The Life of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Compiled by:Tariq Ahmad BT,Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Sources:www.Alislam.org and A Man of God. M irza Tahir Ahmad ,a devoted husband and father, Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (Khalifatul Masih II and a homeopath,a scholar,Khaliftatul Masih IV was Musleh Mau'ood) married Hadhrat Syeda Maryam Begum on 7th born in December 1928 in Qadian.Born into the blessed February,1924.She was the daughter of Hadhrat Dr.Abdul Sattar family of the Promised Messiah ,from an early age the Shah,an eminent member of the Syed family. young boy who would one day become Khalifatul Masih reflected qualities as being truly those of a "Man of God." The Promised In his Nikah sermon,Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib,a venerable Messiah and founder of the Jama'at Ahmadiyya Hadhrat companion of the Promised Messiah said, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani's blessed son,Hadhrat Mirza 18- TARIQ: SOUVENIR "I am now advanced in years and will soon pass away,but those who live will witness the advent of Servants of the faith born in this wedlock with a Syeda as occurred before.This is my resolute conviction." Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad was this servant of faith. He was passionate about acquiring knowledge and as Huzur once said himself he was inquisitive and wanted answers to life and the whole concept of God and religion. By the age of 16 the young Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad had already developed a keen passion for sports and hunting.He enjoyed the more traditional sports of the Indian sub continent such as kabaddi,but found more internationally acclaimed sports,squash in particular,an enjoyable pastime. Above: Two Photos of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad in his youth. Left:With his father,Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II in Delhi 1944 SOUVENIR :TARIQ- 19 His passion for sports was complemented by his sheer desire to increase his knowledge .Not just by learning from books,but through discussions and experiences,through debates and travels. The young Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad reflected a very much rounded personality.The intense study of the Holy scriptures was contrasted with his love of jokes and sense of humour. The early years and Huzur's education This balance was reflected in his education,from Jamia Ahmadiyya to London University,from East to West.Friends stretched from Qadian to the USA,from England to Africa,Mirza Tahir Ahmad was in every sense a unique individual. He studied for two years at the Government College Lahore and later obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Punjab.In 1949 he received his Shahid degree from Jamia Ahmadiyya and in 1955 he accompanied his father Hadhrat Musleh Mau'ood ,to Europe.During his stay in London he was enrolled in the London University's School of Asian and African Studies (SOAS). Above: A scene from early Rabwah.Left:With his father,Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II in London 1955.Left Below:Epping Forest 1955 Below:Hard at work at a Jama’at event After completing his higher education,he dedicated his life to the service of faith.In October 1958,he was given charge of "Waqf-e-Jadid",the department for propagation of the highest grades of virtue and for fostering the welfare of Ahmadis.From 1960 to 1969 he was appointed Vice-President and then Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Markazia (Central).During this time he also served as Director of the Fazle Umar foundation and Patron of the International Ahmadiyya Association of Architect and Engineers (IAAAE). In January 1979 Huzur was elected as Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Markazia (Centre) a position he held until his election as Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV in 1982.Huzur also carried a deep interest in current affairs.Both before his succession to the esteemed and honoured position of Khalifatul Masih,and indeed during the Glorious period of Khilafat e Rabia,Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad always kept a watching brief on world affairs and events.He met world leaders,and many would seek his counsel over affairs of the state. Left:A portait of Huzur Below:Addressing a group of non- Ahmadis of Gujranwala,Pakistan Life Story:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Above: Visable to the camera are Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III