✦ Written by: Muhammad Ramzan Yousufi Salafi, Faisalabad ✦
After the British unlawfully occupied the Indian subcontinent, they aimed to fragment the unity of Muslims, incite religious discord among them, and divert them from the noble missions of Da’wah and Jihad. To achieve this, they introduced a claimant of false prophethood in the form of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani. In the final decades of the 19th century, Mirza claimed to be a Mujaddid, Divinely Appointed, like the Messiah, the Promised Messiah, and eventually a Prophet and Messenger, thus fulfilling the colonialists’ sinister objectives.
When this planted entity began to spread his venom, the scholars of Ahl-e-Hadith promptly rose to the occasion and exposed the reality of his claims. In the preface (p. 10) of the book “Mirzaiyat from New Perspectives” published by Tariq Academy Faisalabad (2000), authored by the renowned writer and translator Maulana Khalid Saif, citing Mutakallim-e-Islam Maulana Hanif Nadwi (رحمه الله), he writes:
Although Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi (رحمه الله) was initially among those scholars who had a good opinion of Mirza Qadiani, once Mirza openly revealed his reality, it was Maulana Batalvi (رحمه الله) who first declared him a disbeliever. He also holds the distinction of being the first Muslim debater against Qadianis in the initial public debate held in Lahore, where Hakim Nooruddin represented the Qadianis. Maulana Batalvi overwhelmed Hakim Nooruddin with strong arguments and proofs, compelling him to flee midway to Ludhiana where Mirza was residing. On 15 April 1891, Maulana Batalvi wrote to Mirza in Ludhiana challenging him or his disciple to resume the debate.
The Historian of Ahl-e-Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Ishaq Bhatti, records:
"The very first Fatwa of Takfir (declaration of disbelief) against Mirza Qadiani was prepared by the renowned Ahl-e-Hadith scholar Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi (رحمه الله) and endorsed by his eminent teacher Miyan Sayyid Nazeer Hussain Muhaddith Dehlvi (رحمه الله). This Fatwa caused great anxiety among Mirza and his followers. To strengthen it, Maulana Batalvi traveled across India, collecting signatures from approximately 200 renowned scholars who affixed their endorsements or seals on it."
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani himself wrote:
“The Takfir and falsification by the scholars of Punjab and India have crossed all limits… even the Sufis and spiritual leaders now call me a disbeliever and liar…”
He further admits:
“Though the burden of Takfir lies on Nazeer Hussain of Delhi, the other scholars blindly followed his deceitful Fatwa prepared by Muhammad Hussain Batalvi, without their own investigation.”
Maulana Bhatti highlights:
"It was Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi who authored the first Fatwa, and Miyan Nazeer Hussain was the first to seal it. Following this, countless scholars and spiritual leaders of India accepted it.”
This Fatwa was later published in Maulana Batalvi’s monthly journal Isha’at al-Sunnah. A revised version was released by Dar al-Da'wah al-Salafiyyah Lahore in November 1986.
Another stalwart of this cause, Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari (رحمه الله), remained actively engaged against Qadianism till his last breath. Known as the “Conqueror of Qadian”, his detailed contributions are documented by Maulana Safi-ur-Rahman Mubarakpuri (رحمه الله) in his book “Fitna Qadianiat and Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari” (Published August 2007).
In Pakistan, the first formal proposal to declare Qadianis as non-Muslims came from Ahl-e-Hadith scholar Maulana Hanif Nadwi (رحمه الله), who passed away on 13 July 1987. His articles on this issue were originally published in the Weekly Al-I’tisam (1950) and later compiled in the book “Mirzaiyat from New Perspectives.”
Undeniably, Ahl-e-Hadith scholars rendered priceless services against the Qadiani movement, through writings, debates, refutations, and public discourses. Unfortunately, some people, despite knowing these historical facts, attribute credit to others and overlook the contributions of the Ahl-e-Hadith scholars.
It is necessary here to outline the pioneering contributions of Ahl-e-Hadith in the struggle against Qadianism, as documented by Maulana Ishaq Bhatti, Dr. Bahauddin, and others:
② The first scholar to challenge Mirza Qadiani in Qadian itself was Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari in January 1903.
