Throughout history, religious communities have faced moments of divergence, where ideological differences evolve into hardened divisions. Such is the case with the Qadiani community, a sect that identifies itself as part of Islam yet harbors beliefs that deeply alienate it from mainstream Muslim thought. One of the most striking aspects of this division is the Ahmadi doctrine that explicitly forbids relations with non-Ahmadi Muslims. This restriction encompasses prayer, marriage, funerals, and even basic social interactions.
This policy raises crucial questions: What drives a community to sever ties with Muslims? How does such exclusivity align with the universal message of unity preached by Islam? By exploring these questions and delving into the writings of Qadiani leaders, we uncover not only the roots of this separation but also its far-reaching implications for communal harmony and faith identity.
As we explore this topic, it becomes clear that these teachings not only distance Qadianis from the Muslim majority but also challenge the principles of inclusion, compassion, and shared humanity that Islam champions.
Claim of Exclusivity and Declaring Non-Ahmadis as Non-Muslims
Mirza Mahmood Ahmad, a prominent Qadiani leader, wrote in (Aina-e-Sadaqat, 35)
“All Muslims who have not pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah (Mirza Qadiani) are disbelievers and outside the fold of Islam, even if they have not heard of his name.”
This statement categorically excludes the majority of Muslims worldwide from the Islamic fold, violating the Quranic principle that faith in Allah and His final Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) is sufficient for one to be considered a Muslim. Such declarations deepen sectarian divides and foster mistrust among communities.
The Qur’an emphasizes unity among Muslims:
“Indeed, this nation of yours is one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Surah Al-Anbiya: 92)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against sectarianism, saying:
“Do not revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks of one another.” (Bukhari)
Mainstream Islam does not permit any individual or group to declare others outside the fold of Islam without clear evidence from the Quran and Sunnah. Declaring believers as disbelievers is considered a grave sin.
The Qadianis Prohibition on Interaction with Muslims
The Qadiani leaders forbids its members from engaging in basic social interactions with non-Qadianis. Mirza Bashir Ahmad stated in (Kalimat-ul-Fazl: 169, 170)
“Non-Ahmadis are treated as Christians ……. We are forbidden to pray behind them, marry into their families, or participate in their funeral prayers.”
He further writes:
“Religious ties such as praying together and worldly ties like marriage are strictly prohibited.”
Islam encourages Muslims to maintain good relations with others, including non-Muslims, as long as it does not compromise their faith. The Quran says:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Surah Al-Mumtahanah: 8)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led by example in fostering relations with non-Muslims. He engaged in trade, socialized, and even attended their funerals when appropriate. Islam’s universal message is one of inclusion, not exclusion.
Prohibition of Prayer Behind Non-Ahmadis
“Remember, as God has informed me, it is absolutely forbidden for you to pray behind anyone who rejects, denies, or hesitates in accepting [me]. Your imam must be one of your own. This is indicated in one aspect of a hadith in Bukhari that says: ‘Your imam will be from among you.’ This means that when the Messiah descends, you will have to completely abandon other sects that claim to follow Islam, and your imam will only be from among you.” (Mirza Bashir Ahmad, Silsila Ahmadiyya, pp. 84–85)
“Be patient and do not pray behind anyone outside of your community. Righteousness and virtue lie in this, and so does your support and great victory. This approach will lead to the progress of your community. Observe: even in worldly matters, people who are estranged or angry with each other do not interact with their enemies for some time. Your estrangement, however, is for the sake of God. If you intermingle with them, God will not bestow the special attention upon you that He currently does. When a pure community remains distinct, it flourishes.”(Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, Malfuzat-e-Ahmadiyya, vol. 1, p. 525)
Such teachings contradict the Islamic spirit of unity, which encourages collective worship as a cornerstone of Muslim brotherhood.
Mirza Qadiani Did Not Perform His Muslim Son’s Funeral Prayer
Mirza Qadiani’s son, Fazl Ahmad, believed that his father had betrayed the Muslim Ummah by claiming prophethood. He never accepted his father’s claim of prophethood. For this reason, Mirza Qadiani did not lead the funeral prayer of his obedient son, as he considered him as non-Ahmadi. (Mirza Mahmood Ahmad Qadiani, Anwar-e-Khilafat, p. 91)
Marriage Restrictions: Prohibiting Ties with Muslims
In 1898, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad forbade Qadiani women from marrying non-Qadiani men, citing potential harm to their faith and offspring. Mirza Mahmood Ahmad expanded on this in (Silsila-e-ahmadiyya: 84, 85) emphasizing that such unions would jeopardize the sect’s doctrinal purity. This policy reflects a discriminatory and exclusionary approach, further alienating Qadianis from the broader Muslim community.
Despite these divisive teachings, the Qadiani leadership continues to insist on their inclusion within the Muslim community. This duality serves a strategic purpose gaining societal benefits while preserving ideological separation. Such behavior is seen by many as contradictory and hypocritical, undermining the sincerity of their claims.
Conclusion
The exploration of Qadiani teachings on severing relations with mainstream Muslims reveals a troubling reality of division and isolation. This ideology, steeped in claims of spiritual superiority and exclusivity, contradicts the essence of Islam, which emphasizes unity, brotherhood, and the universal call to faith. For Qadianis, this moment calls for introspection. Islam is not about walls but bridges; it does not encourage alienation but fosters inclusion. The very foundation of Islamic teachings urges believers to strive for collective harmony and shared purpose.
To our Qadiani brethren, we extend a heartfelt call to reflection and repentance. The path to truth lies in revisiting the Quranic message and the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which promote unity among all who proclaim faith in Allah. The doors of repentance are always open, and the embrace of the Muslim Ummah is ever-ready to welcome back those who seek the truth. Let us move beyond divisions and work together toward the greater good.
