In the vast narrative of Islamic history, the luminosity of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ emerges as a distinctive thread intricately woven through the fabric of time and prophecy. A recent social media post questioning his connection to Islam has ignited fervent discussions. Rather than dismissing this moment, let us recognize it as a valuable opportunity for enlightenment, especially for those genuinely interested in unraveling the truth. This article serves as a brief guide, casting light on the life, beliefs, and teachings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ, who claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.

Born in 1835 in the unassuming village of Qadian, his journey was marked by divine revelations, a profound connection to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and an unwavering commitment to serving Islam. As we delve into the realms of spirituality, prophecy, and service, a legacy unfolds that transcends temporal confines. This legacy resonates through the conduit of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, offering a pathway to unity, peace, and the authentic essence of Islam for those earnestly seeking enlightenment in a world yearning for divine guidance.

The Life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ: The Promised Messiah and Mahdi

Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ, born on February 13th, 1835, in the small Indian village of Qadian, was a man of noble lineage, deep spirituality, and unwavering devotion to the teachings of Islam. He claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, foretold in the prophecies of various religions, whose advent would bring about a revival of true faith and establish unity among humankind. This claim was not a fanciful declaration but was substantiated by divine revelations, signs, and his lifelong work in the service of Islam.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination

From an early age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ exhibited an unusual interest in religion. His father, recognizing this spiritual inclination, affectionately nicknamed him 'Maseetar' meaning 'one who spends most of his time in a mosque observing prayer.' He was deeply committed to studying the Holy Qur’an and serving humanity, often assisting those in need.

Divine Revelations and Claim to Prophethood

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ began receiving revelations from God Almighty at an early age. These visions and dreams hinted at a spiritually fruitful future and a divine mission that would eventually unfold. The revelation that clarified his divine appointment as the Promised Messiah ؑ came in 1882. This divine revelation and his deep connection with the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad ﷺ enabled him to claim that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, as foretold by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Mission of the Promised Messiah ؑ

The mission of the Promised Messiah ؑ was two-fold. First, he aimed to remove the malaise that had formed between God and His creation, restoring the relationship of love and sincerity between them. Second, he endeavored to ensure that people engaged their strengths and capabilities in the service and well-wishing of God’s people, treating all people, from kings and emperors down to ordinary individuals, with respect, kindness, and benevolence.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: A Beacon of True Islam

In accordance with divine decree, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on 23rd March 1889, marking a historic moment in the propagation of true Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is unique as it was founded in accordance with the prophecy made by the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 1400 years ago. The community was established to propagate the true teachings of Islam to all corners of the world.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is not a "liberal" or "reformist" sect of Islam. Rather, it follows the original teachings of Islam as revealed in the Holy Qur’an and as practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Legacy of the Promised Messiah ؑ

The legacy of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ continues to prevail throughout the world today. He was a man, deeply in love with and followed the footsteps of his beloved master, the Holy Prophet ﷺ with every breath of his life. He was a man beloved by Allah Almighty, and his life was a testament to his dedication to the service of Islam.

The Prophecies of the Promised Messiah ؑ

The Promised Messiah ؑ was a prophet who testified to the truth of The Holy Prophet ﷺ. His advent was marked by various signs such as the timely occurrence of lunar and solar eclipses in the month of Ramadhan as prophesied by Muhammad ﷺ.

The Teachings of the Promised Messiah ؑ

The teachings of the Promised Messiah ؑ centered around the truth and spirituality of Islam. He emphasized the importance of respect for all religions, the abolition of violent Jihad, and the need for unity among Muslims. He also made significant contributions to Islamic literature, writing over 80 books and delivering hundreds of lectures, thereby furthering the understanding of Islam's true teachings.

The Institution of Khilafat

Following the demise of the Promised Messiah ؑ in 1908, the institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) was established. This institution continues the mission of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ, propagating Islam's true teachings to all parts of the world. The current Khalifa, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), continues to guide the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the world at large in the path of righteousness and peace.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Today

Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is established in over 200 countries around the world, with a membership exceeding tens of millions. United under the leadership of the Khalifa, the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat continues to spread across the globe, fulfilling the prophecy and mission of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ.

“Listen then those who will! A voice raised by heaven is no ordinary thing. The greatest source of pride a person can have is to be remembered by their creator; and the greatest danger one can face is to turn a deaf ear to the Word of God Almighty or be unmindful of it. Therefore, be warned and amend your idle ways. Listen to and accept the voice raised by God in heaven, in the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa, to awaken humankind from their slumber and to revive Islam and re-establish its teachings in the world". Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad ؓ, 2nd Khalifa of the Promised Messiah ؑ

Conclusion

In a world where divine guidance is much needed, the teachings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, offer a beacon of hope and a pathway to unity and peace. He demonstrated that God Almighty exists and continues to communicate with His creation, just as He did in the past. His life and teachings serve as a testament to the beauty and truth of Islam, inspiring millions around the world to strive for righteousness, unity, and service to humanity.

Through his teachings, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ؑ showed the world that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and compassion, inviting all to experience the profound spiritual blessings that come from recognizing and establishing a relationship with their Creator. His mission continues today in the form of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a global community devoted to spreading the original, peaceful and compassionate teachings of Islam throughout the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.alislam.org/messiah/