Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter Nine: Who is Ahmad?

Qadiani say: "In chapter LXI (As-Saf) verse 7 prophecy has been made of the advent of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad; and verses 8-10 describe the pro- mise which was given to him." FACTS: This writing is most interesting. Verse 7 is as follows:

And its meaning, according to their English translation, is as follows:

"And remember when Jesus, son of Mary, said, O children of Israel, surely I am Allah's Mes- senger unto you fulfilling that which is before me of Torah, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger who will come after me. His name will be Ahmad. And when he came to them with clear proofs they said, `This is clear enchantment". The translatory of the Qadiani Swahili trans- lation have rendered the word "Sihr" as "udangan- yifu" which means `cheating'. But the correct tran slation of "Sihr" is ` magic' or 'witch-craft', not ,cheating'. This twisting of the words of the Qur'an has been done intentionally because Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was never called a `magician' or `Sahir' for the simple reason that he never showed any extra- ordinary sign or miracle which could be attributed to `magic' or 'witch-craft'. Of course, he was, and is, branded a `cheater'; and that is why their trans- lators have twisted the Swahili meaning of the verse, to `This is clear cheating'. Now we come to the verse itself.

`Ahmad' was the name of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) of Islam. He himself told that one of his names was "Ahmad"; people during the days of Sahaba referred to him as "Ahmad" in their poems; children were named "Ahmad" after him in .the same period; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani himself said that his followers should be called "Ahmadi" after the name of the Holy Pro- phet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) of Islam who had two names - Muhammad and Ahmad.

A. SAYING OF THE HOLY PROPHET (P.U.H.A.H.F.):

Jubair bin Mut'im said that the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "I have five names: I am Muha- mmad, and I am Ahmad............." This tradition has been narrated by Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Malik and Imam Tir- mizi in their books (all from Sihah-e-Sitta).

2. Abu Musa Ashari said:

The Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) used to enu- merate for us his names; thus he said, "I am Muh-a- mmad, and I am Ahmad............." This tradition is narrated in Sahih-e-Muslim, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal and Musnad of Al- Bazzar.

3. Also it is narrated:-

The Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "Verily I was the Khatamun-Nabiyyin in the presence of Allah when Adam was in the form of the moulded clay; and I am telling you its interpretation:- (I am) the prayer of Abraham and good tidings of Jesus and the dream of my mother which she was shown..........." This tradition is written in Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Al-Mu'jam-ul-Kabir of Tabarani and Musnad of Al-Bazzar. And the meaning of the phrase (good tidings of Jesus) is the same verse which the Qadianis shamelessly try to fit on Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani.

4. Also, he said:-

"Abraham prayed for me and Jesus brought my good tidings and my mother saw at the time of my birth a light which brightened for her all between east and west". (al-Iqdul-Farid, Vol.IV, p.251)

5. Other traditions of the same meaning have been narrated in Mishkatul-Masabih.

6. The Holy Prophet (px.h.a.h.f.) said:

"My name in the Qur'an is Muhammad; and in Evangel is Ahmad."

B. POEMS: Here are some of the poetries of the Sahaba of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) in which the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) has been mentioned as Ahmad:-

Imam Ali bin Ahmad al-Wahidi has narrated from Abu Huraira who said.................... Then Ali said: "Listen to me." Then he recited telling: "People surely know that my share in the Islam is much greater than all shares; and AHMAD the Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) is my brother and father- in-law and cousin, May Allah bless him".

This tradition is narrated by Qadhi Maybadhi Shafei and Sheikh Al-Qanduzi Hanafi from Imam Wahidi, (Vide Yanabiul-Mawaddah, p.68). (b) Imam Ali (p.u.h.), during the days of his Caliphate said, condemning some of the allega- tions of his enemies:-

"Lo, I heard an evil talk, which is a lie on Allah and which turns the colour of hair into white; which enters into the ears and covers the eye. Ahmad would not have been pleased if he were informed of it".

Al-Imamah was'siyasah (Vol.I, p.84); Kitab- ussiffin of Ibn Muzahim, p.24; Sharh-Ibn Abil Hadid (Vol.2, p.69). (c) Amr bin Aas, before accepting Islam, was one of the greatest enemies of Islam. In those days, he boasted of that enmity. It was in that connec- tion that he said about himself:-

"And (I am) the enemy of AHMAD from among them; and am the most out-spoken person against him" (Tazkira Sibt Ibn Jawzi, p.16; Sharh Ibn Abil Hadid Vol.6, p.292; Jamharatul-Khutub, Vol.2, p.12). (d) Hassan bin Thabit Ansari, the famous poet of the Holy Prophet (px.h.a.h.f.), said:- "There are for ever from the family of Hashim the unassailable pillars of strength in Islam and its pride. The virtuous chiefs, among whom is Ja'afar and his brother Ali (p.u.h.) and from them is AHMAD, the chosen one". (Al-Iqdul-Farid of Ibnu Abde Rabbih Al-Undulusi, Vol.5, p.380, printed in Egypt).

