Pakistan’s Ahmadis: Victims of Identity Theft
by Bina Shah / April 30, 2013 / 26 Comments
“Language is legislation, speech is its code … all speech is a classification, and all classifications are oppressive.” —Roland Barthes, 1977
Masjid Aqsa mosque, the largest place of worship for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, is located in Rabwah, Pakistan. Photo: Ceddyfresse via Wikimedia.
In one of my recent columns I wrote about how the Shias of Pakistan are being attacked by extremists who wouldn’t mind if all Shias were wiped off the face of the planet—in other words, genocide. However, there is a group of people in Pakistan who are facing equal amounts of hatred and prejudice, but the bigotry against them is actually codified under Pakistani law.
- Pakistan is a country of contradictions – full of promise for growth, modernity and progress, yet shrouded by political, social and cultural issues that undermine its quest for identity and integrity. My bi-monthly column “Pakistan Unveiled” presents stories that showcase the Pakistani struggle for freedom of expression, an end to censorship, and a more open and balanced society.
- Bina Shah is a Karachi-based journalist and fiction writer and has taught writing at the university level. She is the author of four novels and two collections of short stories. She is a columnist for two major English-language newspapers in Pakistan, The Dawn and The Express Tribune, and she has contributed to international newspapers including The Independent, The Guardian, and The International Herald Tribune. She is an alumnus of the International Writers Workshop (IWP 2011).
This group of people is known as the Ahmadis, and they constitute a community that has been declared non-Muslim—not just by religious clerics but also the Pakistani government, who are controlling language to rob the Ahmadis of their very identity.
The Ahmadis are a reformist movement within Islam, but orthodox Muslims reject them because the Ahamdis believe their leader, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who lived in India during British rule in the 19th century, was the “reformer promised at the End times,” an individual also known as the Mahdi, or Messiah. In the eyes of orthodox Muslims, this claim throws doubt on whether or not the Ahmadis truly believe the Prophet Muhammed was the last and final prophet sent from God to spread the divine message—a central tenet of Islam. Their belief in the divine role of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, along with other practices that seem to contradict mainstream Islamic thought, is what drove orthodox Muslims to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims.
In Pakistan, there are about two million Ahmadis who live under the most stressful conditions imaginable thanks to the Pakistani government’s myriad ordinances and constitutional amendments declaring them non-Muslims. Of course, there has always been tension between the Muslim orthodoxy and the Ahmadi community because of the differences in belief, but in order to curry favor with the religious clergy in 1974, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, changed the constitution so that it actually defined a Muslim as “a person who believes in the finality of Prophet Muhammed.” With a stroke of the pen, Ahmadis became non-Muslims, and lost their identity as Muslims forever more.
As a follow-up, the dictator General Zia introduced Ordinance XX, which was designed to “prevent anti-Islamic activities.” Suddenly Ahmadis were told that they could not “pose as Muslims,” and could not call their mosques “mosques” – henceforth they would be referred to as “places of worship.” Additionally, Ahmadis were not allowed to preach, convert, disseminate religious material to, or perform prayers with Muslims. Even worse, they were barred from greeting anyone with the traditional Islamic greeting “assalam aleikum” (Peace be upon you), which even Hindus, Christians, and anyone of any other faith is allowed to utter.
Tellingly, Pakistan’s only Nobel Prize winner, the physicist Dr. Abdus Salam, an Ahmadi, has never properly been recognized for his achievements because of the controversy surrounding Ahmadis. Since his death, his tombstone has been defaced, with the word “Muslim” scratched off it. Moreover, all Pakistanis who want a passport or ID card have to sign an oath saying that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was an impostor and that Ahmadis are non-Muslims.
Ahmadis are also derogatively referred to as “Qadianis” (Qadian being the town that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad came from in India). And, on that note, a look at the Qadianis Wikipedia page reveals it has been hacked and Urdu curse words inserted into some of the sentences. As follows in the real world, Qadianis are also the subject of unbelievable amounts of hate literature and hate speech. In May 2010, suicide bombers entered two Ahmadi mosques, opened fire, then blew themselves up, killing nearly a hundred people.
Prejudice and bigotry against minority groups and sects is nothing new in any part of the world. But in the case of Pakistan’s Ahmadis, language itself has been enlisted as a weapon against them. Let alone the changing of the constitution or the requirement to sign an oath against them when other Pakistanis need documents to prove their own identity, the Ahmadis themselves have been forbidden to use certain words central to life in Pakistan. They are forbidden to spread the word or profess anything about their own beliefs in any sphere of public life. Perhaps the most frustrating part is that they are not even allowed to call themselves what they want to be called. This kind of identity theft operates on the subtlest level, resulting in the robbing of dignity from an entire community with not-so-subtle results: Death and destruction, and injustice for all.
