Voice of British Muslim Women

Iffat Mirza, Cambridge

^{Editor’s note: Khilafat or Khilaafa is an Arabic term which means the institution that runs under the leadership of a Khalifa. The word Khalifa means successor/deputy/vicegerent; a spiritual leader of Muslims. The terms Caliphate and Caliph are both taken from these two Arabic terms.}

In the last decade or so, the term ‘Caliph’ or ‘Caliphate’ has become marred and can now be enough to ignite fear or hatred in some hearts. Such warmongers as Daesh cannot be called true leaders, nor men of God. The reality of a true Islamic Caliph couldn’t be further from this.

The concept of a Caliphate is one that’s necessary in order to keep peace and harmony amongst the communities of the world. No one can doubt the need for honest and genuine leadership. Wherever we see unrest in the world, it is always due to a weak, corrupt, or absent leader. In chapter 24 verse 56, the Holy Qur’an warns us of such instability which is always a threat where there is no true and selfless leader:

‘Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely, make them Successors 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…’

A Caliphate followed the demise of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which saw the spread and the first historiographies of Islam. Now, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has seen five Caliphs follow the Promised Messiah, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (on whom be peace). Much like the Caliphs of the Holy Prophet, such five holy men have seen the community grow from a small movement in northern India to a global community, which in every corner of the world has sought to spread peace, joy, empathy, and compassion. It’s only under the direction of such divine guidance that this could have been done.

Belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the concept of a Caliph has always been a source of hope and compassion for me. Being fortunate enough to live within an hour’s drive from the current Caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad’s residence and offices, I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the receiving end of such a holy personage’s love. I don’t know anyone else who would remain in prayer all night for the benefit of his people. Nor do I know anyone who would give so much attention to communicating with world leaders about the dire need for peace, and spending time with the youth of the community just to give them advice and affection.

In his own words, the current Caliph states:

“Before sleeping at night, there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake.”[1]

To think someone who is tasked with such arduous challenges, would still take time to remember me and my petty problems is most humbling for me.

Then it is no surprise that such a Caliphate would be the only voice which unequivocally calls for peace and de-escalation of violence and injustice at every instance. Even today with the tragic events we are seeing in Palestine, amongst all the Muslim leaders and nations, there’s one voice which is brave enough to speak in favour of the Palestinian voice: that of the Caliph of Ahmadiyyat.

And this certainly isn’t a matter of it being ‘trendy’ to speak in favour of the oppressed, as many social justice issues can be viewed. The Ahmadiyya Caliphate has always been vocal on this matter as well as many more. Just last year, His Holiness was very vocal and empathetic to the racial justice movement that we saw; whilst simultaneously supporting the demands of the oppressed African Americans, he also approached the topic with immense wisdom and genuine concern to ensure that the movement didn’t become exploited by political interventions and remained true to its desire for justice. The difference between His Holiness’ words and that of secular world leaders was evident to anyone; whilst other world leaders remained hesitant to show genuine support for either side and resulted in watered down comments as formalities, His Holiness took a genuine stance to promote the supremacy of justice.

It’s vital that we see the one true Caliphate for what it is. As the Qur’an promises, it’s for those who are righteous. Thus, if one were ever to see a self-proclaimed Caliph acting out of vile hatred and desire for destruction, under no circumstances can they be considered a true Caliph and certainly, they can in no way be considered a representative of Islam. For this sake, it’s imperative that we consider the influence of the righteous Caliphate of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

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[1]Friday Sermon 6 June 2014 as quoted in https://www.alhakam.org/the-binding-of-hearts-love-between-ahmadis-and-the-khalifa/