(c) NAME: People from the beginning used to name their children AHMAD after the name of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.). For example, Imam Hassan, the grandson of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.), (died 50 A.H.) had named one of his sons `Ahmad'. (Bihar-ul-Anwar, Vol.10). (d) And Mirza Ghulam Ahmad himself writes: "And Ahmad is that name of the Holy Pro- phet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) which was mentioned by Pro- phet Jesus: "will come AFTER ME his name is Ahmad". The word` After Me' shows that that prophet would come after me without any gap, i. e., no other prophet would come between me and him". ( Kitab Malfuzate-Ahmad, i.e., Diary 1901 pp. 4 and 5. Akhbar Al-Hakam dated 31/1/1901).

Ponder seriously upon the italicized sentence which is a complete proof in itself. Thus Mirza Ghulam Ahmad himself accepts that this verse is the prophecy of our Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.), who was to come after Prophet Jesus (p.u.h.)"without gap". Remember that this is the qualification of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) of Islam and not of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani.

(e) Again he writes:

"And this sect has been named Ahmadiyya because our Prophet (peace be on him) had two names; 1. Mohammad (p.u.h.a.h.f.) and 2. Ahmad (p.u.h.a.h.f.)" (Ishtihar Wajibul Izhar, 4/11/1900). (f) Again he writes:

"You have heard that our Prophet (p.u.h.- a.h.f.) had two names One, Mohammad (p.u.h.- a.h.f.) and this name is written in Torah........ the second name is Ahmad (p.u.h.a.h.f.) and this name is in Evangel.................... As appears from this verse:

"And giving good tidings of a Messenger who will come after me whose name is Ahmad". (Arbain No.4, p.13) (g) And the name of your prophet was Ghu- lam Ahmad, not Ahmad. And he himself has wri- tten its meaning as `slave of Ahmad', as will appear in these writings:-

"Because the Christian missionaries turned Jesus, son of Mary, into god and abused our Chief, Maula and real Shafi (i.e., the Holy Prophet Moha- mmad p.u.h.a.h.f.) and made the earth unclean by abusive books, therefore, in contrast to that Mes- siah who was called god, God sent in this Ummah a promised Messiah who is far greater in all his glories than the first Messiah (i.e., Prophet Jesus p.u.h.) and He (i.e., God) named this second Mes- siah "Ghulam Ahmad", so that it may be a sign that what type of god was the Messiah of the Chri- stians who cannot compete with even a `humble slave of Ahmad'. I mean, how is that Messiah who is inferior 'to the `slave of Ahmad in his nearness' and Shifa`at."

"The Christians were proclaiming loudly that the Messiah also is unique without any partner in his nearness and honour. Now God shows that, `look, I will create his second who is better than him; (and) who is `Ghulam Ahmad' i.e., slave of Ahmad'.

If you want to know the true meaning of `trying to extinguish the light of Allah by the puff of mouth' look at the Qadianis' attempts which if successful would mean that the Holy Prophet (God forbid) wrongly claimed to be Ahmad' It is really surprising to see the Qadianis igno- ring the meaning of "Ghulam Ahmad" which the holder of the name himself reiterates repeatedly, especially so when that holder is also their pro- phet. To prove their own view (and, in the process, refuting the meaning given by Mirza Ghulam Ah- mad Qadiani himself) they argue that "Ghulam Ahmad" has no vowel of "possession". Had it been Arabic, it should have been "Ghulam-o-Ahmad"; or if Persian, then it should have been "Ghulam-e- Ahmad".

All right, let us talk to them in their own way. It is Persian combination. And in Persian language, many possessive phrases whose first part denotes some kind of relation (like ' bin'- son - , `pisar - son -, `saheb' - owner or companion)' are used without the possessive vowel. This system is called `Fakk-e-Izafat' (i.e., omission of possessive vowel). Examples are: `Saheb-dil', `Pidar-zan', `Pi sar-Am' etc. This happens because of the frequ- ency of use. Likewise, because of frequent use, the possessive vowel in such names as "Ghulam Ah- mad" is omitted, but the meaning remains ;the same. Ask anyone having a name like "Ghulam Rasul" or "Ghulam Husain" and he will at once say that his name means "slave of the Prophet"

Chapter Ten: History of Religions

The Qadiani Missionary wrote: If you have any doubt about Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani's claim, then show us a single example, since Pro phet Adam upto the death of the Holy Prophet of Islam, of such a man who claimed wrongly to be a prophet and whose claim had been successful. If wrong claimants of prophethood may succeed, then what is the difference between a genuine prophet and an impostor?

Qur'an says in chapter LXIX verse 45-47: "If (our Apostle Muhammad p.u.h.a.h.f.) had fabricated against us any of the sayings certainly would we have seized him by the right hand; then certainly would we have cut off his aorta". My Reply: This verse means that those who have been commissioned by God cannot but deli- ver whatever they are charged with, and God never allows them to forge anything of their own on His behalf.

