🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

Examination of Islamic Warnings Against Self-Declared Prophets and Mahdis

The finality of prophethood in Islam is a foundational belief rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and centuries of scholarly consensus. Groups like "The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light," which claim new prophets or divinely inspired leaders, contradict this fundamental tenet. In Islam, it is firmly held that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet, and no individual can come after him with new revelation or prophecy. This understanding is based on Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, and interpretations by the scholars of Islam.

Finality of Prophethood in the Quran

The Quran explicitly states the finality of Muhammad's (PBUH) prophethood. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40), Allah declares:

Prophetic Warnings Against False Prophets and Claimants

In addition to the Quranic affirmation, the Prophet Muhammad himself warned his followers about false prophets and claimants who would arise after him. In a Hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3609), the Prophet said:

Distinction Between Reform and Prophethood

Islam acknowledges the need for renewal and reform within the faith, recognizing the role of reformers (mujaddids) who are expected to renew religious understanding every century, as mentioned in authentic Hadiths. However, these reformers are not prophets and do not receive divine revelation. Their role is to renew and clarify the teachings without introducing any new doctrines or claiming prophetic status. Groups like the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, however, go beyond this role by positioning their leaders as recipients of divine insight or revelations. Such claims exceed the bounds of legitimate reform and place them in direct opposition to Islamic orthodoxy, which reserves prophecy exclusively for Muhammad (PBUH).

Scholarly Consensus on Deviant Claims

The concept of Ijma (Consensus) among scholars holds significant weight in Islamic jurisprudence. Throughout history, Islamic scholars have reached a consensus on the finality of prophethood, rejecting any new claimants as false. This scholarly agreement ensures that the Muslim community adheres to the established teachings of Islam, guarding against innovations that might distort the faith. The unanimous agreement (Ijma) among scholars across time invalidates the claims made by groups like the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which seek to add to or reinterpret core doctrines. This consensus emphasizes that any claims to new revelation or prophethood are automatically dismissed within mainstream Islam.

Deviations from Mainstream Islam in Doctrine and Practice

Another point of divergence from mainstream Islam is seen in some Ahmadi groups and similar sects that claim supplementary scriptures or divinely inspired texts in addition to the Quran. Islamic doctrine holds that the Quran is the final and complete revelation; no new scripture can supersede or supplement it. Similarly, any adjustments to the core creed (aqeedah) or changes to Sharia-based practices deviate from established Islamic beliefs. Therefore, claims of additional scriptures, doctrines, or practices are viewed as violations of Islam's fundamental principles, further discrediting the assertions of groups like the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

Views on the Mahdi and False Mahdis

Within Islamic tradition, both Sunni and Shia sources describe the arrival of the Mahdi, a rightly guided leader expected in the last days to restore justice. However, the Mahdi's arrival is understood as a sign from Allah and not through self-proclamation or self-assignment. Authentic prophetic traditions outline specific signs for the Mahdi's emergence. Groups that self-proclaim their leaders as Mahdis or divinely guided figures, like certain branches within the Ahmadiyya, fail to meet these established criteria and are therefore seen as misguiding the faithful.