Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prophesied that in the latter days, Muslims would split off into 73 sects. Out of all these, one sect will be heaven-bound while the rest (72) will be Hell-bound. This Heaven-bound sect will be a Jama’ah which has one leader (Imam). Today that sect is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ah.

Hadith #1

You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so much so that if they had entered into the hole of the lizard, you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah’s Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)” those before you”? He said: Who else (than those two religious groups)?

[Sahih Muslim 2669a]

Hadith #2

Narrated Abu Hurayrah:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Jews were split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects; and the Christians were split up into seventy one or seventy-two sects; and my community will be split up into seventy-three sects.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 4596]

Hadith #3

Abu `Amir al-Hawdhani said:

Mu`awiyah b. Abi Sufiyan stood among us and said: Beware! The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) stood among us and said: Beware! The people of the Book before were split up into seventy two sects, and this community will be split into seventy three: seventy two of them will go to Hell and one of them will go to Paradise, and it is the united community.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 4597]

Hadith #4

Narrated Abu Hurairah:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Jews split into seventy-one sects, or seventy-two sects, and the Christians similarly, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects.”

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2640]

Hadith #5

It was narrated from ‘Awf bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said:

“The Jews split into seventy-one sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy in Hell. The Christians split into seventy-two sects, seventy-one of which will be in Hell and one in Paradise. I swear by the One Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, my nation will split into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy-two in Hell.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah, who are they?” He said: “The united community.”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 3992]

Hadith #6

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

‘The Children of Israel split into seventy-one sects, and my nation will split into seventy-two, all of which will be in Hell apart from one, which is the united community.”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 3993]

Hadith #7

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “What befell the children of Isra’il will befall my Ummah, step by step, such that if there was one who had intercourse with his mother in the open, then there would be someone from my Ummah who would do that. Indeed the children of Isra’il split into seventy-two sects, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects. All of them are in the Fire Except one sect.” He said: “And which is it O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “What I am upon and my Companions.”

[Jami` Tirmidhi 2641]
[Sahih by Shuaib Al Arna’ut]
[Hasan by Albani]

When Will 73 Sects Form?

As per ahadith, this great division will happen at the time of the Messiah & Dajjal:

“The one-eyed Dajjal, the misguided messiah, will emerge from the direction of the east in a time of division and conflict among the people.”

_{[Musnad Sahih]}

Stick To Jama’ah & Leave The Sects

The Prophet ﷺ stated that during the time of Ad-Dajjal, Muslims ought to pledge allegiance and faithfully stick to the one Jama’ah and leave all other hell-bound sects:

Narrated Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman:

The people used to ask Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) about the good but I used to ask him about the evil lest I should be overtaken by them. So I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! We were living in ignorance and in an (extremely) worst atmosphere, then Allah brought to us this good (i.e., Islam); will there be any evil after this good?” He said, “Yes.” I said, ‘Will there be any good after that evil?” He replied, “Yes, but it will be tainted (not pure.)” I asked, “What will be its taint?” He replied, “(There will be) some people who will guide others not according to my tradition? You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of some others.” I asked, “Will there be any evil after that good?” He replied, “Yes, (there will be) some people calling at the gates of the (Hell) Fire, and whoever will respond to their call, will be thrown by them into the (Hell) Fire.” I said, “O Allah s Apostle! Will you describe them to us?” He said, “They will be from our own people and will speak our language.” I said, “What do you order me to do if such a state should take place in my life?” He said, “Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler).” I said, “If there is neither a group of Muslims nor an Imam (ruler)?” He said, “Then turn away from all those sects even if you were to bite (eat) the roots of a tree till death overtakes you while you are in that state.”

_{[Sahih al-Bukhari 7084]} 

Definition of Jama’ah According to Scholars

This can be read in detail here: https://whiteminaret.org/khilafat/after-messiah/#Definition_of_Jamaah_According_to_Scholars

ONLY JAMA’AH IS JAMA’AH AL-AHMADIYYA

By definition of the word, the only “Jama’ah” on earth is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community i.e. the only group with an Imam/ Khalifa. 

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ah that fits this definition of Jama’ah, as it is the only Jama’ah today united under one single Imam. Thus, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ah is in essence the true Ahlus Sunnah Wa’l Jama’ah.