But it does not mean that the impostors of the self-appointed prophets who falsely claim to have been sent by God must perish - because there is no need to expose them. Their ridiculous claims, like those of Bahaullah, or their lack of miracles are enough to expose their falsity. Perhaps you do not know, but it is the acce- pted belief of all the sects - Sunni and Shia alike, that the only distinction between true and false prophets are:

1. The standard of their teachings - true pro- phets taui~hI high morals while false ones ga-e lati- tude to their followers; 2. Miracles - which al ge ared on the hands of the true prophets and not on those of false ones; 3. and the Ismat (siniessness - infallibility).

And the Holy Qur'an itself shows in various verses that those who fabricate lies against Allah may get some enjoyment in this world; and that their punishment is in Qiyamah. See for example: "Say, those who invent a lie against Allah will not prosper; some enjoyment in this world; and then to Us will be their return. Then shall We make them taste the severest penalty for their blasphe- mies". (Qur'an, 10:69-70) There never was any standard of the length of life or the success or failure of his mission. It is just an arbitrary standard invented by your Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani who wrote that:

"Since the beginning of the world there never was any example of even a single person who got 23 years like our chief the Holy Prophet (p.u.h. a.h.f.) and who was wrong in his claim of getting revelation from God.......... If you find a person who claims to be sent by God and if it is proved that 23 years had passed since the claim of recei- ving the revelation from God.......... then you should believe that he is from God".

This self-invented standard of the truth or falsity of the claim of prophethood is very amu- sing. Let us suppose, a man heard our Holy Pro- phet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) proclaiming his prophethood in the beginning and said that he would wait 23 years to see whether Muhammad survived that period or not, do you think he would have been excused and pardoned by God? And what if he himself died during the life-time of the Holy Prophet with- out accepting Islam? What a rubbish!

And remember that many true prophets had been killed within one, two or three years of their prophethood. What would have been the position if someone, during the prophethood of Prophet Yahya (John), refused to believe in him saying that as he did not live 23 years he was, God forbid, a liar?

And also some impostors have lived more than 23 years after their claims. Why make a con- dition "from Adam upto the Holy Prophet"? If it is a Divine criterion, it would remain true even after the Holy Prophet of Islam. In fact, "after the Holy Prophet" would have been more appropriate, and a better period for checking, because now we know that no other religion is to come from God. Still we see that many religions having no connec- tion with Islam have appeared after the Holy Pro- phet ,.nd have prospered. For example, Sikh and Bahai religions. They themselves do not claim any affinity towards Islam and still they have pros- pered though the Muslims and Qadianis both agree that these religions are wrong.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Sai- nts (Commonly known as Mormon Church) was founded by Joseph Smith in 1820 A.D., when he claimed to have received divine call for prophecy in the name of the Most High. He claimed to rece- ive divine revelation written upon golden plates which he was able to translate. The first edition of the book of his revelation was printed in 1830. His associate, Oliver Cowdery, also claimed to be ordained by angelic visitants. Smith was killed in 1844, i.e., 24 years after his claim; but his murder did not stop his Mission. His followers flourished " in Utah and three adjoining states and the whole state of Utah is populated by them, and one of them was considered as a candidate for U.S.A. presidency in 1968.

They believe in the `Book of Mormons' to be the `Word of God', together with the Bible, just as the Qadianis believe in Barahin-e-Ahmadiya and many other books of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadi- ani as the `Word of God' together with the Qur'an.

Thus, Joseph Smith claimed to be a prophet, as Mirza Qadiani did; he published his revelation, as Mirza Qadiani did; he established a line of pro phets as Mirza Qadiani established a line of Caliphs; and his sect is flourishing to such an extent that is beyond the dreams of the Qadianis till this day; and what is more, he was given more than 23 years to live after that claim, which Mirza Saheb was not given.

Now, I wonder what new excuses the Qadi- anis will invent to overcome this insurmountable difficulty. Will they say that Mormon Church is from God, so as to maintain the accuracy of the self-invented standard of Mirza Qadiani?

It would be interesting to you that your Mirza Qadiani had declared in Arbain (No.3) in two places (p.9; pp.29-30) that God had promi sed him that he would live 80 years or 2 or 4 years more or less. It means that he was promised to live not less that 76 years and not more than 84 years. And also he wrote in the same book that God had promised to him to protect him from every `Khabith' (Dirty) disease. (Arbain No.3, p.9) The book quoted above is in my library and you are welcome to see it any time. Well, now let us look at the facts and com- pare them with these claims:-

(1) Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani was born in 1339 or 1840 A.D. and died on 26th May, 1908 A.D. It means that his claim of God's promise (80 years] or 2 or 4 years more or less) was wrong. As he had made this age of 76 to 84 years as a sign of his truth, his death at the age of 68 years proves him an imposter by his own words. (2) Upto 1901 A.D., many times he declared that his claim by the word `prophethood' was not the `prophethood' as understood by the Muslims; but that its real meaning was `Muhaddath':-

