Ata-ul-Haye Nasir, Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
Today, 31 October 2024, marks the conclusion of the 90th year of Tahrik-e-Jadid – a blessed scheme launched in 1934 by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in response to the Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya agitation. The Ahrar wished to eradicate Ahmadiyyat, however, this Champion of Islam announced a scheme to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in the whole world.
The Ahmadiyya mission in Italy was one of the earliest missions to be established under this scheme. Historically, Italy has been the centre of Catholic Christianity and hence it holds certain significance.
It is important to note that even before the establishment of an Ahmadiyya mission in Italy, the Promised Messiah’sas name echoed in that country.
For instance, in 1899, the 12th International Congress of Orientalists was held in Rome and during that event, TW Arnold gave an extensive introduction to the Promised Messiahas and his claims. (Actes du Douzième Congrès International des Orientalistes: Rome 1899, Vol. 3, pp. 138-142)
The name of the Promised Messiahas echoed on a far greater level as a result of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra visit to Italy in 1924. Italy was the first European country ever visited by a Khalifatul Masih. Huzoorra stayed in Brindisi and Rome from 16 to 20 August, enroute to England, and then on his way back to India, he had a short stay in Milan on 31 October 1924, exactly 100 years ago from today.
The mission in Italy was established in 1937 and after World War II, it was revived in 1946. This revival was extensively covered by the British and Indian press. The reports from the missionaries provide interesting insight into how they utilised the limited means to propagate the message of Islam in a Christian country, amidst various restrictions from the authorities. Moreover, their preaching endeavours echoed through the press, not only in Italy, but in other countries as well, such as Morocco.
Islam and Sicily
Before proceeding to the main subject, it is worth mentioning that due to the historical background of Italy, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had a great passion to spread the message of Islam in this specific country.
In one of his speeches, Huzoorra narrated the history of Islam in Spain and Sicily (Italy). Huzoorra stated that Muslims had ruled Sicily, however, they were later ousted by the Christians. Keeping this history in mind, Huzoorra said, he had “firmly committed that, if Allah the Almighty enables me, I will send missionaries to these lands for the propagation of Ahmadiyyat who would once again make Islam victorious in these lands and raise its flag in that country once more.” (Al Fazl, 17 July 1946, p. 3)
Huzoorra further stated:
“The Muslims of this land were forcefully converted to Christianity, however, with the passage of time, they have now completely forgotten their forefathers’ religion. There are hundreds of thousands of people in Sicily who are the descendents of sincere, faithful and righteous Muslims. Their forefathers were devotees of Islam and very righteous people. However, [their progeny] is completely ignorant of Islam and considers Christianity as their ancestral faith.” (ibid., pp. 3-4)
As for the Muslim era in Sicily, an Italian periodical – Dafni of May-June 1963 – wrote that historians always praise the state of Sicily during the Arab-Muslim era and mentioned that this is attested by the mosques, architecture and schools of medicine, mathematics, law and theology. Towards the end, it stated that from the 9th to 11th century, the Muslim conquest offered this Island a civilisation and a progressiveness unknown at the time to other regions of Italy.
1924: A great foundation
As indicated earlier, a foundation had already been laid when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra visited Italy in 1924. Various Italian periodicals published interviews, including La Tribuna, Il Giornale d’Italia, and Corriere della Sera.
The details of this historic visit have already been narrated in our article, titled “Caliph in Europe 1924: Arrival in Italy and the first steps on European soil”, published on 26 July 2024.
In addition to the Italian press, Huzoor’sra visit was covered by the Austrian and French press as well. For instance, an Austrian periodical – Illustrirtes Wiener Extrablatt of 24 August 1924 – mentioned his visit to Italy, under the heading “The Muslim Pope in Rome”.
Three French newspapers – Paris-Midi on 26 August 1924 and Le Siècle and L’Action on 27 August 1924 – published an article titled “The Revival of Islam”.
In December 1924, an Italian magazine published an account of Dr Ezzelino Magli who travelled on the same ship that was boarded by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra from Bombay to Port Said, enroute to Europe. Mr Magli narrated about his interaction with Huzoorra, along with some photographs.