Huzur was also a prolific writer, this was evident before Huzur's with Maulana Abul Ata Jallundhari and Hadhrat Khilafat with the publication of Murder in the Name of Allah in its Mirza Tahir Ahmad . original Urdu form, and also a book on health and fitness. Below:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad at a Tarbiyati Class in Lahore in 1961 Huzur and His family Huzur married Sayeda Asifa Begum on 5th December 1957.She was the daughter of Amtul Salam Sahiba and Sahibzada Mirza Rashid Ahmad Sahib. They were blessed with four daughters. Sahibzadi Shaukat Jehan Begum (wife of Sahibzada Mirza Safeer Ahmad Sahib) Sahibzadi Faiza Luqman (wife of Sahibzada Mirza Luqman Ahmad Sahib) Sahibzadi Yasmin Rehman Mona (wife of Karim Khan Sahib) Sahibzadi Atttiyal Habib Tooba (wife of Sultan Malik Sahib) His love for his wife and daughters was exemplary and he always sought to retain his closeness and friendship with his family.Often on Huzur's trips abroad he would seek to spend some time where he could enjoy family pursuits.However,as was evident by Huzur's sheer passion and overwhelming commitment to his role as the Imam of Jama'at Ahmadiyya,his family times were small precious moments in the passing of each day. 22- TARIQ: SOUVENIR Life Story:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Huzur's Writings before the burial of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III .That day, the cycling,sporting Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad left his home to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV was a prolific writer and participate in the election as a member of the Electoral College.The author of many scholarly works.His books include: Electoral College convened in Masjid Mubarak under the Chairmanship of Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib. In English: Murder in the Name of Allah - 1989 When the doors of the Mosque were flung open,it was the very Gulf Crisis and The New World Order - 1992 same man who now stepped out of the doors of the Masjid as Amir Universal and Moral Values,Politics and World Peace ul Momineen .Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib was now Hadhrat Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues Khalifatul Masih IV.The first person to pledge the oath of allegiance An Elementary Study of Islam - 1996 at Huzur's blessed hands was Hadhrat Ch.Muhammad Zafrulla Khan Christianity:A Journey from facts to fiction together with members of the Electoral College.This was Absolute Justice,Kindness & Kinship - 1996 followed by 25,000 assembled members of the community taking Revelation,Rationality,Knowledge,& Truth - 1998 the oath at Huzur's hand. In Urdu: Mazhab kay Nam par Khoon After the Asr prayers,Huzur proceeded to the Qasrai Khalij Ka Bohran aur Nazame Nau Khilafat where the daughter of the Promised Messiah , Zauqe Abadat aur Adabe Dua aunt to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV Hadhrat Nawab Hawwa kee Baytian aur Jannat Nazeer Mo-ashira Amtul Hafeez Begum placed the ring of the Promised Messiah Zahaq al-Batil on Huzur's finger.Huzur then proceeded to lead Kalame Tahir (Collection of Urdu poetry) the funeral prayers of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III Urdu translation of the Holy Quran "…For all your life you see Khilafat in the most honoured and revered It is an amazing feat of time management and devotion to duty that position and then all of sudden you become that person.I never despite the immense pressures of Huzur’s role;this exemplary thought for one moment that God would appoint me the Khalifa",said individual was able to write so many books covering such a vast Huzur once when asked how he felt upon his election. array of subjects:religion,science and current affairs - each book being a literary masterpiece in its own right.Huzur in his Yet Huzur's energy was incredible for all to see.Whether sheer love and affection never lost an opportunity to thank the you were one of his security staff having your fitness stretched to people who assisted him in the research of some of the books he the limit by Huzur's pace when he walked or a member wrote. of his secretariat who witnessed Huzur read and respond to thousands of letters,which he read every day,his memory and Khilafat capacity for work was immense. It was June 10th 1982,the Community was still in mourning over the loss of the revered Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III ,but The first Address delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV affairs