"In the books of this humble man (i.e., Mirza Qadiani himself), - Fat'hul-Islam, Tawzihul-Ma- ram, and Izala-e-Awham - all such words "Muhad dath is a Nabi in one meaning", or "Muhaddathi- yyat is a partial Nubuwwah" or "Muhaddathiyyat is an imperfect Nubuwwah" are not used in its true meaning. In my simplicity, I have used them in their literal meaning. Never do I claim the real Nubuwwah................ Therefore, I want to explain to my Muslim brothers that if they are angry beca- use of these words they should treat them as ame- nded and should read them as `Muhaddath'........... "My intention, from the beginning, as God knows very well, with this word `Nabi' was not the real `Nubuwwah', but only `Muhaddath' which has been interpreted by the Holy Prophet as `Muka- llam ( with whom angels talk) as he said about Muhaddath: ` There were before you in Bani Israel men who were talked to (by the angels) without them being prophets".

(Ishtihar of Mirza Qadiani, given in Tabligh- e-Risalat, Vo1.2, p.95, as quoted in `Qadiani Maz- hab ka Ilmi Muhasiba of Ilyas Barni). This advertisement was published by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani on 3rd February,1892, when he was defeated in a 3-day religious discu- ssion (Munazirah) with Muslim scholars. In the long history of religions, he finds only two clai- mants of divine revelations who wrote such con- fessions (or `resignation') declaring that their cla- i ms stood amended - in other words, the original claims were wrong: First, Mirza Ali Mohammad Bab, the founder of Babi religion; second, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, founder of the Qadiani religion.

Now, the Qadianis say that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad never said that he was not a `Nabi' (Pro- phet). Mr. Abul-Ata Jalandhari, late Principle of Jameatul-Mubashshirin, Rabwa, writes in his book ` Tafheemat-e-Rabbaniyya' (pp.44-45; 2nd edition, 1964). "Yes, he (i.e., Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) did claim to be a `Nabi' (Prophet) without new Sha- ri`ah; and he never denied this claim, neither before 1901 nor after 1901. As he (Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) has written:- "Wherever I have denied to be a prophet or apostle, it is only with this meaning that I am not a bringer of a new Shari`ah independently, nor I am an independent `Nabi'. But I have never denied prophethood in the meaning that, getting spiritual benefits from my leader apostle, and being given his name for me, I have been given by Allah, through him, the knowledge of unseen, (and) 46 an apostle and prophet, but without any new Shari'ah. I have never denied to be called such a prophet; but Allah has called me prophet and apostle in this very meaning. (Ek Ghalati Ka Izala)"

First, read again his clear declaration that he was only a `Muhaddath', and his explanation (in the words of the Holy Prophet of Islam) that `Muhaddath' means "men who were talked to by the angels without them being `Nabi' (prophet)". Then look at this shameless assertion that "I have never denied prophethood in the meaning that............... I am an apostle and prophet, but without a new Shari`ah." Compare these two statements and there will be no need of any comment. There is a Persian proverb:( A liar has no me- mory).

Also look at the following writings of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmoud Ahmad, son of Mirza Ghu- lam Ahmad and the second caliph of the Qadianis. He writes in his book "Haqiqatun-Nubuwwah" (page 148-150):-

"The writings of Hudhur (a.s.) (i.e., Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani) of earlier times show that he is not a claimant of prophethood; but the wri tings and talks of later period prove that he was claiming prophethood.................... Our research is that Prophet Masih Maw'ud (p.u.h.) changed his belief about the question of Nubuwwah about 1901 A.D."

It means that he was not claiming to be pro- phet till 1901. Also, he has written that "the question of Nubuwwah became clear on him (Mirza Qadiani) in 1900 or 1901. He changed his belief in 1901. Therefore, all the references of before 1901 in which he had denied his prophethood are now abrogated (cancelled)".

Now, I would like to point out another 3 matters:- First, Allah says in the Qur'an: "The Messenger (of Allah) believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord and the belie- vers (also believed)". (Qur'an: 2:285) What kind of the prophet was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani who according to his later claims was given prophethood since 1887 or near that time, and still he continued to disbelieve his own Nubuwwah for 14 years upto 1901? Have you heard anything like this in history of religions?" Second: Anyhow, he began his firm belief in his Nubuwwah in 1901. And he died in 1908. It means that, according to his own standard, he was not given 23 years to live after the declaration of his claim, because he was a liar.

Third: He had claimed that God had promi- sed to him to protect him from every `Khabith' (dirty) disease. But, the disease by which Mirza Qadiani died was cholera according to his own last declaration. This last declaration is found in the writing of Mir Nasir Saheb, father-in-law of Mirza Qadiani and one of his staunch followers. He writes:- "The night when Hadhrat Saheb (i.e., Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani) fell ill, I had gone to sleep at my place. When the `Takleef (discomfort) increased on him, I was awakened. When I reached Hadhrat Saheb and saw his condition, he said addressing me: 'Mir Saheb, I have got epidemic cholera'. Then, so far as I know, he never talked so clearly till he died next day after 10 a.m." (Hayat-e-Nasir, p.14; edited by Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani, Qadiani; as quoted in `Qadiani Mazhab Ka Ilmi Muhasiba' of Professor Ilyas Berni). Now, according to his own standard Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani's claim of prophethood proves to be a lie, because God did not protect him from the ` Khabith' (dirty) disease.