Hazrat Khalīfatul Masīh I, Maulānā Ḥakīm Maulwi Nūrudīn (RA ) states:

“In this age, there is no Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah on the face of the earth except [for] the Aḥmadīyyah. The Jama’ah will only be the one with an Imām. If we were to line up our opponent Muslims in one row, would they be able to have one Imām? Absolutely Not! [However], yes, it is the unique characteristic of the Aḥmadīyyah Jama’ah that it has an Imām. Thus, at this time, except for Ahmadis no one [else] is from Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah.“

_{[Al Hakam, Feb 21, 1910, pg. 3]}

Conclusion

• Ahadith of Prophet (SAW) make it clear that the Muslim Ummah will be divided into 73 sects.
• The division will happen during the time of Ad-Dajjal.
• The heaven-bound sect will be united under a single leader/Imam.
• The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ah represents the heaven-bound sect of the latter days that Muhammad (SAW) prophesied.

Related Articles

Every year on 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, millions of Muslims around the world, particularly in Yemen, Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent, celebrate Mawlid or Eid Milad al-Nabi – which is the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These gatherings usually involve speeches, poetry recitations, processions, and festive celebrations – most of which are outward and ostentatious in nature.

However, as Ahmadi Muslims, it is important to remember the clear guidance given by the Messiah and Imam of the Age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS).

Mawlid Al-Nabi: An Innovation Not Established by the Prophet ﷺ

The Holy Prophet ﷺ himself never celebrated his own birthday, nor did the Sahaba (RA), and nor the early generations of Muslims. Love for the Prophet ﷺ was not expressed outwardly through annual festivities, but rather by obedience, following his Sunnah, and upholding his mission.

This is exactly what Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, made clear – that true love for our beloved master, the Holy Prophet ﷺ, is demonstrated through practice of his teachings, not through innovations (bid‘ah).

Stance of the Promised Messiah (AS) on Mawlid

The Promised Messiah (AS) was asked whether Mawlid Majalis (gatherings commemorating the birthday of the Holy Prophet ﷺ) could be convened. He (AS) gave a detailed reply with clear guidance for Ahmadis. Below is a portion; the full answer can be read in the attached Urdu and English scans.

“If a meeting is held for the upholding of Islam and remembrance of the Prophet ﷺ, it comes under the kind of meetings which are permitted. The audience must be offering Durud. No innovations must take place there. The speeches must contain only the events of the life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and the people should be praising God and praying for the Prophet.”

_{[Al Hakam, April 30th, 1904, pg 3] [English Scan]}

Furthermore, Ahmad (AS) constantly explained that Muslims should remember the Holy Prophet ﷺ every single day, not just once a year. He taught that reducing the Prophet’s ﷺ remembrance to a single day of festivities diminishes his true greatness.

He (AS) repeatedly stressed that the Prophet ﷺ must be remembered in every prayer, and that a true Muslim should send abundant Durood upon him daily – as that is a direct command of Allah in Holy Qur’an 33:57. According to Ahmad (AS), honouring our beloved master ﷺ truly was not through rituals, but in living his example in our daily lives – reflected in our actions, speech, and morals – while remaining firmly attached to the Qur’an and Sunnah as the real expression of love.

Stance of Khalifatul Masih I (RA) on Mawlid

Hazrat Hakeem Maulvi Noor-ud-Din (RA), Khalifatul Masih I, made it abundantly clear that Muslims have only two Eids. Therefore, calling or celebrating Mawlid as “Eid Milad” is a bid‘ah, and that true love for the Prophet ﷺ should be expressed as Masih Maud (AS) taught and expressed himself – by following the Qur’an and Sunnah, not through innovations:

“Eid Milad is a bid’ah. There are only two Eids. In this way, people will keep creating new Eids and Ahmadis will say that there should be an Eid on the day of Mirza Sahib’s first revelation and Eid on the day of his death […] The greatest lovers of the Prophet ﷺ were the Sahaba, and they did not create a third Eid. If Eid Milad was permissible, then Hazrat Sahib [the Promised Messiah (AS)], who was a great lover of the Prophet ﷺ, would have observed it. To create such an Eid is a sign of ignorance, and those who create it only want to please the masses, otherwise they have no religious zeal.”

