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The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement

Exploring the origins, doctrines, and global presence of a distinct Islamic tradition.

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Introduction

A Distinct Tradition

The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam, often referred to as Lahori Ahmadis, emerged in 1914 as a distinct branch within the broader Ahmadiyya movement. This schism occurred following the death of Hakim Nur-ud-Din, the first Caliph after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, due to ideological and administrative divergences.

Core Tenets

Adherents affirm Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the promised Messiah and Mahdi, but interpret his prophetic status as a Sufistic or mystical role, rather than a technically prophetic one in the traditional Islamic sense. They do not profess allegiance to the Ahmadiyya Caliphate, instead being administered by an Anjuman (Council) headed by an Amir (President).

Global Presence

While a minority within the global Ahmadiyya population, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement maintains communities in various parts of the world, including Pakistan, Europe, North America, and Asia. Their adherents are estimated to be between 5,000 to 10,000 in Pakistan and possibly up to 30,000 worldwide.

Historical Context

The Schism of 1914

The movement's origins trace back to the succession crisis after the death of Hakim Nur-ud-Din in 1914. Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Nur-ud-Din's chosen successor, faced opposition from a group of senior figures, including Maulana Muhammad Ali. This opposition stemmed from disagreements over the nature of Ghulam Ahmad's prophethood and the leadership structure, leading to the secession of Muhammad Ali and his supporters to Lahore.

Early International Outreach

From 1914 until the mid-1960s, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, England, a significant early center for Islam in Britain, was temporarily managed by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. Maulana Muhammad Ali also translated the Qur'an into English, contributing to the propagation of Islamic texts.

European Presence

The movement established a presence in Germany, building the Berlin Mosque in 1924/27 and publishing an Arabic-German edition of the Qur'an in 1939. By 2001, there were approximately 60 adherents in Germany.

Theological Foundations

Prophetic Status

A central tenet distinguishing the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement is their interpretation of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's prophetic role. While acknowledging him as the promised Messiah and Mahdi, they view his prophethood as a manifestation of Muhammad's own prophethood, akin to sainthood (walāyah), rather than an independent or legislating prophethood. This contrasts with the mainstream Ahmadiyya view that he was a prophet in a technical sense.

Finality of Prophethood

The movement affirms the absolute cessation of prophethood after Muhammad. They believe no prophet can appear after him, including the return of Jesus. This stance aligns with mainstream Sunni Islamic belief regarding the finality of Muhammad's prophethood.

Status of Other Muslims

Regarding Muslims who do not accept Ghulam Ahmad's claims, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement distinguishes between neutrality and active rejection. They tend to view non-Ahmadis as deviating from a specific commandment (belief in the Messiah) rather than being outright disbelievers (kafirs) in the sense of being outside Islam. This nuanced view is often seen as more accepting by some orthodox Sunni scholars.

Organizational Structure

Succession and Governance

Unlike the mainstream Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which follows a divinely ordained Caliphate, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement is administered by an Anjuman (Council) led by an Amir (President). This structure reflects their view that leadership after Ghulam Ahmad was not divinely appointed, and allegiance is a voluntary act, emphasizing a more democratic system.

Key Literature

The movement emphasizes the propagation of Islam through various texts. Maulana Muhammad Ali's English translation of the Qur'an is a significant contribution. Other key literature includes works like Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, and Jesus in India.

Global Network

The movement maintains a global network of communities and mosques. Notable centers include the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking (historically), the Berlin Mosque in Germany, and various hubs in North America (Canada, USA) and Asia (Indonesia, Pakistan). These centers facilitate propagation activities and community gatherings.

Points of Divergence

Nature of Prophethood

The primary theological divergence lies in the interpretation of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's prophetic role. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement posits a non-technical, mystical form of prophethood, emphasizing its subservience to Muhammad, while the majority Ahmadiyya Community views him as a prophet in the technical sense, albeit a subordinate one.

Interpretation of Succession

The debate over succession is rooted in the interpretation of Ghulam Ahmad's Al-Wasiyyat (The Will). The Lahore faction views the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya (Central Ahmadiyya Council) as the intended successor, advocating for a collective, democratic leadership. Conversely, the majority community believes in a divinely ordained Caliphate, with the leader being the successor.

Dress Code and Social Practices

Discussions also arise regarding social practices, such as the interpretation of Islamic dress codes like Purdah (hijab) and the beard. Prominent figures within the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement have described these as cultural practices rather than compulsory Islamic tenets, a view that contrasts with the mainstream Ahmadiyya Community's emphasis on their religious obligation.

Prominent Leaders

Maulana Muhammad Ali

A key figure in the schism, Maulana Muhammad Ali led the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement as its first Amir from 1914 until his passing in 1951. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the movement's theological interpretations and organizational structure.

Subsequent Amirs

Following Maulana Muhammad Ali, the movement has been led by several subsequent Amirs, including Maulana Sadr-ud-Din, Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan, and Dr. Asghar Hameed. The current Amir is Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha, continuing the administration of the movement.

Scholarly Contributions

Scholars like Dr. Zahid Aziz have played a significant role in articulating the movement's positions on various theological and social issues, contributing to its intellectual discourse and propagation efforts.

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References

References

  1.  Al-Azhar endorses publications by Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, AAIIL USA
  2.  "The Issue of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin", The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement
  3.  http://www.wokingmuslim.org the website of the history of this mission
A full list of references for this article are available at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not represent the entirety or nuances of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement's beliefs and practices.

This is not a religious or theological endorsement. The information provided is not a substitute for direct engagement with the movement's own literature or consultation with its scholars. Always seek primary sources for a comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.