Written by: Aamir Hashim Khakwani
Some individuals argue—on principle—that the state has no right to declare any person or group as non-Muslim. However, this argument is currently being advanced primarily by Qadianis and their sympathizers. Many of those who deny the Qadianis' non-Muslim status often do not even value core tenets of Islam, such as belief in Prophethood or even the existence of God. Now, these same circles are reviving a settled constitutional matter and seeking to reignite an issue that was resolved through public consensus and parliamentary procedure. Such efforts are not only destabilizing but are tantamount to opening Pandora’s box.
This is a well-planned scheme—a dangerous game akin to playing with fire. Those promoting this narrative likely have no idea of the public reaction their actions may provoke. The eventual backlash will not affect the liberal advocates, who will quietly withdraw; rather, common Qadiani individuals will bear the consequences of this provocation.
It is deeply contradictory that in most matters, state authority is fully accepted, but in this case—because the state declared Qadianis non-Muslim—the same authority is questioned. In reality, the constitutional amendment that declared Qadianis non-Muslim was passed democratically, after thorough deliberation in the National Assembly. This historic event involved prominent personalities of Pakistan’s political and religious landscape and cannot be dismissed as a mere formality or imposed directive.
The amendment was passed well before General Zia-ul-Haq's regime, refuting claims of religious coercion. It occurred during the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a known secular leader. The debate lasted for days, and the resolution was based on strong evidentiary, legal, and theological grounds. Therefore, challenging this amendment today is akin to reviving a long-dead mischief.
Anyone opposing the constitutional classification of Qadianis as non-Muslims is implicitly affirming them as Muslims, and thereby denying the finality of Prophethood ﷺ—a foundational tenet of Islam. This, logically, places such individuals in opposition to the Prophet ﷺ and aligns them with followers of a false prophet. Such stances undermine decades of scholarly effort and public struggle, all for the sake of appeasing a fringe ideology.
It is the religious duty of Muslims to defend the honor and finality of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. Any attempt to repeal this amendment will be met with full resistance. Muslims are prepared to sacrifice their lives, wealth, and capabilities for this cause. There is no scope—nor any likelihood—for the reversal of this amendment in our lifetime.
If anyone wishes to advocate for Qadiani rights, they must first acknowledge the constitutional reality that Qadianis are non-Muslims. Only then can any rights-based discussion be legitimate. Otherwise, such a person stands aligned with Qadiani ideology. The boundary has already been drawn—by the Qadianis themselves—and the finality of Prophethood ﷺ is the decisive line dividing truth from falsehood.
The line has been drawn with clarity: there can be no compromise on the issue of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah ﷺ (Finality of Prophethood). Those who oppose the constitutional amendment must clearly declare their stance. If they claim to support Qadiani rights, they must first clarify their own belief and position regarding this foundational matter. Any duality or concealment is hypocrisy, and expecting respect from religious circles while siding with falsehood is irrational.
◈ A Constitutional and Ideological Issue
Some individuals argue—on principle—that the state has no right to declare any person or group as non-Muslim. However, this argument is currently being advanced primarily by Qadianis and their sympathizers. Many of those who deny the Qadianis' non-Muslim status often do not even value core tenets of Islam, such as belief in Prophethood or even the existence of God. Now, these same circles are reviving a settled constitutional matter and seeking to reignite an issue that was resolved through public consensus and parliamentary procedure. Such efforts are not only destabilizing but are tantamount to opening Pandora’s box.
◈ A Deliberate Agenda with Dangerous Consequences
This is a well-planned scheme—a dangerous game akin to playing with fire. Those promoting this narrative likely have no idea of the public reaction their actions may provoke. The eventual backlash will not affect the liberal advocates, who will quietly withdraw; rather, common Qadiani individuals will bear the consequences of this provocation.
◈ Questioning the State’s Right: A Contradiction
It is deeply contradictory that in most matters, state authority is fully accepted, but in this case—because the state declared Qadianis non-Muslim—the same authority is questioned. In reality, the constitutional amendment that declared Qadianis non-Muslim was passed democratically, after thorough deliberation in the National Assembly. This historic event involved prominent personalities of Pakistan’s political and religious landscape and cannot be dismissed as a mere formality or imposed directive.
◈ Historical and Legal Context
The amendment was passed well before General Zia-ul-Haq's regime, refuting claims of religious coercion. It occurred during the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a known secular leader. The debate lasted for days, and the resolution was based on strong evidentiary, legal, and theological grounds. Therefore, challenging this amendment today is akin to reviving a long-dead mischief.
◈ A Stern Warning to Opponents
Anyone opposing the constitutional classification of Qadianis as non-Muslims is implicitly affirming them as Muslims, and thereby denying the finality of Prophethood ﷺ—a foundational tenet of Islam. This, logically, places such individuals in opposition to the Prophet ﷺ and aligns them with followers of a false prophet. Such stances undermine decades of scholarly effort and public struggle, all for the sake of appeasing a fringe ideology.
◈ Religious Circles Remain Resolute
It is the religious duty of Muslims to defend the honor and finality of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. Any attempt to repeal this amendment will be met with full resistance. Muslims are prepared to sacrifice their lives, wealth, and capabilities for this cause. There is no scope—nor any likelihood—for the reversal of this amendment in our lifetime.
◈ Rights Within Constitutional Boundaries
If anyone wishes to advocate for Qadiani rights, they must first acknowledge the constitutional reality that Qadianis are non-Muslims. Only then can any rights-based discussion be legitimate. Otherwise, such a person stands aligned with Qadiani ideology. The boundary has already been drawn—by the Qadianis themselves—and the finality of Prophethood ﷺ is the decisive line dividing truth from falsehood.
❖ Conclusion
The line has been drawn with clarity: there can be no compromise on the issue of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah ﷺ (Finality of Prophethood). Those who oppose the constitutional amendment must clearly declare their stance. If they claim to support Qadiani rights, they must first clarify their own belief and position regarding this foundational matter. Any duality or concealment is hypocrisy, and expecting respect from religious circles while siding with falsehood is irrational.