_{[Irshadat-e-Noor, vol 2, pg 352-353]}

Stance of Beloved Huzoor (ATBA) on Mawlid

In his Khutbah (Friday Sermon) on March 13, 2009, on the topic “True Commemoration of the Blessed Life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ”, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), Khalifatul Masih V, stated:

“The life of our beloved Prophet can be discussed at different times throughout the year, and such gatherings should be held. This has been the practice of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and this is what the community does. Therefore, it is not tied to any specific day, but even if a specific day is designated for holding these gatherings and discussing the Prophet’s life—which is always discussed—there is no harm in it if it happens across the country and the world. However, it is essential that no innovations are included.”

_{[Alislam: Friday Sermon, March 13th, 2009]}

This question about celebrating Mawlid Jalsa was also once posed to Beloved Huzoor (atba) by a young female, to which Huzoor (atba) replied that while commemorating Jalsa Eid Milad Al-Nabi in the way many Muslims do is incorrect, it is also wrong to label it entirely forbidden. He explained that even in Qadian and Rabwah, people celebrated it by reciting “Salle Allah” and decorating their homes with lamps, lights, and small flags.

Huzoor (atba) clarified that celebrations are only forbidden when they involve harmful innovations. However, if such events are observed to highlight the message of Islam and the Holy Prophet ﷺ – for example, as a Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi which we Ahmadis started and hold in many countries today – then there is no harm in them:

“Who says we do not celebrate it? We do not celebrate Milad-un-Nabi Jalsa on that day, which was started by the Non-Ahmadis. Seerat-un-Nabi Jalsa was started by Ahmadis, before that it was non-existent. When Hindus and Christians started their accusations against the Holy Prophet (SAW), at that time, above all others, the Promised Messiah (AS) responded to them. The Jalsas started in the time of Hazrat Musleh Maud (RA) and Seerat-un-Nabi Jalsas are now held today […] Hence we do not condemn it, in fact we started it. These people just celebrate Milad-un-Nabi once annually, talk a bit and then settle back down.”

_{[Waqf-e-Nau Class, June 8th, 2014]}

Furthermore, Ahmadi Muslims pretty much celebrate “Eid Milad-un-Nabi ” every single day. How?

Because beloved Huzoor, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (atba), has instructed all Ahmadis around the world to send Salawat (Durood Sharif) upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ at least 200 times daily (with age-based guidance for younger members). This practice shows that Ahmadis are remembering, honouring, and drawing closer to the Prophet ﷺ every single day throughout the year, and not just one day.

Conclusion

While millions of Muslims around the world celebrate Mawlid or Eid Milad Al-Nabi, Ahmadi Muslims should remember the clear guidance of the Promised Messiah (AS): the true way to honour the Holy Prophet ﷺ is through daily love and obedience, sending abundant Durood upon him and his progeny, and reflecting and studying his life – not through innovations that he himself never practiced.

The perverted and filth minds of the Anti Ahmadis is such that they begin mix their Shaytani minds with what they read. They claim that Hazrat Hakeem-ul-Ummat Maulvi Noor-ud-Deen(RA) (nauzbillah) encouraged a boy to display homosexuality with another boy. This article completely debunks such an allegation.

Where the Anti Ahmadis have lied

Lie #1

The first lie they did is when they translated the passage, they didn’t translate it fully and mistranslated a lot of the words. If the full incident is read in totality, then it is clear there is nothing wrong.

Lie # 2

It is stated that incident was during the days when he was student.(Talib e ilm) however the Anti-Ahmadis make the false claim that he was promoting it when he was not a student to heighten the level of hysteria about this passage.

The Full passage with Correct Translation

“The second topic which I found very strange at Rampur was that a student was my friend [there]. He became somewhat slothful in his studies. I inquired concerning what the reason for this was. Thereupon he said that I have become an admirer of a charming boy. Except when I see him, I feel affliction in the heart, and a meeting with him cannot be facilitated. That is why I cannot study. After hearing this I boldly stood up and went to this boy. I also took my friend along with me, and said to that boy that this is my friend, he has become an admirer of yours, that is why he cannot focus on his studies, and it is my wish that there is no damage done to his studies. Therefore, I make a request for him that he comes to you after Asr, and after sitting at your shop till the evening, he leaves at Maghrib. Due to my request, you should accept this. Due to this boldness of mine, this pious boy was amazed, and said very well he may come. It was ascertained from this that whichever man does anything for the sake of Allah alone. God Almighty certainly grants blessings in it.”