1932-36: Books in Italy and Ahmadiyyat
It is interesting to note that in 1932, a French book was published from Rome which stated that “the well-known Ahmadiyya movement aspires to win all nations to the Crescent”. It further gave a detailed introduction of the Promised Messiahas and missionary activities of the Jamaat. (Le Répertoire africain, Henri Dubois, S.J., 1932, Rome, pp. 226-227)
Then, in 1935, an Italian book titled La dottrina dell’Islam by Martino Mario Moreno (1892-1964) gave an extensive introduction of Ahmadiyyat and the Promised Messiah’sas claims. The author mentioned Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and stated that he has established missions in London, Berlin, Chicago, the Gold Coast, Mauritius and Cairo, and that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has published the Holy Quran’s English translation as well. (La dottrina dell’Islam, 2nd edition, 1940, Bologna, pp. 135-137)
In 1936, Ahmadiyyat was mentioned by another Italian author, Pietro Tacchi Venturi (1861-1956). He mentioned the Promised Messiah’sas claims, particularly about the death of Jesusas. (Storia delle Religioni, Vol. 2, Torino, p. 335)
1937: Ahmadiyya Mission in Italy
The Ahmadiyya Mission in Italy was established in 1937, when Malik Muhammad Sharif Sahib was sent there as the first Ahmadi missionary. Huzoorra has mentioned its establishment during a speech in 1946 (Al Fazl, 17 July 1946) and his Friday Sermon on 5 November 1937 (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 18, p. 502).
An Italian newspaper, Gazzetta di Venezia, mentioned the Ahmadi missionary in one of its issues in August 1937.
The article stated that Malik Muhammad Sharif, who is currently in Rome, is one of the most notable dignitaries of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which has its headquarters in Qadian, India. The newspaper further wrote that he is among the most highly regarded followers of the current Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. (Gazzetta di Venezia, 29 August 1937, p. 1)
The news report also mentioned the upcoming arrival of Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra in Rome as a representative of the Indian Government. (Ibid.)
Muhammad Sharif Sahib reached Rome on 21 January 1937. Before the Second World War, around 30 people had accepted Ahmadiyyat in Italy and thereafter, he was kept in the prison camps of The Axis from 1940 to 1944. Another Ahmadi missionary, Maulvi Muhammad-ud-Din Sahib served for a short period in Rome in 1938. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 7, pp. 298 and 310)
Upon being released from the prison, Malik Sahib informed Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra through a letter. (Al Fazl, 17 October 1944)
When Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra visited Rome as a representative of the Indian Government, an Italian newspaper, Il Piccolo, mentioned him in its 1 September 1937 issue and wrote that he is “an influential member of the Ahmadiyya Movement, whose leader, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad[ra] was received by the Duce [Benito Mussolini] in 1924.”
1945: ‘Envoys of Islam’ in Europe
While the world was struggling to recover from the trauma of the horrific world war, a determined Champion of Islam continued his mission to spread the message of Islam to all corners of the world through the blessed scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid.
Huzoorra decided to send more missionaries around the world, particularly in Europe. For Italy, he chose Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil Sahib and Muhammad Usman Sahib.
Thus, a delegation of nine missionaries departed from Qadian on 18 December 1945 and reached London via Liverpool, on 14 January 1946. Their arrival at the Euston Station through the Liverpool Express attracted the attention of the British press; multiple articles were published along with photographs.
For instance, the Daily Sketch of 15 January 1946 gave this news under the heading “9 Envoys of Islam are here”, and stated, “Some will work in this country, others will be sent to Germany, France, Spain and Italy.”
The Daily Mirror of 15 January 1946 wrote, “‘The Sun of Islam will rise from the west,’ is the message brought to Britain by nine green-turbaned Islamic missionaries […] Three of the missionaries will stay in England, three will go to Germany, and others to France, Spain and Italy.”
The Yorkshire Observer of 16 January 1946 published a photograph with the following caption:
“To Preach the Islamic Faith–Nine envoys from Islam in picturesque costumes have arrived here from Bombay. They believe the Messiah has come and that the future peace of the world will be given through lslam. Our picture shows Mr J. D. Shams, head of the London Mosque (centre), talking to the Islamic missionaries at the London Mosque, Wimbledon.”
The Star, The Western Daily Press, Liverpool Daily Post and Dundee Courier were among the other British newspapers which covered this historic event. Moreover, it was also covered by some Canadian newspapers, along with photographs, such as The Kingston Whig-Standard, The Expositor and The Sun Times.
According to the South Western Star of 25 January 1946, a reception was held at the Fazl Mosque to welcome these missionaries.
The arrival of these missionaries was seen as a significant occurrence, as expressed by an individual:
“For many years now our Christian churches have sent missionaries to the far corners of the earth,” however, it was “somewhat of a shock to see a photograph of a party of Islamic missionaries from Bombay who had arrived in London to teach the Mohammedan religion throughout Britain.” (Fulham Chronicle, 15 February 1946, p. 4)
1946: Two missionaries depart for Italy
In April 1946, Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil Sahib and Muhammad Usman Sahib departed for Italy. A week before their departure, a report stated under the heading “Mosque to be Established in Rome—Two Indian Maulvis Leave London on Missionary Trip”:
“Maulvis Mohammed Osman and Ibrahim Kalim [sic., Khalil], two Muslim missionaries who recently arrived at the London mosque from India, will leave for Rome next week, with a view to establishing a mosque there. The Imam of the London mosque, Dr. D. Shams told Reuter today that for the present the mosque in Rome would be a temporary arrangement, but when negotiations for a site were completed, it was proposed to build a mosque on the same lines as the London mosque. It was not possible to establish a mosque in Rome during the Mussolini regime.— Reuter.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 6 April 1946, p. 11)
They departed from London on 14 April 1946. Mentioning this, a newspaper wrote under the heading “Envoys of Islam”:
“The members of Ahmadiyya Movement, London, and interested friends gathered at the London Mosque, Southfields, to present a farewell address to M. Mohammad Ibrahim and M. Mohammad Usman—missionaries designate for Italy—who form the vanguard in the onward march to the Continent of the envoys of Islam, who arrived in this country early this year from Qadian, India.