of the Jama'at in accordance with the rules and regulations of Inthikhab e Khilafat meant that the new Khalifa had to be elected Khilafat moves to London 1982 - April 1984 In April 1984 General Zia al-Haq,passed an Ordinance whereby no The first project launched by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV Ahmadi could declare themselves a Muslim.This meant that was the Baitul Hamd Scheme;the construction of suitable houses Ahmadis could not recite the Qur'an,or recite the Azan (call to for the needy people in Rabwah.A neighbourhood of the Rabwah is prayer) before Salat times.They could not display the Kalima now called Baitul-Hamd Colony where spacious,comfortable Tayyaba or offer the Islamic greeting 'Assalamo alaikum' to anyone. houses have been built for nearly 100 families.In addition hundred The contravention of these regulations carried heavy fines,or more benefited from monies to upgrade or make partial extensions imprisonment or both.Thousands of Ahmadis were thrown behind to their homes.This underlined the importance Huzur bars under these draconian laws,and some are still incarcerated in gave to helping the less fortunate and this then continued to be a the Pakistani jails. focus of Khlilafat e Rabia. Huzur was still living in Rabwah,where the head offices of Opening of the first Ahmadiyya Mosque in Spain the Movement are located.General Zia al-Haq,ordered that Huzur should not be allowed to leave the country under any After assuming the exalted office of the Khalifa,Hadhrat Khalifatul circumstances.Security personnel were appointed to all ports;land, Masih IV.travelled to Europe to inaugurate the first Ahmadiyya sea,and air traffic came under intense scrutiny to prevent Huzur mosque built in Spain (in Pedrobad ,25 km outside Cordoba).On from leaving Pakistan.But Gods' hand and security September 10th,1982 Huzur inaugurated the first descended over our beloved Huzur and under what can mosque built after almost seven hundred years,in this once Islamic only be described as miraculous circumstances under the very eye country.Accompanying him at this historic opening were two of General Zia's security personnel Huzur boarded a distinguished and renowned figures of the community Hadhrat Ch plane accompanied by his wife and two youngest daughters and Sir Zafullah Khan Sahib and Dr Abdus Salam Sahib. flew to the security of Europe whilst the late General was left pondering over the sheer ineffectiveness of his botched attempts to 1983 arrest our beloved Huzur .Huzur left Pakistan not under any cover but as his passport declared,as 'Imam of the Huzur visited Singapore,Fiji,Australia and Sri Lanka. Ahmadiyya Jama'at'.The authorities had been issued with Laying the foundation stone of "Bait-ul-Huda" mosque and Mission instructions to prevent the head of the Community from leaving House at Sydney was a momentous event of this tour.He also Pakistan but in what was shown to be God's guiding hand addressed a press conference at the University of Canberra where protecting our Huzur ,the name on the list read 'Hadhrat he expounded the beauty of Islamic values. Mirza Nasir Ahmad'.The authorities had been given the name of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III ! As Huzur flew to 1984 - from Rabwah to London London,the General was informed of the blunder,no doubt causing a rage of epic proportions over the incompetence of his security Rumblings of the evil designs of the late General Zia-ul-Haq began services.For the Jama'at it was divine intervention at work. to surface throughout 1983,yet Huzur remained resolute. The Ahmadiyya Jama'at was Allah’s chosen people who had Arrival In London accepted the Mahdi and Messiah of the age and attempts to silence the community would fail.The dictator of Pakistan,the self For someone who had narrowly escaped the clutches of a tyrannical appointed President was agitated and needed to display a sign to regime,Huzur expressed what was his trademark calmness and please the venomous Mullah's who were pushing for the pragmatism as he addressed the hundreds of Ahmadis who had community to be persecuted in the severest manner. descended upon the mosque.Recounting the circumstances of his 24- TARIQ: SOUVENIR Life Story:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad arrival of Huzur explained how the draconian laws initiated against affection for the Khuddam was immense.He would adorn his the Jama'at made it impossible for the Khalifa to function effectively sporting attire and join the participants on the route,greeting from Rabwah. people and