His Khalifas success upon years who have failed to recognise
success. The call for unity – and the Khilafat – then we see a stark
unification of mankind is only being contrast. Khilafat Ahmadiyya has
advanced and achieved at the hands resulted in success reflecting the
of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. benefits of Divine favour, whereas
the condition of Muslims who have
The Khalifas have led the cause for denied this khilafat has suffered
raising the flag of the Unity of Allah nothing but continued fragmen-
and for the establishment of peace tation and frustration. This too is in

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 49
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
line with the Qur’anic verdict which that Muslims have a duty to
whilst assuring the success of respond to the call of the khalifa of
Khilafat, notes that such khilafat this age.
will not be accepted by all for it
adds a prophetic note of caution by The primary responsibility
saying that, according to the Holy Prophet(saw)
himself is to take the oath of
Then whoso is ungrateful after allegiance at the hands of the
that, they will be the rebellious. Khalifa. Once that has been done,
(Ch.24:V.56) the positions of Muslims today, as
it was during the period of Khilafat
This assures us that efforts to Rashida, is to hear and obey.
disprove the blessed Khilafat and Anything else would be tantamount
arrest its success will be fruitless as to rejecting the instructions of the
God promises in the Qur’an in the Holy Prophet(saw) for he is reported
following verse of the same chapter, to have said that:
that,
‘Anyone who follows my Amir
Think not that those who shall be regarded as having
disbelieve can frustrate Our followed me, but anyone who
plan...(Ch.24:V.58) disobeys my Amir shall be
regarded as having disobeyed
Thus, Khilafat Ahmadiyya stands me.’
unique in the world today in that it (The Promised Messiah(as)
represents a community that has published in Badr 2.6.1908)
recognised the prophet of this age
and witnessed the khilafat that It would be unthinkable that any
followed it – exactly in line with the Muslim would wish to be counted
promise made by God in the as one who disobeyed the Holy
Qur’an. Prophet(saw). So obedience to his
Khalifa is an act of faith. In fact, it
Duty of Muslims to the Khilafat is such obedience that is the
Having established the legitimacy hallmark of a Muslim. It reflects
of the institution of Khilafat the living response to the
Ahmadiyya, it is relevant to note instruction of the Qur’an to:

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 50
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Obey Allah and obey His submit yourself to serve God by

messenger and those who are in presenting yourself at the service of
authority over you. your Khalifa25.
(Ch.4: V.60)
It is by obeying the Khalifa that
The Qur’an also emphasises the Muslims will be serving the cause
requirement of obedience with of Islam for it is under Khilafat that
reference to khilafat. This can be Islam was promised triumph.
gauged from the verses in Sura Al-
Nur that contain the promise of Khilafat and the growth of the
khilafat. The concept of obedience Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
is mentioned not just once but seven Ahmadis consider themselves
times in verses 52-57. This makes fortunate to have witnessed the
clear that obedience is a critical revival of khilafat following the
factor to the ongoing blessings of arrival of the Prophet of this age and
khilafat – for without this true unity is have a proud history of
is impossible. Indeed, Allah assures responding to the call of the
those who hear and obey24 that they Khalifa, as success of the Waqf-
shall prosper. Jadid and Tehrik Jadid Schemes, the
Nusrat Jehan Scheme, Waqf-e-Nau
In fact the first Khalifa of the scheme have shown, to name but a
Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Hadhrat few.
Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib(ra)
made clear that one’s ego must be More recently the Khalifa has
sacrificed at the altar of Khilafat for emphasised the importance of
it is the same ego that will otherwise Wassiyyat. It will surprise no-one
lead to one’s downfall and leave one that even in this day and age when
deprived of God’s favours. materialism rules, Ahmadi Muslims
the world over are responding with
He described the state of a believer full vigour to the call of the Khalifa.
and his responsibility beautifully In the field of financial sacrifice, in
when he said that a person who fact, a Muslim’s responsibility
makes bai’at gives up all his should be to reflect the example of
freedom and high flights for the Hadhrat Umar(ra) who said that:
sake of another. In other words you

