The Promised Messiah – Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him)
On February 13th, 1835, in the small Indian village of Qadian, a man named Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) was born. He belonged to a well-known and noble family.
All religions contain prophecies that foretell the advent of a special individual, who will come as a reformer in the latter days. In Islam, Muslims await a promised Mahdi and Messiah. The advent of the Promised Messiah(as) was prophesized by the Holy Prophet(sa) himself.
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) is that Promised Reformer of the later age.
Starting from his childhood, the Promised Messiah(as)’s unusual interest in religion was noticed by many, including his father, who nicknamed him ’Maseetar’ meaning ‘one who spends most of his time in a mosque observing prayer’.
At an early age, he began to receive revelations from God, as well as visions and true dreams. In the years 1864 or 1865, the Promised Messiah(as) had a vision where he saw the Holy Prophet(sa). This verified further, that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) had a strong connection with the Prophet of Islam(sa). Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) was shown that he would have a fruitful spiritual future.
The Promised Messiah’s father wanted for his son to pursue government service, which would allow him a handsome means to support his family financially. However, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) felt his time pursuing his worldly occupation was like a “prison sentence” as he was deeply attached to spirituality and enhancing his religious knowledge. Therefore, during his spare time, he continued to study the Holy Qur’an, and always strove to serve humanity, often helping those who were in need. He also spent his time debating with Christian missionaries who lived in his neighborhood, defending his beloved faith, Islam.
In 1889 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) received the Divine revelation:
“When thou hast determined, put thine trust in Allah. And build the Ark under Our eyes, as commanded by our revelation. Verily, those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hand.”
After this revelation Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) published a public announcement, that read:
‘I have been ordained to announce that those who are seekers after truth should swear allegiance to me so that they may be enabled to find a way to the true faith, true purity and the love of God.’
The call for Initiation or “Bai’at” was answered immediately by those who had already recognised that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) was indeed the Promised Messiah, and was appointed by God Almighty himself. The first Initiation ceremony took place in Ludhiana on 23rd March 1889, laying the foundation for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Hazrat Maulvi Nurudin(ra), became the first person to be initiated at his hand.
In 1891 in Qadian, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) received repeated revelations that Jesus(as) of Nazareth, in whose second advent both the Muslims and Christians believed, had died a natural death and that what was meant by his second advent was that a person should appear in the spirit of Jesus and that he himself was that person, the Promised Messiah(as).
After writing over 80 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivering hundreds of lectures, and engaging in scores of public debates, the Promised Messiah(as) passed away on May 26, 1908. Yet his legacy as the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, continues to prevail throughout the world today. He was a man, deeply in love with and treaded on the footsteps of his beloved master, the Holy Prophet(sa), with every breath of his life. He was man beloved by Allah Almighty, and was vouchsafed a revelation, “Kings shall seek blessing from your garments”, which rings true to this very day.
To learn more about the life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi(as) visit www.alislam.org