26 Comments on "Pakistan’s Ahmadis: Victims of Identity Theft"
Its not injustice. They are what they are. You have to accept this reality.
i not expected this kind of article written by you.
by your article, i come to know that you actually never met an ahmedi and know what is ahmedi’s idealogy.
i am sunni but unfortunately i come across ahmedi sect by a ahmedi family very closely and i know their Ahmediya Jammat practices and allows all illegal and non-islamic acts in all way of their lives.
Ahmedi are most liberal mind and most westernized person . and they never ever care life after death. their idealogy of living life is 200% opposite of a true muslim idealogy.
and basic difference between ahmedi and a muslim is ahmedi speaks always lies. they never speak truth and they never hesitate to do extremely immoral steps which a muslim not even thinks of.
so please, you should never write article to show sympathy on liar people. their sect basis is on lies and fake ideology.
Shazia, I have met Ahmedis, so what you have said could be called “a lie”. What’s more, I have spoken to them about their position on Islam, as well as doing research for this article. I have written that some of their ideology contradicts mainstream Islam, so you’re not saying anything I haven’t already said in my piece. But what I object to is the kind of hatred you are displaying in your comment towards them. Everyone has the right to believe in what they wish to believe, doesnt it say in our Quran, “la kum dinukum waliya dini” which every Muslim knows means “To you your religion and to me, mine.” Expressing this kind of hatred and making it part of Pakistani law is not part of the ideology of Pakistan, where Jinnah said “You are free to go to your temples, your mosques, your places of worship. The business of religion has nothing to do with the business of the state.” If you want to denounce Ahmedis, that’s your choice, but don’t try and force it on me or dictate what I can and cannot write,
Ahmadiyyat is presenting true Islam, our believe and faith is on the same basis which were set by Hadhrat Muhammad (PBUH) 1400 yrs ago, The Holy
Quraan and holy Ahadiths, and you, what moulvi is saying, the people like you are following the same and thought and practicing accordingly thinking that it the Islam.
Muslim Ummah is in a miserable condition, everyone in the world is hating Muslim, it is need of the time that we all should pray for a true and straight way (Sirat-e-Mustaqim) to become a honorable nation in world but sorry to say the people like Shazia who are following of the people who are killing innocent people, women and children, destroying buildings, school, colleges, divided in sects and groups and continuously damaging the efforts of peace and harmony.
What Shazia! Is written, and how advocating the people like present day Muslims moulvies who believe false and fake ideology only for to earn money to live. I am sure you (Shazia) never met any Ahmadi because what you have written is totally wrong and baseless. These are the same words and idea which present day Moulvi is spreading amongst the youngsters.
what i have said , is true and i did know ahmedi very well . i did research on each of their teachings their books , their fake prophet;s written book for almost last two years. i did debate with ahmedis on each and every aspect what they believe and what a true muslim believe.
besides ahmedis, i did researched other religions and sect as well.
the most manipulated words of quran and hadees are what ahmedi told me themselves.
alhamdullah, i am muslim and i believe on Allah and Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H) is the last and final messenger and i believed on Quran only that was revealed 1400 years ago. not just last century man-fake created words .
i too not believe any moulvi or any other person . it’s not hatred . it’s what truth is and i know how ahmedi respond to truth like M Afzal Qamar did. before ahmedi tried to impress by their so many absurd theories like Gestalt .
only Allah knows well and Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H) is one perfect life example and no other than human can reach at that level.
Dear Miss Bina Shah,i read your article and found it really a wonderful and informative.i believe that Ahmedis have suffered alot in this state of pakistan.neither they are allowed to profess their religion nor they can call themselves as muslims.According to our Constitution Ahmedis can not call their mosques as mosques,can not call for Aazan,can not call themselves as muslims,can not call their religion as Islam and do not propogate their belief. Besides, section 298-B & C of the Pakistan Penal Code says:
298-B. Misuse of epithets, descriptions and titles, etc., reserved for certain holy personages or places:
(1) Any person of the Quadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves ‘Ahmadis’ or by any other name who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation-
(a) refers to or addresses, any person, other than a Caliph or companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as “Ameer-ul-Mumineen”, “Khalifatul- Mumineen”, Khalifa-tul-Muslimeen”, “Sahaabi” or “Razi Allah Anho”;
(b) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as “Ummul-Mumineen”;
(c) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of the family “Ahle-bait” of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as “Ahle-bait”; or
(d) refers to, or names, or calls, his place of worship a “Masjid”;
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Any person of the Qaudiani group or Lahori group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name) who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation refers to the mode or form of call to prayers followed by his faith as “Azan”, or recites Azan as used by the Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
298-C. Person of Quadiani group, etc., calling himself a Muslim or preaching or propagating his faith:
Any person of the Quadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves ‘Ahmadis’ or by any other name), who directly or indirectly, poses himself as a Muslim, or calls, or refers to, his faith as Islam, or preaches or propagates his faith, or invites others to accept his faith, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations, or in any manner whatsoever outrages the religious feelings of Muslims shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
This is what the Pakistan and our so called islamic constitution has done with with the peacefully living Ahmedis who contributed immensely in the making of Pakistan.i am really thankful to you Miss Bina for writing this wonderful article on this sensitive issue.Keep it up.
