Arfa Yassir, Swindon
What unites the Ahmadiyya Muslim community?
It has been 113 years since the Ahmadiyya Khilafat was established in 1908 after the demise of its founder, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him), the Promised Messiah; the community has grown and prospered ever since.
What unites us? A common country, race or political concerns?
No. The community is made up of people of many races spread across the world.
Does this unity bring us worldly protection and financial gain?
No, in fact it makes us vulnerable in places and rather than gaining, we happily make financial sacrifices.
Do we have a common cause? YES!
That common cause is the love of God and humanity; it is ‘Islam’. We stand by the words ‘love for all, hatred for none’ and are united under the leadership of our Khalifa, currently the fifth head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper).
So, we are united, but at what cost?
Sometimes the cost of upholding one’s faith is being despised in certain societies, facing problems at work, school, and sometimes even life. Being ‘the other’ in society is not easy and can take its toll.
In countries like Pakistan, there has been constant persecution for decades. Almost every Ahmadi there has experienced losing friendships when the news of being ‘Ahmadi’ breaks at school; this is the minimum cost of professing our faith. We have grown up listening to being called ‘kafir’ (disbeliever) ‘agents of the Jews’, ‘fitna’ (evil), ‘planted by the British’ and so on.
Why not end these problems by detaching from the community?
With the grace of God, after recognising the truth of the Prophethood of The Promised Messiah (peace be on him), and his prophecy of Khilafat after him, not even the strongest wind of opposition can shake our faith. Knowing the true and enduring safety and security of our generations to come, lies in attachment with the spiritual system of Khilafat; community members are willing to suffer worldly losses for this bigger cause.
We believe this community has been initiated by God Almighty Himself, and it is not in the capacity of any worldly power, government or person to contest with God’s will. It is a revival of the message of Islam as prophesized by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).
Some might ask, what is the proof that our Khalifa is indeed appointed by God Almighty?
Had this been a worldly leadership appointed by people, there would be a struggle for power. Yet, what is happening around Khilafat? For over a hundred years now, people have rallied around the Khalifa of the time, ready to sacrifice their very lives for him! If the people around the Khalifa of our community were initially there due to personal interest, the generations to follow could have easily drifted away; but we see Ahmadi Muslims generation after generation ever strengthening this bond of loyalty to the Khalifa of the time.
Can the institution of Ahmadiyya Khilafat be anything other than Divine Decree? Not at all. This is a remarkable sign in favour of Islam from God Almighty.
There is no good energy left untapped by members of the community, ever ready to serve humanity, and this has resulted in our strength being doubled. Recently, the myths about the Covid-19 vaccine could not sway our members and its acceptance is very high. The Khalifa, guides us all the time on many worldly matters as well, whether it be addiction to video games, crypto currency or any other misconceptions.
Can anyone give an example of a leader of this kind in the entire world? The answer is a simple no.
This blessing brings huge responsibility. As community members, we should be mindful of our actions and be constantly in a state of spiritual reform and upgrade. We have to constantly prove ourselves to be worthy of these blessings, as the tree of Khilafat is an evergreen tree in accordance with God Almighty’s promise to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him):
“Surely every hour that follows is better for thee than the one that precedes.” [1]
If we, God forbid, become a leaf fallen from the tree then we will keep floating along the winds of worldly pursuits but never prosper!
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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