Mirqatul Yaqeen Fi Hayat-e-Noor-ud-Din p. 80-81¹

Congruence with Ahadith

Hadith #1

“‏ أَنَّ رَجُلاً زَارَ أَخًا لَهُ فِي قَرْيَةٍ أُخْرَى فَأَرْصَدَ اللَّهُ لَهُ عَلَى مَدْرَجَتِهِ مَلَكًا فَلَمَّا أَتَى عَلَيْهِ قَالَ أَيْنَ تُرِيدُ قَالَ أُرِيدُ أَخًا لِي فِي هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَلْ لَكَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ تَرُبُّهَا قَالَ لاَ غَيْرَ أَنِّي أَحْبَبْتُهُ فِي اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَبَّكَ كَمَا أَحْبَبْتَهُ فِيهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) as saying:

A person visited his brother in another town and Allah deputed an Angel to wait for him on his way and when he came to him he said: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to go to my brother in this town. He said: Have you done any favour to him (the repayment of which you intend to get)? He said: No, excepting this that I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. Thereupon he said: I am a messenger to you from, Allah: (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake).

 Sahih Muslim 2567a²

The chapter heading of this hadith is quite literally “The Virtue Of Love For The Sake Of Allah, May He Be Exalted”

Hadith #2

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ إِذَا أَحَبَّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَخَاهُ فَلْيُعْلِمْهُ أَنَّهُ أَحَبَّهُ‏.‏

Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’dikarib reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When one of you has love for his brother, he should inform him that he loves him.”

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 542 – Sahih ³

Hadith #3

Mujahid said, “One of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, met me and took hold of my shoulder from behind. He said, ‘I love you,’ and he went on to say, ‘The One for whose sake I love you loves you.’ He continued, ‘If it had not been that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When a man has love for another man, he should tell him that he loves him,” I would not have told you.'”

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 543 – Hasan Sahih⁴

Hadith #4

‏ إِذَا أَحَبَّ الرَّجُلُ أَخَاهُ فَلْيُخْبِرْهُ أَنَّهُ يُحِبُّهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: When a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him.

Sunan Abi Dawud 5124 – Sahih ⁵

Hadith #5

Anas reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When two men have love for one another, the better of them is the one who has the strongest love for his companion.”

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 544 – Sahih ⁶

Hadith #6

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith:

1. The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else.

2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake.

3. Who hates to revert to Atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 16⁷

Modern Western Society makes fun of Platonic Male Friendships

A Vice Reporter Matt Shea was invited on a podcast with Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate and the topic of platonic male relationships was raised and Tristan Tate explains how Platonic Male Relationships/love are demonized/homosexualized by modern society and gives example of the literary writer Alexander Dumas. ⁸

Other cultures

Even in other cultures, certain aspects of Platonic Male Friendships may seem “gay” to others but they are not. For example, in Pakistani and Arab Culture there is nothing wrong with men holding hands and this has no sexual undertones.

Hazrat Maulvi Noor-ud-Deen(RA)’s strong stance against Sodomy

Khalifa Awwal’s response :
لوطی اور لواطت کرنے والا قتل کا مستحق ہے۔اگر حکومت اسلام ہو اور مرتکب لواطت ضرور کافر ہے۔
(الحکم نمبر15جلد7،24اپریل1903ء صفحہ5-6

Khalifa Awwal: The doer and receiver of sodomy are deserving of being killed if there is an Islamic government and the doer of Lawatat(gay intercourse) is definitely kafir

Al-Hakam April 24, 1903, page 5⁹

Can someone with such a strong response to Sodomy ever encourage Homosexuality? Hazrat Khalifatul-Maseeh Awwal(RA)’s statement on Sodomy is in line with the Ahadith and the Bible.

“Whoever you find doing the action of the people of Lut, kill the one who does it, and the one to whom it is done.

Sunan Ibn Majah 2561¹⁰

“If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death: their blood shall be upon them.

Leviticus 20:13¹¹

Deobandis can’t make this allegation without shooting themselves in foot

Mawlana Mansoor Ali Khan narrates

“I fell in love with a boy and was so much gripped in his love, that day and night I was lost in his thought. My condition became bad and could not concentrate in my work. Hazrat ( Mawlana Qasim Nanotvee) came to know this through his wisdom . Subhan Allah , this is called ‘training and guidance’ that Mawlana became informal with me and treated me like his friend and asked me “ does he ( the young boy) comes to you”. I was shy and did not speak anything. Mawlana said “brother, this type of situation occurs on Human being, there is no need to hide. Mawlana talked to me in such a nice manner that I admitted my love (for the young boy) and Mawlana did not become angry.