Abdul Basit Langah
hopeful.2016@gmail.com
Thank you Very Much Bina Shah. God bless you.
Some points that must be considered while evaluating Ahmadies.
1- General behavior of Ahmdia community in society. Did they ever reported to be part of strikes and involve in violation of law.
2- How many cases have reported against them? Theft, Robery, Murder etc.
3- Anyone who heard hate speeches at any platform against any religion or class of people.
There are many other points that demonstrate that they are peaceful community are never involve in any destructive activities. Everyone who needy cheap publicity come forward and attack on this community because he know it very well that he will not be countered.
Article written by Bina Shah give a little hope that a time will definitely come when people will believe on facts, reality and logics and not on voice of Mullah of last era.
Very well written.Allah bless you for courage.
Dear Bina Shah, Assalamo Alaikum ww
Congratulation for taking a bold step to write something which most Pakistanis may not like. I hope and pray that they will learn a lesson before it is too late. May Allah give you the best rewards and keep you safe in Pakistan.
I hope and pray that may Allah give the wisdom to Pakistanis and they shine on this earth
instead of asking for God wrath.
Wassalam,
Dr Amjad Tariq
Sydney, Australia
Bina shah,
so your article is biased towards to qadiani so you getting appreciation from them.
i said you earlier, i not expected you to be biased to one side. this is very very controversial and they are constantly infiltrating minds of muslim youth. whoever not read Quran well every verse, then get to impress by these people belief as they are showing they are innocent. once Allah said in harsh words in Quran about munafaqeen , it has to be follow.
I totally agreed with the first commenter Zaid that “Its not injustice to them , they deserve to be that.. if they are muslims ,then why their jammat is operating from uk and western countries ??
whenever a Prophet comes from Allah, he is sent to deliver the message of Allah to the people. Usually the people that he is sent to are far away from God and are running after the pleasures of the world. It has been the history of the prophets that whenever they come, they are initially rejected by the people to whom they are sent. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, may peace be upon him, was no exception, and he and his followers were persecuted by other Muslims. Sadly that persecution is still continuing. this proved that Ahmadiyya Islam is true islam in the eyes of Allah Almighty.
But you can’t just reject a Prophet outright; you have to somehow justify that rejection. Naturally all the Prophets were very pious servants of Allah that is why Allah chose them. So it is impossible to find any fault with their behaviour, as they are the excellent exemplars. Likewise all the Prophets’ messages are sublime, as they are preaching about Allah and His commandments, so you can’t find any fault with their message. The only way to justify their rejection is to implement a character assassination – accuse them of faults, even though they don’t have them. In this way all the Prophets were mocked at by their people.
As the Holy Qur’an relates:
Alas for My servants! There comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him.
Holy Qur’an, Chapter 36, verse 31
The Holy Qur’an informs us that they accused the Holy Prophet of being a madman, poet, liar etc. “Nay, they say, ‘these are but confused dreams; nay, he has forged it himself, he is but a poet.’” (Chapter 21:6). “And they said, ‘O thou to whom this exhortation has been sent down, thou art surely a madman’” (Chapter 15:7)
Likewise they said similar things about David and Jesus, may peace be upon them both, “Those amongst the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David, and of Jesus, son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress.” (Chapter 5:79)
In fact the Holy Bible contains many accusations made about the Prophets by the Jews and this is one of the purposes of the Holy Qur’an, to remove such accusations and show that all the Prophets were sinless and true servants of Allah.
To prevent the message of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, may peace be upon him, from reaching the Muslims, the Muslim Ulema (leaders) have accused him of being false and have laid many false accusations about him to try and prove that he is not the Promised Messiah & Mahdi.
