Examination of Ahmadi Claims and Doctrines for Consistency with Traditional Islam
Traditional Islam is defined by adherence to the Quran, the Sunnah (teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH), and the consensus of early Islamic scholars (ijma). Any deviation or reinterpretation that conflicts with these foundations is typically classified as a deviation or innovation (bid'ah). The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL) presents doctrines and claims-especially about Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as the Mahdi-that are said to fulfill Islamic prophecies. This section examines the consistency of these claims with traditional Islam, analyzing the doctrines promoted by ARPL and evaluating whether they align with the expectations laid out in foundational Islamic texts.
A. Foundational Criteria in Traditional Islam: The Quran, Sunnah, and Scholarly Consensus
In Islam, the Quran and Sunnah serve as the ultimate sources of guidance, forming the basis of Islamic belief and practice. Allah explicitly states the completeness of the religion:
هذا اليوم أكملت لكم دينكم وأتممل نعمكمل مشلكم فبيكم للأتاتكمك مأل شةكتكمكُ
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
📔 Quran 5:3B. Analysis of ARPL's Doctrines and Claims of the Mahdi
ARPL claims that their leader, Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, is the Mahdi-a divinely guided leader expected in Islam to eradicate corruption, establish justice, and purify the faith. However, traditional Islamic sources provide specific criteria for recognizing the Mahdi, including his lineage from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the family of Fatimah and Ali, his alignment with Sunni teachings, and his role in reestablishing the Sunnah.
من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد.
“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not part of it will have it rejected.”
📔 Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2697C. The Importance of Alignment with Traditional Beliefs on the Mahdi
Both Sunni and Shi'a traditions describe the Mahdi as a figure who will revive the teachings of Islam without introducing new doctrines. In Sunni Islam, the Mahdi's lineage is from the family of the Prophet, specifically through the descendants of Fatimah and Ali. Shi'a beliefs similarly recognize the Mahdi as a member of the Prophet's family, with specific expectations regarding his hidden state and eventual reappearance.
واتمزووانونةلونبفووسونةكناكةةوان
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
📔 Quran 3:103D. Conclusion: Evaluating Consistency with Traditional Islam
The role of the Mahdi in Islam is one of restoring Islam's original purity, grounded in adherence to the Quran, Sunnah, and the consensus of scholars. Traditional Islamic teachings emphasize that the Mahdi will revive the faith rather than introduce new doctrines, focusing on purifying Islam from any distortions or deviations. The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" claims regarding Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem present doctrines and interpretations that diverge from these foundations, failing to meet the standards of authenticity outlined in Islamic eschatology.