Chapter Eleven: Some Misinterpreted Verses

The African Qadiani missionary had written to me:- "In the chapter VII (Al-A'raf), verse 37 it is said, `O Children of Adam, without doubt will come to you prophets from amongst yourselves, who will inform you of my signs'. It means that the prophets will continue to come without break" FACTS: These people have been misled by their wrong Swahili translation which is a glaring example of `interpreting, the Qur'an according to one's own wish'. The verse is:

This verse is one `Conditional sentence' and their own English translation published under the auspices of their second caliph in Pakistan says: "O Children of Adam, if Messengers came to you from among yourselves, rehearsing My signs unto you, then hoso shall fear God and do good deeds, on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve." But the Swahili translators have twisted its meaning to mislead African Muslims. I had wri- tten in his reply:-

"Here I would like to inform you that `Immd' is made of `In'the `conditional con- and `ma' iwhich is anjunction' extra addition and which gives the emphasis to the mustcondition, i.e., subordinate clause ). If any Qadi-follow the principal clause ani is unaware of Arabic, he may see "Peach your- self Arabic', Lesson 28 (Conditional and Exceptic Sentences), where it is written:follows the but is often followed by thesame rule as energetic".

So, "" is a conditional conjunction which is often followed by energetic as is the case in this verse. But it is a Conditional sentence, not an informative one. "IF" the condition is fulfilled then the `Jaza' (subordinate clause) will happen. This statement in the story of prophet Adam is written in three places in the Our'an with the same "conditional `Imma' and energetic orAnd I am quoting the translations of other two verses from your own translation. The first verse is in chapter II (Al-Baqara):- Its translation, according to the Qadianis' English translation is:

"We said: `Go forth, all of you, from here. And if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoso shall follow My guidance, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve".

Mark the italicised `if' and `then'. The Swahili translation is in conformity with it; and contains the words 'Kama' (if) and `Basi' (then). The second verse is in chapter XX (Taha):- The Qadiani English translation is as follows:- "He said, `Go forth, both of you, from here, some of you being enemies of others. And if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoso will follow My guidance, he will not go astray, nor will he come to grief". (20:124) Again the same `If' and ` Then '. And again in Swahili translation the same 'Kama' and `Basi'. The same narration has been repeated in that verse addressed to the "children of Adam". And doubtless after Prophet Adam countless prophets were sent to his children, and without any doubt all those who followed them were successful. But where does this verse say that `without doubt' pro- phets will continue to be sent always till the day of Judgement, and even after the Holy Prophet of Islam? If you ponder upon these three translations you will have to ask yourself why the same wor- dings in the same event and same context have been translated in two different ways. Is it not a twistingclear case of the meaning of Qur'an to suit their own purpose? It is amusing to see the Qadiani translators of the Swahili translation trying to satisfy their guilty conscience by writing the following foot-note under this verse of the Holy Qur'an:-

"This verse may also be translated as follows: 'If (kama) Messengers came to you'. According to this translation, this verse would not show whe ther prophets may or may not come. It will be just like the verse 37 of second chapter which says, `if there comes to you guidance from me' The word 'Imma' is meant to show that if at any time a messenger of Allah appears do not fail to accept him".

CONTINUITY OF PROPHETHOOD?

Also he had written:-

"Chapter IV (An-Nisa) verse 70 says: "And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs and the Righteous. And excellent com- panions are these." My reply:-

Here also you have gone astray because of the wrong Swahili translation of the Qur'an prepared by your Mission. The word used in the verse is not (In) butwhich should be translated `with'. Your translator has written instead `among' which is wrong. `To be with the prophets' does not mean `to be prophet'; otherwise all the compa- nions of the Holy Prophet would have become prophets, because they werewith the Holy Prophet. Or would you say that the companions were not `obedient to Allah and His Messenger'? To give another example: If a man lives `with' his parents, does he become his own parent? And even supposing that that translation is correct, how can this verse show that the prophet- hood is to be given to someone after Muhammad Mustafa (p.u.h.a.h.f.)?

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

What is the meaning of the continuity of prophethood? I would like you to ponder upon this que- stion: What do you mean by your belief of the "continuity of prophethood?" Does it mean that the world cannot remain for a single moment with out a prophet? If so, then who was the prophet after the death of the Holy Prophet of Islam till Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani claimed to be a pro- phet?

Or does this belief mean that the world can- not remain for a single moment without a religion and Shari'ah brought by a prophet? If so, then of course the prophethood of Muhammad Mustafa (p.u.h.a.h.f.) is continuing and will continue till the last day and there is no need of a new prophet.

IMAM MAHDI (p.u.h.) A `RASUL'?