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 51
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
‘Had I possessed gold and silver concerned. It is inconceivable to

equal to that of the whole earth, think that a Khalifa will ever
I would have given it in the diminish in his responsibility as he
cause of Allah to please Him.’ is chosen and appointed by God. For
(Hadhrat Umar Farooq, by R A his Jama’at to continue to benefit
Chowdhry, p.100) from Khilafat, therefore, it is crucial
that it too does not diminish in its
Hadhrat Maulvi Nuruddin(ra) responsibilities in remaining
himself set such a high example of righteous and serving the Khalifa. In
such service and piety that he was fact, God is very clear that the
praised by the Promised Messiah(as) blessing of Khilafat is only granted
who said about him in his famous to those who believe and do good
couplet: works. The moment righteousness is
lost and obedience ends, then
‘How fortunate would it be if Khilafat will be lost as well. So it is
everyone of the Community the Jama’at’s duty to remain
were Nur-ud-Din. So would it steadfast in its faith and practices.
be if everyone were filled with
the light of faith.’26 The spirit to serve khilafat must be
that of Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin
In fact if we study the lives of Mahmud Ahmad(ra) who at the time
Khalifas themselves, before their of the demise of the Promised
khilafat we will find in them models Messiah(as) declared:
of how we should discharge our
responsibility in serving Khilafat ‘If all others should leave you
Ahmadiyya, in line with the and I should be left alone, yet I
teachings of Islam. will stand against the whole
world and shall not heed any
The duty of obedience highlights opposition or hostility.’27
another aspect of the nature of the
institution of Khilafat, that it What dedication is captured in his
represents a bond between the words! This should be the spirit and
Khalifa and his community. The sense of service to the Khalifa of
bond will remain as strong as the the time!
commitment of the two parties

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 52
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Khilafat and Wasiyyat his Jama’at that it must put in an

Even to this day, the khalifa effort as well as seek Divine favour
continues to call his people to for it to benefit from anything.
righteousness. Conscious of the Only the foolish farmer prays for a
import of the blessings of khilafat, good harvest without working on
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad his land and even after he has
reminds the Jama’at that simply worked he does not sit still and
having accepted the messiah and simply pray to God. Rather he is
khalifa of the age will not be ever-vigilant that his work is not
sufficient before God. Acceptance gone to waste.29 It is this attitude
without responsibility is not and responsibility that will secure
enough since with acceptance the the future of Khilafat and the final
responsibilities have grown victory of Islam.
manifold.28 This is precisely in line
with the Qur’anic instruction that Conclusion
Muslims must be those who Words cannot capture how
‘believe and do good works.’ So fortunate we are to live during this
the good deeds cannot be separated blessed era. The institution of
from the belief itself and only by khilafat was foretold by God and
complying with both aspects can promised to the God-fearing. It is
Muslims be worthy of the bounty an institution that has proved its
of khilafat. truth time and time again and
proved the truth of the Promised
It was for this purpose that he Messiah(as) and the Holy
reminded the Jama’at of the Prophet . It is an institution that
(saw)
blessed institution of Wasiyyat – is the only hope for the salvation of

i.e. of leading righteous lives and the world today. Muslims must
making exemplary sacrifices, for it indeed hold fast to the rope of
is only through this that there is Khilafat, respond to its every call
any chance of preserving the and pray that its mercy extends for
degree of righteousness that makes all time to come so that the
man worthy of Divine favours. promise of God is fulfilled and
lasting peace established in this
The Promised Messiah(as) also world.
commented on this and reminded

