Dafatir: Batches of Tahrik-e-Jadid

M Adam Ahmad, Al Hakam

In 1934, due to the ever-increasing anti-Ahmadiyya agitation from Majlis-e-Ahrar, the promised son of Prophet Ahmad^as, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II^ra established the scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid to further the cause of Islam and spread the message of Ahmadiyyat throughout the world.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra initially instructed members of the Jamaat to give at least 27,500 rupees in three years (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 15, p. 436). The devoted followers of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, presented 33,000 rupees in a couple of months and made promises of more than 100,000 rupees in the very first year of Tahrik-e-Jadid. (Al Fazl, 24 January 1935)

For more details, see “Tahrik-e-Jadid: The magnum opus of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud”, Al Hakam, Issues 137, 138 and 139.

At first, Tahrik-e-Jadid was a temporary scheme. However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra extended it to 10 years after the first 3-year plan. Thereafter, realising its significance for the spread of Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra initially expanded it over 19 years and then eventually made it a permanent scheme.

Regarding the preservation of all the names who contributed to Tahrik-e-Jadid in the first 19 years, on 23 January 1953, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra said:

“[…] As is my intention, on the completion of 19 years, those [members of the Jamaat] who have participated in this scheme (though this monetary sacrifice will continue forever, those who have participated in this scheme up until now), their names should be preserved. I intend to publish a magazine at the end of the year [1953] and record the names of all those who have contributed to the spread of Islam for the last 19 years. Moreover, the amounts they presented for the propagation of Islam under this scheme should also be mentioned in it. In this way, different methods will be utilised at different times in the future, and the names of these people will be preserved as a memorial so that those who come later will be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Consequently, we will be able to present their [good] examples to future generations.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 34, p. 25)

Later on, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra gave the instructions to form different Dafatir [batches] of Tahrik-e-Jadid based on 19-year terms.

Daftar I

As mentioned earlier, Tahrik-e-Jadid was initially extended to 10 years, so the first Daftar [batch] of Tahrik-e-Jadid spanned over 10 years, i.e., 1934-1944. It included the first 5 thousand mujahideen [contributors to the scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat].

For more details, see “5,000 soldiers of Tahrik-e-Jadid”, Al Hakam, 30 October 2020, Issue 137, pp. 6-7.

Daftar II

Under divine guidance, Tahrik-e-Jadid was made a permanent scheme. On 27 November 1953, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra said:

“Now that 19 years are coming to an end, I have decided that Tahrik-e-Jadid will continue up to your last breaths, so that God Almighty’s Grace and Mercy may not only be limited to these 19 years, but in fact span over the rest of your life. One who is continuously blessed with Divine favours and rewards in this life also receive their fair share of rewards in the next.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 34, pp. 333-34)

Regarding the structure and arrangement of Tahrik-e-Jadid’s Dafatir [batches], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra stated:

“I have decided that Tahrik-e-Jadid should be organised in such a manner that each Daftar should be divided into separate terms, i.e., first period, second period, [and so on], the duration of each term being 19 years. […]

“As put forth by myself, I do not want to change this period because of the wisdom that lies in the figure of 19 years.” (Ibid., p. 334)

However, the second Daftar of Tahrik-e-Jadid could not be closed within the 19-year period due to the long illness of the Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra. Consequently, Daftar II lasted for 21 years, i.e., 1944-65. (Friday Sermon, 5 November 2004)

Daftar III

In 1966, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul III^rh started the third Daftar of Tahrik-e-Jadid for the new members of this scheme. Hazrat Khalifatul III^rh said:

“As it [Daftar III] should have been initiated in the era of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, I start it from 1 November 1965, so that this Daftar will be attributed to the second Khilafat. (Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra passed away on 9 November 1965.) However, since I am making the announcement, I will get its blessings as well.” (Ibid.)

Daftar III came to an end in 1985.

Daftar IV

After a period of 19 years from 1966, the fourth Daftar of Tahrik-e-Jadid started in 1985 during the era of the fourth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad^rh. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^rh initiated Daftar IV and expressed that the sacrifices presented for Tahrik-e-Jadid by the contributors of Daftar I should be kept alive till the end of times. He encouraged their children to take this responsibility. Daftar IV concluded after 19 years, i.e., starting in 1985 and closing in 2004.

Daftar V

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V^aa initiated the fifth Daftar of Tahrik-e-Jadid in 2004. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said: 

“The principle laid down by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra was that Tahrik-e-Jadid would be divided into 19-year terms. In keeping with this rule, Daftar IV has completed its period of 19 years, and Daftar V begins today, [i.e., 5 November 2004]. From now on, all the new mujahideen [contributing members] who join the financial sacrifices of Tahrik-e-Jadid will become part of Daftar V, Insha-Allah.” (Ibid.)

After beginning its term of 19 years in 2004, Daftar V of Tahrik-e-Jadid concluded in 2023.

Daftar VI

On 3 November 2023, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa started the sixth Daftar of Tahrik-e-Jadid.

Presenting the historical background of the Tahrik-e-Jadid scheme and mentioning its objectives, Huzoor^aa advised members of the Jamaat that they should not only offer such sacrifices themselves but should also encourage their progenies to continue their legacy. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa then initiated Daftar VI, i.e., the next 19-year term of Tahrik-e-Jadid, and also announced the commencement of its 90^th year. (Friday Sermon, 3 November 2023)