Published on Aug 13 2009 by Tariq Ahmad Hayat, Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid

Introduction

 

The blessed scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid was launched by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) in November 23rd 1934 to facilitate propagation of the message of Ahmadiyyat throughout the world. The scheme has been instrumental in establishing missions and mosques in over one hundred countries.

 

History

 

In 1934, a group called Majlis-e-Ahrar began a wave of opposition against Jama’at Ahmadiyya. The movement and its leader, Ataullah Shah Bokhari, declared that they would not rest until they had wiped the Jama’at off the face of the earth. In response to the agitation, Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) said:

“I see the earth slipping from under the feet of Ahrar. They say they will wipe out this Jama’at, but Allah Almighty has told me of a plan with which the Jama’at will spread in all countries of the world and no one will be able to destroy it.”  

Under Divine inspiration and guidance, Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) initiated the Tahrik-e-Jadid, concerning which he said:

“The purpose of launching Tahrik-e-Jadid is to acquire such a fund with which Allah’s message can be delivered as far as the corners of the earth with ease and facility.” 

Many years later Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) explained that in due time the scheme will grow “to fulfill a great Islamic purpose and serve to strengthen the foundations of human society.” Huzur (ra) envisioned a New World Order based on voluntary sacrifice that helped in strengthening the social and economic structure of society. This revolution in society would come about through the blessed scheme of Al-Wasiyyat as established by the Promised Messiah (as). Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) stated: 

‘Al-Wasiyyat contemplates both verbal propagation and practical establishment. It no doubt includes missionary effort, but it equally includes the complete establishment of the system under which the needs of every human being should be looked after in a dignified manner. When this system attains maturity, it will provide not only for missionary work, but will also help to abolish want and distress by making adequate provision for the needs of all individuals.” 

Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) felt that as time was not ripe for the universal establishment of the New Order based upon Al-Wasiyyat, the scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid can be seen as a forerunner in helping to bring about such a World Order based on the principles of Al-Wasiyyat. As the Jama’at spreads, through the blessings of Tahrik-e-Jadid, more and more members will be blessed with the opportunity of joining Al-Wasiyyat. While inaugurating Daftar V, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (atba) stated: 

“…Hadhrat Musleh Maud once said that the institution of Tahrik-e-Jadid is a forerunner to Nizam-e-Wasiyyat, which means that Tahrik-e-Jadid will help strengthen Nizam-e-Wasiyyat and it will become the basis for people to get used to make financial sacrifices. It will be like a precursor or herald that will announce the coming of a great Institution behind it, which will be called Nizam-e-Wasiyyat and Nizam-e-Khilafat. Moreover, with Nizam-e-Wasiyyat, our standard of sacrifices also has to get higher and Tahrik-e-Jadid is there to accustom us beforehand to make these sacrifices…” 

Initially the scheme was set-up on a temporary basis. However, by Nov 27, 1953, the scheme was made permanent by Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra). Today, through the blessings of this scheme, the Jama’at has been established in over 178 countries. More than 13,000 mosques have been built and 740 missions have been established around the world. Moreover, at present 250 missionaries are working to propagate the message of true Islam.  

Demands of Tahrik-e-Jadid

 

In sermons on November 16, November 23, and November 30, 1934, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) outlined the framework of Tahrik-e-Jadid, and made nineteen demands on his followers.

 The following injunctions were included:

 

1. Lead a simple life
2. Participate in spreading the message of Islam worldwide.
3. Dedicate leave periods for the service of Jama’at (Waqf-e-Arzi)
4. Members to dedicate their lives to serve Islam
5. Dedicate during seasonal vacation, periods for service of Jama’at
6. Offer your children for life-time Waqf
7. Pensioners/Retired people to offer themselves for service of Jama’at
8. Dedicate part of your income and property
9. Influential and learned Ahmadis should give lectures
10. Prepare rebuttal of adverse propaganda
11. Seek advice from the Jama’at when deciding about higher education and future of your children.
12. Develop the habit of working with your own hands (instead of depending upon others)
13. Jobless person should not hesitate to take up even petty jobs
14. Promote Islamic culture
15. Promote honesty in society.
16. Keep the paths clean
17. Protect women’s rights
18. If possible members may build houses in Qadian
19. Offer special prayers in order to succeed in these undertakings.

 

Instructions

 

All Jama’at members should keep the following instructions in mind in regards to Tahrik-e-Jadid:

 

1. The Tahrik-e-Jadid year begins on 1^st Nov and ends on 31^st October
2. Every effort should be made not to leave a single member of the Jama’at out of this scheme
3. Every new Ahmadi should also be brought into this scheme
4. Parents should include even their newborns into this scheme
5. Those who have just started earning independently should participate in it with greater enthusiasm
6. Try to continue the sacrifice of deceased relatives who used to pay Chanda Tahrik-e-Jadid.