Education

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) began his education at the Taleem-ul-Islam School in Qadian. Although he did not show much interest in his class syllabus, he was highly interested in reading and loved books that were not part of his curriculum. Among his subjects of study, he developed a special interest in science. Whenever he saw an article in a newspaper or magazine related to science, he could not resist reading it. As he grew older, he increasingly gravitated towards the study of a more religious and academic nature.

His mother’s desire was that he become a hafiz (one who memorizes the entire Holy Qur’an) and a doctor. This desire was fulfilled in a way, because he became an expert in homoeopathy and treated thousands of patients who gained health after receiving his blessed treatment. He also authored a book on homoeopathy. Likewise, he not only memorised many parts of the Holy Qur’an, but he also imparted his deep and profound knowledge of Qur’anic verities to millions through his sermons, lectures, and question and answer sessions. In addition, he translated the Holy Qur’an into Urdu which has been published. Such was Allah’s way of fulfilling his mother’s desire for him to be a hafiz and a doctor.

In 1944 when Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) was preparing for his matriculation1 exam in Qadian an extremely painful incident happened. His mother became very ill and had to be taken to Lahore for treatment. Although her illness was very painful for him, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) had to stay behind in Qadian because of his exams. During this illness his mother passed away. He was informed of the tragic news in Qadian and although this was a very agonising time for him, he showed remarkable patience and strength.

After obtaining his matriculation degree, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) completed his FSc2 from Government College Lahore and then his Bachelor’s Degree through self-study. He was very interested in studying new literature and would study English and Urdu literature with great interest. He had thoroughly studied the works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and several other authors.

In 1949 he applied and gained admission into Jami‘ah Ahmadiyya—the religious school of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community—and in 1953, graduated with distinction. The topic of his thesis for his final year was Prophethood in the Ummah. This thesis remains in Jami‘ah Ahmadiyya Rabwah.

In 1954 an enemy of the Jama’at attacked his respected father, Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud (ra), stabbing him in the neck with a knife while he was leading the Prayer at the mosque. The wound from this attack was very serious and Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud (ra) had to depart to England for treatment. The entourage accompanying him also included Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta). Whilst in England, it was decided that he would remain in the country for higher education.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) gained admission into the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Here he was able to meet and make friends with people from different cultures and backgrounds, from which he derived great benefit. He also acquired expertise in the English language and was able to navigate formal English skilfully.

In 1957 when he returned from London and arrived at Karachi, he was dressed in trousers and a coat. A friend suggested that he dress in traditional clothes like shalwar-kameez and achken lest people say that he had been influenced by Western culture. He was, however, never a person to show off or fear the opinions of others. He immediately remarked, ‘I will not wear an achken and shalwaar just to look good for people, nor have I worn this suit under the influence of Western culture.’

Thus, he proceeded to Rabwah in the same clothing. The lesson Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rta) taught us remains pertinent today. Garments are worn by people to cover and protect their bodies; for comfort, and beauty. Therefore, any garment which is worn should contain these qualities. An achken and shalwar-kameez is a good outfit, but so is a suit. According to the circumstances, Muslims can wear any type of garment from any culture or country as long as it is decent.