“Presenting the address on behalf of the members of Great Britain, Mr. M. A. Bajwa congratulated them on their fortune in being granted the distinction of constituting the first post-war Islamic expedition into the Continent, and reminded them of their responsibilities to bring Rome back to the same pinnacles of glory and importance which she once enjoyed in the chronicles of religion.
“Religion of Peace
“Mohammad Ibrahim, replying to the address, said that they were going to win Rome over to the true religion—Islam, which was the only solution of all their problems.” (South Western Star, 19 April 1946, p. 4)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed these missionaries to particularly approach those Italians who are the descendents of Muslims, as “it is possible that the yearning and piety of their ancestors’ souls might bring them to Islam.” (Al Fazl, 17 July 1946, p. 4)
1946-48: Missionary activities and press coverage
Upon the revival of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Italy, the missionaries utilised all available means to spread the message of Islam to the Italians. According to one of their letters in June 1946, two Italians had accepted Ahmadiyyat. (ibid.)
In one of his articles – published in Al Fazl on 4 July 1946 – Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated, “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, we are striving for once again raising the flag of Islam in both Spain and Sicily, alhamdulillah.”
The same issue of Al Fazl reported that upon receiving the letters from the missionaries, Huzoorra stated, “Allah the Almighty has fulfilled my desire. Our missionaries have reached in both of the former Islamic countries, Spain and Sicily, and the task of propagating Islam has been initiated.”
On 3 November 1946, a jalsa was held in Messina, Italy. In a letter dated 5 November 1946, Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil Sahib mentioned some details of this Jalsa and sent a group photo of the participants. This letter also mentioned the first Eid being offered at the Ahmadiyya Mission in Italy, as it states, “Today, the first Eid was offered here, alhamdulillah. Eid mubarak ho.” (File)
An Italian newspaper, Illustrazione del Popolo, published an article on 2 March 1947, under the heading “Muhammad in Sicily”, along with photographs of both missionaries and an introduction of the Promised Messiahas.
The record of the correspondence between the markaz and the Italy Mission suggests that Ibrahim Khalil Sahib’s address in May 1947 was: “Valle degli Angeli, 14 Messina (Sicily), Italy.” (File)
In a letter dated 10 May 1947 from Messina, Khalil Sahib narrated about his tabligh efforts and mentioned that the Promised Messiah’sas photograph was proving to be a significant means for spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Italy. Moreover, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra book, The Economic System of Islam, was deposited at a library. We understand from the letter that two jalsas had been held in Italy by that time.
Usman Sahib sent a letter on 12 May 1947 and stated that they distributed books and tracts to many locals. He had an interaction with three Muslim traders from Yemen and other neighbouring countries who were introduced to the Promised Messiah’sas claims and were shown Huzoor’sas photograph. He also had a discussion with a Christian shopkeeper on the topic of the death of Jesusas. (File)
Another periodical, La Luce of Rome, dated 15 September 1947, published an article, titled “Muslim Missionaries in Italy”, and gave introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. After mentioning that the Ahmadiyya Mission has set foot in Italy and established its headquarters in Messina, the article gave an introduction to the Promised Messiahas. Ibrahim Khalil Sahib sent this news-clipping to Qadian along with his letter, dated 1 October 1947, and provided the Urdu translation of the newspaper article. (File)
Another Italian periodical, Corriere d’Informazione, published a short article on 8-9 January 1948, under the heading “Rain of Prophets: After ‘Buddha’, ‘Muhammad’ has arrived in Rome”. It mentioned the arrival of Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil Sahib and gave an introduction of Ahmadiyyat.
The same newspaper published an article in its 15-16 January 1948 issue, along with a photograph of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, under the heading “The Announcement of the Messiah to the Port Workers of Genoa”. The article mentioned the Promised Messiahas and Ibrahim Sahib’s missionary efforts.
Corriere d’Informazione was associated with Corriere della Sera – the newspaper whose correspondent interviewed Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra at Stazione di Milano Centrale on 31 October 1924, and published a story on the next day.