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 53
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
In the end, let us remind ourselves uad-Din as-Suyuti, Ta Ha

of God’s words: Publishers 2006
4. Islam in A Nutshell, by Amanda
Allah has promised to those Roraback, Published by Enisen
among you who believe and do Publishing 2004
good works that He will surely 5. Key Words in Islam, by Ron
make them Successors in the Geaves, Published by
earth, as He made Successors Continuum 2006
from among those who were 6. Muslims: Their Religious
before them; and that He will Beliefs and Practices, by
surely establish for them their Andrew Rippin, Published by
religion which He has chosen Routledge, 2005
for them; and that He will 7. Nubuwwat & Khilafat:
surely give them in exchange Prophethood & its
security and peace after their Successorship, Islam
fear: They will worship Me, and International Publications Ltd,
they will not associate anything 2006
with Me. Then who so is 8. Al-Wasiyyat (The Will), by
ungrateful after that, they will Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad,
be the rebellious. And observe Islam International Publications
Prayer, and give Zakat and (2004). (First Published in Urdu
obey the Messenger, that you in 1905)
may be shown mercy. 9. Introducing Islam, By Ziauddin
(Ch.24:Vs.56-57) Sardar and Zafar Abbas Malik,
Icon Books (2002)
10. Oxford Concise Dictionary of
BIBLIOGRAPHY World Religions, Edited by John
1. Islam: A Short History, by Bowker, Oxford University
Karen Armstrong, Published by Press 2000
Phoenix Press 2001 11. Revelation, Rationality,
2. Fifty Key Figures in Islam, by Knowledge and Truth, by
Roy Jackson, Published by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru),
Routledge 2006 Islam International Publications
3. The History of the Khalifas who (1998)
Took the Right Way, by Jalal 12. Khataman Nabiyyeen,

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 54
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Published by The London Babu ma Ja’a Fil-Akhdhi Bis

Mosque (1982) Sunnah. Also Sunano Abi
13. An Exposition of Some Dawud, Kitab-us-Sunnati, Babu
Criticisms Against Khilafat-i- Luzumis Sunnah.
Rashida, by Maulana Sheikh
Mubarak Ahmad, Published by 5. It is narrated in Bukhari, Kitabul
The London Mosque 1979 Ah-Kam Babul Istikhlaf that
14. Conditions of Bai’at and Hadhrat Aisha(ra) said: ‘The Holy
Responsibilities of an Ahmadi, Prophet said that he had intended
by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor to call in Abu Bakr and hand him
Ahmad, Islam International written testament for his khilafat,
Publications (2006) so that after the death of the
Holy Prophet(saw), other claimants
to the office might not arise, but
REFERENCES then the Holy Prophet(saw) did not
1. Five Volume Commentary on pursue the idea believing that
Holy Qur’an, by Hadhrat Mirza God would not accept the
Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra) election of any other person
note 1290, Ch10: v.15. Also see besides Abu Bakr as Khalifa, nor
Lane’s Lexicon (Vol.1 p.702) would the believers agree
definition of kh-l-f ‘He came otherwise.’
after, or remained after another, 6. Five Volume Commentary on The
or another that perished or died’ Holy Qur’an by Hadhdrat Mirza
also definition of khalifa Bahseeruddin Mahmud
‘Successor, vicegerent, or Ahmad(ra) , note 2360 of verse
substitute’. 56 of Sura Al-Nur. (Also see
2. The Holy Qur’an, (Translation note 432A on Ch. 3 verse 80).
by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali(ra)), 7. Islam: A Short History, by Karen
Ch.7:Vs.70, 170; Ch.10:V.15. Armstrong, p.21.
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by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali(ra)), by Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali(ra)),
Ch.2:V.31; Ch.38:V.27. Ch.9:V.40.
4. Sunan-ut-Tirmidhi, Kitabul Ilmi 9. Islam: A Short History, by Karen

