🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

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16.1 Imam Mahdi Appeared (Part 1)

Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq asserts that Ahmad al-Hassan is a divinely appointed successor or messenger, thereby suggesting a continuation of prophethood and divine guidance beyond Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

However, mainstream Islamic doctrine firmly upholds the Finality of Prophethood (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), asserting that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last prophet sent by Allah.

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly stated:

All major Islamic schools of thought, including Sunni and Shia (such as Twelvers), concur on this point, categorically rejecting any claims of prophethood or divine appointment beyond Muhammad (peace be upon him). Therefore, the assertion that Ahmad al-Hassan could be a divinely appointed successor contradicts the foundational Islamic belief in the finality of prophethood.

Concept of Imamate and Succession

In the transcript, Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq outlines a succession of Imams and Mahdis, culminating in Ahmad al-Hassan as the appointed successor.

While certain Islamic traditions, particularly within Shia Islam (e.g., Twelver Shia), recognize a line of twelve Imams as divinely appointed and infallible leaders, this concept does not equate to prophethood. The Qur'an emphasizes the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood and does not support the notion of subsequent prophets or divinely appointed leaders beyond him.

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against altering the established structure of the Muslim community:

Mainstream Sunni Islam does not uphold the same belief in divinely appointed Imams as seen in Twelver Shia Islam, and certainly does not accept any new line of succession beyond the recognized historical figures. Thus, the proposed succession outlined by Abdull?h H?shim Ab? al-??diq lacks legitimacy within the broader Islamic framework.

Authenticity of the Prophet's Will and Successors

Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq references a supposed will of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that appoints a line of successors, including Ahmad al-Hassan.

However, there is no authentic Hadith or historical record in mainstream Islamic sources that corroborates the existence of such a will appointing successors beyond the known figures like Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husayn. The Qur'an and authentic Hadiths emphasize adherence to the established teachings and recognized messengers without introducing new revelations or appointments.

This verse underscores the importance of adhering to the revealed scriptures and recognized messengers, without accommodating new claims that deviate from established teachings. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:

The absence of credible historical or Hadith support for the claimed will appointing successors like Ahmad al-Hassan renders such claims unfounded in mainstream Islam.

Criteria for Recognizing True Leadership

In the transcript, Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq outlines criteria for recognizing true divine-appointed leadership, such as knowledge superiority, infallibility, and calling towards God's supremacy.

While knowledge and leadership are highly valued in Islam, the criteria of infallibility (Ismah) and divine appointment are reserved for prophets and, in some sects, Imams-not for any subsequent leaders. The Qur'an and authentic Hadith provide clear guidelines on leadership without necessitating new divine appointments after Prophet Muhammad.

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned against introducing new doctrines or leaders outside the established Islamic framework:

Mainstream Islamic scholarship emphasizes adherence to the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) without incorporating new leadership claims that lack authentic sources. Therefore, the criteria proposed by Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq do not align with established Islamic principles.

Protection of the Messenger’s Name

Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq asserts that only the appointed individual can rightly claim the Messenger's name and role, implying that Ahmad al-Hassan fulfills this role.

However, the Qur'an clearly states the finality of Prophet Muhammad's prophethood, and no individual after him holds the authority to claim prophethood or the same level of divine appointment.

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly rejected any claims of new revelations or divine appointments after him:

All reputable Islamic scholars across different schools of thought reject any claims of new prophethood or divinely appointed leadership beyond the established figures recognized in Islamic history. The absence of credible historical or Hadith support for the claimed appointment of Ahmad al-Hassan undermines his legitimacy within the framework of mainstream Islam.

Conclusion

The assertions made by Abdullāh Hāshim Abā al-Ṣādiq regarding Ahmad al-Hassan as a divinely appointed successor or messenger are fundamentally at odds with the core Islamic doctrine of the finality of prophethood with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Authentic Islamic teachings, supported by the Qur'an, Hadith, and scholarly consensus, do not support the emergence of new prophets or divinely appointed leaders beyond the recognized lineage established in Islamic history.

Believers are encouraged to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, seek knowledge from authentic sources, consult reputable Islamic scholars for guidance, and exercise caution against claims that deviate from established Islamic doctrines. By doing so, they can safeguard their faith against misleading claims and ensure that their practices remain aligned with authentic Islamic principles.