Danish Khurram, Student Jamia Ahmadiyya UK
We have all heard of Musleh-e-Maud’s prophecy and the magnificent attributes that Allah the Almighty was to bestow on this blessed son. In this article, I will be shedding some light upon Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra administrative qualities, through which the hand of God took the Community from strength to strength. Part of the prophecy mentions that he would play a key role in releasing those held in bondage, be it spiritual or physical, and that his fame would spread to the corners of the earth. The fulfilment of this was recognised by Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike, who, despite their disagreements with the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Community, praised Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for his wisdom and leadership.
In this article, I will be touching upon seven significant aspects of the life of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, and highlighting how the divinely bestowed administrative qualities enabled the success of the Jamaat.
Firstly, I will look at the movement of the Majlis-e-Ahrar, and the way in which Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra guided the Community to respond to the hate that was being spread. Secondly, just as any community requires finances, so too does the Ahmadiyya Community, the difference being that it was the voluntary sacrifices made by members, in response to the call of their Imam, that would fulfil this need. Thirdly, I will delve into the establishment of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, and the incredible vision that Huzoorra had. Then, the Shuddhi movement was a major issue in the 1920s, but Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra did not shy away from facing it head-on. Next, I will show how, on the issue of Kashmir, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra played a leading role in the rights and freedom of the oppressed Kashmiri Muslims. I will also highlight the fact that, whilst other Muslim nations were making deals with Western powers in the Treaty of Darin, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra worried for the safety of the Muslims residing in their lands. I will attempt to show from Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi sources, how the hand of God enabled Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to lead not just the Ahmadiyya Community but the world in an exemplary manner.
Opposition of Ahmadiyyat by Ahrar and initiation of Tahrik-e-Jadid
The growth of any divine community is met with an opposing force. Thus, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya also faced opposition from the Majlis-e-Ahrar, which was composed of a number of Muslim political activists who were all focused on hindering the progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community with whatever means they could. From the beginning of their formation, the Ahrar launched a public anti-Ahmadi campaign, demanding in 1934 that the Community be placed outside the pale of Islam and that no Ahmadi be appointed to public office. Eventually, the Ahrar focused their assault on the headquarters of the Jamaat. They began to plan rallies and conferences with the intention to efface Ahmadiyyat from the face of the world. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was guided by God Almighty to initiate the great scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid, which not only brought to nought, the plans of the opponents, but in a very short time the truth of Ahmadiyyat also became manifest, and the flags of its spiritual conquest and supremacy were pitched firmly and high.
Funds are needed for any community to carry out its work and flourish. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was very aware of this; as the Jamaat started to spread and the establishment of missions increased, so did the need for adequate financing. Therefore, on many occasions, Huzoorra would inform the Jamaat about a project or a scheme for which money was needed, such as in the case of Tahrik-e-Jadid. The members of the Jamaat, without any hesitation, would selflessly sacrifice large amounts for the propagation of Islam. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 15, p. 436)
Then, in 1935, Huzoorra initiated the Amanat Fund. This fund played an integral role in countering Majlis-e-Ahrar and other onslaughts against the Jamaat. Regarding this fund, Huzoorra states, “I believe the scheme of the Amanat Fund to be divinely inspired, because without any burden upon the Jamaat or any additional chandah being collected, this fund has enabled the accomplishment of such essential works for this Community, that those who know can testify to this, and it will leave the mind in wonder.” (Al Fazl, 18 February 1938, p. 2)
Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya
It was in 1938 that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra deemed it the opportune time to bring about a monumental revolution by founding a dedicated organisation for ensuring the correct upbringing of the younger generation. This was the motive that led to the formation of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Expounding upon the purpose of the majlis, Huzoorra states, “I have been deliberating upon what our response to the attacks of the enemies can be. My mind is aware of every single aspect, and one part of that response is Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. In reality, it is a spiritual training ground. Without a doubt, those who are unaware of such matters, will not understand what I am saying, as not everyone can fathom the reality of something prior to its occurrence. Today, it is the era of the training and nurturing of our youth, and training is done in silence. […] In essence, such a living nation that stands at the raising of a hand and sits at the falling of a hand can bring about an incredible revolution”. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 446)
Whether it be khuddam going to feed the homeless or providing essential aid to their nation during the Covid period, or even a simple act of khuddam donating blood, the world is watching the revival of service to humanity by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in the spirit of the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.