③ The first debates against Qadianis were initiated by Maulana Batalvi and Maulana Sanaullah.
④ Maulana Sanaullah held the most number of debates with Qadianis.
⑤ The first challenge of Mubahilah (invoking curse) to Mirza was issued by Ahl-e-Hadith scholars.
⑥ The title “Conqueror of Qadian” was first awarded to Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari.
⑦ Ahl-e-Hadith writers authored the most books against Qadianism.
⑧ The first written proposal post-independence to declare Qadianis a minority was made by Maulana Hanif Nadwi.
⑨ Ahl-e-Hadith scholars and masses participated the most in anti-Qadiani movements and faced arrests.
⑩ The first 24-page booklet refuting Mirza was written in 1892 by Maulana Ismail Aligarh.
⑪ The first detailed book against Qadianism, “Ghayat al-Maram”, was written by Qazi Sulaiman Mansoorpuri at age 25 in 1892.
⑫ The first divine verdict of Takfir came from Maulana Muhiuddin Abdul Rahman Lakhvi.
⑬ Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari’s persistence unnerved Mirza to the extent that he invoked a death prayer. Mirza died on 24 May 1908, while Maulana Sanaullah passed away on 15 March 1938.
⑭ Even before Mirza’s claim of prophethood, Maulvi Abdul Haq Ghaznavi had engaged him in a Mubahilah, resulting in Mirza’s humiliation.
These historical facts affirm that the scholars of Ahl-e-Hadith were at the forefront in opposing Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and his missionaries at every level.
To understand the full scope of their efforts, the book “Tehreek Khatm-e-Nubuwwat” by Dr. Bahauddin Londoni is immensely beneficial. Published in India (by Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Hind) and Pakistan (by Maktabah Quddusia, Lahore), it is expected to span eight volumes. This well-researched work includes primary documents, Mirza’s own writings, and comprehensive analysis, making it a definitive reference on the subject.
Those who attempt to distort or downplay the historical role of Ahl-e-Hadith should reconsider and acknowledge the truth of history without bias.
After the British unlawfully occupied the Indian subcontinent, they aimed to fragment the unity of Muslims, incite religious discord among them, and divert them from the noble missions of Da’wah and Jihad. To achieve this, they introduced a claimant of false prophethood in the form of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani. In the final decades of the 19th century, Mirza claimed to be a Mujaddid, Divinely Appointed, like the Messiah, the Promised Messiah, and eventually a Prophet and Messenger, thus fulfilling the colonialists’ sinister objectives.
When this planted entity began to spread his venom, the scholars of Ahl-e-Hadith promptly rose to the occasion and exposed the reality of his claims. In the preface (p. 10) of the book “Mirzaiyat from New Perspectives” published by Tariq Academy Faisalabad (2000), authored by the renowned writer and translator Maulana Khalid Saif, citing Mutakallim-e-Islam Maulana Hanif Nadwi (رحمه الله), he writes:
Although Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi (رحمه الله) was initially among those scholars who had a good opinion of Mirza Qadiani, once Mirza openly revealed his reality, it was Maulana Batalvi (رحمه الله) who first declared him a disbeliever. He also holds the distinction of being the first Muslim debater against Qadianis in the initial public debate held in Lahore, where Hakim Nooruddin represented the Qadianis. Maulana Batalvi overwhelmed Hakim Nooruddin with strong arguments and proofs, compelling him to flee midway to Ludhiana where Mirza was residing. On 15 April 1891, Maulana Batalvi wrote to Mirza in Ludhiana challenging him or his disciple to resume the debate.
The Historian of Ahl-e-Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Ishaq Bhatti, records:
"The very first Fatwa of Takfir (declaration of disbelief) against Mirza Qadiani was prepared by the renowned Ahl-e-Hadith scholar Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi (رحمه الله) and endorsed by his eminent teacher Miyan Sayyid Nazeer Hussain Muhaddith Dehlvi (رحمه الله). This Fatwa caused great anxiety among Mirza and his followers. To strengthen it, Maulana Batalvi traveled across India, collecting signatures from approximately 200 renowned scholars who affixed their endorsements or seals on it."
