Anis Reis, President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Japan
The Chinese people are one of the largest global nations, with cultural strongholds in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Despite political disputes, both Mainland China and Taiwan share a deep cultural heritage influenced by sages like Confucius and Laozi. The Chinese language, widely understood by 1.4 billion people in China and millions abroad, is one of the official languages of the UN.
Message of Ahmadiyyat to Chinese people
During the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas, Islam Ahmadiyyat reached China, and several individuals accepted it.
Hazrat Qari Ghulam Mujtabara narrates that in Hong Kong, he received the Promised Messiah’sas book Izala-e-Auham in 1899, and discussed the claims mentioned in it with another person. By 1901, he had also received Durr-e-Sameen. (Al Hakam, 21-28 December, 1934, pp. 9-10)
Several other companions, including Hazrat Qari Ghulam Ha Mimra, Hazrat Malik Ataullahra, Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Wahidra, Hazrat Sufi Abdul Ghafoorra, and Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Ishaqra Sialkoti, also spread Ahmadiyyat in China. Moreover, Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra served as an ambassador of British India to China. Hence, tabligh efforts continued under the guidance of the Promised Messiahas.
Now, the UK-based Chinese Desk is publishing literature in Chinese. In addition, a Chinese-language website, islam.cn, is also being maintained for the Chinese people.
Ahmadiyyat in Taiwan
In 2019, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa approved the plan to propagate Islam Ahmadiyyat in Taiwan, and this humble one carried out tabligh tours in Taiwan. Connections with local religious and educational institutions were established, and lectures on Ahmadiyyat were delivered. We were blessed with the opportunity to deliver introductory lectures on Islam Ahmadiyyat at Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist centre in Taiwan, and at the Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan’s largest charity organisation. Additionally, we reached out to centres of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism located in Tainan, and eventually held lectures there.
In July 2023, the official jamaat was established, with Adeel Ahmad Khan Sahib appointed as Sadr Jamaat Taiwan.
Approval of Jalsa Salana, Taiwan
On 27 May 2023, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Taiwan discussed organising its first Jalsa Salana and expanding tabligh activities. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa approved the event for 2 June 2024, appointing Adeel Ahmad Khan Sahib as the Afsar Jalsa Salana. In March 2024, a general meeting was held and preparations for the first-ever Jalsa Salana Taiwan were reviewed.
Commencement of Jalsa Salana Taiwan
The event began with flag hoisting by Dr Sheng Her, Deputy Chief Director of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
The opening session included speeches on the life of Prophet Muhammadsa, and global peace, “World at Crossroads: Seeking Peace in Times of Turmoil,” highlighting the efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Dr Rey Sheng Her, in her speech, proposed collaborative work and invited the Jamaat to visit their headquarters.
The first session was held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, followed by lunch, managed by Lajna Imaillah. The proceedings resumed at 1:30 pm with speeches on Laozi’s biography, Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya: Patron of Global Peace, and Jalsa Salana’s Blessings. Moreover, contributions from various speakers highlighted the significance of the event. The research scholar, Mrs Amat-ul-Kafi Sahiba, introduced the Jamaat in the Taiwanese language. Professors Stefany Kevin and William Shih congratulated members of the Jamaat for the successful event and expressed their desire to attend future jalsas.
At the conclusion of Jalsa Salana Taiwan, a special message from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was presented to the audience. Huzooraa highlighted the spiritual significance of Jalsa Salana and the responsibilities of attendees. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa urged adherence to the Conditions of Bai‘at, loyalty to the country, and active participation in tabligh. Stressing the importance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, he advised regular listening to Khalifa’s sermons for spiritual advancement.
The event concluded with gratitude to attendees, prayers for success, and a commitment to propagate Islam Ahmadiyyat in Taiwan. Along with six professors, the attendees included 29 members and guests from various countries, marking a historic milestone for the Taiwan Jamaat.