Why do most Muslims consider Ahmadiyya Muslims non-Muslims?

The question of whether Ahmadiyya Muslims should be considered part of the Muslim faith is once again under public scrutiny.

On July 21, 2023, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs addressed the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board's classification of Ahmadiyya Muslims as non-Muslims, expressing concern over the potential nationwide repercussions of their stance, which was deemed a hate campaign.

Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind has also lent support to the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board's view, aligning with a belief that has been prevalent in the wider Muslim community.

The Ahmadiyya sect, comprising approximately 10 million followers worldwide, representing just 1% of the Muslim population, often faces isolation due to the strong reactions from the Muslim world.

Understanding Ahmadiyya Muslims

Founded in the 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed (1835-1908) from Qadian in Punjab, the Ahmadiyya sect emerged with its followers referring to themselves as Ahmadiyyas or Qadiannis.

Mirza Ghulam Ahmed claimed to have received divine messages from God and declared himself a prophet awaiting the appearance of Mahdi, who, according to mainstream Muslim belief, will bring the final triumph of Islam.

His followers recognized him as a prophet on March 23, 1889.

The Contention with the Muslim world

The primary point of disagreement between the Muslim world and Ahmadiyya Muslims lies in the concept of the finality of prophethood.

While the majority of Muslims firmly believe that there will be no prophet after Prophet Muhammad, Ahmadiyya Muslims hold the belief that divine revelations continued through Ghulam Ahmed Qadiani, thus deeming him a prophet.

This crucial distinction in beliefs forms the foundation of opposition from the broader Muslim community, which adheres to the notion of the oneness of God and considers Prophet Muhammad as the last messenger sent by God.

However, the Ahmadiyya sect identifies Mirza Ghulam Ahmed as the final prophet, leading to a fundamental theological divide.

Persecution and restrictions

Ahmadiyya Muslims endure persecution in several parts of the Arab world. In countries like Egypt, Ahmadis lack official recognition and the right to construct places of worship, being confined to private homes for prayers.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia does not acknowledge Ahmadiyya Muslims, depriving them of the opportunity to perform the Hajj or umrah pilgrimage.

In Pakistan, a resolution passed in 1970 designated members of the group as non-Muslims, restricting their status within the country.

The Islamic Fiqh Council in Mecca further issued a Fatwa in 1974, labeling the Ahmadiyya sect and its followers as infidels and generally non-Muslims.

Across various Muslim nations, public proclamations of their faith often lead to arrests and detentions, prompting many Ahmadiyya followers to keep their beliefs private, identifying as Muslims on paper to avoid persecution.