handing out fruit.Yet it was Huzur's presence which was the real tonic for us all. Huzur's arrival in London which was hailed as a victory by the mullahs of Pakistan,proved to be hollow as the next 19 years of 1986 Khilafat e Rabia demonstrated.This period saw the Jama'at make mammoth strides. From Mid August to 7th October,1986,Huzur visited Canada,Holland,West Germany,Switzerland,Italy and Spain where The London years … he met eminent personalities and also the press.During the tour, the foundation stone of the first Ahmadiyya Mosque in Canada was Time did not stop and neither did our beloved Huzur . laid. Shortly after his arrival in the UK he launched several landmark initiatives that resulted in an unprecedented expansion of the 1987 - Huzur launches Waqfe Nau scheme. Community.He also set up the administrative offices of the Jama'at to reflect and complement the central administration in Rabwah. On the 3rd April 1987 Huzur launched this scheme to ensure the the future development of the Jama'at would be secure 1985 The Marathon Walks through the nurturing and development of children who would be dedicated to the cause of serving Islam.Thousands of parents Upon Huzur's arrival in the UK a great focus was put on flocked to the call of their Khalifa and dedicated their children to the the youth of the community and Huzur spent many service of the community. hours of his most precious time attending and indeed participating in various events and activities organised by Majlis Khuddamul From August-September,Huzur travelled to East Africa Ahmadiyya UK.As an eager squash player Huzur used to and Mauritius.This was the first time ever that an Ahmadi Khalifa often attend the finals of the tournament and was keen to had travelled to this part of the world.Huzur visited Kenya, encourage the development of the sport. Often Huzur would Uganda and Tanzania besides Mauritius.This was,again a very provide guidance and tips on the game of squash and at times we successful visit,Huzur inaugurated several mosques. were honoured and truly blessed as Huzur would join in with a game or two.Another area where he asked Majlis Khuddamul All these tours by the head of the world-wide Ahmadiyya Ahmadiyya to focus was in helping humanity.In pursuit of this aim Movement strengthened and uplifted the spirituality and created Huzur formally launched the annual charity marathon awakening among the Ahmadi Community.These were walks with the first event being held in Islamabad in 1985.The instrumental in dispelling the wrong notions about Islam which event has by the grace of God gone from strength to strength and prevailed amongst some people.On occasions,the critics were today has been expanded to other auxiliary organisations as well. confounded when Huzur expounded the correct Alhamdolillah this event has raised over £500,000 for countless national and local charities since its inception and is recognised Below: Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Marathan Walk Islamabad across the wider community of the UK as a notable contribution by 1986 - Huzur hands out fruit to Mahmood Mirza; Muhammad Safi,the then National Qaid of Majlis Khuddamul the Ahmadiyya community to the well being of society.Huzur's Ahmadiyya UK is to Huzur’s right. Life Story:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad interpretation of Islamic teachings and were impelled to embrace of Africa was used elsewhere.Allah has inspired a plan in Islam there and then.In the course of his African tour,hundreds of my mind that the Ahmadiyya Movement would procure people were initiated into Ahmadiyyat. funds elsewhere in the world but utilise here in Africa." Jalsa Salana 1987 The Mubahala Challenge During the era of the 4th Caliph,the Jama'at has come to exercise The tortures perpetuated on peace loving Ahmadis grew ever considerable influence winning more and more adherents,among harsher.With many Ahmadis being martyred.The Holy Founder of them eminent personalities and tribal kings.In 1987,two such kings the Ahmadiyya Movement was subjected to slander and from Nigeria made the covenant and joined Jama'at.Thus the blasphemous allegations.Profane and foul language was used Promised Messiah's revelation,"Kings shall seek blessings against other venerable persons of the Jama'at.Such dirty from your garments" found fulfilment once again.Huzur propaganda was spread throughout the world.The Jama'at did not bestowed sacred relics of the Promised Messiah on these possess enough resources to reply.Yet our Imam,Khalifatul Masih two kings when they presented themselves during the annual administered powerful rebuttals to the "White Paper" brought out Ahmadiyya Conference in London in 1987.The scene at this Jalsa by the Government of Pakistan.These refutations was contained in a was particularly moving,showing once again the truth of series of 18 booklets issued from London,and later published in one Ahmadiyyat,the true Islam. volume. 