Introduction
Qadianism, a movement established by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, has caused a storm across the Islamic world for over a century. The movement’s central claim is that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was a prophet, which directly challenges the Islamic belief in the finality of Prophethood, as established in the Quran and Sunnah. This article examines the views of prominent Islamic scholars, leaders, and institutions worldwide, throwing light on the consistent efforts to protect Islamic beliefs against Qadiani doctrines.
The Saudi Perspective: Protecting the Sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques
King Faisal: Defending the Islamic Identity
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia stood firm against Qadianism, openly banning its followers from entering the Kingdom. This influential policy was deep-rooted in Saudi Arabia’s assurance of conserving the sacredness of Islam’s fundamental principles.
King Fahd’s Firm Rejection
The Qadiani Association of Switzerland approached the then-King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, seeking permission for their head to go on Hajj. He stated that as long as they stood by the claims of Mirza Qadiani, they would remain banned from entering the Holy sites. This act showed a clear message about the Kingdom’s firm loyalty to Islamic doctrines.
Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah bin Subail’s Condemnation
The Imam of Masjid al-Haram, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah bin Subail, labelled Qadianism as a mischievous treachery against Islam. He highlighted the significance of harmony among Muslims to encounter this religious threat and prayed for the Ummah’s safety.
Scholarly Verdicts: A Unified Voice Against Qadianism
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz (Saudi Arabia)
The respected scholar Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz issued a warning against anyone who denied the return of Prophet Jesus (Esa (A.S)) or who claims Prophethood after Muhammad (PBUH). He termed such beliefs as Kufr (Infidelity) and urged repentance while cautioning that those who persist in such views will be expelled from the fold of Islam.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hassan (Makkah)
Sheikh Abdullah categorically stated that belief in any Prophet after Muhammad (PBUH) is infidelity. He added that belief in the claims of Mirza Qadiani invalidates one’s marriage and social relationships with Muslims, emphasizing the seriousness of such beliefs.
Dr. Suhaib Abdul Ghaffar Hasan (Dar al-Ifta, Makkah)
Dr. Suhaib further stated that Qadianis deceive the people, saying they are Muslims yet promoting ideas against Islamic unity. He termed their activities as a political tactic disguised in religious pomposity, planned to propagate division within the Ummah.
Global Perspectives: United Against Deviance
Al-Azhar University’s Verdict (Egypt)
The Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar University stated that Qadianism had emerged as a deviation from Islam that found roots in colonial designs. Muslims were called upon to be united and to use all the resources at their disposal to fight this influence.
Dr. Hamood Shahood (Jordan)
According to the Deputy Minister of Awqaf in Jordan, Qadianism is a “cancerous entity”, a tool of imperial powers. He called for unified jihad, intellectual and spiritual, to confront this calamity that threatened Islamic identity.
Sheikh Mohammed Naguib (Egypt)
The former Grand Mufti of Egypt was categorical in declaring Mirza Qadiani’s claims to be heretics. Thus, he is in accord with the international consensus of scholars of Islam that label Qadianism as incompatible with Islam.
Dr. Abdul Karim Ghallab (Morocco)
Dr. Ghallab compared Qadianism to Zionism, stating that its agenda sought to destroy the very fundamentals of Islam, such as Prophethood, Jihad, and Divine Revelation. He warned against its divisive nature and called for Muslims to be alert.
Political Responses: Decisive Measures to Safeguard Islam
President Zia-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
The Zia-ul-Haq administration declared Qadianis as non-Muslims by amending the constitution. This legal framework would prevent Qadianis from impersonating Muslims and thus protect Pakistan’s Islamic identity.
Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt)
The Egyptian president swiftly banned Qadiani activities in Egypt, shut down their offices, and confiscated their properties. His decisive response significantly curtailed the movement’s influence in the region.
The African Perspective: Resilience Against External Pressures
Isa Angounia (Mali)
Mali’s Interior Minister, Isa Angounia, reiterated his nation’s unwavering assurance to Islam. Emphasizing the spirit of Mali’s Muslim community against exterior ideologies, he stressed the refutation of Qadianism as a natural extension of their commitment to Islamic teachings.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Unity
The global Islamic community has constantly documented Qadianism as a substantial ideological trial. Scholars, leaders, and institutions have consistently professed their beliefs to be unharmonious to Islam. From the custodians of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia to Al-Azhar University in Egypt and beyond, the message is clear: the sacredness of the Finality of Prophethood must be sheltered. The concord and vigilance of the Muslim Ummah are supreme in refuting this deceptive sect while at the same time keeping the actual teaching of Islam intact for generations to come.
References
- Statements and Fatwas from Saudi scholars and leaders.
- Publications from Al-Azhar University’s Islamic Research Academy.
- Legislative measures and ordinances from the Pakistani government.
- Historical accounts and verdicts by global Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hassan.
- Records of international Islamic conferences addressing Qadianism.
