Bilal Ahmed, Missionary, Petauke, Eastern province, Zambia
In the year 2000, a knock was heard at the door of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mission house in Lusaka. It was a knock of humility, yet full of desire and determination searching for nothing but the truth of God. It was a knock by Mr Mehboob, a local mu‘allim (Islamic teacher) from the town of Petauke who was serving under the Sunni Muslim Community in Petauke District. He was full of vigour and determination searching for a message of truth and peace. That is exactly what he received at the door steps of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. The encounter with the Mission marked an unforgettable transformation of himself and the town of Petauke.
Mr. Mehboob’s openness of heart for the truth was met with cordial welcome by the missionary in charge because the desire could be read from the depth of his faith and aspirations. The missionary in charge hurriedly planned for a special visit to Petauke district.
Just like any other parts of Zambia where the Sunni Muslim population is more significant than the Ahmadi population, the path was not as easy. Many of the Sunni Muslim community were of Gujarati origin. These individuals, with their thriving businesses and significant influence in the town, were not pleased with the arrival of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. It apparently disturbed their “peace” and they were determined to thrush out the vision of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Petauke. In their insurmountable appetite of forcefully converting their workers to Sunni Islam, they subjected the locals to excruciating treatment all for the purpose of keeping them under their control and the blockage of possible proselytising to Christianity. Despite such opposition, the seeds of Ahmadiyyat began to take root in Petauke.
Missionaries, including Tahir Chaudhry Sahib, endured immense hardship. On one occasion, under the influence of the Sunni’s, one local even attempted to poison Chaudhry Sahib during one of his village visits to Petauke. There were threats of violence, including a chilling incident when Muhammad Javed Sahib, President and Missionary In-charge of Zambia, was even given death threats during a debate with Sunnis.
Even though these testing trials were as high as a storm, despite them, the message of peace and truth spread, and slowly but surely, a small and determined group of people in Petauke embraced the message of Islam Ahmadiyya.
The fruits of perseverance: progress in Petauke
Fast forward to 2024, and the transformation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Petauke is nothing short of miraculous. What once started as a handful of believers has now blossomed into a community. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Petauke has established over 14 centres, more than 10 mosques spread across the surrounding villages and subsequently, and a prestigious secondary school (Ahmadiyya Muslim secondary school) has been opened. It stands as a beacon of education and faith. By the grace of God Almighty, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is well respected and recognised for its dedication to spreading the true message of Islam. No one could achieve this outstanding work had it not been for the grace of God facilitating the growth even in the midst of challenges.
Even if Sunni Muslims are still the majority of the population in the area, the respect, dignity and honour bestowed on the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is beyond description. Furthermore, even Christian leaders have expressed their admiration towards the growth and efforts of the community in spreading a message of peace and unity. Christian clergy men and women, Bishops and other religious laymen and women in the region have come to witness with their physical and spiritual eyes the exhibition of true ambassadorship of Islam.
Bridging divides: A landmark encounter with baptist bishop
In October 2024, a remarkable incident took place with the Bishop Mr. Kalito, who strongly criticised Islam. Being the Head of the Baptist Church in Petauke, the Bishop held a number of misconceptions about Islam, especially that Islam does not respect Jesus Christ or the Christian faith. His misconception and the negative perception vanished soon after interacting with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
The remarkable success came after the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat hosted a radio program on the topic “Similarities between Islam and Christianity”. This radio program touched a lot of souls and was so impactful that it prompted a phone call from a Baptist pastor by the name of Mr. Joseph. He expressed his admiration for the message of peace that Islam Ahmadiyya conveyed. The pastor, moved by the program, invited the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to attend a Baptist conference where representatives from 37 Baptist branches would be present. There, the Ahmadiyya Muslim missionaries delivered a powerful message of Islam—one rooted in love, harmony, and brotherhood.
Mr Joseph, who listened to the speech keenly, was deeply thrilled with the message and later admitted his feelings before hearing by stating that he was a proud enemy of Islam. The message from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat quickly dismantled all misconceptions about Ahmadiyya Islam. He was extremely happy to acknowledge the respect that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat gives to Jesusas and his mother, Maryas. He expressed gratitude towards the mutual respect that exists between the two religions.
By the time the event was concluding, Bishop Kalito was a changed man and he immediately extended further invitation to speak at two more church branches spearheaded by him. He categorically stated that what the Sunni Muslim Community portrays had contributed to numerous misunderstandings. He spoke strongly about individuals who use religion as an instrument of manipulation in order to control their beliefs. He appreciated Islam Ahmadiyya for presenting Islam in its true light as a religion of peace and respect for all humanity.
The Bishop’s change of heart is a clear indication of the power of truth and a perfect testament of Islam Ahmadiyya in Petauke. The words of the Bishop have begun to bear fruit as more people from the two religions have begun to see Islam Ahmadiyya not as just a separate group from Islam but as the true peaceful path that leads to understanding Islam in its purest form.
Divine guidance and future prospects
In retrospect, by looking at the journey of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Petauke, we are reminded of the hardships and sacrifices that made the way for this success. It helps to serve as a reminder that the message of truth, despite the fact that it can be met with challenges, reaches its final destination. In the same manner that the Prophets of God and their companions faced persecution, so did the early Ahmadiyya Missionaries. However, as the Quran reminds us:
جَآءَ الۡحَقُّ وَزَہَقَ الۡبَاطِلُ
“Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away.” (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.82)
Today, the Jamaat in Petauke stands as a pillar of hope and as a living example of how the peaceful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyya have managed to transform hearts, minds and entire communities. The future holds even greater promise as the work of the mission continues to spread the message of love, peace, and brotherhood in Zambia and beyond.
Alhamdulilah, by the grace of God, the Jamaat in Petauke is pushing hard and its message continues to find a place in the hearts of many Christians, Muslims and many more. Yes, the struggle was long, the route was difficult, yet the fruits of perseverance and faith are now clear for all to see.