1988 All efforts of their reformation having failed,all precepts fallen on deaf ears,warning of Divine punishments unheeded and having In January 1988,Huzur set his foot in West Africa for the first time. exhausted every other avenue,Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV This tour of six countries spanning over five weeks was highly ,on 10th June,1988,now challenged key leaders for a successful.Tumultuous welcome greeted Huzur everywhere, "Mubahala".Let the matter be judged by Allah,The Best of Judges. Gambia,Sierra-Leone,Liberia,Ivory Coast,Ghana and Nigeria. Various Presidents,Ministers,Parliamentarians and Paramount Chiefs One month after the challenge of Mubahala,Maulvi Aslam Qureshi met our Huzur. who had gone underground,reappeared.It had been alleged that he was abducted and then murdered,and the name of the Head of Returning from his tour,Huzur proclaimed: Ahmadiyya Community was maliciously implicated.Aslam Qureshi's appearance was an ignominious disgrace for the opponents.The "I perceive Light not Darkness in this continent.Many Below:The World Tour of 1988.Huzur is in Sierra Leone outsiders came here and exploited the people.The wealth ,West Africa Life Story:Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad very man whose disappearance was being used as a means to arrest 1991 Centenary Qadian Jalsa our precious Huzur ,reappeared to throw the Anti- Ahmadiyya movement into total disarray.Yet this was a minor 1991 marked the 100th Annual Conference to be held in Qadian.This manifestation of God's decree as compared to what was to follow a was a historic event;therefore Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV month later. decided to attend the Jalsa himself.Since 1946 this was the first occasion that the soil of Qadian was once again blessed with the On 17th August,1988 (only nine weeks after the challenge of presence of a Caliph.The joys on the faces of all participants was clear Mubahala) the dictator,General Zia-ul-Haq boarded his military plane to see.A glimpse of Huzur was all that these devotees on a high security flight.Yet this flight was his last,for as the news wanted.Thousands of Ahmadis from India,the UK,Germany,the USA, broke,Zia had been blown out of the sky.Ahmadiyyat's greatest Canada,Japan,Australia,Indonesia and Africa converged upon the enemy bent on destroying the community was destroyed himself. hamlet of Qadian.A tide of humanity greeted Huzur and those of us fortunate enough to have travelled to Qadian for this 1989 - 100 years of Ahmadiyyat historic occasion,a reality dawned upon us.How fortunate,how blessed we were to have our Khalifa in our midst. The Ahmadiyya Movement was established on March 23,1889.It completed its one hundred years,by Divine grace,on March 23,1989. Yet for Huzur himself his joy was concealing the anguish Huzur issued instructions for the jubilant ceremonies,which and concern of loving husband for his wife.Hadhrat Asifa Begum had were to take place in various parts of the world. travelled to India with Huzur ,displaying her unstinting Grand ceremonies took place in almost 100 countries in which support and love for her husband and Khalifa despite the fact that she eminent leaders were invited while newspapers,radio and television was suffering great pain due to cancer. carried news prominently.Islamic literature prepared for this occasion was distributed to the general population. On March 23rd 1989 all Ahmadis offered special prayers for the progress of the Jama'at and made a vow to continue their efforts in bringing the victory of Islam a step closer.In 1989 the number of new converts increased ten fold.Ahmadis living in Rabwah though,were not allowed by the Government of Pakistan to celebrate this historical event in any shape or form. The joy of the Community evident from the flag hoisting at the Fazl Mosque,to the Atfal march past and recital of Nazms by Nasirat,the Ahmadiyya Community under the dynamic leadership of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad entered into a new century. Above : Opening ceremony of Baitul Zikr in Toronto takes place on 7th October 1992 Left: 1994:Opening ceremony of Baitul Rehman,Maryland, USA