The Political and Religious Context Behind the Pakistan Government's Decision to Declare the Ahmadiyya Community Non-Islamic

Introduction

On January 25, 1974, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, declared the Ahmadiyya Muslim community as non-Islamic. This decision was not purely religious but a politically motivated move aimed at gaining the support of religious leaders and orthodox Muslim communities. This article delves into the historical and religious context surrounding this decision and how it impacted the Ahmadiyya community.

Political Motivations

The Electoral Context: When Ziaul Haq, a hardline Muslim military dictator, rose to power in 1977, the declaration of the Ahmadiyya community as non-Islamic was further formalized through laws. However, the roots of this decision lie in the early 1970s during Bhutto's administration. Bhutto sought support from conservative religious groups to garner votes and impede his political rival, Aslam Fran?ois, who was backed by moderate religious parties.

Religious Foundations for the Decision

Basic Beliefs of Islam: One of the fundamental tenets of Islam is the belief in the finality of prophethood, which means that there can be no new prophets after Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH). This belief is crucial for the coherence and structure of Islamic theology. The Ahmadiyya movement, founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, deviates from this belief, claiming that Ahmad was a Prophet who appeared after Muhammad PBUH.

Scriptural and Historical Evidence

Scriptural Basis: The Qur'an explicitly states the finality of prophethood when it mentions: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets”. (Qur'an, 33:40) This verse emphasizes that Muhammad (PBUH) is the final and final Messenger of God, and no new prophets will arise.

Prophetic Hadiths: The Hadith literature, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, also underpin this belief. One such Hadith is: “There will be no prophet after me, and there will be no messiah”. Muhammad (PBUH) is quoted as stating that the concept of a new prophet appearing after him would not be accepted in Islam. Another Hadith notes that Muhammad PBUH said, “I am the last brick of the prophethood building,” implying that he completed the prophetic mission.

Historical Context: The Ahmadiyya movement was keen to establish themselves as a legitimate branch of Islam. However, they were seen as a threat by conservative Muslims who believed that they were undermining the finality of prophethood. Aswad Ansi, one of the first people to claim prophethood after Muhammad PBUH, was also condemned by the Prophet and his followers for spreading false teachings. This historical precedent further reinforced the belief that the Ahmadiyya movement was rooted in apostasy.

The Debate and Decision

The decision to declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslim was not taken hastily. There were extensive discussions and debates between Muslim and Ahmadi scholars. The process spanned over a month, during which questions and answers were exchanged. The conclusion was reached based on a thorough analysis of Islamic texts and teachings.

Impact and Consequences

The declaration had profound and lasting impacts on the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. They faced social and legal discrimination, violence, and a loss of identity within the Muslim community. Despite maintaining a strong stance of self-identification as Muslims, they were not legally recognized as such by the Pakistani government.

Conclusion

The decision to declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Islamic was a complex interplay of political and religious factors. It underscores the importance of adhering to core Islamic beliefs while respecting the diverse interpretations of these beliefs. The decision also highlights the challenges faced by minority groups within the broader Muslim community and the need for greater religious and societal tolerance.