New Religious Movements

Founding of the Ahmadiyya Movement

Mar 23, 1889

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad formally founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Qadian, India after receiving his first 40 faithful followers.

Official Recognition as a Distinct Movement

Oct 27, 1903

The British Indian government officially recognizes the Ahmadiyya movement as a separate sect within Islam, distinguishing it from Sunnis and Shias.

Death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

May 26, 1908

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad died in Lahore and Hakim Nur-ud-Din was elected as the first caliph and established the Ahmadiyya Caliphate.

Leadership Shift and Lahore Schism

Mar 14, 1914

Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad was elected as the second Caliph. This leads to a split in the Ahmadiyya Movement of Lahore, refusing to continue the Prophet's Caliphate.

Partition of India and Migration to Pakistan

Aug 15, 1947

It led to India's independence and partition. Due to the growing hostility, the Ahmadiyya leadership shifted its headquarters from Qadian, India to Rabwah, Pakistan.

Official Declaration as Non-Muslims in Pakistan

Sep 7, 1974

The Pakistani government has increased persecution against the community by amending its constitution declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims.

Ordinance XX and Global Migration

Apr 26, 1984

Pakistan passed Resolution XX, making it illegal for Ahmadis to "pretend to be Muslims" or promote Islam publicly. This led to the relocation of the Caliphate to London, UK.

Election of the Fifth Caliph

Apr 22, 2003

Mirza Masroor Ahmad was elected as the fifth Caliph and led the movement's international expansion and humanitarian initiatives.

Present Day Global Community and Humanitarian Efforts

2023

Active in more than 200 countries, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to spread its message of peace and support global humanitarian projects through organizations such as Humanity First.