( Arwahe Salasa. Page 245 – 246)¹

The story continues
“ When my situation went out of control and I was lost in the love of that young boy then I decided to appear in front of Mawlana Qasim Nanotvee and said” Hazrat! For the sake of Allah, help me. I am fed up from this Please make a dua that the love of this young boy goes away from my heart. Mawlana ( Qasim Nanotvee) laughed and said” Was that all ? Are you tired, lost your spirit? I replied’ Hazrat I am of no use now. Please help me. Hazrat replied” Alright. Be there after I finish my Maghrib salaah’.

( Arwahe Salasa. Page 245 – 246)²

“ I remain seated in the ‘chatta masjid ( name of masjid) after completing my salah. When Hazrat ( Qasim Nanotvee) was free after completing his ‘salatul awwabeen ( salah recited after maghrib ) , he called’ Mawlana sahab” ? I said” I am here” and went in front of him. Hazrat ( Mawlana Qasim Nanotvee) took my hand and placed it in his left palm and rubbed it. I swear Allah, I saw with my open eyes that I am under Arsh and light and brightness has encompassed me, as if am in presence of Allah ‘! And I lost all love and inclination towards that young boy.

( Arwahe Salasa. Page 246 – 247)³

References

Introduction

Khilafat literally means: ‘the successorship of prophethood.’ After Prophethood, Khilafat is the most important institution in Islam. Khulafa are ultimately appointed by God through His Divine guidance.

Khilafat in the Holy Quran

اِنِّیۡ جَاعِلٌ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ خَلِیۡفَۃًؕ قَالُوۡۤا اَتَجۡعَلُ فِیۡہَا مَنۡ یُّفۡسِدُ فِیۡہَا وَیَسۡفِکُ الدِّمَآءَ ۚ وَنَحۡنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِکَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَکَؕ قَالَ اِنِّیۡۤ اَعۡلَمُ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ
And when thy Lord said to the angels: ‘I am about to place a vicegerent (khalifa) in the earth,’ they said: ‘Wilt Thou place therein such as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? — and we glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.’ He answered: ‘I know what you know not.’
_2:31

وَ ہُوَ الَّذِیۡ جَعَلَکُمۡ خَلٰٓئِفَ الۡاَرۡضِ وَ رَفَعَ بَعۡضَکُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ دَرَجٰتٍ لِّیَبۡلُوَکُمۡ فِیۡ مَاۤ اٰتٰىکُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّکَ سَرِیۡعُ الۡعِقَابِ ۫ وَ اِنَّہٗ لَغَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ
And He it is Who has made you successors (khalifa) of others on the earth and has exalted some of you over others in degrees of rank, that He may try you by that which He has given you. Surely, thy Lord is quick in punishment; and surely, He is Most Forgiving, Merciful.
_6:166

ثُمَّ جَعَلۡنٰکُمۡ خَلٰٓئِفَ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِہِمۡ لِنَنۡظُرَ کَیۡفَ تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ
Then We made you their successors in the earth after them, that We might see how you would act.
_10:15

وَعَدَ اللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا مِنۡکُمۡ وَ عَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ لَیَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّہُمۡ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ کَمَا اسۡتَخۡلَفَ الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِہِمۡ ۙ وَ لَیُمَکِّنَنَّ لَہُمۡ دِیۡنَہُمُ الَّذِی ارۡتَضٰی لَہُمۡ وَ لَیُبَدِّلَنَّہُمۡ مِّنۡۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِہِمۡ اَمۡنًا ؕ یَعۡبُدُوۡنَنِیۡ لَا یُشۡرِکُوۡنَ بِیۡ شَیۡئًا ؕ وَ مَنۡ کَفَرَ بَعۡدَ ذٰلِکَ فَاُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الۡفٰسِقُوۡنَ

 Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors (khulafa) in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.
_24:56