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani himself wrote:
“The Takfir and falsification by the scholars of Punjab and India have crossed all limits… even the Sufis and spiritual leaders now call me a disbeliever and liar…”
He further admits:
“Though the burden of Takfir lies on Nazeer Hussain of Delhi, the other scholars blindly followed his deceitful Fatwa prepared by Muhammad Hussain Batalvi, without their own investigation.”
Maulana Bhatti highlights:
"It was Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi who authored the first Fatwa, and Miyan Nazeer Hussain was the first to seal it. Following this, countless scholars and spiritual leaders of India accepted it.”
This Fatwa was later published in Maulana Batalvi’s monthly journal Isha’at al-Sunnah. A revised version was released by Dar al-Da'wah al-Salafiyyah Lahore in November 1986.
Another stalwart of this cause, Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari (رحمه الله), remained actively engaged against Qadianism till his last breath. Known as the “Conqueror of Qadian”, his detailed contributions are documented by Maulana Safi-ur-Rahman Mubarakpuri (رحمه الله) in his book “Fitna Qadianiat and Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari” (Published August 2007).
In Pakistan, the first formal proposal to declare Qadianis as non-Muslims came from Ahl-e-Hadith scholar Maulana Hanif Nadwi (رحمه الله), who passed away on 13 July 1987. His articles on this issue were originally published in the Weekly Al-I’tisam (1950) and later compiled in the book “Mirzaiyat from New Perspectives.”
Undeniably, Ahl-e-Hadith scholars rendered priceless services against the Qadiani movement, through writings, debates, refutations, and public discourses. Unfortunately, some people, despite knowing these historical facts, attribute credit to others and overlook the contributions of the Ahl-e-Hadith scholars.
It is necessary here to outline the pioneering contributions of Ahl-e-Hadith in the struggle against Qadianism, as documented by Maulana Ishaq Bhatti, Dr. Bahauddin, and others:
✦ Ahl-e-Hadith's Pioneering Contributions Against Qadianism ✦
① The first Fatwa of Takfir against Mirza was prepared by Maulana Muhammad Hussain Batalvi, endorsed by Miyan Nazeer Hussain, and signed by around 200 prominent scholars.② The first scholar to challenge Mirza Qadiani in Qadian itself was Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari in January 1903.
③ The first debates against Qadianis were initiated by Maulana Batalvi and Maulana Sanaullah.
④ Maulana Sanaullah held the most number of debates with Qadianis.
⑤ The first challenge of Mubahilah (invoking curse) to Mirza was issued by Ahl-e-Hadith scholars.
⑥ The title “Conqueror of Qadian” was first awarded to Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari.
⑦ Ahl-e-Hadith writers authored the most books against Qadianism.
⑧ The first written proposal post-independence to declare Qadianis a minority was made by Maulana Hanif Nadwi.
⑨ Ahl-e-Hadith scholars and masses participated the most in anti-Qadiani movements and faced arrests.
⑩ The first 24-page booklet refuting Mirza was written in 1892 by Maulana Ismail Aligarh.
⑪ The first detailed book against Qadianism, “Ghayat al-Maram”, was written by Qazi Sulaiman Mansoorpuri at age 25 in 1892.
⑫ The first divine verdict of Takfir came from Maulana Muhiuddin Abdul Rahman Lakhvi.
⑬ Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari’s persistence unnerved Mirza to the extent that he invoked a death prayer. Mirza died on 24 May 1908, while Maulana Sanaullah passed away on 15 March 1938.
⑭ Even before Mirza’s claim of prophethood, Maulvi Abdul Haq Ghaznavi had engaged him in a Mubahilah, resulting in Mirza’s humiliation.
These historical facts affirm that the scholars of Ahl-e-Hadith were at the forefront in opposing Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and his missionaries at every level.
To understand the full scope of their efforts, the book “Tehreek Khatm-e-Nubuwwat” by Dr. Bahauddin Londoni is immensely beneficial. Published in India (by Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Hind) and Pakistan (by Maktabah Quddusia, Lahore), it is expected to span eight volumes. This well-researched work includes primary documents, Mirza’s own writings, and comprehensive analysis, making it a definitive reference on the subject.
Those who attempt to distort or downplay the historical role of Ahl-e-Hadith should reconsider and acknowledge the truth of history without bias.