The most blatant lie is the Qadianis' assertion that Tafseer Safi says that Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) is a Rasul. No such blasphemous idea can ever enter into the mind of any Shia. But the Qadianis beca- use of their crooked mentality are quite unable to understand any simple talk without getting it dis- torted. The verse under discussion is:- Its meaning is as follows:-

"It is He Who sent His Apostle with Guidance and Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religions even though the pagans may dislike it". (9:33) This verse is one of those verses whose com- plete fulfilment was delayed till the Holy Prophet left this world. There are many verses whose pro mise or order came into effect after the Holy Prophet. Take for example, verse No.74 of this same chapter which says:- "O Prophet, wage Jihad - religious war - against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be hard on them". Everybody knows that the Holy Prophet had to wage war against the unbelievers; but he could not do the same with the hypocrites, because of the circumstances. So he, during his life time, acted upon half of the verse; while the next half was fulfilled during the days of Amirul-Mu'me- neen Ali bin Abi Talib (p.u.h.), who had to fight against the hypocrites. Referring to this, Imam Ja'far Sadiq (p.u.h.) said (and I am quoting from the same Tafseer Safi):-

"Thus the Messenger of Allah (p.u.h.a.h.f.) fought against the unbelievers, and Ali fought aga- inst the hypocrites. Thus, Ali did the Jihad of the Messenger of Allah (p.u.h.a.h.f.)". Likewise, in this verse a promise was given to the Holy Prophet of Islam (p.u.h.a.h.f.) (who is mentioned asHis Messenger) that Islam would be victorious against all religions inspite .of the discomfiture of the unbelievers. But as everyone knows, this promise was not fulfilled during the life-time of the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) as at that time the Islam had not reached outside Arabia. The traditions of Tafseer Sift say that that promise will be fulfilled in the days of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) who is also referred to as `Qaim- Ale-Muhammad'. Thus Tafseer Safi notes:-

"Qummi said: It was revealed in the matter of Qaime-Ale-Muhammad; And (Qummi) said that it is amongst those verses about which we have told that its fulfilment will be delayed from its revelation". "And in Majma'ul-Bayan a tradition is narra- ted from Imam Muhammad Baqir (p.u.h.) concer- ning this verse that `this would happen at the time of appearance of Mahdi (p.u.h.) from the family of Muhammad (p.u.h.a.h.f.). Thus there would remain none but would accept (the truth) of Mu- hammad (p.u.h.a.h.f.).................... "And there is a tradition from Imam Ja'afar Sadiq (p.u.h.) about this verse. He said: `When Qaim ( Mahdi p.u.h.) will appear there will be no pagan or unbeliever but would dislike his appea- rance'.

"And it is recorded in Majma'ul-Bayan that the Holy Prophet (p.u.h.a.h.f.) said (mentioning the appearance of Imam Mahdi): There will not remain any house or tent but Allah will bring Islam into it.................... And there is a tradition of Imam Muhammad Baqir (p.u.h.) recorded in Ikmal and Tafseer of Ayyashi that: `Our Qaim will be helped by fear (his enemies will surrender to him because of fear), restrengthened with the help (from God), the earth will be folded for him (i.e., he will reach at once wherever he warius to go), and will show its treasures for him; his rule will reach east and west; and through him Allah will make His religion victorious over all religions, thus, there will be no inhabited area but it will be developed (inhabited); and the Spirit of Allah, Jesus, son of Mary, will come down and will pray behind him...................."

It is clear that these traditions refer to the fact that the promise given to the Holy Prophet of Islam would be fulfilled during the days of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.); not that Imam Mahdi will be sent as Rasul! This is a very clear example of the cheating, twisting, putting words in other's mouth and other crooked tactics upon which the Qadiani faith is based. Anybody who reads their assertions in their books and then compares those references with the original books cannot fail to find numerous such examples himself.

I will not be surprised if now, after reading that "Ali did the Jihad of the Messenger of Allah" they start telling us that the Shias believe that Ali (p.u.h.) was a prophet, especially when the verse begins with the word "O Prophet"!

Chapter Twelve: Imam Mahdi (P.U.H.)

Now that we have come to the prophecies about the advent of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) and Pro- phet Jesus, son'of Mary (p.u.h.), it is advisable to describe these subjects in some detail, because Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani claimed not only to be a prophet but also to be Imam Mahdi and Jesus - thus giving the world another example of 3-in-1 identities.

In numerous traditions, appearance of Imam Mahdi, then of Dajjal, then of Prophet Jesus have been mentioned as the confirmed signs immedi- ately before the Qiyamah ( Resurrection Day). As the Qadianis are very fond of quoting (out of context, of course) from writings of the Sufis, especially from Al-Yawaqeet wal-Jawahir of She- ikh Abdul Wahhab Sha'arani and Al-Futuhatul- Makkiyyah of Sheikh Muhyiddin Al-Andalusi, I would prefer to quote from these two books only on this subject, to show what these two Sufis believed.

Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Sha'arani writes in Al-Yawaqeet wal-Jawahir:-

"Chapter sixtyfifth: to show that all the con- ditions of Qiyamah (foretold by the Holy Prophet p.u.h.a.h.f.) are truth and all of them must appear before coming of Qiyamah. "And those signs are like appearance of Mahdi, then of Dajjal, then coming down of Jesus, end appearance 'of Dabba and rising of sun from its setting place and the Qur'an being taken up, * and opening of the barrier of God and Magog. ]Even if there was only one day remaining from (the age of) the world, all of these signs would cippear surely. ... ... ... ... ... At that time the appearance of Mahdi should be expected; tend he is the off-spring of Imam Hasan Al-Askari; his birth (peace be on him) was on the night of 15th Sha'ban in the year 255, and he is alive till he Taken up: It means that the Holy Qur'an will remain only in form and not in spirit. It will continue to remain in existence but the instructions therein will no longer be put into practice.

meets Jesus, son of Mary (p.u.h.). Thus his (Imam Mahdi's) age at this time (i.e., the year 958 Hijri) is 703 years". And Sheikh Muhyiddin writes in Al-Futuha- tul-Makkiyyah (Chapter 366):- "Know that Mahdi (Allah be pleased with him) must appear. But he will not appear till the world becomes full of tyranny and injustice, then he will fill it with justice and equity; and if there is no more than one day remaining from the (age of the) world, Allah will make that day long enough to enable this Caliph to rule. And he (Imam Ma- hdi) is from the progeny of the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace from Allah be upon him), from the children of Fatimah (Allah be pleased with her); his fore-father is Husain, son of Ali bin Abi Talib; his father is Hasan Al-Askari (son of Imam Ali Al-Nagi, son of Imam Muhammad Al- Taqi,

son of Imam Ali Al-Ridha, son of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim, son of Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq, son of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir, son of Imam Zainul Abedeen Ali, son of Imam Husain, son of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib); his name is the name of the Messenger of Allah (i.e., Muhammad); the Mus- li ms will do his Bay'at (will declare their allegi- ance to him) between Rukn (-e-Yamani) and Maqam (-e-Ibrahim) (i.e., in Ka'aba); He will be like the Messenger of Allah (Blessing and peace from Allah be upon him) in appearance, and below him in character, because nobody can be like the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace from Allah be upon him) in character as Allah says: "Verily thou art on, great character". ...............He will dis- tribute the wealth equally and will do justice to the public. ...............More people will abstain from sin because of his fear rather than because of the Qur'an. (Because of his blessings) a man who would be ignorant, coward and miser in the eve- ning would become learned, brave and generous in the morning.

Help (from God) will walk in his front; he will follow the footsteps of the Messen- ger of Allah, and he will commit no mistake; there will be an angel supporting him without his seeing him; he will raise up the weary, help the weak;....... his action will be according to his words, and his words according to his deeds he will des- troy the injustice and unjust and will raise the religion and will put the life back into Islam. Allah,

through him, will strengthen the Islam after its dishonour and will make it alive after its death; he will revoke Jaziya (personal tax payable by non- Muslims in an Islamic state) and will call towards Allah with sword he will manifest the religion as it is in reality, so that if the Messenger of Allah (Blessing and peace from Allah be upon him) were alive would have confirmed it. Thus, in his time there will not remain but the religion pure from (the people's) views. ... ... ... "Jesus, son of Mary (p.u.h.), will come down to him near the White minaret in the eastern part of Damascus leaning upon two angels (one on his right side, the another on his left) when the people will be in the prayer of "Asr" (after-noon);... ... ... ... ... ... (Jesus p.u.h.) will break the cross and kill the swine. And Mahdi will die clean and pure, ... ... ... ... ... and (Mahdi p.u.h.) appeared in the 4th period (i.e., after Tabi- een..............., then he went into seclusion till comes the known (or appointed) time".

A COMPARISON

Now, let us compare Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani's particulars with those of Imam Mahdi:- 1. Genealogy: As Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn-e- `Arabi (and Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Sha'arani in short) wrote, Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) is the son of Imam Hasan Al-`Askari whose genealogy he has recorded upto Amirul-Mumeneen Ali bin Abi Talib (p.u.h.); and all his ancestors (upto Ali bin Abi Talib) are the well-known figures of history and are the Imams of the Shia Ithna-asheris.

This specific genealogy does not leave any room for Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani to claim that he was the said Mahdi. He was Ghulam Ahmad son of Ghulam Murtaza son of Ata Muha- mmad son of Gul Muhammad. So far as his origin is concerned, he seems to make various contradictory statements. Sometimes he claimed to be a Mongol; at others to be a Chi nese; sometimes he was of Persian origin, at others of Turk. And the world knows him as a Punjabi Indian.

2. Date and Place of Birth: Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) was born on 15th Sha'ban, 255 A.H. in Samarra in Iraq; and in the year 958 his age was 703 years.

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani was born in 1839 or 1840 A.D., i.e., about 1000 years after the birth of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.), and he did not live even upto 76 years as he claimed to be promi- sed by God. He was born in Qadian in India.