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 55
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
Armstrong, p.22. Mubasher Ahmad MA LLB,

published on www.alislam.org.
10. This relates to a prophecy made See also:
by the Prophet(saw) when, as he http://www.alislam.org/topics/khi
migrated from Makkah to lafat/khilafat-and-caliphate.html
Madinah, he was being pursued
by Suraqa bin Malik. After his 15. Revelation, Rationality,
horse repeatedly stumbled, Knowledge and Truth, by
Suraqa gave up the chase and it Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru),
was then that the Prophet(saw) said Islam International Publications
to him, ‘Suraqa, how will you Ltd (1998) pp.682-683.
feel with the gold bangles of the
king of Iran on your wrists?’. 16. Jews at the time were expecting
Later on Suraqa accepted Islam three personalities, a Prophet, a
and when Iran fell to the Messiah (Christ) and Elijah. John
Muslims during the Khilafat of the Baptist was Elijah and Jesus
Hadhrat Umar(ra), the Muslims was the Messiah see John 1:20-
inherited immense wealth 21, John 1:41; Matthew 11:14,
including the gold bangles that 17:11-13.
the king used to wear on State 17. Matthew 5:17-18.
functions. These were worn by
Suraqa under the instruction of 18. ‘Abdullah bin Amar(ra) relates
Hadhrat Umar(ra) in fulfilment of that the Holy Prophet(saw) said.
the Prophet’s(saw) prophecy. “Surely things will happen to my
people as happened earlier to
11. Islam: A Short History, By Israelites; they will resemble
Karen Armstrong, p.25. each other like one shoe in a pair
12. The History of the Khalifas who resembles the other to the extent
took the right way, by Jalal ud- that if anyone among the
Din as-Suyuti, p.123. Israelites has openly committed
adultery with his mother there
13. The Caliphate, by Sir Thomas W will be some who will do this in
Arnold CIE, Litt.D., Oxford my Ummah as well. Verily the
University Press (1924), p.17. Israelites were divided into 72
sections but my people will be
14. Khilafat and Caliphate, By divided into 73 sections, all of

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 56
KHILAFAT IN ISLAM
them will be in the fire except when they are called to Allah
one.” The companions asked, and His Messenger in order that
“Who are they O Messenger of he may judge between them, is
Allah,” The Holy Prophet(saw) only that they say ‘We hear and
said, “They are those who will be we obey.’ And it is they who will
like me and my Companions.” prosper.
(Tirmidhi, Kitabul Eeman)
25. Nubuwwat & Khilafat:
19. It is relevant here to note that as Prophethood & its
with the Jewish clergy at the Successorship, Islam
time of Jesus, it was prophesied International Publications Ltd,
that the Muslim clergy too would 2006, p.37.
oppose the Messiah and Khalifa
of the time. Hadhrat Muyuddin 26. Badr, June 2 1908, as quoted in
Ibn Arabi in his book Al-Fatuh- Nubuwwat & Khilafat:
haat-i-Makkiyya Vol.3, Page 336 Prophethood & its
says ‘At the time of the Successorship, Islam
appearance of Imam Mahdi none International Publications Ltd,
would be his open enemy other 2006 p.42.
than the divines – the religious 27. Ahmadiyyat: The Renaissance of
scholars, in particular. Islam, by Sir Ch. Muhammad
20. Fatuhati Makiyya, Vol. I, p.545 Zafrullah Khan Sahib(ra).
as noted in p.2 of Khataman 28. Friday Sermon of Hadhrat Mirza
Nabiyyeen published by the Masroor Ahmad(aba), 12 October
London Mosque, 1982. 2007.
21. The Will (Al Wassiyat), 29. Commentary on The Holy

Published by Islam International Qur’an, Volume 1, Surah Fatiha
Publications 2004, p.7. by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad(as), Islam International
22. Ibid p.8-9. Publications, (2004), p.205.
23. Ibid p.9.
24. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.24:V.52

The response of the believers,

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 57
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) (1835 – 1908)

