A Brief Sketch of the Ahmadiyya Movement

Passion for the spread of Islam

His own writings also stand a mirror to his inner self. In his first book Barahin Ahmadiyya, the purpose of his being raised as a Mujaddid is the predominance of Islam over all other religions. In his own words:

"The spiritual triumph of the religion of Islam which would be brought about by conclusive arguments and shinning proofs whether it is in his life-time or after his death, is destined to be accomplished through this humble servant. Though the religion of Islam has been triumphant from the beginning on account of its strong appeal to the mind of man and though from the earliest times its opponents have met with disgrace and discomfiture, its conquests over different sects and nation depended on the coming of a time which, by opening the ways of communication, should turn the whole world into a kind of united states."

"Thus God intends, by raising me in this age and by granting me hundreds of heavenly signs and a vision of extraordinary matters relating to the future, and deep knowledge and truths by giving me knowledge of hundred of sure arguments, to spread and propagate the knowledge of the true teachings of the Qur’an among all nations and in al countries." (Barahin Ahmadiyya, pp. 498-502.).

The first book in which he wrote about his claims is Fath Islam. This also deals with the triumph of Islam in the world. The object of his advent is described thus :

"Do not wonder that God the Most High in this time of need and in the days of this deep darkness has sent down a heavenly light and, having chosen a servant of His for the good of mankind in general, has sent him to make uppermost the religion of Islam and to spread the light brought by the most excellent of His creatures, (i.e. the Prophet Muhammad) and to strengthen the cause of Muslims and to purify their internal condition." (Fath Islam, 2nd ed., p. 5.)

And again :

"The truth will win and the freshness and light of Islam which characterized it in the earlier days will be restored and that sun (of Islam) will rise again which rose in the full resplendence of its light before. But it is necessary that heaven should withhold its rising till our hearts bleed with labour and hard work and we sacrifice all comfort for its appearance and submit ourselves to all kinds of disgrace for the honour of Islam. The life of Islam demands a sacrifice from us and what is that? That we lay down our lives in this way. And on this death depends the life of Islam, the life of Muslims and the manifestation of the living God. This is in other words is called Islam. And the revival of this Islam is the will of the Most High God." (Ibid., pp. 8, 9.)

This book is full of such ideas and at the end verses in Persian will be found that reflect the innermost thoughts of the author. Below I quote a few of them :

"It is fit that the eye of every Muslim should shed tears of blood over the distressed fate of Islam and dearth of Muslims.

"Lo ! whose soul is destitute of all goodness and beauty finds faults with the Best of all the Messengers.

"The wicked one, the wretched, flings arrows at one sinless : it is proper that heaven should rain stones on earth.

"Unbelief is raging on all sides like the armies of Yazid. The religion of truth lies diseased and destitute like Zain-al-‘Abidin.

"The learned are engaged day and night in mutual feuds out of their selfishness and the pious people are absolutely indifferent to the real needs of Islam.

"For the sake of his own lower self everyone goes in a certain direction : the flank of Religion is left with a gap and every foe has sprung up out of his hiding-place.

"O you Muslims ! Are these the signs of being a Muslims? Distressed is the lot of Islam and you are pledged to the carcass of the world.

"A hundred thousand simpletons have turned away from the Religion; a hundred thousand have fallen victims to the snares of the cunning.

"All calamities have befallen the Muslims only because for the sake of Religion of Islam and they have no courage.

"Even if the whole world turns away from the Religion of Mustafa (the Holy Prophet) the sense of their honour is not roused and they remain as motionless as the still-born child.

"Their thoughts are all immersed in the direction of this vain world and their wealth is wasted in the cause of their women and children.

"It was by keeping religion in the forefront that Muslims first rose to eminence. Surely they can again rise to eminence by following the same way.

"O God ! When shall the hour of Thy help come ? When shall we see those blessed days and years again ?

"These two worries about the Religion of Ahmad have melted away my heart, the multitude of the enemies of Islam and dearth of the helpers of religion.

"Come soon, O God, and shower upon us the rain of Thy Mercy or take me away from this place of fire, O Lord !

"Lord ! Bring forth the light of Guidance from the Rising place of Thy Mercy and give light to the eyes of the misguided with Thy clear signs.

"As Thou hast granted me truthfulness in this state of grief, I hope that Thou wilt not cause me to die in failure.

"The work of the truthful is never left incomplete, for them there always lied hidden in the sleeve, the hand of God."