🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

Summary of Key Findings

The critique of the “Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light” (ARPL) doctrines, examined through the lens of traditional Islamic teachings, reveals significant divergences from established beliefs regarding the finality of prophethood, the role of eschatological figures, and the structure of spiritual authority. Islamic scholars, rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and centuries of scholarly consensus, have highlighted areas where Ahmadi doctrines present theological inconsistencies and potential risks to the unity and integrity of Islam. The following points summarize the core findings of this critique:

1. Finality of Prophethood and Its Implications

The belief in the finality of prophethood, encapsulated in the concept of Khatam an-Nabiyyin, is a fundamental principle in Islam, explicitly stated in the Quran and reinforced by Hadith. Islamic scholars have consistently upheld that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet, with no new revelations or divinely appointed figures to follow. ARPL’s emphasis on leaders with quasi-prophetic qualities or unique spiritual authority challenges this doctrine, introducing ambiguity into a belief that has been safeguarded to preserve Islam’s unity and coherence.

2. Completeness and Sufficiency of the Quran

Islamic teachings emphasize that the Quran, as the final revelation, is both complete and sufficient for guiding humanity. ARPL doctrines, which position figures like Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as possessing additional spiritual insight, suggest a need for supplementary guidance. Islamic scholars reject this notion, emphasizing that the Quran and Sunnah provide a complete framework that requires no further additions.

3. Role of Eschatological Figures: The Mahdi and Jesus (Isa)

In traditional Islamic eschatology, the roles of the Mahdi and Jesus (Isa) (PBUH) are defined as reformative and restorative, not revelatory. They are expected to lead the Muslim community back to righteousness, but within the boundaries of the Quran and Sunnah. Ahmadi doctrines, which ascribe unique or expanded roles to their leaders, conflict with these traditional roles, creating confusion about the purpose and limits of eschatological figures in Islam.

4. Preservation of Unity through Scholarly Consensus (Ijma)

Islamic scholarship relies on the concept of ijma (consensus) to maintain doctrinal consistency and protect against innovations (bid’ah). The consensus of scholars on key doctrines, including the finality of prophethood and the role of the Mahdi, serves as a safeguard against movements like ARPL that propose new figures with spiritual authority.

5. Dangers of Self-Proclaimed Spiritual Authority

One of the main findings is the concern over self-proclaimed spiritual authority, as seen in ARPL’s veneration of leaders like Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem. Islamic scholars emphasize that legitimate authority in Islam is based on knowledge, scholarship, and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.

6. Importance of Upholding the Traditional Role of the Mahdi

The traditional understanding of the Mahdi as a reformative figure with a specific role in Islamic eschatology is critical to preserving the integrity of Islamic teachings. Scholars caution against expanding this role beyond what is defined in the Hadith, warning that such reinterpretations can lead to doctrinal instability.

Conclusion: In summary, the critique identifies key areas where ARPL doctrines diverge from the traditional beliefs upheld by Islamic scholars. By emphasizing the finality of prophethood, the completeness of the Quran, and the limitations on spiritual authority, mainstream Islamic teachings provide a structured framework that prevents unauthorized reinterpretations.