Foreword

The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. He claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) whose advent was prophesied by the Holy Prophet (sas). He further said that Jesus (as) had survived crucifixion on the cross and migrated east to Kashmir where he died a natural death.

This message was met with hostility from the followers of all faiths, but particularly other Muslims who were quick to denounce Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) as an imposter and heretic who defied the core teachings of Islam. From the earliest beginnings of the movement, Ahmadis faced violence, intimidation, social boycotts and, on occasion, were killed for their beliefs.

Ahmadiyyat: Destiny and Progress is a collection of short essays and speeches delivered by Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud (ra) during the tenure of his Khilafat which trace the nascent growth of the community amidst a rising tide of opposition and hate. Huzoor sets out the view that all divine movements endure hardships, but if they remain steadfast and continue to make sacrifices, God grants them victory over their oppressors.

The book opens with his first address as khalifa—a stirring homily on the importance of loyalty to khilafat and all the obligations this confers. This is followed by a short announcement that was published in the Daily Alfazl in which Huzoor elaborates on the same theme. Here the tenet that only God has the power to appoint a khalifa is given critical emphasis. There is also a word of warning to those who create discord within the community that they invite on themselves the punishment of God.

The rest of the book is comprised of various speeches in which Huzoor details the origins of the movement, the persecution they face and the glorious future which awaits those who stay true to the teachings of the Promised Messiah (as). At one point he says:

The world in all its enmity seeks after various ways to destroy the jama‘at. [Our opponents] plot and intrigue at every turn to weaken us. Yet our God is All-Powerful () and Almighty (); day-by-day He causes us to flourish and prosper and the designs, calumnies and accusations of our enemies are reduced to little more than dust. Their ill-thoughts, invectives and impure allegations are sufficient to show that abuse is the final refuge of the thwarted. The victorious armies of our followers will march on with smiles etched across their faces. We must pay no heed to the adversities we face. Instead, we ought to continue to fulfil our responsibilities with patience and steadfastness. The task ahead is so great that in our present condition it appears to be insurmountable.

Ahmadiyyat: Destiny and Progress is a fascinating analysis of the dimensions, trajectories, contexts and conditions of divine communities delivered in simple, clear and authoritative terms.