AAMI
April 7th, 1996

'The Kalima' in Ahmadiyyat

and Other Islamic Epithets

Another Deception Exposed

Part 1

Introduction



    Kalima is the most fundamental article of faith for every Muslim everywhere and combine faithfuls of diverse nationality into a universal Muslim Brotherhood, which transcends all boundries. Qadianis/ahmadis, the followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, on the other hand also claim to recite the same Kalima, to which muslims take a strong exception.

    >>khalid@bio.bu.edu (Rasheed A. Khalid, a qadiani), replying on soc.religion.islam under the heading, 'Prophets after Mohammad - Part V', wrote:
      >I think that it is not up to us to decide who is a Muslim and who is not. That is, among those who call themselves Muslim, only Allah can decide the truth to their professed faith.

      [story of Amr bin Aas deleted. This is the story who, while on a battle front, killed a person who recited the Kalimah when he approached him.]

      So, although I have a great deal of respect for our Brother Abdur Rahman Lomax, I'm not comfortable letting him enjoy a right which I don't allow myself :-), or which even the Holy Prophet (pbuh) didn't allow himself - by saying: "did you open up his heart?", he implied that no one can tell what's in someone else's heart except Allah, and so we should not be judgemental about the faith of others, rather, we should be mindful of our own, which in itself, is not easy to maintain to the required degree :-)"

    Another Qadiani sent an emotional letter saying that:
      "I have only one remark, as to why I personally am against dropping the name "muslim". It is very simply because we are muslims. Islam is the religion that was revealed to the Holy Prophet. AlMighty Allah promised to name us from his own lips (metaphorically speaking of course) in the Bible and he associated this naming with the coming of Haz. Muhammad Mustafa (SAW). Then he gives us our name muslim in the Quran. Now tell me honestly. No matter what you believe, would you EVER be willing to give up a name that GOD has promised to you. If you follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet, if you believe that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger (The Kalima), and you read the Quran, and you practice the religion you ARE muslim. and you would never DARE drop the name. You see we have no choice, God gave us all the name muslim."

    A very strong and convincing point indeed. A defence, which is very commonly put forward by the followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani. It might be possible that such Qadianis/ahmadis are ignorant of those writings of their founder which reveal his heresy.

    Such an argument generates a mixed reaction and a forces a muslim to adopt a more submissive attitude towards them with remarks like "OK! Leave them alone! Allah knows best!"

    On the other hand, such an arguments on the part of Qadianis/ahmadis make them appear oppressed and persecuted at the hands of muslims and generate a lot of sympathy for them. In fact, Qadianis/ahmadis have made a very strong case of 'Human Rights Violation' and 'Persecution of Ahmadis' in Pakistan on religious grounds, citing examples of muslims trying to prevent them from abusing The Kalima in any form.

    Just two examples would suffice to show how Human Rights Champions have reacted to Qadiani/Ahmadi propaganda of their alleged persecution in Pakistan.

    Amnesty International reports:

      "...members of the Ahmadiyya community...can be imprisoned and
      even sentenced to death solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of religion... "
      Pakistan: violations of human rights of Ahmadis
      September 1991
      AI Index: ASA/33/15/91

    Dr Karen Parker says:
      "It is patently obvious that Ordinance XX violates these international standards because it penalizes Ahmadi Muslims for believing they are Muslim and for worshiping and assembling as they wish...It denies to them even the language and terminology of their religion...it clearly subjects Ahmadi Muslims to persecution..."
      RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN PAKISTAN:
      THE AHMADI CASE AT THE SUPREME COURT
      A Commentary by Karen Parker, J.D.
      for
      International Educational Development
      Humanitarian Law Project
      A Non-governmental Organization at the United Nations

      December 1993


    One wishes that such eminent persons/organizations should have analysed the problem before passing such remarks. However such negative attitude towards Muslims is not unexpected from them. In any case it is imperative that we should analyze the problem in its proper perspective and try to show the other side of the coin hoping that the 'Islam-phobic' West would try to understand Muslim point of view. Perhaps someday some 'Unbiased Human Rights Expert' might set the records straight.

    It is worth noting that the books written by Mirza Ghulam in the early years of his career expressed such beliefs which were more or less similar to the beliefs of Ahle Sunnah wa alJama'ah (Sunni Muslims). However with the passage of time, as he climbed the ladder from a Islamic Debator to Reformer to Mujaddid to Messiah and then to become a Prophet, his beliefs changed accordingly. But very cunningly he kept twisting and transforming the meanings of various verses of Holy Quran and Ahadith of Holy Prophet (pbuh) to adapt to his heresy and yet continuing to claim adherence to Islam and Muslim Ummah. Metamorphosis that has taken place in the meanings of Finality of Prophethood and Life and Second coming of Jesus (as) are just two examples of such shift of beliefs.

    Regarding the claims and beliefs which were frankly contradictory to Hadith or to which he could not find any support from the traditions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), even in a remotely metaphorical sense, this is what he has done:

      "The basis for my claim is not Hadith but Holy Quran and
      that WAHI which descends upon us. Yes, in support we also
      cite those Hadith which are according to Quran and
      DOES NOT CONTRADICT MY WAHI. Rest of the Hadith,
      I THROW THEM AWAY LIKE A WASTE PAPER."
      (Roohani Khazain vol.19 p.140)

    However, in an attempt to identify themselves with the Muslims, Ahmadiyya Movement's propaganda literature continue to quote the same early writings of Mirza Ghulam which portray his so-called sunni beliefs. Most of the newer generation of modern educated qadianis/ahmadis either do not have access to these later writings or they are brainwashed to such an extent that try to justify frankly blasphemous writings of Mirza Ghulam, without giving it a second thought.

    It is therefore important to analyse the whole issue in the light of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's writings and answers to the following questions must be examined in their light:

    • What exactly is the Kalima?
    • What are Muslim Epithets?
    • Why do muslims, especially in Pakistan, react so strongly?
    • Why is it considered abusive for a Qadiani to recite the Kalima?
    • Should Qadianis be allowed to recite the Kalima?
    • What is a Qadiani Kalima?
    • Who is the oppressor, Muslims or Qadianis?


    In the following sections, InshaAllah it will be my tasks to try to resolve this issue in the light of the writings of Mirza Ghulam and the Ahmadiyya Heirarchy.

Goto Part 2 - Kalima Shahadah

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