3. Removal of Tyranny:Imam Mahdi will remove all the tyranny and injustice from the world, and will fill the earth with justice and equity.

And after the advent of Mirza Ghulam Ah- mad Qadiani injustice and oppression seem to inc- rease day by day in the world.

4. His Appearing: Muslims will do the Bay`at of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) between Rukn and Maqam of Ka'aba. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad did not even see the Rukn and Magam.

5. Distribution of Wealth: Imam Mahdi will distribute so much wealth that nobody will remain needy and no one will accept the charity any more. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, till the last days of his life, depended upon others' donations and contributions. In the beginning it were the Muslims who were approached to contribute towa- rds the publication of his books; in the end it were his followers who were taxed to support him and his family.

6. Infallibility: Imam Mahdi will commit no mistake. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's life is full of the mistakes in deeds and beliefs.

7. Jihad: Imam Mahdi will call towards the path of Allah with sword. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani abrogated and cancelled the Jihad (Holy War) and made the fighting in the cause of religion unlawful.

8. Result of the endeavour: In Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.)'s time, Allah will make Islam victorious over all religions, and there will not remain but Islam, pure from all blemishes. Mirza Qadiani's life came to an end without fulfilling that impor- tant task.

During Imam Mahdi's time, Islam will get strength. By the claim of Mirza Qadiani, Islam became weaker even than before.

9. Coming of Prophet Jesus (p.u.h.): During the days of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) Prophet Jesus, son of Mary (p.u.h.) will come down to assist him and will pray behind him. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani could not persuade Prophet Jesus (p.u.h.) to come down; so he claimed to be Jesus himself.

10. Eclipses: At the advent of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) there will be lunar eclipse on the 1st night of Ramadhdn and solar eclipse on 15th night of Ramadhdn. This sign, is yet to appear.

11. Sunrise from West: The almost last of the signs at the time of Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) will be the rising of the sun from its setting place. After this sign, the conversion to Islam will not be acce- ptable, nor will such conversion be of any avail. This sign is yet to appear.

12. Death: Imam Mahdi will die clean and pure. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani died of epi- demic cholera which is the dirtiest disease.

13. Imam Mahdi's Concealment and re-appe- arance: The above quotations make it clear that Imam Mahdi (p.u.h.) son of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (p.u.h.) is concealed from the people after the death of his father; he is living and he will re- appear and fill the world with justice and righte- ousness. His re-appearance is so certain that even if a single day is left before the end of the world, that day will be prolonged by God for him to appear and rule the world.

See (1) Al-Yawageet- wal-Jawahir Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Sha'arani who is (according to him) supported in this respect (a) by two saints viz. Sh. Hasan Iraqi and Sh. Ali-ul- Khawas, (b) by Sheikh Mohyiddin ibn-e-`Arabi in the 336th Chapter of Futuhat; (2) Mukashafat....... Hashiah Nafahat by Maulana Ali Akbar Maududi (3) Shawahid-un-Nubuwwah by. Maulana Jami; (4) Fasl-ul-Khitab by Khwaja Mohammad Parsa; (5) Hashia of Fasl-ul-Khitab by the author himself; (6) Kitab Managib-wa-Ahwale Aimma-e-At'har by Sh. Abdul Haq Mohaddis Dehlavi; (7) Rawzat-ul- Ahbab by Jamal-ud-Din Mohaddis; (8) Tazkarah Khawas-ul-Ummah by Sibt Ibn Jawzi; (9) Kitab-ul- Bayan by Mohammad bin Yusuf Kanji Shafii, who has also written arguments against the doubt as to the length of the life of Imam Mahdi; (10) Al- Fusul-ul-Mohimmah by Noor-ud-Din ibn-Sabbagh Maliki; (11) Matalib-us-Suool by Kamal-ud-Din bin Talha Shafii; (12) Mir'at-ul-Asrar by Maulana Abdur Rahman Sufi; (13) Barahin-e-Sabatiah by Qazi Jawad Sabati.

The full details of the birth of Imam Mahdi are given in the books number (3), (4) and (6) quoted above and the incidents which led to his concealment in number (1), (3), (7) and (11). Shah Waliullah of Delhi in his two books (1) Musalsalat, well known as Fazl-ul-Mubin and (2) Nawadir, has reported a tradition of the Prophet through "the Imam of the present period, the con- cealed Imam, Mohammad Mahdi, son of the Imam Hasan Al-Askari".

Obviously, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani cannot claim that any of these details can fit him in any way. 14. Not a Follower of any other Muslim Scholar: Imam Mahdi will neither be a follower in Fiqh (The Islamic Laws) of any other person nor will he act upon analogies. His source of know- ledge will be from God and direct communion with the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Mustafa (p.u.h.a.h.f.).

hand, followed the Fiqh of Imam Abu Hanifa till the last day of his life; and so do his followers uptill now. Therefore, Mirza cannot claim to be Imam Mahdi.