Ata-ul-Haye Nasir, Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
On 22-24 July 1955, the first-ever international conference of the Ahmadi missionaries was held in London, which was presided over by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra.
Mentioning this conference, The Civil and Military Gazette wrote under the heading “Conference of Muslim Mission of Europe and America Begins”:
“Conference of Muslim Mission of Europe and America Begins
“London, July 22 – A conference of the Muslim Mission of Europe and America to discuss ‘the propagation of Islam in the world’ begins in London today.
“A representative of the London Mosque said last night, ‘The conference will examine the progress so far achieved in their missionary work and will plan new schemes for expansive dispensation of Islam in the West.’
“Delegates from the United States, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, W. Africa, and Trinidad have already arrived.
“Mr Mohammed Zafrullah Khan, Judge of the International Court of Justice, will attend by special invitation and the Head of the Ahmadiya Movement, Mirza Mahmud Ahmad is expected to address the conference which will last for three days. – Reuters.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 23 July 1955, p. 6)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra expressed his intention to hold such a conference while he was in Zurich in June 1955. Thus, an agenda of the conference along with a questionnaire was sent to the missionaries serving in Europe, America, and Nigeria, and they were advised to consult with the other missionaries and members and then prepare a scheme before coming to the conference. (Al Fazl, 14 October 1955, p. 3)
On 21 July 1955, Huzoorra sent a telegram in which he conveyed a special English message to the members of the Jamaat. Al Fazl published its Urdu translation on 24 July 1955. In this message, Huzoorra stated that since the era of the Holy Prophet’ssa Companionsra, this would be the first occasion of its kind that a great conference would be held in London to ponder over the proposals for the propagation of Islam to all corners of the world. The conference would comprise the Ahmadi missionaries who are serving in the major countries of America, the West Indies, Africa, and Europe. Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahibra will also attend the event on 22 July. In the end, Huzoorra called the attention of all Ahmadis to pray for the success and fruitful results of this blessed event. (Al Fazl, 24 July 1955, p. 1)
The conference took place at the mission house at 63 Melrose Road, London. The proceedings continued for three days and included group consultations under sub-committees. The conference consisted of five sessions, which were all graced with the presence of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. A steering committee was formed to run the proceedings of the Conference, including Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Khalil Ahmad Nasir Sahib, Naseem Saifi Sahib, and Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Sahib. (Al Fazl, 6 August 1955, p. 3)
During this conference, the Ahmadi missionaries had the blessed opportunity to get valuable guidance from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, which played a great role in their tabligh efforts in the times to come.
Upon the conclusion of this Conference, Al Fazl published detailed reports in its 26 and 27 July 1955 issues.
During various sessions of the Conference, reports from Ahmadiyya missions around the world were discussed. The topics that were extensively discussed during the Conference included various proposals to speed up efforts to propagate Islam in Europe, Africa, and America. Various schemes were suggested to expand the publication of Islamic literature throughout the world, to build mosques and missions in new places, and to expand the already existing missions. All the missionaries once again affirmed their pledge to devote their lives to the propagation of Islam the world over, in accordance with the desires and expectations of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. (Al Fazl, 14 October 1955, p. 3)
“Zarreen Hidayaat Bara’ey Muballighin”
As stated by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in his special message to the Jamaat, this was a very significant chapter in the history of Islam. However, one ought to remember that even before this conference, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra granted valuable guidance to the missionaries on many occasions, and this practice continued in the following years as well.
During his address at the Jamia Ahmadiyya UK’s convocation in 2023, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the guidance and advice to the missionaries granted by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra on various occasions has been compiled in book form under the title of “Zarreen Hidayaat Bara’ey Muballighin” and emphasised that all missionaries should obtain a copy of this book and study it. (“Essential traits of a successful missionary: Huzoor addresses graduates at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK convocation 2023”, Al Hakam, 19 May 2023, Issue 270, p. 2)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“During his lengthy tenure as Khalifatul Masih, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra not only assured the spiritual advancement of the Community, but also consolidated its administrative system while propagating the Faith. He also provided excellent guidance to the murabbian [missionaries] and consolidated and organised their system too. He also gave advice at various times to the students and to the murabbian of Jamia Ahmadiyya. This advice, if followed by murabbian and muballighin, could serve as a catalyst for revolution. His advice was not only for the old murabbian but also for those Companionsra who had seen the era of the Promised Messiahas. When they were sent as murabbian and muballighin, he generally gave advice to them.
“This advice and guidance from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also been published in book form under the title ‘Zarreen Hidayaat Bara’ey Muballighin…’ [Golden Advice for Missionaries…]. Every murabbi and muballigh should indeed have this book at their disposal. They should study it and make notes for themselves. Then, as they continue to look at these notes, extract summaries and create points from them to keep at hand, and continue to view them, their attention will remain on improving their conditions, and it will serve as a reminder. Therefore, make sure that you consult it.” (“Zarreen Hidayaat (Bara’ey Muballighin wa Tulaba)”, www.ahmadipedia.org)
Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat have continued to provide a pathway to the Ahmadi missionaries serving in various countries, who have played a great role in propagating the message of Islam to all corners of the world.
Another point that is worth mentioning here is that since the migration of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya to the United Kingdom, the Jalsa Salana UK has become the markazi (central) Jalsa. After the conclusion of Jalsa Salana UK, the Ahmadi missionaries and life devotees who are in attendance from various countries of the world are usually blessed with the opportunity to have a collective meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. During the meeting, missionaries present their reports to Huzooraa about the tabligh efforts in their respective countries, and more importantly, they get valuable guidance from Huzoor-e-Anwaraa in order to improve their work.