Shuddhi Movement
Then, Huzoorra ensured that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat served on the front lines to defend Islam. The Shuddhi movement is just one glimpse of that. The movement was initiated by the founder of the Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, in the 1880s, but it was put into full force under the leadership of Swami Shraddhanand in the 1920s. Their campaign was targeted at the Muslims residing in the area of Malkana who had converted from Hinduism. Due to this, the Muslims residing there, not being very well educated in Islam and not practising its fundamental beliefs, started deserting Islam and rejoining the Hindu religion. Seeing this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra prepared a scheme and urged members of the Jamaat to come forward and sacrifice three months at a time to go to these areas and bring back the lost souls to the sanctuary of Islam. Once again, the Jamaat responded with remarkable zeal. (“Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra response to the Shuddhi movement and the Jamaat’s relentless services for Islam”, Al Hakam, 17 December 2021, Issue 196, pp. 18-20)
Huzoorra advised the Muslims that they were required to raise two million rupees to tackle this issue. Huzoorra promised that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya would raise an amount nearly four times more than its share with respect to its numbers compared to the other Muslims of India. (Ibid., p. 19) Huzoor’sra conviction and dedication for Ahmadis to lead from the front was exemplary, and the Jamaat expressed their enthusiastic willingness to heed his command. Initially, Huzoorra said that the Jamaat would provide 30 people for this cause. Ultimately, 1,500 Ahmadis presented themselves for this service. (Ibid.) Delegations were sent one after the other, with the first departing Qadian on 12 March 1923, led by Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sial Sahibra. (Ibid.) This selfless service to Islam rendered by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was recognised by Muslims and non-Muslims all over India. Therefore, reporting on the outstanding work of the Jamaat, the newspaper, Mashriq, commented on 29 March 1923:
“The continuous speeches and writings of the Imam and Head of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya have a great impact on his followers, and we witness this very sect at the forefront of this jihad [i.e., the peaceful preaching mission to Malkana].” (Ibid.)
Treaty of Darin
Another prime example of the outstanding administrative qualities bestowed upon Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was his concern for the welfare of the Muslim ummah. The foresight of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was unmatched.
The Treaty of Darin was signed in 1915 with the British government by the ruler of Nejd, that they would not interfere in any British military efforts against the Muslim states in the region, in exchange for weapons and financial aid. The ruler of Hejaz was also granted financial aid on the condition of assisting the British against the Ottomans. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra saw that this threatened the autonomy of the Arab states and also initiated their conflict with other Muslim states. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, took action and immediately wrote to the Viceroy of India, saying that such grants to these two regions would lead to an uprising from other Muslim states and they would not tolerate this dominance of the British. Huzoorra stressed the independence of Hejaz from all external forces, despite many opposing this idea. (Islamic Caliphate – The Missing Chapters, pp. 50-51)
Kashmir Movement
Another significant event is of the Kashmir movement. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would emphasise that the issue of Kashmir would be solved if all the Muslims combined forces and strived for unity. On 13 July 1931 state police opened fire at a group of Muslims in Kashmir. Huzoorra immediately sent a telegram to the Viceroy of India, informing him of the situation and the oppression being faced by Muslims in Kashmir. Barely a week had passed when several leaders united to form the All-India Kashmir Committee, with the leading hand being that of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. History is witness to the leading role of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in efforts to get freedom for the Muslims. Huzoorra also initiated a scholarship fund for Kashmiri Muslim students and established the Kashmir Relief Fund to help the oppressed Muslims of Kashmir. However, despite all this, the clouds of opposition once again attempted to cast a shadow on the work being done by the Jamaat. The opponents of the Jamaat, initiated a campaign that the president of the All India Kashmir Committee should not be an Ahmadi. In light of the situation, Huzoorra convened the committee and resigned from the presidency, proving to be a big loss for the freedom efforts. (“Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra services to the Muslim cause: Guidance for Turkey, peace in the Arab world and the Kashmir Movement”, Al Hakam, 19 February 2021, Issue 153, pp. 41-44)
A newspaper, Siasat, wrote on 18 May 1933:
“At the time, when the condition of Kashmir was critical, those who chose Hazrat Mirza Sahib, despite doctrinal differences, made a perfect choice. Had they not chosen Mirza Sahib because of the differences in their beliefs, this movement would have ended in utter failure and would have resulted in a major loss for the Muslim Ummah.” (Ibid.)
Huzoor’sra incredible leadership was such that even non-Ahmadis were left with nothing but praise for Huzoorra. In this respect, The Light, a weekly publication of the dissident Lahori group, wrote an article in 1965 titled ‘A Great Nation Builder’. It states:
“The death of Mirza Basheer-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Movement, rang the curtain down on a most eventful career, packed with a multitude of far-reaching enterprises. A man of versatile genius and dynamic personality, there was hardly any sphere of contemporary thought and life during the past century, from religious scholarship to missionary organisation, even political leadership, on which the deceased did not leave a deep imprint.” (The Light, Lahore, 16 November 1965 as quoted in Review of Religions, February 2003, pp. 41-42)