اَمَّنۡ یُّجِیۡبُ الۡمُضۡطَرَّ اِذَا دَعَاہُ وَ یَکۡشِفُ السُّوۡۤءَ وَ یَجۡعَلُکُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ الۡاَرۡضِ ؕ ءَاِلٰـہٌ مَّعَ اللّٰہِ ؕ قَلِیۡلًا مَّا تَذَکَّرُوۡنَ
Or, Who answers the distressed person when he calls upon Him, and removes the evil, and makes you successors in the earth? Is there a god with Allah? Little is it that you reflect.
_27:63

یٰدَاوٗدُ اِنَّا جَعَلۡنٰکَ خَلِیۡفَۃً فِی الۡاَرۡضِ فَاحۡکُمۡ بَیۡنَ النَّاسِ بِالۡحَقِّ وَ لَا تَتَّبِعِ الۡہَوٰی فَیُضِلَّکَ عَنۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰہِ ؕ اِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ یَضِلُّوۡنَ عَنۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰہِ لَہُمۡ عَذَابٌ شَدِیۡدٌۢ بِمَا نَسُوۡا یَوۡمَ الۡحِسَابِ
O David, We have made thee a vicegerent (khalifa) in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, lest it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah. Surely, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
_38:27

Khilafat in Hadith

“Prophethood would remain among you so long as Allah wills. Then Allah the Exalted would raise it up. Then Caliphate on the precepts of Prophethood would be established and remain among you for as long as Allah wills. Then Allah the Exalted would raise it up. Then despotic rule would remain among you for as long as Allah wills. Then Allah the Exalted would raise it up. Then a tyrannous rule would remain among you for as long as Allah wills. Then Allah the Exalted would raise it up. Then the Caliphate on the precepts of Prophethood would be established again (Khilafah ala Minhaji-Nabuwwah). Then, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) remained silent.”

_{[Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 30, pg. 355, no. 18406]}

Al Albani said, in Takhreej Mishkat al Masabih, the chain is hasan:

الراوي: النعمان بن بشير المحدث: الألباني – المصدر: تخريج مشكاة المصابيح – الصفحة أو الرقم: 5306
خلاصة حكم المحدث: إسناده حسن

_[dorar.net]

مَا‭ ‬كَانَتْ‭ ‬نُبُوَّةٌ‭ ‬قَطُّ‭ ‬اِلَّا‭ ‬تَبِعَتْهَا‭ ‬خِلَافَةٌ

There had not been any Prophethood which was not succeeded by Khilafa.

_{[Kanz al-Ummal, Hadith 3224]}

To read an in-depth explanation of the Musnad Ahmad hadith above click below ↓

Khilafat-e-Rashida: The Rightly Guided Caliphate

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) (632 – 634 CE)

He was the closest companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He was gentle, humble, and deeply loyal. When the Prophet ﷺ passed away, people were shaken, but Abu Bakr (RA) stood firm and reminded them that it was Allah who lives forever and that all Prophets indeed pass away. His caliphate lasted only two years, but in that short time, he stabilized a chaotic situation. He fought against false prophets and tribes that broke away from Islam. He also started the process of gathering the Qur’an into one collection. His love for the Prophet ﷺ was unmatched, and he lived a simple life even as the leader of the Muslims.

Hazrat Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA) (634 – 644 CE)

Hazrat Umar (RA) was appointed as Khalifa after the passing of Abu Bakr (RA). He had once been one of Islam’s fiercest enemies, but after converting, he became one of its strongest protectors. As the Caliph, he was a powerful and just ruler. He expanded the Muslim empire across vast regions, including Persia and Egypt. But even with all that power, he remained humble. His leadership was organized, wise, and strict, but full of care for the people. He was eventually assassinated during prayer by a Persian slave in 644 CE.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) (644 – 656 CE)

The 3rd Khalifa of Islam, he was known for his shyness, generosity, and wealth, which he used for the cause of Islam. He was the one who compiled and distributed a standardized copy of the Qur’an across the Muslim world. His rule started peacefully, but over time, political tensions rose. People became divided, and sadly, he was killed in his own home while reading the Qur’an. His death was one of the events that led to deep divisions in the Muslim community and the next caliphate.

Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) (656 – 661 CE)

He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet ﷺ, as he married his (ﷺ) daughter Fatima (RA). He was known for his deep knowledge, wisdom, and bravery in battles, such as the battle of Khaibar against the Jews. As the Khalifa of Islam, he had to deal with intense political and civil conflict. Some companions disagreed with his leadership, which led to battles like Jamal and Siffin. Despite all this, he always tried to hold onto justice and avoid bloodshed. He was eventually assassinated while praying in the mosque.