‘I came from God as a Manifestation of His Power and I am an
incarnation of God’s Power. And after I am gone there will be
some other persons who will be the manifestation of the second
Power [of God].’
(Al-Wassiyyat)
Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:15 Page 58
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib(ra) (1841 – 1914)

‘It is God Who has appointed me Khalifa, and He knows best.
No one has the power to remove the Khalifa appointed by God.’
(An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat Rashida, by Maulana Sheikh
Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque 1979)

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 59
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad(ra) (1889 – 1965)

‘I swear by God at Whose command lies my soul and Who is the
Master of judgement, disgrace and accreditation that I am the
Khalifa appointed by God.’
(An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-i-Rashida, by Maulana
Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Published by The London Mosque 1979)

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 60
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad(ru) (1909 – 1982)

‘…Allah, the Glorious, has jealous regard for this station and
office (of Khilafat) which he has bestowed on me.’
(Message of Love and Brotherhood to Africa, by Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad,
Islam International Publications (2006) p.32. First Published 1970)

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 61
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru) (1928 – 2003)

‘After the break up of the institution of Khilafat in early Islam, it
is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at in Islam which has been
blessed with Khilafat… and the Khalifah plays the same role of
head and heart as was played by the Holy Successors of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad(saw).’
(With Love to the Muslims of the World, by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Islam
International Publications (2006) p.45)

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 62
KHILAFAT EDITION 1
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (b.1950)

‘Now in this time and age, Khilafat Rashida [Righteous Khilafat]
has been established after the passing away of the Promised
Messiah…Rejoice! Now you shall always remain under directives
that are based on goodness.’
(Conditions of Bait and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi, by Hadhrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad(aba), Islam International Publications (2006) p.206)

Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 63
Khilafat Centenary Article

COMPETITION
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Articles must be unpublished and original and between 4,000

words and 7,000 words on one of the following topics:
1. The blessings of Khilafat in Islam

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Oct 2007.qxd 20/11/07 14:16 Page 64
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be perpetuated by a corporate entity? What is the

2 The Review of Religions – October 2007

the Second Manifestation of Divine success of His Prophets. Once a

The Review of Religions – October 2007 3

4 The Review of Religions – October 2007

What is Revelation? another one, who is wicked,

The Review of Religions – October 2007 5

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

of authors are able to produce a

6 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

by tasting a little of revelation he sincerity and fidelity. There is no

The Review of Religions – October 2007 7

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

8 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

only by a person who has never and comfortably under mountains

The Review of Religions – October 2007 9

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

upon which spiritual life depends. Divine. It relieves a person

10 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

The Review of Religions – October 2007 11

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

one with excellent sight, or as if a When hidden matters and secret

12 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

The Review of Religions – October 2007 13

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

14 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

useless. There should be neither there is no Being outside of us

The Review of Religions – October 2007 15

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

we shall set forth at its proper the disclosure of which is not

16 The Review of Religions – October 2007

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

Islam. As this blessed revelation There are thousands of things in

The Review of Religions – October 2007 17

ESSENCE OF ISLAM – WHAT IS REVELATION?

In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names

18 The Review of Religions – October 2007

Introduction existing. This is because they have

The Review of Religions – October 2007 19

individual trustees of God on earth in which Allah says:

Allah has promised to those ‘Here the address is made to the

20 The Review of Religions – October 2007

responsibilities of Khilafat, one pretation of the Holy Prophet(saw)

The Review of Religions – October 2007 21

individual to lead as a khalifa after even though David is regarded

22 The Review of Religions – October 2007

(The third category therefore dispensation in which Joshua

The Review of Religions – October 2007 23

stances to set in place systems and Prophet(saw). But perhaps the

24 The Review of Religions – October 2007

was a huge achievement at such a People of the Book were given

The Review of Religions – October 2007 25

• the establishment of a treasury The last of the Rightly-Guided

26 The Review of Religions – October 2007

Quotes about Khilafat

Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)