So what are the claims of the Promised Messiah, may peace be upon him? Our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (the Chosen One), may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, informed us that Hadhrat Isa (Jesus), may peace be upon him, will appear and also there will be the coming of the Imam Mahdi.
Of course the companions of the Holy Prophet were expecting them to come straightaway, but in fact the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, told us that they will come in the Latter Days, when Islam would be in a dire state.
Since then, Muslims have been waiting for these two personages to appear in the world, whereas Ahmadi Muslims believe that they have come and in fact, they are spiritual titles which found fulfilment with the coming of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, may peace be upon him, who was informed by Allah that he was in fact the true claimant to both these spiritual titles.
This is the difference between Ahmadi Muslims and non-Ahmadi Muslims – that we have accepted the fulfilment of these claims in one individual, whilst the non-Ahmadi Muslims are still awaiting the coming of two separate figures.
Thank you Bina Shah for writing this article. Dear readers of this article, I am a muslim and belongs to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; please read the belief of Ahmadis: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah upon him). Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the last Law bearing prophet of God. Holy Quran is the last revealed book by God. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that God sent Ahmad within the fold of Islam, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to categorically reject terrorism in any form. Ahmad emphatically declared that the doctrine of violent jihad goes against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the practice of the Holy Prophet of Islam. Similarly, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to endorse a separation of mosque and state. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to spread Islam’s true teachings of moderation and restraint with compassion, patience and prayers, in the face of bitter opposition from the Muslim world. Please visit http://www.alislam.org to get the true teaching of Islam.
Everything which is done to ahmadis reminds of attrocities committed on muslims in early days of islam by meccans. The muslims of mecca were also denied basic human rights. But weird thing is people dont open eyes to see who is on whose footsteps. Ahmadis win despite the laws on side of injustice.
Peace be upon you, Ms. Bina Shah!
I am pleasantly surprised to read such a balanced article as yours. No one in his/her right mind can find fault in your thesis and the logic therein. When we read the comments preceding mine, it is crystal-clear which writer has hatred in his/her heart and which author possesses goodwill and steadfastness. Now, which individual of these exemplifies Islamic qualities?
The overarching fact that we must all accept is that the solemn pronouncement of the Kalima makes the speaker a Muslim. We could argue as to the depth and correctness of his/her belief until the cows come home, but we cannot deny that the speaker has entered the class called ‘Muslims’ by virtue of that declaration. Pakistan took the fateful step of denying that God-given logic in 1974, and the world is witness to the darkness and suffering it has unleashed upon itself since then.
Opponents of Ahmadis, and others who need to know what Ahmadi Muslims’ core beliefs are, are urged to visit the website ‘www.alislam.org’. It is a veritable treasure-trove of knowledge!
Peace to all people of goodwill!
Dear Sister Shazia
AOA
You have clearly stated your opinion and I respect the fact that you picked up the pen and not a gun to express your views. So in that respect, you are way ahead of your fellow “Official Muslims” who do Jihad with the gun.
I have read and re read both your comments and am surprised to note that you have made general statements based on your observations of individual Ahmadis and not on Quran and HAdith. Brother Akram has expressed his opinions and look how he built his case based on the verses of the Holy Quran. I urge you to argue with Quranic references. If all respondents here would follow this simple rule then all of them would be on a level playing ground.
Lets continue this healthy discussion but only with reference to the Quran and not personal opinions.
Bina: If we were to truly study Ahmadiyyat with a view to finding the difference between “sarkaari muslims and non sarkari muslims) it would boil down to just one thing and that is in the recognition of the Imam Mehdi of this age. Period. All other beliefs are the same in principle with slight variations here and there which are equally acceptable to all within the Islamic faith. Who the Imam Mehadi is or will be is the question.
Sister Shazia is welcome to continue her Jihad of the pen and express her Islamic understanding who is or will be Imam of this age – based exclusively on the Holy Quran.
Perhaps we all will learn from each other. Inshallah
Shazia bibi,
Yes, you are right. Two Islamic school of thoughts: Deobandi and Brelvi are originated and operated from our #1 enemy country Hindustan so ther are not Muslims either. By the way, they themselves call each other Kafir.
Ahmedi kafir
Shia Kafir
Ismaeli Kafir
Sunni kafir
Wahabi Kafir
Maudodi said Iqbal Kafir, Jinnah Kafir, Bhutto Kafir, Pakistan nahin Kafirstan
Mufti Mahmood said Maudodi Kafir and CIA Agent
Tarabi said all Kafir
WHO IS MUSLIM???
