The Sharʿī and Legal Ruling on Publishing and Distributing Qadiyani LiteratureQuestion:
In view of the Sharʿī and constitutional status of the Qadiyanis, what is the ruling on publishing and distributing their literature in Pakistan?
Answer by: Shaykh Khiḍr Ḥayāt (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Sharʿī and Constitutional Status of Qadiyanis
The Qadiyanis (Ahmadiyya sect) are considered non-Muslims by the consensus of the entire Muslim Ummah.
They have no connection with Islam, and their beliefs stand in direct contradiction to the core tenets of Islamic faith.
✔ According to the Constitution of Pakistan, the Qadiyanis are also declared outside the fold of Islam.
Their translations, commentaries, and other forms of literature are tampered with and contain blatantly heretical beliefs which violate the foundations of Islam.
❖ Example of Distortion in Qadiyani Literature
Qur’anic Verse:
"وَبِٱلْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ"(Al-Baqarah: 4)
"And in the Hereafter they have firm faith."
Qadiyani Distortion:
◈ Mirza Bashir al-Din, in his tafsīr, **substituted "Hereafter" with "belief in the revelation of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani"*.
(Tafsīr Ṣaghīr, Sūrah al-Baqarah)
◈ Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani himself interpreted the Hereafter as referring to the “revelation of the Promised Messiah”, i.e., himself.
(Tafsīr Mirza, Vol. 1, p. 445)
This is a clear distortion of the Qur’ān, and an attempt to misguide people from authentic Islamic belief.
❖ Scholarly Rulings on Preventing Religious Distortion
Imām Qāḍī Abū Yaʿlā al-Farrāʾ (RA)
“If an incompetent individual enters the domain of Sharʿī knowledge and his interpretations pose a risk of misguiding people, then it is necessary to expose him and stop him.If someone holds beliefs that contradict the consensus of the Ummah, or denies clear textual evidences, it becomes obligatory upon the ruler to take action against such a person.
If he persists, appropriate Sharʿī measures must be taken.
Likewise, anyone who offers incorrect interpretations of the Qur'an, or distorts the religion, must be stopped by the authorities responsible for public accountability.”
[Al-Aḥkām al-Sulṭāniyyah, p. 293]
❖ Conditions for Non-Muslims Living in an Islamic State
According to al-Māwardī (RA):
If a non-Muslim is granted residence in an Islamic state, the following conditions must be enforced:
① They must not mock or distort the Qur'an.
② They must not attempt to mislead Muslims or deviate them from Islam.
[Al-Aḥkām al-Sulṭāniyyah by al-Māwardī, p. 225]
❖ Conclusion
✔ Publishing and distributing Qadiyani literature — whether it is translations, tafāsīr, or doctrinal material — is unlawful (ḥarām) both Sharʿī-wise and legally within Pakistan.
✔ It falls under promoting heresy, spreading misguidance, and distorting Islamic teachings, which are categorically prohibited.
Therefore, such actions are impermissible and must be actively prevented by both the state and the Muslim community.