It is interesting to mention that in Noah’s Ark, the Promised Messiahas mentioned an article of Corriere della Sera which included a narration from Peter about Jesusas. (Noah’s Ark, pp. 122-123 [Footnote])
Italian government’s orders
The missionaries were making efforts to propagate the message of Islam in Italy, however, it was mid-1947 when the government began asking them to leave the country:
“The Ahmadiya mission in the Italian town of Messina has been asked by the Italian Government to leave, according to the Imam of the London Mosque.—Reuter.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 12 June 1947, p. 9)
Initially, the missionaries left Messina and continued tabligh in other cities of Italy, however, in the early 1948, they had to leave the country.
Ibrahim Khalil Sahib was instructed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to move to Sierra Leone and while he had a short stay in Casablanca, Morocco, a local French newspaper, La Vigie Marocaine, published his interview along with an introduction to Ahmadiyyat.
The article stated that this Muslim missionary had served in Europe, established a mosque in Sicily (Italy), and addressed conferences in Paris, Geneva, London and Rome, and is now enroute to Africa to announce the advent of the Messiahas of Muhammadsa. Ibrahim Sahib told the journalist that in Messina, around 50 Sicilians regularly congregate to worship Allah the Almighty. (La Vigie Marocaine, 20 February 1948, p. 1)
Similarly, Muhammad Usman Sahib also left Italy and The Civil and Military Gazette reported on 26 November 1948:
“News comes from the London Mosque, of which Mushtaq Ahmad Bajwa is Imam, showing that Islamic missions are definitely active. Among missionaries recently welcomed in London is […] Maulvi Mohammad Usman, who, after two years service in Italy, has returned for a space to England before a further term of mission work in East Africa.”
The message continues to echo in Italy
Since the missionaries were ordered by the Italian government to leave the country, the mission could not continue at the time. However, the records suggest that efforts were made in the following years to re-establish the mission and to even acquire land for building a mosque. In a letter dated 13 April 1957, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra instruction was conveyed to Malik Muhammad Sharif Sahib that he should find a piece of land in Rome where a mosque could be built. Moreover, The Civil and Military Gazette of 8 September 1957 stated, “The Ahmadiyya Muslim sect plans to build a mosque in Zurich and to open a mission in Rome.”
It must be noted that at the time, though Ahmadis were present in Italy, there was no formally-established mission, as highlighted by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh during his address at the 1965 Jalsa Salana Rabwah. He mentioned various countries, including Italy, where missions were established during Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra time, but they could not continue due to certain restrictions and difficulties. Thus, Huzoorrh emphasised the urgent need to re-establish those missions. (Khitabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 1, p. 75)
During his tour of Europe in 1973, Huzoorrh had a short visit to Italy as well. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 3, p. 218)
The efforts to re-establish the Italy Mission continued in the following years as well. In 1985, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited Italy and while narrating the details of his visit during the Friday Sermon on 4 October 1985, he mentioned Malik Muhammad Sharif Sahib and the early missionary activities in Italy. Huzoorrh emphasised the need to re-establish the mission there and indicated that a few places were being considered where a mission could be established. Huzoorrh highlighted the importance of Italy due to being a major country with a significant impact and also with respect to its connection with Catholic Christianity, and stated that Islam’s spread in this nation could open the avenues for the future victories of Islam. (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 4, pp. 821-825)
The records suggest that efforts to re-establish the Italy Mission continued, but certain restrictions and difficulties caused a long wait.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, during the blessed era of Khilafat-e-Khamisa, a piece of land was acquired in San Pietro, Bologna. Mentioning this, during his Friday Sermon on 30 May 2008, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that for a long time, efforts were being made to acquire land for the mission house in Italy, and hence, the council has now approved a piece of land for this purpose. Huzooraa stated that in a country where the Christian successorship is still in place, Allah the Almighty has granted a piece of land on the completion of a 100 years of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, where a centre will be established for the servants of the Messiahas of Muhammadsa and Allah’s tawhid will be proclaimed. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 6, pp. 218-219)
The new centre was named Bait-ut-Tauheed and this was the place from where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered a historic Friday Sermon on 16 April 2010 – the first-ever Friday Sermon broadcast live from Italy. During the sermon, Huzooraa prayed that may Allah the Almighty enable the Italy Jamaat to build a mosque in San Pietro and in Rome as well, and remove the prevailing difficulties and hurdles. (Ibid., Vol. 8, p. 178)
In 2019, Allah the Almighty enabled Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy to purchase another piece of land, adjacent to the mission house in San Pietro. (Al Fazl International, 14 January 2020, p. 17)
In short, the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat continues to echo in Italy and the Jamaat is making progress under the blessed guidance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, and will continue to do so, insha-Allah.