Asalam O Alakum,
The things are simple. Hazrat Muhammad (saw) prophecied advent of Masih and Mehdi in 14th century and called Him Nabi 4 tgimes in Sahi Muslim. Moreover non-Ahmadies also believe in coming of Hazrat Issa as a prophet of God, which is again objectionable because Quran calls Hazrat Issa as Rasulan Ela Bani Israel.
Ahmadies have better belief because they say that such Nabi will be first Umati and then only servant prophet of Hazrat Muhammad (saw).
All the prophecies have since been fulfilled and their is only one claimant in the field. Non-Ahmadies have in fact missed the train.
May Allah guide all.
Shazia, I don’t think you understand my position on the Ahmedis. I don’t believe what they believe in. I believe in the finality of Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him. What I do believe is that the government should not persecute anyone due to their beliefs. The government has no right to take anybody’s rights of freedom of religion, and to force other citizens of Pakistan to be complicit in that persecution. I can believe in an Ahmedi’s right to believe in what she or he wants without believing in it myself.
Shazia Bibi…
Asslamo Alaikum!
You have mentioned a very intresting(or “funny”)point about their (Ahmadies)Islamic-belief as
saying:
“….If they are Muslim,then
why their Jama’at is operating
from Uk and Western Countr-
ies…?”
Wonderful point….!!! Bibi, in the light of this point,please tell
me about Tahir-ul-Qadri,s “Islam”,
who is operating “Minhag ulQuran”
from Toronto-Canada+some other
Western countries…! In North America there are two major Islamic Organizations; ISNA & ICNA.These Organisations belong to Jana,at e Islami.There are also too many other Islamic organizati-ons working in North America. They all are practicing their religious activities with complete freedom..Shazia Bibi what says your “Fatwa” about their ISLAM…….?!
@Nasir Vaince :
When i said i believe other than Quran and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.????
i not believe any today’s known personalities who portray to be perfectly following islam .
i not believe any moulvi either .
i believe , whoever is very near to Allah , that person never want fame in this world and must believe life after death ….
compare your ahmedi caliph’s living standard in UK with Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) life and you can judge yourselves.
only role model exists for me , is Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) and no one can match that level EVER and
only Allah knows the best .
There is no such thing as god or religion and no one is going to wake us up after we die. Plz people get over this religion thing and open your minds parachutes…..cheers
I have to say i am very impressed by your article and the bold step you have taken Bina Shah. I applaud your work and pray that may God bless you. As a Canadian Pakistani who aspires to become a journalist, i find great inspiration in your work and the actions you have taken to spread justice and destroy this wall of ignorance that is built in pakistan. Once again congratulations, may God bless you, and may you words have power and may you find complete success in all that you do!
Well written and brave article. Lets not forget though that despite all the negativity imposed on them by so-called Muslims, they try their best to show Islam in its true positive light:
Muslimsforlife(dot)org – successfully collected 10,000 pints of blood to honor 3,000 dead of 9/11 (by saving 30,000 lives.
Muslimsforpeace(dot)org – condemning terrorism, promoting Islamic value of loyalty to ones nation, peace, bus-ads and flyers and leaflets to promote the same.
Assalamo Alaikum to all without discrimination,
Thank you Bina Shah for doing justice with your profession. May Allah bless you strength and steadfastness.
In order to understand the doctrine of prophet hood and messenger ship Shazia Sahiba needs to recall her faith in Allah and His attributes. Non of His attributes are suspended.
If Allah is alive He must be a talking God as He used to talk before. He must be listening as he used to listen before.
If Shazia Sahiba believes in Unseen (Yominoona bil Ghaib) she must believe that Allah is still the Master of all Unseen. If He still possess treasures of Unseen, He can reveal it to any one He Choose. If some one is chosen by Allah for revelation of Unseen he will be Prophet or Messenger of Allah.
If the teachings of Holy Prophet (s-a-w), the message of Holy Quran is reached to every single person in the world and the people to come then there is no need of messenger ship. Otherwise have to believe in words of Allah @ C22:V75, “Allah Chooses messengers from among men and jinns”. Please remember this verse was revealed well after the verse of Khataman Nabiyeen.
If some one believe truthfully in “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem” he or she can easily understand the True Islam through Ahmadiyyat.
Shazia Sahiba have objection on living standard of Khalifatul Masih 5th. She needs to understand that our beloved Caliph is working 16-18 hours daily. He is meeting with all kind of people.
On the one hand we are not allowed practice Islam in many countries and on the other hand they object why we operate from the West.
Holy Promised Messiah or any of his Successor never claimed to be at par with Holy Prophet (s-a-w). But they always claimed to be the servants of Prophet Muhammad (s-a-w)
May Allah bless all the servants of Holy Prophet (s-a-w) with His bounties and mercy.