Published on Dec 29 2010 

On Friday 10th December 2010, after Ishaa Prayer, Muqami Region held a Question and Answer session with Imam Sahib, Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib. The topic for this Q/A session was “Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)’s claim to be the Promised Messiah".
Imam Sahib started the session with recitation of Surah Al-Fath. He then opened up the topic by explaining that whenever someone is appointed by Allah, he always faces some kind of objections and rejections. Families reject their claim; friends convert to enemies, etc. So rejection of the claim of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) by some was quite obvious and on the same ground as previous prophets who were rejected.
Imam Sahib stated that in 1882 the Promised Messiah (as) made his claim that he was appointed by Allah. In 1889 he established the community and in 1890 he claimed that Allah appointed him as the Promised Messiah.
One objection raised was why full knowledge was not given to the Promised Messiah (as) by Allah at the start of his claim? In response Imam Sahib gave the example of Hadrat Muhammad (saw); that he lived in Makkah for 13 years and then moved to Medina and after 5 years in Medina the Holy Prophet (saw) was informed by Allah that Allah appointed him as Khataman Nabiyeen. Accordingly, a prophet never claims anything from his own mind; it is Allah’s Will that when he wants to appoint someone to such position.
People raise the objection that the Ahadith are quite clear that Isa ibn Maryam (as) will come and lead the Ummah of Hadhrat Muhammad (saw) hence Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) claim is false. In response Imam Sahib explained that it is never said that the same Isa will come. Even from the Holy Qur'an and Ahadith it is quite clear that Isa ibn Maryam (as) passed away like other prophets. Imam Sahib highlighted how people in their ignorance had misunderstood the Ahadith and signs of the coming of the Promised Messiah.
Imam Sahib also advised everyone to read three books of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in which he explains in detail about the death of Isa ibn Maryam (as) in light of Qur;anic verses. These books are “Fatah-e-Islam”, “Tozeeh-e-Muraam” and “Izaala-e-Ohaam”. He said that everyone should read these books in same sequence to get full knowledge on this topic.
In context of similarities of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) and Isa ibn Maryam (as), Imam Sahib advised the everyone should read the book “Tadrakt-ul-Shahadtain” where on page 30-36 Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) highlighted 16 similarities between him and Isa ibn Maryam (as). Also in Bukhari the similarities and differences of the two Messiahs are mentioned.
Imam Sahib concluded his comments on this topic which were extensive and covered various angles which lasted more than 30 minutes. After the floor was open to Khuddam to ask questions.
Questions asked by Khuddam:
Why did Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) not perform the Hajj?
Why did Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) initially believe that Hadrat Isa ibn Maryam (as) was alive and after few years he claimed that he was dead?
When did the idea of eternal life of Isa ibn Maryam (as) come in to Muslim theology?
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) praised the British Government. But did he ever say anything against their bad acts?
The event concluded with Silent Prayer led by Imam Sahib.
The event was supposed to last for around 40 to 50 minutes but ended up lasting 1 hour 30 minutes!
After Silent Prayer refreshments were served to all present.
Although attendance was limited to 100 Khuddam, given capacity of Fazl Mosque, around 120 Khuddam from Muqami attended by the grace of Allah.