Span of Khilafat-e-Rashida: Foretold by Muhammad ﷺ

The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foretold the exact number of years Khilafat would remain amongst the Arabs before kingship and monarchies would begin:

Sa’eed bin Jumhan narrated:

“Safinah narrated to me, he said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “Al-Khilafah will be in my Ummah for thirty years, then there will be monarchy after that.”‘

^{[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2226]}

Thus, we can see that words of Muhammad ﷺ came out to be true as Khilafat concluded after the exact number of years as the Prophet ﷺ foretold. Many monarchies and kingships claimed to be Caliphates after, however, they all ended in a miserable way as they were not true and real caliphates – they only pretended to be caliphates. However, just like Muhammad ﷺ foretold the end of Khilafat-e-Rashida, he also prophesied the coming of another Khilafat, the Khilafat after the Messiah and Mahdi. This Khilafat was to remain until the Day of Judgement.

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya: The Decreed Everlasting Khilafat

Hazrat Maulvi Hakeem Maulwi Nooruddin (RA) (1908 – 1914)

He was the first Khalifa after the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS) passed away on May 26th, 1908. He was a quiet, wise man, a scholar and Hafiz (memorizer) of the Qur’an with lots of knowledge in Fiqh and Hadith as well. He had been the Promised Messiah’s physician and closest supporter. When the Jama’at was at risk of splitting after the founder’s death, his calm and firm leadership kept the community together. He emphasized Qur’anic education and helped lay the foundation for the system of Khilafat to continue.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (RA) (1914 – 1965)

He was the Promised Son, Musleh Maud, who was promised by Allah to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS). He became Khalifa at a young age of 25, but he turned out to be a visionary leader. Under his leadership of 52. years, the community expanded worldwide and many prophecies of the Promised Messiah (AS) came into fruition under his leadership, such as the arrival of the Mahdi in Damascus and Europe. He introduced many departments and organizations like Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Atfalul Ahmadiyya, and Lajna Imaillah. He was incredibly intelligent, wrote deeply on Islam, and trained missionaries to spread the message globally. His greatest contribution by far was his monumental Tafsir (exegesis) of the Holy Quran. He authored 10 volumes of detailed commentary, and as more of his Tafsir writings continue to be discovered, it is estimated that the complete collection will exceed 10 volumes.

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad (RA) (1965 – 1982)

He was a calm and intellectual leader. He had studied at Oxford and became Khalifa during a time when the Jama’at faced harsh persecution in Pakistan. In 1974, the government declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslim by law, and he responded with dignity and courage. He also started the Nusrat Jahan Scheme, sending doctors and teachers to Africa. His leadership was full of compassion and wisdom.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (RA) (1982 – 2003)

He was appointed as Khalifa in 1982. After being forced to leave Pakistan in 1982 due to plots to arrest him, he settled the headquarters in London. The Khilafat of Mirza Tahir Ahmad (RA) is widely recognized as the dawn of the digital age for the Ahmadiyya community. He launched MTA (Muslim Television Ahmadiyya) in 1992, which connected Ahmadis all over the world. He had a unique style: passionate, humorous, and deeply spiritual. He wrote and spoke powerfully about Islam and reason. His greatest work was his translation of the Holy Quran and his monumental book: Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge, and Truth. People loved him for how easily he connected with everyone, especially the youth.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (ABA) (2003 – present)

He is the current Khalifa who was elected after the passing of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (RA) in 2003. He’s known for being firm, yet gentle. Under his leadership, the Jama’at has expanded even more globally and has greatly improved in office and administrative work. He writes to world leaders, speaks in parliaments, and constantly calls for peace and justice. Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has been a glocal voice for peace and justice since 2003 and has been advocating to world leaders to make peace before another disastrous and poetntial third world war takes place. Under his Khilafat, Jama’at Ahmadiyya celebrated 100 years of Wasiyyat in 2005 and 100 years of Khilafat in 2008. However, the Jama’at has also had to face a lot of persecution during this time, such as the brutal Lahore Attack in 2010. Despite the persecution in Pakistan and other parts of the world such as Africa, he continues to guide the community with patience and strength. He places strong focus on prayer, moral training, and the youth. May Allah preserve and protect him and enable the true message of Islam to spread through him to corners of the Earth. Amin.